MISSIONS WEEK RECAP

One of the coolest things to observe is when someone has an "aha" moment, when they see something in a new way. These moments flooded last week (July 20-23, 2009) as Refuge Student Ministries of New Heights held their 1^st ever missions week. One moment in particular was when a student said "So loving your neighbor as your self means feeding them and clothing them and giving them drink..." New awakenings were paired with other experiences such as 1) seeing 30 homeless people rush (somewhat violently) towards a few sack lunches, 2) Hearing someone announce with pride that nobody is going to tell them what to do while he stands in line to receive a free meal, and 3) Smelling the scent of unbathed skin, worn and torn clothes, and unwashed hair. Such experiences can be life-changing, pushing through the walls of suburban life toward the reality of great needs only miles away. This week loving our neighbor became defined in these youth and adults lives in a new way. May God be glorified for it all and may the world never be the same because of it!

GARDENING

Yesterday we had the pleasure of visiting Urban Ministry. Though a light mist was falling, it was perfect weather to keep us cool as we worked in the Community Garden sponsored by Urban Ministry and The Church Without Walls.

Myron (left) was our host, and he offered much advice on the benefits of compost, bugs, sticks, leaves, and other things we might not think much about. But Myron offered a lot of great gardening ideas/tricks for us city folk who are not too in touch with our "roots".

When asked what one needs to do to receive some of the tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, okra, blueberries, strawberries, etc., he said all one has to do is ask. That's it! Just ask. And given the economic climate in the inner city, many are indeed in need of these groceries. A great ministry indeed!!

After we worked in the garden, we packed health kits, consisting of a bottle of water, a bar of soap, a wash rag, a crunchy snack, five pieces of peppermint and a hand written note from our youth on the gallon size storage baggie . Once packed, we were off to serve lunch. Beef tips and rice, English peas/carrots, canned fruit, and fruit beverage consisting of the leftover juice from the fruit cans mixed with pink lemonade. It wasn't exactly the meal we were accustomed to, but, then again, we are spoiled. About 85-100 folks stood in line for the delicacy.

It was a great day to once again learn what it means to be in minsitry to even the "least of these." Thank you, Lord, for our daily bread and for giving us the opportunity to serve our neighbor.

FEED THE HUNGRY

Ever heard the phrase, "bring a dish to share." Well, we did it. On Monday we packed lunches to share. But it wasn't for the kids, or mom or dad, or someone we know. No, we packed lunches and served the homeless at Linn Park. An overwhelming majority had never come close to a homeless person, much less fed one.

Needless to say, it was quite an "awakening". Perhaps it would be an experience for us all if we could recognize that homeless persons are not statistics; they are real, live persons with the very hurts and needs We are all akin in our brokenness, just as we are all akin to Jesus in his humanity. Perhaps that's why Jesus said, "Whatever you have done for the least of these brothers of mine, you have done unto me."

DISCOVERY

Each moment of life is a discovery of something. This was proven true last weekend when 29 youth from two churches gathered for an event called Discovery. The discovery was God's love, flowing in the many moments found in only a few hours. The heart of the weekend centered on discovering God's love through the Church, represented by Lester's Chapel and New Heights (both in Chelsea, AL). God's love became flesh as adults and high school students poured several months of preparation for 38 hours of intense investment into these awesome junior high students. Highlights of the weekend were videos, skits, talks given by high-schoolers, prayer. And did we mention the awesome worship led by "Rupert the Whale"? In all we experienced, Jesus Christ was the center of this spiritual retreat. At the end of it all, God's love was seen through the Church and because of that His love was "Discovered" at Discovery '09! Many thanks to EVERYONE from both churches who helped!!!
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MISSIONAL WORK

Our goal at NEW HEIGHTS is to reach higher by reaching beyond ourselves. The call for God's people is to reach up to God in worship and out to others through service. In fact, Jesus reminds us that our service is indicative of our worship, meaning it's impossible to worship without serving our neighbor. Our hope is that as God continues to build this community of faith we call NEW HEIGHTS that we be found faithful in our service to others. Keep watching this blog, because we're planning to put our money where our mouth is, so to speak.

A Pleasant Surprise

Night before last had just gotten home from the gym and was greeted with something special. The house was dark, which is unusual with 5 kids who usually don't understand the concept of turning out the lights when they leave the room. As I curiously opened the door, I was greeted with the pleasant smells of cinammon and spice. Norah Jones played softly in the background. As I explored into the kitchen, I was greeted by 5 little servants with dish towels neatly folded over their arms, who asked, "How may we serve you, Sir?" I laughed as I was instructed to take a shower because they said I smelled like the gym. In the bathroom, rose petals from our thorny bushes outside were scattered across the floor. Apparently, Michele had already received "the treatment". I took my shower, dressed, and was instructed to get in the bed. B4 brushed my hair. B1 rubbed peppermint lotion on my feet. B2 and B3 served fruit and milk from random baking pans. B5, the caboose, just ran back and forth in the hallway yelling, "Dadddeeee!"

Perhaps it's easy to forget that our greatest teachers can be children. In these moments of being served by my kids, I was reminded and even convicted of my own unwillingness to serve. I guess we all have our reasons, but Jesus reminds us (JN 13:1-17) through his own service that none of us is greater than our master. Our call is to humbly share the same grace we have received, no matter what excuse we may offer.

Again, children are great teachers, if we are humble enough to receive the blessing. "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

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FREEDOM

Yesterday was the Fourth of July. It was our first Fourth on the beach since before Michele and I were married. The evening began with our usual holiday plan - find a place to watch fireworks. We found one at a village resort just a few miles down Hwy 98. It was going to be fun. Face painting, water slides, and a host of activities for the children. Just one small problem, we stood in line for 45 minutes to learn that the shuttles would likely stop running before we would get on. We were too late.

Plan B - go to the show on the beach at the same resort. The agent made it sound easy enough. But after about a mile trek (with a 2 year old on my neck and keeping a 4 year old out of the road and convincing a 12 year old, 10 year old, and 7 year old that they didn't need to rescue a crying lost kitten), we had just about had enough. But we pressed on, and once we arrived on the scene the prospect became no easier. Keeping the Beatty clan contained on the beach, with about 2000 people around, in the dark proved just as stressful. Then, of course, came the barrage of requests. "Daddy, I'm thirsty." "Daddy, I want to shoot fireworks." "Daddy, I'm hungry." "Daddy, I want one of those glow in the dark things to go around my neck." "Daddy, is it time to go home yet?"

Once the fireworks began, it didn't take long to realize that this wasn't just a show; it was going to be an experience. The fireworks were incredible. The musical selections were amazing. The energy level was high. The kids were mesmorized as each kaboom exploded against the black backdrop. The moon shone brightly off to the right, as it danced happily on top of the cresting waves. Indeed, in the busyness and hecticness of life, we found God's grace.

This was the best fireworks show we had ever attended. But how often do we take such things for granted? Once the fireworks began, as looked out over the horizon, I began to wonder....while I am on this beach celebrating freedom, how many men and women are right now under the ocean's edge protecting our sandy shores. How many men and women are on top of the sea serving to protect our freedom? How many on land? How many in the air?

I had a conversation with a man three years ago who worked with the military's anti-terrorism group and he mentioned how most would be amazed at how much goes into making sure that we sleep well every night. Sobering reminder that Freedom isn't free. It's costly! And I thank God on this Fourth of July weekend that we can go to the beach, or wherever we choose, to celebrate God's sacred blessing of FREEDOM!
k

REST

As they say, you sometimes don't appreciate what you have until it's gone. But it's the opposite with rest; we may not appreciate rest until we actually get some of it. The family and I have been at the beach for the better part of a week, and it's time well spent. We've all had time to re-connect with no competing pressures. Don't get me wrong, starting a church has been an amazing journey in faith. But sometimes it's easy to hide behind the "God-work" and forget to connect myself. Thanks, God, for a wife who knows when it's time to get away. God was really on to something about this rest thing...it's good for the soul!
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