It's here! It's Here!
The Esqueleto, Brazil video is finally posted. You can watch it at YouTube. Please leave me a comment letting me know what you think!
Mark
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Good News Update
Is anybody still out there reading this? It's been a long time since I have been here!
Just a bit of good news - I just received word (after a two+ month wait) that we will be able to use the song I wanted for the Brazil/Esqueleto video that I made. I also received permission to purchase 20 DVD licenses so I can make each team member a copy on DVD.
Are you interested in how much this entire project is going to cost? Remember, we wanted to do this the correct way - get permission to use the music. Two months and many emails later (though I have to admit, they have been very nice in the entire process)...
Ready?
Are you sure?
:)
Each DVD will cost 25 cents. Yep - the entire project will cost $5. And I can post the video on the web for free, as long as it is not downloadable (i.e., YouTube, Flash, etc.).
As soon as I get the correct text CGI inscribed on the video, I will post the link to it here.
YEA!
Mark
Just a bit of good news - I just received word (after a two+ month wait) that we will be able to use the song I wanted for the Brazil/Esqueleto video that I made. I also received permission to purchase 20 DVD licenses so I can make each team member a copy on DVD.
Are you interested in how much this entire project is going to cost? Remember, we wanted to do this the correct way - get permission to use the music. Two months and many emails later (though I have to admit, they have been very nice in the entire process)...
Ready?
Are you sure?
:)
Each DVD will cost 25 cents. Yep - the entire project will cost $5. And I can post the video on the web for free, as long as it is not downloadable (i.e., YouTube, Flash, etc.).
As soon as I get the correct text CGI inscribed on the video, I will post the link to it here.
YEA!
Mark
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Birthday
Well, today both I and the United States turned another year older. But you are only as old as you feel, so that makes me 44! :) Pretty good for being born in 1968!
This evening I finished up two videos: one for a promo spot Sunday morning advertising the Work & Witness team's evening sharing time, and another of Esqueleto, Brazil. The first one is posted on YouTube and embedded below. The second one is a little more difficult. I am waiting for final permission to use the song, "Side By Side" before I can release the video to the public. For those in Hutchinson and San Jose, make sure you go to church on Sunday for the live premier of the video!
If I do not get permission to the music, I will redo the video with other music and publish it soon. I will keep you posted!
Well, tomorrow I'm off on another work and witness type trip with my 5th and 6th graders (and parents) from First Church. We are headed to Oklahoma City to help at a compassionate mission associtated with Indian First Church. We will get back late Saturday night, and I will update you on how it went!
Enjoy the teaser - I hope it's not too long that it's all I have!
This evening I finished up two videos: one for a promo spot Sunday morning advertising the Work & Witness team's evening sharing time, and another of Esqueleto, Brazil. The first one is posted on YouTube and embedded below. The second one is a little more difficult. I am waiting for final permission to use the song, "Side By Side" before I can release the video to the public. For those in Hutchinson and San Jose, make sure you go to church on Sunday for the live premier of the video!
If I do not get permission to the music, I will redo the video with other music and publish it soon. I will keep you posted!
Well, tomorrow I'm off on another work and witness type trip with my 5th and 6th graders (and parents) from First Church. We are headed to Oklahoma City to help at a compassionate mission associtated with Indian First Church. We will get back late Saturday night, and I will update you on how it went!
Enjoy the teaser - I hope it's not too long that it's all I have!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Home
Well, I (as well as the rest of the team) have arrived home. I slept 12 hours last night, and took a three hour nap this afternoon. I think I'm rested up, and ready for church tomorrow. Other than having no ankle on my right leg (I guess from sleeping/not moving much on the flight?), things are back to normal. It was great to have a big, cold glass of milk at dinner tonight - my first in over 2 weeks! :)
Both San Jose The Point and Hutch First Church will be making presentation Sunday evening, July 8th. So some time before then I hope to have a video(s) posted of our trip to Nilopolis and surrounding areas. Keep visiting back to look for new information, post, videos, pics, etc. Or click here to subscribe to the feed, and it will tell you when something has changed.
Well, I'm going to watch a movie with my wife - my first TV in over two weeks as well! :) I'm actually surprised how little I missed TV...
God bless,
Mark
Both San Jose The Point and Hutch First Church will be making presentation Sunday evening, July 8th. So some time before then I hope to have a video(s) posted of our trip to Nilopolis and surrounding areas. Keep visiting back to look for new information, post, videos, pics, etc. Or click here to subscribe to the feed, and it will tell you when something has changed.
Well, I'm going to watch a movie with my wife - my first TV in over two weeks as well! :) I'm actually surprised how little I missed TV...
God bless,
Mark
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Departure
Thursday's Pictures
Well, with tears in my eyes I say goodbye to Brazil. I will never be the same again. I have come here to help the Brazilian people in Nilopolis, but I’m not sure if that happened. What I do know is that they changed me. I have had experiences these past two weeks that I would have never imagined.
To all my new friends, Marcio, Jefferson, Vanessa, and more, I say, “Until next time…” I will be back! And the next time I will bring more people for you to change! To all the children that now call me "Pastorr Mak" (in an accent that you can't type), thanks for plaing with me, singing with me, and just making me feel loved! Don't grow up too fast!
Pastor Pedro Paulo, may God continue to bless you and your church! You are an incredible visionary. I hope to take a part of your vision home with me to my ministry in Hutchinson, Kansas. May God keep moving on your congregation and the people of Nilopolis! Your actions have been heard around the world!
Amy, I love you and miss you very much. Thanks for your support for coming on this trip! You never hesitated when we started discussing it. You are a blessing from God, and the best wife a man could ever have! Andrew, Adam and Emily, get ready to look at daddy’s 2,300 pictures and 3 hours of video! I can’t wait to see you!
To the children at First Church – get ready for the stories! I have lots of them! Stories that will make you laugh, think, and even cry. God is good, and we are blessed!
To everyone else who has been following this blog, I thank you for your time. I hope you have seen a glimpse of God’s work in another corner of the world. My wish is that God speaks to you as he has me!
Don’t stop visiting the blog quite yet – I still have more to add once I am back in the states. I plan on working on an entry on the 11 hours of flight that I will be enjoying shortly. I will also be posting video of the trip in the next few weeks (months?) showing a summary of our trip.
Well, its time to pack up the computer. I’m always last to get to the “gumby” because I’m always carrying something extra (computer, video camera, tripod, etc.).
See you soon!
Mark
PS – Pastor Kendall, I have the Japanese peanuts! And Brazilian Coca-Cola!
Well, with tears in my eyes I say goodbye to Brazil. I will never be the same again. I have come here to help the Brazilian people in Nilopolis, but I’m not sure if that happened. What I do know is that they changed me. I have had experiences these past two weeks that I would have never imagined.
To all my new friends, Marcio, Jefferson, Vanessa, and more, I say, “Until next time…” I will be back! And the next time I will bring more people for you to change! To all the children that now call me "Pastorr Mak" (in an accent that you can't type), thanks for plaing with me, singing with me, and just making me feel loved! Don't grow up too fast!
Pastor Pedro Paulo, may God continue to bless you and your church! You are an incredible visionary. I hope to take a part of your vision home with me to my ministry in Hutchinson, Kansas. May God keep moving on your congregation and the people of Nilopolis! Your actions have been heard around the world!
Amy, I love you and miss you very much. Thanks for your support for coming on this trip! You never hesitated when we started discussing it. You are a blessing from God, and the best wife a man could ever have! Andrew, Adam and Emily, get ready to look at daddy’s 2,300 pictures and 3 hours of video! I can’t wait to see you!
To the children at First Church – get ready for the stories! I have lots of them! Stories that will make you laugh, think, and even cry. God is good, and we are blessed!
To everyone else who has been following this blog, I thank you for your time. I hope you have seen a glimpse of God’s work in another corner of the world. My wish is that God speaks to you as he has me!
Don’t stop visiting the blog quite yet – I still have more to add once I am back in the states. I plan on working on an entry on the 11 hours of flight that I will be enjoying shortly. I will also be posting video of the trip in the next few weeks (months?) showing a summary of our trip.
Well, its time to pack up the computer. I’m always last to get to the “gumby” because I’m always carrying something extra (computer, video camera, tripod, etc.).
See you soon!
Mark
PS – Pastor Kendall, I have the Japanese peanuts! And Brazilian Coca-Cola!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Story
Wednesday's pictures
Everybody has a story. I have a story, you have story; everybody has a story. No matter how old, young, educated, ignorant, poor, rich: everybody has a story.
Some of you have had the (mis)fortune of hearing my story: born in Nashville, asked Christ into my heart while sitting on my mothers lap, moved to Florida, moved around a lot, went to high school, met Amy, went to Trevecca Nazarene University (TNU), flunked out of TNU, worked for AT&T, married Amy, retired from AT&T, moved to Nashville, graduated from TNU, moved to Hutchinson, KS, received ordination, stirred by God about my responsibility to the world, went to Brazil.
We all have a story.
As I returned to Esqueleto this morning, I was reminded again that everybody has a story. Every face that I saw walking down the litter-strewn (litter-made) road has a story. I know mine, what was theirs? Who has made an impact in their lives? What are their hobbies? What’s their favorite color? Do they like Coca-cola? Do they know who Christ is and what He can do for them? I know that there are answers to all of these questions, because we all have a story.
Last week when I was here for the first time, I heard just a few of these stories. As I went door to door with several other team members and members from the Nilopolis Nazarene Church, I had the privilege of hearing some of these stories.
The first lady that we visited had been run over by a truck nine years ago. The tire went across her entire abdomen, and doctors were concerned for her survival. Even if she survived, there would be no hope of children, or even walking ever again. Now she is the mother of two, and walking as well as you and me. And she gives God all the glory for the miracles in her life. Now the church is being built just outside her front door, and she is going to be one of its first members.
Another lady we met has had a tumor in her side for many years. It has been causing her pain, and she doesn’t know if or when she will be able to have a doctor take a look at it and help her.
Another mother was sad and depressed, talking very quietly and under her breath. Come to find out that she has not heard from her oldest son since December of 2006. He started dating a girl that was involved with the wrong crowd, and they went off in December. Now, nothing. Even her voice says she has very little hope – just sadness and depression. Another life living next door to a new church.
Another lady we met was there visiting her daughter. She was not just any grandma, but the grandmother of 60 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Her dream was to start a school in a clearing between houses. A school to educate the children of Esqueleto – a ticket out of there. What a dream! I looked at the place where she wants to start the school, and have only thoughts like, how can you have a school in the middle of a trash pile? But not her. When we left (which we did about three times), she gave me the biggest hug and spoke to me like I understood every word she was saying. I didn’t, but I know she has a story.
Some stories I didn’t find out about. Like the family living right across the side street from the church, with their modest one-room (maybe 75 square feet) house with a single bed as their only piece of furniture, husband, wife, two children, almost hesitant to invite us in to meet them. Or Gabrielle, who smiled a great big smile when I handed him a baggie of goodies, only to call me a liar when I spoke in English (“liar-liar- you don’t speak Portuguese! You’re a liar!). Or the lady that was smoking a joint while bleaching her (boy?)friend’s hair. But whether I know them or not, they all have a story.
Now our stories intersect. I will never be the same because of it. Hopefully the same thing will have the opportunity to happen to the people of Esqueleto. Our stories and lives join in together for a brief, but important moment. I have been a small part of the building of a church in their neighborhood. I’m not the only story to have helped (for there were many, and will still be many more), but one story, forever impacted by Esqueleto.
Today many of us worked on the Esqueleto Church of the Nazarene. A church whose foundations are literally built into a land fill. Into the garbage, the refuse of life. What’s ironic is that was Christ’s original plan for the church from the beginning. A place for us to meet God, find salvation, gain strength. A place built where dirty, trashed lives can be transformed into beautiful stories; testimonies of God’s love and grace.
Now, because of the willingness of many people to allow their story to be affected by Esqueleto, the people of Esqueleto will soon have the opportunity to hear another story. Not just any story, but the story of a creator who loves them. The story of a God who made them just who they are. And a story of a savior who wants to be a part of their lives, no matter where that story might begin or where it has taken them. It’s the most important story of all – the story of how God loves and has provided salvation for his creation. And now the stories of Esqueleto can be transformed just like mine was many years ago.
Everybody has a story.
Everybody has a story. I have a story, you have story; everybody has a story. No matter how old, young, educated, ignorant, poor, rich: everybody has a story.
Some of you have had the (mis)fortune of hearing my story: born in Nashville, asked Christ into my heart while sitting on my mothers lap, moved to Florida, moved around a lot, went to high school, met Amy, went to Trevecca Nazarene University (TNU), flunked out of TNU, worked for AT&T, married Amy, retired from AT&T, moved to Nashville, graduated from TNU, moved to Hutchinson, KS, received ordination, stirred by God about my responsibility to the world, went to Brazil.
We all have a story.
As I returned to Esqueleto this morning, I was reminded again that everybody has a story. Every face that I saw walking down the litter-strewn (litter-made) road has a story. I know mine, what was theirs? Who has made an impact in their lives? What are their hobbies? What’s their favorite color? Do they like Coca-cola? Do they know who Christ is and what He can do for them? I know that there are answers to all of these questions, because we all have a story.
Last week when I was here for the first time, I heard just a few of these stories. As I went door to door with several other team members and members from the Nilopolis Nazarene Church, I had the privilege of hearing some of these stories.
The first lady that we visited had been run over by a truck nine years ago. The tire went across her entire abdomen, and doctors were concerned for her survival. Even if she survived, there would be no hope of children, or even walking ever again. Now she is the mother of two, and walking as well as you and me. And she gives God all the glory for the miracles in her life. Now the church is being built just outside her front door, and she is going to be one of its first members.
Another lady we met has had a tumor in her side for many years. It has been causing her pain, and she doesn’t know if or when she will be able to have a doctor take a look at it and help her.
Another mother was sad and depressed, talking very quietly and under her breath. Come to find out that she has not heard from her oldest son since December of 2006. He started dating a girl that was involved with the wrong crowd, and they went off in December. Now, nothing. Even her voice says she has very little hope – just sadness and depression. Another life living next door to a new church.
Another lady we met was there visiting her daughter. She was not just any grandma, but the grandmother of 60 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Her dream was to start a school in a clearing between houses. A school to educate the children of Esqueleto – a ticket out of there. What a dream! I looked at the place where she wants to start the school, and have only thoughts like, how can you have a school in the middle of a trash pile? But not her. When we left (which we did about three times), she gave me the biggest hug and spoke to me like I understood every word she was saying. I didn’t, but I know she has a story.
Some stories I didn’t find out about. Like the family living right across the side street from the church, with their modest one-room (maybe 75 square feet) house with a single bed as their only piece of furniture, husband, wife, two children, almost hesitant to invite us in to meet them. Or Gabrielle, who smiled a great big smile when I handed him a baggie of goodies, only to call me a liar when I spoke in English (“liar-liar- you don’t speak Portuguese! You’re a liar!). Or the lady that was smoking a joint while bleaching her (boy?)friend’s hair. But whether I know them or not, they all have a story.
Now our stories intersect. I will never be the same because of it. Hopefully the same thing will have the opportunity to happen to the people of Esqueleto. Our stories and lives join in together for a brief, but important moment. I have been a small part of the building of a church in their neighborhood. I’m not the only story to have helped (for there were many, and will still be many more), but one story, forever impacted by Esqueleto.
Today many of us worked on the Esqueleto Church of the Nazarene. A church whose foundations are literally built into a land fill. Into the garbage, the refuse of life. What’s ironic is that was Christ’s original plan for the church from the beginning. A place for us to meet God, find salvation, gain strength. A place built where dirty, trashed lives can be transformed into beautiful stories; testimonies of God’s love and grace.
Now, because of the willingness of many people to allow their story to be affected by Esqueleto, the people of Esqueleto will soon have the opportunity to hear another story. Not just any story, but the story of a creator who loves them. The story of a God who made them just who they are. And a story of a savior who wants to be a part of their lives, no matter where that story might begin or where it has taken them. It’s the most important story of all – the story of how God loves and has provided salvation for his creation. And now the stories of Esqueleto can be transformed just like mine was many years ago.
Everybody has a story.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Beach?
Tuesday's Pictures
Where’s the beach? (kind of reminds me of the old 1980’s Wendy’s commercial…) Ken looked for it first heading east (or was it south? We can’t tell directions down here in the southern hemisphere) for a few blocks, only to discover that the body of water in that direction was a lake or lagoon or something not the beach. So after talking to the morning clerk at the pousada (using International Sign Language, of course), we headed out west (or north?) looking for a fabled championship beach where surfing competitions are held. We did find the beach, but it was not the pretty swimming beach we had all been dreaming about. This one was about 10 yards wide, had seaweed and boats just a few feet out, broken glass mixed in with the sand/rocks/pebbles/other material, and smelled like a tidal flat. Disappointed, we headed back to the posada for more information.
By then Pastor Pedro Paulo loaded up everyone into the van and took us to a real beach. Or at least a real beach if you’ve never lived in Florida. I still don’t believe that we found that championship surfing beach, but who knows. After some sand futbol (soccer), I remembered the reasons I have grown to dislike the beach – salt and sand. Oh well, too late now.
After plenty of time at the beach, we headed back to the Pousada for a quick shower and head into town to go shopping. I finally get each child in my kid’s church room a cute little… (oops – it’s a surprise – come back after Sunday and find out). After loading all our stuff back into the vans, we head out for a quick three hour drive back to Nilopolis. Of course we have stop at the same weigh-your-food-and-feel-really-bad-about-how-much-you-are-eating place (it’s even more this time!) for lunch. We arrived back at the Pastor’s parsonage about 5:30PM, with dinner waiting for us. Man, I’ve never eaten so much food! After dinner, a quick game of palma bird, and typing the blog, somehow its become 1:20AM, and I’m headed to bed!
Tomorrow is a big work day back in to Esqueleto to work on the new church.
Only two more days in Brazil (very mixed emotions on that one!).
Mark
Where’s the beach? (kind of reminds me of the old 1980’s Wendy’s commercial…) Ken looked for it first heading east (or was it south? We can’t tell directions down here in the southern hemisphere) for a few blocks, only to discover that the body of water in that direction was a lake or lagoon or something not the beach. So after talking to the morning clerk at the pousada (using International Sign Language, of course), we headed out west (or north?) looking for a fabled championship beach where surfing competitions are held. We did find the beach, but it was not the pretty swimming beach we had all been dreaming about. This one was about 10 yards wide, had seaweed and boats just a few feet out, broken glass mixed in with the sand/rocks/pebbles/other material, and smelled like a tidal flat. Disappointed, we headed back to the posada for more information.
By then Pastor Pedro Paulo loaded up everyone into the van and took us to a real beach. Or at least a real beach if you’ve never lived in Florida. I still don’t believe that we found that championship surfing beach, but who knows. After some sand futbol (soccer), I remembered the reasons I have grown to dislike the beach – salt and sand. Oh well, too late now.
After plenty of time at the beach, we headed back to the Pousada for a quick shower and head into town to go shopping. I finally get each child in my kid’s church room a cute little… (oops – it’s a surprise – come back after Sunday and find out). After loading all our stuff back into the vans, we head out for a quick three hour drive back to Nilopolis. Of course we have stop at the same weigh-your-food-and-feel-really-bad-about-how-much-you-are-eating place (it’s even more this time!) for lunch. We arrived back at the Pastor’s parsonage about 5:30PM, with dinner waiting for us. Man, I’ve never eaten so much food! After dinner, a quick game of palma bird, and typing the blog, somehow its become 1:20AM, and I’m headed to bed!
Tomorrow is a big work day back in to Esqueleto to work on the new church.
Only two more days in Brazil (very mixed emotions on that one!).
Mark
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