Bad has it's good news!

TODAY we contemplate the the wonderful gift we have of sins forgiven. What is so important about Good Friday, you ask? What's that big deal? It is because of Jesus that we can find hope of eternal life with Him.

My brother offers a few reminders of God's grace extended to us:

1. CRUCIFIED Together With Christ (Galatians 2:20)
2. BURIED Together With Christ (Romans 6:4)
3. RAISED Together With Christ (Colossians 3:1)
4. SUFFERERS Together With Christ (Romans 8:17)
5. GLORIFIED Together With Christ (Romans 8:17)
6. CAUGHT UP Together With Christ (I Thessalonians 4:17)
7. ENTHRONED Together With Christ (Revelations 3:21)

"We acknowledge the Death of Jesus on our behalf. It was on the cross where Jesus took the entire weight of sin, though sinless, He took our sin upon Himself. Three days later He AROSE victor over the grave and death. Because He lives we celebrate these Seven Together's. Happy Easter!" - Brother Bob Carder

The sacrifice Jesus gave for the redemption of my lostness is an incredible gift! Thank God for what He did. This day was certainly not a good day for our Lord! May I never forget to be grateful.

As I look at those around me in distress and unaware of the tremendous gift of His shed blood, death and resurrection, may I re-affirm my commitment to care for others rather than to be cared for. May I re-affirm my need to serve other than be served by other. May I re-affirm the message of hope in Christ!

The good news is that even though the day may be filled with distress and frustration - a bad day, we can celebrate the good news. Even bad has it's good news of Hope eternal in Jesus Christ!

Life's Uncertainties and Love's Unshakable Foundation!

Few things are certain in this life. The Psalmist knew of the sure foundation when storm clouds draw close. In the 16th book of Psalm we find that although life has uncertainties, love is a certain foundation.

Living can be a scary business. It takes courage to cope and to navigate through life.
Psalm 16 is one of six psalms which have headings describing them as “miktams.” (See Psalms 56 – 60.) No one knows for sure what the word “miktam” means, but each of these psalms (especially 56 - 60) was written by David in times of extreme danger. Knowing this, we can make Psalm 16 our “miktam”– a psalm to live by when life gets scary.

When Life Gets Scary Be Sure To Turn To These Unshakable Truths:

* God is my Protector. (v. 1)

* God is my Provider. (vv. 2 - 6)

* God is my Counselor. (v. 7)

* God is my Hope. (vv. 8 - 11)

“I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Psalm 16:8.

Can you claim Psalm 16 as your own? If so, then you can face life with courage regardless of how scary it gets.

Remember that God is love and perfect love cast out fear!

Final Word on the Rapid Response Team Efforts

I write this brief update blog as I wait for my flight out of Atlanta.

We passed the baton onto three incoming chaplains out of North Carolina. It is exciting to know that our efforts will be furthered as we head home. We built on the efforts of those before us, watering the seeds planted and planting new ones. What a joy to be part of such a national team!

This is Kingdom work! We build upon those before us and others come along after us. Each of us give out of our giftedness and somehow, the Lord pulls all our efforts together.

No different on the local church level. Each member of the body of Christ pitches in and together we reach people for Christ. We saw many who gave their "bits and pieces" of time and talent that has eternally changed the hearts and lives of people.
(Many of our times were shared by the work of Samaritan's Purse and the United Methodist Church disaster relief group).

As Paul told the Corinthian church about the spiritual gifts, I imagine that many were excited to discover how they fit into the Kingdom efforts. So too should we. We should be excited to give of ourselves for the cause of Christ.

My part of the work as chaplain has ended and there were many powerful opportunities. While I may have completed my efforts in the Gulf for now, by no means have I ended my ministry of helps and service to people in need. I have much to do in my neighborhood too!

Each of us have the same opportunity. Perhaps not as obvious as the need in the Gulf but, lost people live nearby each of us. Our efforts are vast before us all as we consider those neighbors around where we live!

So, I say, let the mission continue!

Pray for lost people because they matter to God!

Pray for those I have touched in Jesus' Name in the Gulf.

Pray for the continued efforts of The Rapid Response Team chaplains.

Pray that the seeds planted will also see harvest.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Day Seven - Worship and Rest

Sunday is the day to worship God and rest. That's pretty much what I did!

We worshipped at The Morningstar Missionary Baptist Church. This is Odell and Carol's church. Today they has quite a celebration. Several guests attended the church representing people who are leading the celebration of a mortgage burning and groundbreaking ceremony for their new construction. Some of these guests were the architect and contractor and the Mayor's wife of Gulfport was present too.

We were escorted right to the front of the church when we arrived. Later in the service we were given the opportunity to introduce ourselves if we were guests. I told my story on how I met Odell and Carol at the airport when I arrived. I was impressed that this congregation could be so positive after such devastation. Their faith was so refreshing. They sang, the minister cast his vision, and the youth sang (they had 40 youth in the congregation alone). Odell was involved in burning the mortgage. He was also part of the groundbreaking ceremony. It was a great service.

It was refreshing to hear a southern gospel altar call and message. I loved being there and felt the blessing of God.

That was a wonderfully refreshing worship experience! As for the rest, well, I have to admit that sitting around and doing nothing ain't my style. So, I did my laundry and packing. I cleaned my room. And I read a bit. We did get more pictures!

I felt refreshed after a bit of laundry. Perhaps this is because I could take my time, lounge around between loads and cat nap.

The day is not quite over yet so anything could possibly yet happen. I did hear that there are some folks arriving tonight from Northern Indiana. Perhaps I might make more new friends!

Until I post again,

Live From Biloxi, MS

Sunday Morning Summary And Reminder!

Routine is how we mark our time. This week has been marked not by routine or time, but opportunity. I have learned this week that the south doesn't stress themselves with the same things that I do. I usually start my day by getting the boys off to school and then I grab my cup of Panera Bread coffee. I spend time reading a devotional thought, a conversation with a "drinking buddy" who is sipping a cup of coffee too and writing a few thoughts, many of which are posted to my blog sites. Then I go about my day doing fairly routine activities. Meetings, phone calls, office work and planning. At the end of the day I head home to have dinner with my family. The next day it starts all over again in keeping with my routine. Sundays are no different. I start out my Sunday routine and usually can be found occupying a seat at WWC. Routine dictates my actions.

This week I have begun my day with breakfast at the camp kitchen and then someone leads in devotions and we chat over a cup of coffee. But this is where the similarities ends. I found that I just never knew what the day was going to bring. We would make plans but something better diverted our plans. Even my Sunday was impacted. I found that my routine changed and even my plans had to cooperate with another plan.

At home I account for every hour. I pack my day to make the most of every moment. Nothing entered my schedule unless I planned for it - for the most part. I live a very deliberate life now filled with routines.

Coming to the Gulf has changed this. It reminds me of how I used to live just a few years ago. I would start out with my plans and God would lead something else along my path that was better. I enjoyed the "divine interruptions" to my day. God's agenda came first!

Just this morning I planned on going to an 8:30 church service but instead I am posting a blog. There is no 8:30 service here until next Sunday. The hurricane has shifted the routines of many people. I have decided to attend a Gulfport church at 10:30 - Odell and Carol's church. They have had to shift their routine as well. Their church sanctuary has been damaged and they plan to have an outdoor service.

I love the "flow of the spirit" since coming and makes me long for the days when my routine allowed for interruptions from the Lord.

If there is anything I carry with me from this experience beyond the stories will be that God loves to surprise us with His presence and agenda. I am glad that my routine has been interrupted. This week the Lord changed our plans and placed us in situations that stretch our comfort zones. It was in those "less-than-routine" situations that God did His work through our lives.

Only God can take disaster, interruption, crisis-filled moments and shape a better outcome. I am glad for the reminder that His ways are always perfect. His ways are not my ways!

Oh, how I long to have daily divine interruptions!

Day Six!

Day six! It is the end of the day on Saturday. It has been a l-o-n-g day....

I started out at 5 am by meeting with the Gulfport Police Department. It is so interesting that I planned on coming and be in Gulfport and upon my arrival I was sent to Biloxi being told that Gulfport was no longer a site and later God opened a door for us to serve mostly in Golfport. Today I rode 6 hours with an officer Chris at Gulfport. This provided an opportunity to connect with several police officers and also talk with the dispatch personnel.

Interesting, as I spoke with the dispatch personnel I learned that two of them had been on duty during the hurricane. It was really dramatic to hear what they had to deal with. One dispatcher said that the only way she was able to get through the shift was to cry. She had to tell terrified and injured people that no emergency personnel were being sent out for rescue relief until after the storm. One man was seriously injured and had to wait 12 hours for help. That was the worst part about their job. They were not able to do anything except take calls, listen and cry.

I was able to make contact at the county jail also. We were transporting an arrested man and I was able to introduce myself to the ministry of chaplaincy to some personnel there.

In the late afternoon I was able to have free-time. Later in the evening I met up with the chaplains and project coordinator for dinner.

This is the conclusion to day six.

Day Five

Today is Friday. We started out pretty much like every other day, devotions and singing at breakfast. One of the things I have been blessed with is the testimonial and reports from the teams. Today is no exception. We heard from team members who have been working on the houses. They have had many wonderful reports. We also heard some singing from Willy Nelson tunes to Johnny Cash tunes. I have enjoyed the flashbacks to my mother and father's 8-track days. I forgot those old country gospel songs.

Our team of chaplains decided to go out as a whole team today. There were three of us and one in-training. I was the only man!

We visited the home of a Gulfport police officer, Leonard, whose home was being torn down. A group of Methodist from Georgia were the demo team. They accidentally struck a gas line just as we arrived. The whole place smelled of gas and we were beginning to get a little silly by the end of the hour with them. This would explain our next bit of trouble.

We were able to pray for that officer and also we were given the opportunity to share Christ with a Captain who "just happened" to arrive. We shared with him and prayed for him as tears filled his eyes. What a neat time! We learned that today was his wife's birthday. She is a nurse. We decided to go get a gift and take it to her at the hospital. (ladies will come up with any excuse to go shopping.). But this is where our trouble began. (More a bit later.)

On our way, however, we were given our next divine appointment. As we took a restroom break at the nearby Burger King (another thing women seem to do in groups), an elderly little woman approached us for food money. I dealt with her along with the chaplain in-training. This little woman appeared homeless and by her size she looked malnourished and very needy. She was specific about where she wanted to eat. She asked for a taco from a Taco Bell 2 blocks away. We walked her over and let her order whatever she wanted. The cashier stated that she was impressed with our generosity. To which I acknowledge that Jesus is the reason for any kindness in this world. As we stood at the counter I felt compelled to pray for her so I did, right there where we stood. The cashier join us in prayer as did the dozen in line with us. I did not notice right away the crowd until after my prayer - long as usual - and quickly apologized for my holding up the line. The people did not mind at all. We finished our ministry to this woman and shared the message of the gospel off to the side but loud enough that everyone had to hear us for sure.

Well, we finished with this great witness opportunity and headed over to the hospital with our gift in hand in search of the police officer's wife. Upon our arrival we begin to inquire about where this birthday girl and nurse could be found. We gave the name to several people who said that they didn't know her. We were persistent from desk to desk and several floors. We eventually went to human resources, who said they didn't know her. We asked that she be paged over the hospital speakers. They did it. And they did it again and again. But she did not reply. We went searching again floor to floor. I felt like I was part of an episode of "Designing Women." Finally our mystery was solved - by our Chaplain in-training. She began to ask around and found a nurse with the same first name who also happened to have a birthday today and whose husband is a Gulfport police officer. Our problem was that we had crossed last names of the two police officers we spoke with at the beginning of the day. We never laughed so hard! I think that the gas had affected our brains!!

The long and the short of it was that our mission was complete. We gave our gift and expressed our love and got out of the hospital before security escorted us to the nearest exit!

We completed our day by heading to the Gulfport PD and having a second meeting with the Deputy Chief and other staff. What an incredible blessing and openness we felt.

Late in the afternoon we finally got lunch. We were really hungry.

I finished my evening with one more round of site-seeing and picture-taking in Gulfport.

After dinner several of us did the kitchen clean up and dish duty.

I lay here refreshed with enthusiasm and thank God for the wonderful opportunities.

I will be getting us on Saturday by 5 AM to participate in a ride-a-long for the day with the Gulfport PD. Good night for now!

Supplimental Thoughts

The Word of the Lord reminds us of a very important point as we serve those in crisis relief work. Especially as we serve in the Gulf Coast area.

1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. 3 Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. 7 Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, 8 He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death--even to death on a cross. (Phil. 2:1-8)

Jesus did not come to be served but to serve. This passage tells us to be ready to give of ourselves and do the work as unto the Lord, serving the interests of others.

As we have seen and many have testified to us that the church, the body of Christ were the first to be on the ground here in the Gulf Coast region. The other day and again today as I spoke with the Deputy Chief of Gulfport and Biloxi I am reminded of the wonderful witness of the church as each commented that if it were not for the church, many would have suffered hunger and incredible loss. The relief from the church came within hours not days! Praise the Lord!

Even now there are hundreds of Christian organizations and thousands working together providing relief and mostly, the Love of Christ. We are seeing the humble efforts of God's people working to give material goods, labor and hope to many. They are doing this with an attitude of a servant. This is a powerful demonstration.

Just think, one year ago many of the families devastated by the fury of Katrina are now hearing that still, soft voice of a gentle Savior. Just one year ago, many homes had not read a Bible passage or heard a word of prayer and now there are thousands of Christian people leading others to Christ and praying for their families in these very homes every day.

Having the mind of Christ and being a servant for Christ is powerful!

Thank God that His army is marching to the orders of a grace-giving and loving commander; who emptied Himself...and gave Himself unto death on the cross.

Thank the Lord for the many wonderful witness of believers from all over the world!

Day Four

Thursday started out a bit chilly but it eventually got up to 69 degrees. My evening with Odell and Carol was very relaxing. We shared a wonderful evening and we ate Salmon cooked over a grill. Odell is a great cook!

Our day took us to Gulfport for some follow up to a family whose home was re-roofed by Samaritan's Purse. (And just when I thought we were done there!) What a great opportunity to share the gospel with them and pray for Glendora. She is the daughter and caregivers to her parents and she provides help to her brother who has MS. His home was re-roofed next door just yesterday. Pray for Ranson and Viola as well as their son, Ranson Jr.

From there we visited Gulfport and went to the police department. What incredible timing! Today was the Deputy Chief's (Alfred) first official day in his new position. I took that occasion to pray for him and bless his first day and new position. I told him that God ordained this day and meant for us to lift him up and cover his position with authority under God. He has been on the department for 21 years. We also inquired about a follow up to my contact from Chicago. I was told to connect with the Fellowship of Christian Police Officers (FOCPO) chapter while here. Just as God planned it, we arrived just in time to have lunch with the FOCPO group's monthly meeting. They invited us to join them and heard about an exciting way to connect with the rebuilding efforts of first responders. I will have to share with you about a way to give toward the rebuilding efforts for first responders. They are working 12 hour shift and well over 50 hours a week. Tomorrow we will participate in the destruction of Officer Leonard's home and the rebuilding ceremony. If a team could be organized to come to Gulfport in the summer, more help is needed in this effort to rebuild the homes of first responders. There has been a group from Canada who have given leadership to the local effort and the work of FOCPO chapter. Pray for the Chief of Police who has been in his position for a week and the Deputy Chief who I prayed for. Also the other 115 Officers and additional staff. We also handed out contact cards to the officers present that provides 24 hour, 7 days a week on-call chaplain hotline for those first responders needing to talk. On Saturday I plan to participate in a ride-a-long with this department.

We also were able to tour the destruction there in Gulfport.

We also learned about a serious issue with a man who is having his leg amputated today. He was featured in the Decision Magazine having prayer with Franklin Graham in the fall. His home is being worked on and there is hope that he will be able to arrive home as the work is completed. His daughter is also in our prayers. She is 5 years old and needs to have her second open heart surgery next month. Pray for this family.

A productive day indeed! We love divine appointments and wonderful opportunities. I could do this everyday! Perhaps not here though because I have yet to see a Panera Bread... :-). I love the hands-on pastoral, personal role I have been honored to serve in here.

That is all for now. I will report to you again on our further efforts in Gulfport and whatever the Lord has in store for us.

Day Three

Wednesday has been a very event-filled day. I am posting this blog report early because I am going to spend the evening with Odell and Carol. Finally, a home-cooked meal!

We started out this morning with "work orders." These are follow up visits to people that Samaritan's Purse (SP) helped build or repair homes hardest hit in Biloxi. What a treat! The people have been very gracious.

We visited a great grandmother, Fannie and her 4 year old great-grandson, Anias. She told her story to us. She and Anias and two others stayed. The storm surge came all-at-once. It filled the one-story house up to 8 feet. They climbed into the ceiling rafters to escape. Anias said that his grandmother was "sucked into the water" and almost drown. She fell through the ceiling panels into the rapidly rising waters. In as quick as the water entered the house it also left. And this happened each time the surge came in. They remained in the ceiling crawl space for hours as the storm raged. What a terribly frightening event. Anias was still living out that horrible event. Pray for little Anias.

We also had the awesome privilege of meeting with a single mother who has started her own business in the poor neighborhood of town which was also hard hit by the storm. I asked if a group of us could stop into the new store and bless it for God. She agreed. We met with her and as we prayed with her she wept. She was very grateful. We bought some things too. Her first sales to people outside of the state! Cool! She is very courageous. While many are leaving, she has decided to stay and start this business. I have taken many pictures so I can show you the items she is selling in case you want to place an order too! Pray for Teshina and her 5 year old daughter and 12 year old son. Her mother and father's home is being remodeled by SP team. (She and her kids live with her parents.)

We also met with the Dep. Chief of the Biloxi Police Department to pray for him and his staff. Dep. Chief McGilvary is an incredible leader. While his home was destroyed in the storm along with 46 other officers' homes, he guided, fed and networked nationally to help thousands. Keep them in your prayers.

One more story. We met with a woman who needed help moving boxes to storage. We helped and wouldn't you know, her adult daughter was helping and I discovered that she lives in Naperville, IL. What a fun connection! She is employed at Lucent. We talked and prayed together. She even knows where Wheaton Wesleyan Church is. I invited her to attend there, of course.

That is all for now. Be blessed!

Day Two

Day two - WOW! What an incredible eye opening experience it has been. I can't wait to share my photos with you of the tremendous devastation I have witnessed today and of the hope that people have.

First, prayer requests.
Last night we met Darlene. It was a divine appointment. We were at the airport to pick up another chaplain and she was sitting on a bench. Her story was one of incredible disappointment and loss. When we pulled up to the curb she recognized our vehicle I'd tag. She said that she was blessed by the efforts of Samaritan's Purse (SP). We prayed for her and shared the hope of Christ with her. She was very receptive. She will be traveling to North Carolina to pick up her adult daughter who is dealing with illness.

Pray for Che Che and Ione who we met today. They are needing the Lord. Ione will have her power cut off tonight because she isn't able to pay her bill. These ladies were very blessed to have our support and prayer. SP was involved in placing a new roof on Ione's home last month and they also were involved in the demolition of Che Che's home and cleanup. These women are widows and need the Lord. Che Che's son is in need of medical help and social security assistance.

A couple of us toured the Kiln and Bay area - hardest hit areas. Many of the homes - entire neighborhoods - were completely leveled. There is debris everywhere. I have many pictures to share with you of this area. There is one office building - a small home-like structure that was lying on it's side wedged between an electrical pole and a fallen tree. An amazing image.

Many stories can be shared. One story is told by a chaplain about a house that was completely under water. Everything was destroyed. SP was involved in the demolition work. The saddest part of that experience was having to demolish a grand piano. The home owner is a widow who cried as the team removed the piano. All her personal items were destroyed.

I am going to remain in Biloxi for the week. SP has finished all their work in Gulfport. There is plenty of need here.

Pray for the team leader, Marilyn who has served the Gulf Coast area since the fall. She is overwhelmed! Pray also for the 200 workers here from across the country working on the Methodist Camp here and several homes in the community. Pray also for the other chaplain, who is from Seattle. This is her second trip here. Her chaplain work in Seattle serves local police and fire personnel.

This evening is very relaxing. It is refreshing to hear what work others are doing.

I look forward to checking in with you again tomorrow.

Day One

I write you nearing the end of day one. I flew into Gulfport, MS this afternoon. Not so much of an adventure but a rather turn of events occurred. As I got off the plane here a couple approached me saying, "Hey, Pastor Rick!" I couldn't believe it but (as many may know from WWC) my former neighbor was on the same flight. Two years ago Odell and his wife moved south but I had lost contact with them. Wouldn't it just be like the Lord to renew Christian brotherhood clear across the country! It was a nice personal touch to meet familiar faces clear down here!

I am settled now in my dorm-room at a United Methodist Camp in Biloxi, MS. It was hit hard by Katrina because it sits right on the Gulf Coast. I can see the coast just a few hundred yards from my dorm. There are still many things to be done here. The nearby buildings are leveled or severely damaged.

I took a tour via car ride to see the devastation. Things along the shore are really in bad shape. A few miles in things appear to be taking shape. There are many opportunities to serve all around.

I will be trained and receive my orientation in the morning. I am not sure how God will choose to use me but I stand ready. Pray for me.

Until Tuesday, Rick

Live from Biloxi...

Final Preparation

It is the night before I head to Gulfport. As I prepare myself mentally I can't help but think about what a tremendous opportunity I will have to share Christ's love with hurting people.

With such devestation and hardship facing many in the Gulf states the opportunity share God's love is tremendous. My hope is to be a positive reflection of God's love and share His Word with people who are hurting.

I appreciate your prayers as I head out. I ask God to help me to be a blessing to people and that I receive His wisdom as I deal with circumstances and hear the hurts and life challenges of people.

Until my next blog.

Testing

This is a test. All through life you will be tested. The goal is not to avoid being tested. The goal is to be trustworthy! Testing will determine trust. Live from Gulfport - daily blog by Rick Carder

Packing up...

Next week at this time I hope you will be reading daily updates about my efforts in Gulfport, MS. I will be flying out on Monday morning to do my part in the hurricane relief efforts. I will be serving as a chaplain (see related article) through the Rapid Response Team. I am very excited and a little nervous.

I am just now trying to decide what I may need to pack. I know I need comfortable shoes. Check! I need to be sure to take the necessary clothes. Check! I need by Bible. Check! Perhaps a Bible study and sermon. Check, check! Oh yea, I need to take my cell phone; how can I live without that? Check! I will be posting messages to this blog from my cell phone. Technology is great!

What I really need to be sure to take with me is the Holy Spirit. I know that God is always with me. However, sometimes I forget the power of His Holy Spirit! I must lean upon His discerning power. I need to lean upon His wisdom. I need to draw my strength from Him. Many times, when working with people in crisis we can run the risk of serving in our own effort and strength.

I ask you to pray for me so that I will have the Spirit's touch upon my life. I need His help!
Pray for my protection. Pray for my family back home. Pray for wisdom and opportunity. Pray that the Lord of the harvest uses me to sow and reap souls for Him. Pray for positive relational contacts.

Until next week, same time, same station, stay tuned!

What is the Rapid Response Team?

In just a few weeks (March 20th) I will be heading out to Gulfport, MS to assist in the Hurricane Relief efforts. I will be participating as part of a Rapid Response Team through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). Many have asked me, What is the Rapid Response Team? What will you be doing?

In a recent article from Decision Magazine it featured the Rapid Response Team. The article was entitled, "After the Storms...Ministering Christ's Presence." It told of some of the heartbreaking stories of people who have lost so much in the aftermath of Hurricanes. One story is about a man named Beal. At 71 year old man who has been impacted by the love and compassion of a Chaplain named Wick.

Jack, a leader of the BGEA's Rapid Response Team, was quoted as saying, "When we talk about chaplains, we're not talking about preaching...It's coming alongside people and loving them and being available to share the Gospel with them." I call this "sharing good news in bad times." There are many in temporary housing still. Homes are not all built so many who are displaced are returning today with nothing and no place to call home. They are in hotels and other temporary housing programs.

Our message is Jesus and his care for you. We know that being a Christian doesn't exempt us from trouble and heart ache. For those who are not Christian really don't understand this. They feel that God has abandoned them. But Chaplains share the truth of the gospel, Jesus loves them and cares about them! Our ministry is one of listening and prayer. Our ministry is one of presence. Our ministry is one of demonstrated compassion. It is showing that God does care and offering the good news of the gospel. This provides hope through faith in Christ.

Another aspect of the ministry we provide is a ministry of oneness. The body of Christ is working together. Those in need don't see Baptist or Methodist. They see the church as one, working together to show love to those in need. Our message is united; God knows and cares about your need! Just as Jesus spoke, we will have troubles. There are those who think all is lost. Our hope is to be a minister of Christ's presence to those in need.

Anne Graham Lotz writes; "When disaster strikes, how are God's people supposed to respond besides weaping? ... There is one thing God's people can do more effectively than anyone else. Pray."

Skip Heitzig wrote another article in this edition of Decision Magazine. He says, "Being good or godly doesn't make us immune from disaster or from wicked events. Sometimes God calms the storm; other times, He calms His child in the storm." He offers five principles that we can share with those responding to crisis. These include:

Vigilance, Confidence, Reverence, Odedience and Expectance. If we can share our faith in Christ and apply these basic principles, our witness to others will help provide hope. As C.S. Lewis sayd, "God wispers to us in our pleasures...but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

Pray for me as I prepare to head out and join the Rapid Response Team in Gulfport, MS.

(Reference: Decision Magazine, November 2005)

I read a great little reminder today...

“O Lord, let my words be sweet for tomorrow they may be mine to eat.” GULP!

When working with those in crisis and dealing with anxieties and fear it is common for people to say things that they really don’t mean. In the crisis of the moment the words just blurt out! I have dealt with people who have cursed me, yelled at me, said that they hated me, and even threatened me. I have had to remain calm and not become defensive. When dealing with these kinds of outburst you have to understand that these are not rational actions and certainly can not be taken seriously. My response must be calm and non-responsive. I often try to remember to keep my cool and attempt to de-escalate the situation. These words are on my board and remind me today of the importance of thinking first what to say and how my words may impact the other.

Think about it!

Updates to ministry!

My orders to depart came in!

I have been given my "shipping out" dates. I will leave March 20th for a week of ministry in the hurricane devastated area of Gulfport, MS. I will be participating as part of a Chaplain's Corp through the Billy Graham Association, Rapid Response Team. I am excited about the opportunity to help others in the name of Christ.

I will be participating as a Chaplain with the local police and fire departments there as well as assisting "those responding to crisis" who are working to restore their lives and property.

I will keep you informed via my blog articles while in Gulfport. Daily articles will be posted as to my activities and opportunities. You can find my blog updates at: http://love-cc.blogspot.com/ -or- http://rickcarder.blogspot.com/ (or via www.compassdriven.com or www.love-cc.org )

There will be two different views of my efforts being posted. One that related to serving low-income families in the name of Christ and another focused on helping provide Chaplain services and ministries to local first responders.

You can take a peak at my blogs weekly and see some of the new updates and articles posted. Since I post "raw" materials and random thoughts there you can also check out my news items related at my corresponding web sites:

http://www.love-cc.org/ -or- http://www.compassdriven.com/

I usually post articles from the media on topics related to each ministry.

Your prayers are appreciated as I prepare myself for a fast-paced exciting week! I also appreciate your prayers as I provide counsel and emergency chaplain services to those in-need.

LOST!

There are few things that provide healthy detachment from the pressures and worries of my real world. One of these is a spending a limited time watching TV. Everyone needs to take a break from the realities of life. I have chosen to follow the TV series, LOST. I justify taking the time because it is only one hour a week.

LOST is about a group of people who are stranded on an island in the south pacific after a terrible plane crash. There are about 46 survivors who struggle against injury, illness, mistrust and an island that is full of scary things, like large creatures and an evil black cloud that seems to attach very randomly. When each survivor confronts their fear of these strange creatures it seems that the evil cloud no longer appears. But then there are the "others" that are adding a whole new layer of threat. Given all their trauma and threat I often think that they need a chaplain! Perhaps they have one in the character Mr. Eko. He seems to introduce Christian themes into the series.

Without trying to stretch the metaphor I have to say that nearly every episode causes me to think about those who are LOST spiritually. There is a whole generation of people living in our neighborhoods that have little to no interest in Christian things. They are people that have at best, a blending of religion that forms a generic spirituality. I think about some of my neighbors who maintain a distance to Christian faith. In fact, just the other day I was told that Christianity is really not that important! My look of surprise may have said enough. I stared at him with the look of "What!?" This man shared that he was once an ordained minister with a conservative church and later became ordained to a more liberal church and more recently he became a Catholic. He left his more conservative views for more liberal views to finally end up in a very religiously symbolic church. He confessed that he doesn't know if he was "de-evolving or evolving." He rationalized his actions by saying that at least he was helping others who were in need. I shared my simple faith with him and said that it is about Jesus' shed blood for my sin. Pray for this man, we will call him "Jack."

I wish that I could have convinced this person that Christianity is more than just going to church. For this man and many others, they don't understand the personal, relational opportunity God longs to have with us. For many, Christianity is only about going to church on Sundays. For the cast of LOST the reality of being trapped on a threatening island experience is a daily reality. In our comfortable life we don't seem to be LOST but in reality without Christ we are forever LOST.

I met another man the other day who shared with me his spiritual journey. He talked about being at the top of his career ladder, making a lot of money and feeling very empty inside. He said that the change in his life occurred when he went to Statesville Prison (south of Chicago) on a tour with his co-workers. When he entered the jail the heavy door was slammed behind him and suddenly he said, "I was a prisoner." He realized that he was not so different than those being incarcerated. His life was a prison of its own. He said that after seeking out a local pastor in the city near his home he found freedom in Christ's shed blood and forgiveness. It was a chance for him to start all over again! He was rescued from the treat, fear and loneliness of being LOST! Let's call him "Hurley."

Many are like these two men. They may not be concerned about their need or even aware of it but they are still LOST. For those that are dealing with great crisis in their lives, they may be more aware of their need but they need a "Mr. Eko" to guide them and help them find faith. You may be just the person God can use to rescue the LOST. Jesus came to seek and save the LOST. What He may choose to use is you and me!

As for the TV series, we will have to watch and wait to see what comes next. Chances are that those stranded on the island of LOST will never be rescued off the island. It is a Gilligan's Island story in a modern day setting. However, for those of us who are also on this island and know Jesus (like Mr. Eko seems to) our mission is to share Christ's love and hope of salvation to anyone we encounter.

So, send out the search party or let God use you today to rescue the dying and heal the brokenhearted. Let God use you today to point the Way. Let us reach out to the cast of those who are LOST. They are people we know like, Sayid, Claire, Sawyer, Sun, Jin, Locke or Kate. Let us provide hope in Christ to the cast of those LOST in our community today!

For help with this blog: http://www.lost-tv.com/cast/

One Nation or Under God?

I recently read an article regarding the Pledge of Allegiance. (*) In the Pledge of Allegiance the words "under God" were added in 1954 as a means of unifying America against other forms of government that were completely secular. It was an extraordinary move of our government to assert the will of the people who were religious. The vast majority of elected officials support the current wording of the Pledge. The US Senate has voted 99 to 0, and the House 416 to 3, to keep "God" in the Pledge. Even today the majority of our government leadership is supportive of the current pledge as we saw with the majority of government leadership reciting the pledge publicly.

I can't help but wonder, are we a nation under God? Given how our country has become such a divided by such a simple statement. There are many debates about the pledge and even the "In God We Trust" statement on our money. However, the majority of Americans and even those who immigrate to this country accept this pledge as a form of patriotism, having little concern over it's content.

In the article by Warren Richey, he says:

"Not every organization strongly opposed to religious activities in public schools is opposed to the Pledge. In a friend-of-the-court brief, the National Education Association says even with the reference to God, the Pledge is a patriotic observance rather than a religious exercise.

Using the words " 'under God' does not convert the Pledge into a state-sponsored profession of religious belief," writes Robert Chanin in the NEA brief. "Rather, the words are best understood as a reflection of the simple historical fact that the founders believed in a supreme being, and that their belief led them to dedicate the nation to the fundamental secular precept that all men have unalienable rights to liberty and justice," Mr. Chanin says."

We are not one nation if we remove under God in our pledge. I think that a greater majority of people would be oppose to taking out the words "under God" than would those who would be opposed to taking out the words "one nation." The Bible certainly tells us that our nation is blessed whose God is the Lord! If I had to choose between one nation or under God, I would have to keep God in my pledge! Divided we may be but under God we must be!

We are a nation that historically and nationally embrace God in belief and ethic. We are a nation of laws which have historical roots to Judaism and mosaic law. We are a nation who believe prefer the belief of God. In fact, Barna reports that over 90% of Americans believe in God. So the problem is not the limitation of liberty here. We are a free and democratic nation because we are under God. We understand our freedom of choice and responsibility of action because of God.

Let us wave our flag of freedom of religion not freedom from religion. That is the freedom to worship God, call on His name in prayer and look to God for wisdom and strength. I say, "one nation, UNDER GOD with liberty and justice for all." Apart from God our liberties are left to the cruel authorities of dictators and tyrants act as though they have no accountability unto God.

(*) The US Supreme Court is at the center of a debate over the Pledge of Allegiance.
(11/3/2004) www.csmonitor.com
By Warren Richey Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor