Today was a wonderful day for me. I was able to have two visits from people that attend our Corps. The first was with a 10AM coffee visit that ended up lasting till 3:50PM. It was so refreshing to hang out and enjoy some one on one time with a young mother. At 4PM I had my second visit planned. This was with a mother from the Corps that in the past year has made the decision to become part of our Corps, rather than worship at her family church, to be with her three children that have been with us the last four years. She was coming over for a spot of tea, and to my delight she brought over her new boyfriend. (I have been wanting to meet him - just to check him out) When they got here she teased him about being nervous to meet me. As they were heading over to my house, the woman's 9 year old daughter knowing how nervous he was, looked up at the very tall man and inadvertently gave me one of the best compliments ever. She said to this man, "Don't worry she's just like us, she just don't cuss!"
I went through the thoughts of how cute, how sweet, how clever...but then I thought about it. That truly was a fantastic compliment. It brought to mind the scripture where "I'm to be in the world but not of the world." Being a Christian is an awesome responsibility.
When I hear comments like, "how can they say they are a Christian when they do this or they do that". I have to stop and ask myself, do I ever cause someone to question my Christianity?
I know that I have my moments and I pray that my actions never cause anyone to stumble. I pray that when others see me they can say, "She is just like us, she just loves God!" It's the best compliment ever.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Haiti
This letter came across my e-mail today and I think it is the best blog I can offer. Continue to pray for this country which has issues at the best of times.
Words cannot begin to describe the devastation that has taken place in Port au Prince, Haiti.
I am the Director of Disaster Services for The Salvation Army in Haiti, and I am from the United States. My wife and I have been in PAP since April, and have fallen deeply in love with the country and it's people.
When the earthquake struck, I was driving down the mountain from Petionville. Our truck was being tossed to and fro like a toy, and when it stopped, I looked out the windows to see buildings "pancaking" down, like I have never witnessed before. Traffic, of course, came to a stand-still, while thousands of people poured out into the streets, crying, carrying bloody bodies, looking for anyone who could help them. We piled as many bodies into the back of our truck, and took them down the hill with us, hoping to find medical attention. All of them were older, scared, bleeding, and terrified. It took about 2 hours to go less than 1 mile. Traffic was horrible, devastation was everywhere, and suffering humanity was front and center.
When we could drive no further, we left the truck parked on the side of the street, and walked the remaining 2 miles to get back to the Army compound. What I found was very sad! All of the security walls were down. The Children's Home itself seems pretty intact, but our quarters, which is attached, are destroyed. Unlivable. The walls and ceiling are still standing - but so badly compromised that I wouldn't even think of trying to stay there. All of the children, and hundreds of neighbors, are sleeping in our playground area tonight. Occasionally, there is another tremor - another reminder that we are not yet finished with this calamity. And when it comes, all of the people cry out and the children are terrified.
As I am sitting outside now, with most people trying to get a little sleep, I can hear the moans and cry’s of the neighbors. One of our staff went to a home in the neighborhood, to try to be of assistance to the woman who lived there. But she was too late.
The scene will be repeated over and over again. Tomorrow, we will begin the process of assessing damage, learning about casualties, and preparing for the future.
God bless Haiti. Robert Poff, January 13, 2010
Words cannot begin to describe the devastation that has taken place in Port au Prince, Haiti.
I am the Director of Disaster Services for The Salvation Army in Haiti, and I am from the United States. My wife and I have been in PAP since April, and have fallen deeply in love with the country and it's people.
When the earthquake struck, I was driving down the mountain from Petionville. Our truck was being tossed to and fro like a toy, and when it stopped, I looked out the windows to see buildings "pancaking" down, like I have never witnessed before. Traffic, of course, came to a stand-still, while thousands of people poured out into the streets, crying, carrying bloody bodies, looking for anyone who could help them. We piled as many bodies into the back of our truck, and took them down the hill with us, hoping to find medical attention. All of them were older, scared, bleeding, and terrified. It took about 2 hours to go less than 1 mile. Traffic was horrible, devastation was everywhere, and suffering humanity was front and center.
When we could drive no further, we left the truck parked on the side of the street, and walked the remaining 2 miles to get back to the Army compound. What I found was very sad! All of the security walls were down. The Children's Home itself seems pretty intact, but our quarters, which is attached, are destroyed. Unlivable. The walls and ceiling are still standing - but so badly compromised that I wouldn't even think of trying to stay there. All of the children, and hundreds of neighbors, are sleeping in our playground area tonight. Occasionally, there is another tremor - another reminder that we are not yet finished with this calamity. And when it comes, all of the people cry out and the children are terrified.
As I am sitting outside now, with most people trying to get a little sleep, I can hear the moans and cry’s of the neighbors. One of our staff went to a home in the neighborhood, to try to be of assistance to the woman who lived there. But she was too late.
The scene will be repeated over and over again. Tomorrow, we will begin the process of assessing damage, learning about casualties, and preparing for the future.
God bless Haiti. Robert Poff, January 13, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Devils backyard.
I have just returned from a tiring and very rewarding weekend in New Orleans. Our hotel sat on the corner of Orleans St. and Bourbon St in the midst of the famous French Quarter. It was my first time in New Orleans, and I was quite taken with the unique architecture and the liveliness of the City. We arrived late on Wednesday night, and it wasn't until Friday that I ventured onto Bourbon Street - and what an experience that was. Music was blasting from every open door on the street with the sounds of jazz at every turn. It seems that trumpet players and string bass players are two-a-penny in this musical mayhem where every store front was either a bar, a voodoo shop or a strip joint. People walked the street stoned, drunk and giddy on stupidity while both men and women threw beads in the hope that the recipient might be crass enough to reveal what should be kept private. When I got back to the hotel, I felt like I needed a shower...and I knew I had just walked through the Devils backyard.
On Saturday evening the Southern Territorial Band, Songsters and Performing Arts Ensemble sat in a bar on Bourbon St. The doors of the bar were opened and we began a concert of praise and hope right there in the midst of the famed French Quarter. The band played jazz and swing, all with a message of hope and Salvation while the Songsters (choir) regaled the listeners with spiritual songs. The performing arts stood in the middle of Bourbon Street and, to the blast of "I am not a stereotype" danced one of the most excellent high energy routines I have seen.
One moment of spontaneity will remain with me for ever. Throughout the concert, we were competing with a jazz club opposite. As the songsters prepared to sing, the band in the jazz club began to play "I'll fly away." Suddenly the Songsters joined them, adding the lyrics to this Hymn and then I noticed many of the Southern Territorial Band piling into the jazz club. My curious self joined them. Two of our bandsmen had taken their cornets (Brass band trumpets) and were jamming with the jazz band. After this impromptu performance had finished, the leader of the jazz band said, "who are you guys in the red jackets?" after which the jazz band took a break and everybody from the bar came out to listen to The Salvation Army.
Following the 2 hour long concert, Captain Ken Chapman grabbed the Salvation Army flag and, followed by a number of Salvationists, marched up and down Bourbon Street playing music in honor of our Savior Jesus Christ. That night Jesus Christ came into the backyard of the Devil and victories were won - praise God.
On Saturday evening the Southern Territorial Band, Songsters and Performing Arts Ensemble sat in a bar on Bourbon St. The doors of the bar were opened and we began a concert of praise and hope right there in the midst of the famed French Quarter. The band played jazz and swing, all with a message of hope and Salvation while the Songsters (choir) regaled the listeners with spiritual songs. The performing arts stood in the middle of Bourbon Street and, to the blast of "I am not a stereotype" danced one of the most excellent high energy routines I have seen.
One moment of spontaneity will remain with me for ever. Throughout the concert, we were competing with a jazz club opposite. As the songsters prepared to sing, the band in the jazz club began to play "I'll fly away." Suddenly the Songsters joined them, adding the lyrics to this Hymn and then I noticed many of the Southern Territorial Band piling into the jazz club. My curious self joined them. Two of our bandsmen had taken their cornets (Brass band trumpets) and were jamming with the jazz band. After this impromptu performance had finished, the leader of the jazz band said, "who are you guys in the red jackets?" after which the jazz band took a break and everybody from the bar came out to listen to The Salvation Army.
Following the 2 hour long concert, Captain Ken Chapman grabbed the Salvation Army flag and, followed by a number of Salvationists, marched up and down Bourbon Street playing music in honor of our Savior Jesus Christ. That night Jesus Christ came into the backyard of the Devil and victories were won - praise God.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
New Year
On New Years Eve The Salvation Army, Fredericksburg, VA had its annual Gospel Sing as we saw in the New Year. We had musical guests "3 for the ONE" and "Justified" who did some wonderful marathon spells, singing from 8PM to midnight. The congregation of about 55 included some first time visitors to The Salvation Army, and many of them took the time to ask more about The Salvation Army some admitting that they were unaware of our evangelical roots.
I love these conversations because they always allows me to talk about the holistic approach of The Salvation Army to both believers and non-believers. It also allows me to talk about the most important part of my ministry. Indeed, my calling as a Salvation Army Officer is based on verses from 1 Peter 4:1-2, 11a
"1Christ suffered here on earth. Now you must be ready to suffer as he did, because suffering shows that you have stopped sinning. 2It means you have turned from your own desires and want to obey God for the rest of your life...11If you have the gift of speaking, preach God's message."(CEV)
My sermon is the most important part of my week. I am not suggesting I am a great preacher -though I'd like to think that I am an obedient one - but I am saying that my preparation for Sunday, and my 20 minutes (though some think it longer) in the pulpit is the most important part of my work as a Salvation Army Officer. This sermon writing process keeps me focused and grounded and keeps Christ at the forefront of everything I do. Indeed, I once made a promise to promote God wherever I had the opportunity to stand before a crowd - something I've done pretty well at, though some opportunities have been missed.
I think the ministry of my wife and I will see a dramatic change this year. I believe we will have a new building to worship in, I am excited by the strong Corps (Church) leaders we now have at The Salvation Army in Fredericksburg, I am excited by the staff I work with because I truly believe that God has brought us together...and 2010 is a year that our Corps will explode with ministry.
Very often we approach a New Year in the hope that we can become better people than we were the previous year. My prayer is that 2010 is a year that we are obedient to God, and that we can build upon the successes of 2009.
I love these conversations because they always allows me to talk about the holistic approach of The Salvation Army to both believers and non-believers. It also allows me to talk about the most important part of my ministry. Indeed, my calling as a Salvation Army Officer is based on verses from 1 Peter 4:1-2, 11a
"1Christ suffered here on earth. Now you must be ready to suffer as he did, because suffering shows that you have stopped sinning. 2It means you have turned from your own desires and want to obey God for the rest of your life...11If you have the gift of speaking, preach God's message."(CEV)
My sermon is the most important part of my week. I am not suggesting I am a great preacher -though I'd like to think that I am an obedient one - but I am saying that my preparation for Sunday, and my 20 minutes (though some think it longer) in the pulpit is the most important part of my work as a Salvation Army Officer. This sermon writing process keeps me focused and grounded and keeps Christ at the forefront of everything I do. Indeed, I once made a promise to promote God wherever I had the opportunity to stand before a crowd - something I've done pretty well at, though some opportunities have been missed.
I think the ministry of my wife and I will see a dramatic change this year. I believe we will have a new building to worship in, I am excited by the strong Corps (Church) leaders we now have at The Salvation Army in Fredericksburg, I am excited by the staff I work with because I truly believe that God has brought us together...and 2010 is a year that our Corps will explode with ministry.
Very often we approach a New Year in the hope that we can become better people than we were the previous year. My prayer is that 2010 is a year that we are obedient to God, and that we can build upon the successes of 2009.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Perspective
WOW...what a finish to the Kettle campaign!!! December 23rd was a record kettle day for Fredericksburg - $11,000+, and our first day over $10,000 and a record that lasted one day. On Christmas Eve, we raised $13,500 - an absolutely staggering total. We left the office at 8:30 last night tired and very happy. Then, at about 10:30PM, my wife read an e-mail about a fellow Salvation Army Officer, Major Phillip Wise. I met Phillip some years ago as he was temporarily in charge of the Prince William Corps in Virginia, and later as the Assistant Corps Officer in Portsmouth, VA.
At about 4:15PM Phil, with his three young children (ages 4, 6 & 8) had just dropped two bell ringers off at their homes and returned to the Little Rock Area Command when he was held up at gun point by two young men asking for money (I presume he had kettles, but that is not yet confirmed) who then shot him dead in front of his children. Suffice to say, the euphoria over the tremendous kettles turned into deep reflection.
This morning I shared a happy time of with my wife and children aged 10, 8 & 5, but my thoughts were with a family not very different from ours. A Dad who had toiled his way through a Kettle program, who was returning the last kettles of the season preparing to have a great Christmas celebration with his children...only for his life, a woman's husband, and the father of three children to be taken forever because of a bit of money.
This morning I have taken the time to hug my wife and children just a bit more, I have slowed down to watch them and cuddle them and to tell them that I love them. I realize that tomorrow cannot be assumed for any one of us, and that the gift of today will never come again. Christmas, therefore, must be a day for rejoicing over what we have and, through all the tinsel, lights and presents, realize that the value of Christmas Day is celebrating the birth of Christ with the people that you love.
At about 4:15PM Phil, with his three young children (ages 4, 6 & 8) had just dropped two bell ringers off at their homes and returned to the Little Rock Area Command when he was held up at gun point by two young men asking for money (I presume he had kettles, but that is not yet confirmed) who then shot him dead in front of his children. Suffice to say, the euphoria over the tremendous kettles turned into deep reflection.
This morning I shared a happy time of with my wife and children aged 10, 8 & 5, but my thoughts were with a family not very different from ours. A Dad who had toiled his way through a Kettle program, who was returning the last kettles of the season preparing to have a great Christmas celebration with his children...only for his life, a woman's husband, and the father of three children to be taken forever because of a bit of money.
This morning I have taken the time to hug my wife and children just a bit more, I have slowed down to watch them and cuddle them and to tell them that I love them. I realize that tomorrow cannot be assumed for any one of us, and that the gift of today will never come again. Christmas, therefore, must be a day for rejoicing over what we have and, through all the tinsel, lights and presents, realize that the value of Christmas Day is celebrating the birth of Christ with the people that you love.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Ouch
How quickly I can go from moderately pleased to mild panic over the kettle progress. A little snow (24" to be exact) shut the state of Virginia down for the weekend, taking from us our best Kettle day of the year...and a hoped for $13,000 is gone. Oh, I wanted to go out and ring. I convinced myself that it would be OK...but not one bell was rung on December 19th, 2009. Then...my favorite Sunday of the year was lost. The day that the children perform, the Sunday my sermon is limited to 10 minutes, and the gift giving to the children...all lost. What could be worse?
As I came to my senses on Saturday morning, I started to see an opportunity. A chance to play in the snow...the deep snow, and a chance to play with my children. We had enough milk, bread and toilet paper to get through the weekend, so suddenly I realized that I had nothing to fear and that, perhaps, I have been given a chance to slow down and enjoy my family in the midst of my busiest season. Now I see this past weekend as an opportunity given to me rather than an opportunity lost.
Incidentally, we are sitting $43,000 below my optimistic goal, though we are looking at a season end figure of about $160,000. We can make that work. Through it all, I will be able to look back at Christmas 2009 as a strong kettle program with the gift of a family weekend.
As I came to my senses on Saturday morning, I started to see an opportunity. A chance to play in the snow...the deep snow, and a chance to play with my children. We had enough milk, bread and toilet paper to get through the weekend, so suddenly I realized that I had nothing to fear and that, perhaps, I have been given a chance to slow down and enjoy my family in the midst of my busiest season. Now I see this past weekend as an opportunity given to me rather than an opportunity lost.
Incidentally, we are sitting $43,000 below my optimistic goal, though we are looking at a season end figure of about $160,000. We can make that work. Through it all, I will be able to look back at Christmas 2009 as a strong kettle program with the gift of a family weekend.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Still Alive
No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth...no I am not in hiding with Tiger Woods...no I have not been hanging out with Elvis...I have simply been working through a Salvation Army Christmas. Yes, that time of the year when we celebrate the birth of Christ by raising as much money as we can, so we can help as many people as we can. No, that is not meant to sound at all cynical, just a reality of the dangers of Christmas. This season is busy for almost everybody, not just your local Salvation Army folk.
I always remember an old TV series called "Till death us do part". It was an English show starring a character called Alf Garnett (the show was duplicated in the USA with the character Archie Bunker). In it Alf was remembering the Christmas story and, when talking about there being no room in the inn, rhetorically asked the question "why" to which his wife responded, "It's because it's Christmas...everybody's busy at Christmas."
It's a sad stigma because the birth of Christ is something to reflect upon. Christ was and is the ultimate gift. His life, as recorded in scripture, is our model for life and His death represents our hope of eternal life. Without Christ I am nothing, but through Him I am an heir to everything...and it all started in an obscure stable in Bethlehem.
When I was a kid I thought my Action Man (GI JOE in the USA) was the ultimate gift. My children will consider their DS as the ultimate gift...in the midst of celebrating the ultimate gift.
For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.(Luke 2:11).
And now, as if to contradict myself, our Kettles are at $120,000. This is $20,000 below my target but $23,000 above last year. I'm quite happy - thank you Fredericksburg.
I always remember an old TV series called "Till death us do part". It was an English show starring a character called Alf Garnett (the show was duplicated in the USA with the character Archie Bunker). In it Alf was remembering the Christmas story and, when talking about there being no room in the inn, rhetorically asked the question "why" to which his wife responded, "It's because it's Christmas...everybody's busy at Christmas."
It's a sad stigma because the birth of Christ is something to reflect upon. Christ was and is the ultimate gift. His life, as recorded in scripture, is our model for life and His death represents our hope of eternal life. Without Christ I am nothing, but through Him I am an heir to everything...and it all started in an obscure stable in Bethlehem.
When I was a kid I thought my Action Man (GI JOE in the USA) was the ultimate gift. My children will consider their DS as the ultimate gift...in the midst of celebrating the ultimate gift.
For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.(Luke 2:11).
And now, as if to contradict myself, our Kettles are at $120,000. This is $20,000 below my target but $23,000 above last year. I'm quite happy - thank you Fredericksburg.
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