Gayla's Magazine

Lively Hope Children's Home

Yesterday was pure joy!  It was time to fill the baskets with toys and stuffed animals.... books and goodies for the Orphanage in Mexico.  Missionaries Billie and Willeta Boren were here and my oh my it ws fun.  The Lively Hope Children's Home is going to be blessed today.

 

Games and puzzles, art projects and dolls are sure to thrill the hearts of lonely children without their parents.

 

It fills my heart with joy to know that little children's eyes that are full of suffering are going to light up when a darling stuffed animal is put in their arms.  I can see them now hugging
'theirs'. And their little arms holding tightly to something that is truly theirs.

 

Leave this basket here and let's go fill another one! I explained to the customers waiting to check out their purchases, 'this is what you are supporting when you shop here'. Everyone was happy to wait a moment, and it was good to let them see RMA in action for themselves.  No one got in a hurry - there were 5 people lined up to check out - and they were thrilled to actually witness the gifts going out the door to the Orphanage. 

 

Perfect!  Looking for ways to help them learn English, we find 'Hooked on Phonics'.  A complete set of books and videos to teach children with. 

 

Garbage bags are filled with delights for kids.  And wrapping paper to complete the surprises on Christmas for each child.

 

Last time they were here, they needed 9 toilets for the new wing built on the Orphanage.  Now here are the toilet seats needed!  Perfect completion. Take an extra one just in case.

 

The truck is loaded down with blessings aplenty!  With  hugs and smiles we said goodbye.  To tell you the truth..... I would rather do this than anything else in life! It's so much fun.

RMA Shopping Trip

Role Models of America - LaPorte has an upcoming Christmas shopping trip.  We are looking forward to a great time together - sisters having fun!

We all need personal friendships one with another.  I know that this event is going to be a memory making day for every lady who can attend. 

Rhonda Creates Christmas

Role Model Rhonda was in charge of the massive decorating project at New Life this year.  And she did a wonderful job managing all of the details that go into transforming 2 buildings into Christmas.  With careful plans, and attention to details way back in October, she undertook the whole event.  I understand between the 2 days she directed 40+ women with lunches, music, lots of laughter and fun, ladders, electrical details, ironing, sorting through our many boxes, 2 tree collapses, and lots of conversations with smooth leadership.

When I get a moment to snap some pictures I will show you her creativity.  It shows real maturity when I can be out of town and whole teams of Role Models descend and magically turn these huge buildings around in 2 days.  I am so proud of my ladies..... and so very appreciative of Rhonda's abilities. 

When I returned and saw the professionally done decorations.... I was told 'you trained us.... we should be doing this now'.  Role Models of Texas I love you all, and Rhonda you are a star!!! 

Rhonda is a great singer, musician, hostess, decorator, teacher and friend.  I love you and thank you for being my right arm last week!

RMA West Coast

I am so very proud today!!

Surprise!  It's now ready to show you what has been happening in one of our churches on the West Coast.  Role Models of America now has a thrift store in Los Banos California under Pastors Doug and Susan Young. And together we will begin to touch lives here as well.

You have to see this. To God be the Glory, may many souls be ministered to and won for Christ as a result.  Today my thoughts and prayers all all with Pastor Susan and Doug Young. www.pastorsusan.net

Craft Day continued....

Fun decoupage projects were being done by youth and adults alike. 

A variety of boxes and frames were completed - now all ready for next month.

This year we will have something new.....  'shabby chic' room dividers. It's an idea I had... hope this is a good one.Scott completes them and then sands them down for the certain look and feel of these - previous closet doors now beautiful dividers.

Turning old furniture into refreshed pieces is my plan.

Decorating... gluing... sanding... painting... stapling... arranging... amongst laughter and good conversations all day long.  What a fun time we all had.

Many floral arrangements along with wreaths for Fall, Christmas and home decor were created.

Lunchtime came and we stopped for a buffet style lunch. 

At the end of the day, all the crafts are done.  And the last of the day involves the coordination of all the RMA leaders to carefully pack, and transport everything to our storage place (across town) come back and clean up the Gym.  This effort all by itself takes planning and divisions of people. Tables are all put back in their positions, trash is taken out, and the gym floor is swept.  When we all leave it is transformed back into the regular gym.  No event is an success without this part being done well.  

This event was led by Deborah and her team - she did an excellent job.  And all these beautiful things are now ready for the next month's event and the leadership of Angela's team.  Can't wait! This part of the Fall Festival is prepared.

Role Models of America Craft Day 2009

It's taken many weeks of planning for the team leader over this event.  And a entire year of gathering from RMA donations to make this day happen.  And it was a great day of fun, good fellowship and quality crafts were created by the many hands together.Some got there and set right down and went to work, others came as a part of their days activities.

There was a whole line of seamstresses making pillow sets.  And another one stuffing them.  They turned out some beautiful work.

Tiny little angels were created and are ready for the Fall Festival next month.

Beautiful  Gift Jars of Orange Spice Tea were created, packaged and sealed.

Watches were inspected and new batteries put in them... Over a hundred at last count were done.

Furniture pieces were sanded, some painted and buffed, some recreated....

 

My Prayer Requests.

The prayer requests and projects that are in my heart to fulfill, requires some answers for the future.  Looking back at all the food shipments  that have been made through the course of our lives, have taken personal great sacrifices on my family's part to do.  Spending years of my life in African nations have imprinted me deeply with the basic needs of humanity that can never be forgotten, nor will the nations be ignored while living the 'American Dream' in the USA.  South American nations still prove to me that people even in this hemisphere are starving, living in absolute squalor and misery. I am compelled to do something to help.  It's not looking at the massive problems that require impossibilities to do, but rather seeing small villages, and pueblos and kraals that together with partners, we  can truly help in.  

The current issues that are projects in my heart are listed here as a reminder to all who visit my site - YOU can join in and together we can add value to thousands of lives.  Have you ever said in your mind, " I wish I could do something about this need....... "  Here is your chance….

·         Moms Against Hunger Food Shipment to Zimbabwe - One container is shipped, and it's on the water now.  Distribution funds are needed once it gets there.  Trucks take fuel to carry the food to faraway kraals – so drivers, and helpers and security must be paid so that it truly reaches the people.  Also travel funds to go and make sure all supplies  gets to the people. 

·         Ghana Moms Against Hunger is in ongoing distribution right now….. I pray all food gets to the hurting there and all government agencies work together to see this happen. 

·         Kenya is now asking for Moms Against Hunger food shipments to feed her people.

·         Romania - Eastern Europe also has requested Moms Against Hunger food shipments.  The past shipments we have sent to various orphanages in this country made an impact and they have never forgotten us, and now are reaching out to us for aid again.

·         The Appalachian Mission needs our help as well…. right here in America.   

·         Role Models of America - thrift store.  This store offers food, clothing, shoes, school supplies, and furniture to needy families.  This project helps to take care of American families. There is a billboard here, but it's blank at the moment.  All available funds go to underwrite the purpose of the store itself. A sign is  needed here.   

·         Ministry Projects that would bring funds constantly to help. The completion of these communication tools would help to raise ministry funds.  For instance, one project/CD  is recorded about my African childhood in a  African Liberian  village. Funds are needed to complete this for future sales to help.  Personally I have 100+ songs that are written and arranged –just needs to be professionally recorded - this would provide funds endlessly through our online sites. Plus the materials written for The ABC’s of Thrift Stores, Kids Kingdom children’s ministry curriculum, the Manuel for Worship Leader, The Love Scrapbook….. etc. The list goes on and on after 34+ years of ministry now.

·         Community Bible College - which is a correspondence Bible school for prisoners in America. There have been over 5,000 men and women come through this school, and currently there are inmates from 34 states enrolled.  This form of education, is the format by which criminals truly turn their lives around and become law abiding citizens.  As the President of this school, I believe this helps to change the crime rates of America, and provide support to inmates who truly enlist for personal change. With  help we can continue to budget for the staff, materials, postage and ever increasing enrollment.  Role Models International fully supports this cause and underwrites the complete costs of this school.  It's a heavy burden that others can join with me in ministry to help with this ongoing project.

·         Time …. Provision …..Partners …and  Uncommon Favor - with these 4 things – my prayer requests are made known.     

Church for Women

The ladies start gathering for another wonderful service together. We had  a couple of guests with us, Pastor Hoxworth's wife, Bev was here as well as Bishop Malcolm's wife Margaret also was with us in service.  Margaret leads the  RMA ladies ministry in London England as well.  

Role Models of America has several church services designed especially for women and their needs through out the year. And I have to tell you that every lady who attends enjoys herself!  It's always a special time of prayer and praise, encouragement and an timely word spoken into every life. My heart goes out to the women who work so very hard for their families.  Working  full time at a job, keeping all the responsibilities of the workplace going, then come home and work another full time job keeping the home place  together as well as their families taken care of. 2 simple sentences written here, cannot describe the enormous workloads they all do everyday.  So this service held every is important for their support. 

We have a good women's band - who regretfully  I did not get a picture of to show you! We had a great time of worship with the Ensemble too. 

This particular service is designed for the daughters of Role Models  to lead out on.....  it's time for the next generation to begin to start helping in our RMA events. 

Kari plays and sings a song she wrote. She is the daughter of  Role Model Carla, and her song was about standing in faith no matter what life looks like around her. A good message for every mom to hear.
The daughter of Role Model Cressie - Christi also sang a meaningful song about being in a war and how we push onward.  Spiritually - these two songs led up to the Word which was to come.... Then another daughter of Role Model Carolyn - Tiffany had created a power point presentation to the song - Lay M Down.  And it seemed every thing fit together preparing the hearts of the women and girls for what was to come.

Announcements were made by Role Models about the coming events this Fall.  Our Craft day is in September, and the RMA Fall Festival is in October.  Two big days coming that we are all excited about. We spent a little time revealing what all is going to be happening.

Then my own daughter Angela, who is a Role Model herself,  brought the Word to us and wow did she ever minister!  Her sermon was called, 'No one ask me'.

 

She had us all laughing and laughing and laughing!  But the word was powerful and so needed.  It was about the women in the Word who were not ask if they wanted to participate in what was happening.  Here is just a tiny part of what she preached about. 

Noah’s wife was not asked to be a part of this holiday cruise. In fact she is only mentioned twice: she doesn’t even have a name

But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall enter the ark-- you and your sons and your wife, and your sons' wives with you

Gen 6:18

She by culture standards did not have a choice in her life – no one asked her if she wanted to

·        Help build a boat for 100+ years

·        Live in a boat for 120 days and night

·        Handle and live with as many as 5000 species of animals

·        Clean up after all those animals

Maybe she was not handling it well ?

Maybe that’s why she was practically left out of one of the best known bible stories?

 

King David’s Mother

Nothing is said about David’s mother

I have to suspect the David was deeply loved by his family the scriptures say he was a fine looking child and he was her last born son – her baby

When Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel – David was either sent/hidden in the fields with the sheep, was this a protective mother trying to keep her last baby home?

With rumors of war and her knowing her other sons were going

Did she have a horrible attitude about not being asked, is this why she was not written into the story that is claimed to be the favorite bible story of most children raised in the house of God

 

Moses Wife

Exo 2:21-22 And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. And she bore him a son

She has a name!!!!

She was mentioned 4 times by name in the exodus

She never was asked if she even want to marry the guy

Or if she wanted to go to Egypt and set a entire nation free.

Or if she minded plagues, people with attitudes or walking across entire countries.

Mary and Martha

They were not asked if they wanted 12+ extra men for supper

Lazarus as the man of the household would have made that decision

Martha

The original Martha stewart

Multi tasker

Take charge

Choleric

 

Mary

Free spirit

Go with the flow

Get to it in a second

Wants to be in the center of excitement

 

Luke 10:38-42

A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand."

The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her,

We are not sure how her attitude changed but – I can again only imagine that it must have I can see her putting down her dish rag and pulling up a chair

I ask the question which attitude are you? Will be the worshiper or the worrier

The one lost in the details or enjoying the moment

 

Ok you weren’t asked if you wanted to lose your job, house, child, marriage

Ok you weren’t asked if you wanted your spouse to die, friends to abandon you, cancer to come in an destroy your life

But its happened! What will you do.

 

Do you clam up and blame everyone else

Do  you throw a royal cross eyed fit

 

Or do you take it the father, cry a little, get up dust off your knees and keep walking

 

I ask the question which attitude are you?

Will you be the worshiper or the worrier

The one lost in the details or enjoying the moment

 

No one asked you......but the Father has a plan that is unfolding and you are in it! 

We had a wonderful time together!!!!

Church for Women

This Sunday evening is our Role Models of America - Church for Women.  It's going to be a wonderful service for all women and girls together in the Palace.  Today I will be settling details about what all will be happening. 

Pastor Angela will be the speaker - she has a great word, I have heard a tiny touch of it and I am so proud of her and what she is to speak on.  It's gonna be gooooood! Plus some new women/girls will be taking part in the service. 

So all ladies in Houston Tx - make a plan to attend! 7:30 pm - 2104 Underwood LaPorte Tx.

See you there!!!!

The Birthing of a Midwife in Malawi

My niece - Summer Joy is a real Role Model  and I thought you would like to read one excerpt in her journal about her life. I am very proud of all she does in the earth.  Meet Summer....

A brief Bio...
Just a little about me…I come from an international family.  My father and his family were missionaries to Liberia in the 1960's and served as resident missionaries in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) in the 1970's.  My father married a native Zimbabwean and I was conceived in the Summer in Zimbabwe and born in the Summer in Texas, hence the name…Summer. My family continues to have a vested interest in the continent of Africa and I have had the opportunity to serve in a variety of ways on different occasions in Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Malawi and Mozambique.  I am currently in the first Nurse-Midwife/Doctorate in Nursing Practice program at Baylor University and I will graduate in May 2010.  This past Spring I had the opportunity to travel with my Graduate Colleagues and Faculty to Ethiopia and Malawi to serve the indigenous people groups in these developing nations.  My life was forever changed....My primary purpose for choosing to become a Nurse-Midwife, is to help decrease maternal and infant mortality rates in developing countries. 

 

So here we are, back at the Baptist clinic (Senga Bay, Malawi) at night, I sprinted into the Labor Ward and found a laboring woman! WOOHOO! She was 19years old, first pregnancy (Gravida 1 Para 0) and Grace (the midwife) and Chelles (the patient attendant) were with her.  Grace said to me, "Yes, we have been managing her labor until you arrived, she is yours now." Oh my heart was full of excitement, FINALLY a woman in labor J!!  I ran to the midwife cottage and told the others (Dr. Mary Ann Faucher, Stephanie and Delaine).  They came over and we discovered a multiparous woman in early latent phase of labor in the maternity ward.  She was resting on a bed under a blue mosquito net with a family member at her side (it will be a while before she delivers).  The Labor room was hot and humid with various bugs and creatures clinging to the ceiling fan, fluorescent lights and blinds AHHH!! The stark reality of the situation….here I am in Africa with my first labor patient, sweating, bugs falling on me and I'm trying to keep my cool.  Mary Ann said jokingly, "Well, Summer you should be use to this by now!"hahaha

My patient's name is Aina and she was lying on a labor bed with a bright-colored cloth wrapped around her waist…she is so tiny.  She was dilated to 7-8cm/100%effaced/+1 station upon my initial exam @ 2150.  Contractions were coming 3 in 10minutes, lasting 40-50 seconds and palpating moderate.  Her body is beautiful as she moves with each contraction.  I am learning important phrases in Chichewa (native language in Malawi) i.e. Dulusomepwayah which means "breathe out" and Ubaysabueno which means "good job."  At first, I could tell Aina was anxious and scared especially with all of the "Mazungus" aka White People in the room.  Nevertheless, as her labor progressed I continued to remain a constant labor support at the bedside.  Her pelvis was small and she began to writhe in pain while lying on top of a trash bag.  Her body was drenched in sweat and the trash bag clung to her every move.  I fanned her during contractions and she turned onto her tummy. I was shocked, I had never seen someone labor in a prone position. 

While she was lying in this position, I was able to massage her lower back and promote counter pressure to her iliac crests in efforts to increase the AP (anterior-posterior) diameter so the baby would descend easier. As I laid my hands on her, they swallowed her hips and I was praying for safe passage and delivery.  It was at this moment during the arduous labor, sweat soaking through my scrubs, beads of perspiration running down my face and flies swarming around us, that something significant happened…. The patient was lying on her tummy and she reached around with her left arm and put it around my waist.  This was the most powerful and beautiful experience I have ever encountered during labor.  This was a huge breakthrough, not just for the labor management process, but this was when the trust-bond was established between Aina and I.  I got chills when this occurred, and despite the language barrier, cultural differences and the hot insect-infested environment, I felt the presence of God so strongly….for it was at this moment a midwife was birthed!

I realized that God had totally orchestrated this moment, for nothing comes without a price. True joy…for it was the joy that was set before Him that He endured the cross.  I felt that I was in a labor process….as I had anticipated, longed for and desired birthing new life....I was born.  The birthing of a midwife took place on the very continent where I was created.  Oh Father, You saw my unformed body, all of my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began. Now was the time!  I held back the tears as Aina clung to me.  I could feel the pleasure of God as I stepped into my true identity as a midwife. WOW!! There are no words to adequately portray the emotions that I felt or the birthing process that took place inside of me.  For it was at this very moment, I knew…this is what I was created to do!  Here in Malawi (which means Flames of Fire) I was birthed. 

As Mary Ann and Stephanie looked on, they witnessed this significant event.  Later Mary Ann told me she was glad that I insisted we spend the night again (although she was exhausted) she was glad I pushed her J She said, "Summer, tonight I witnessed the birth of a midwife." WOW! I was overwhelmed for this is exactly what happened….

During the labor, it was as if I was one with my patient and I could feel exactly what she needed this was the Holy Spirit guiding my hands, as I truly embraced the heart of midwifery by being "with women."  When Aina became complete (10cm dilated) @ 0205 we were all a little concerned if she would be able to deliver vaginally.  There was fetal caput/molding felt on my exam.  She began to push with all of her might!  No meds, all natural, the veins in her face and chest were popping out!  I've never seen someone push like she did.  Grace was still skeptical and went to get Aina's family.  All of the sudden we heard loud shouting outside of the labor room and Aina, stopped pushing in order to listen.  I was alarmed by this yelling and asked Grace what was going on.  She replied, "Oh, Summer, you see Aina's family is telling her to push this baby out or the baby will be born dead."  I was shocked! Shortly after the berating screams, Aina delivered a beautiful baby girl at 0305 weighing 3000grams with lots of caput/molding. I was able to catch this beautiful Malawian baby and I was so ECSTATIC!! This was my first "catch" in Africa, what a life-changing monumental experience and Aina didn't tear, Praise the Lord!!

As I held this gorgeous African daughter in my hands, I spoke blessings over her life.  Shortly thereafter, the other patient delivered and I was able to catch her baby at 0355, the birth of another precious baby girl J  Delaine and Stephanie did a wonderful job tending to the babies, while Mary Ann and I finished caring for the mothers.

Once we got the mothers settled under their blue mosquito nets and the babies nestled at their breasts, we called it a night.  I expressed my deep gratitude to Grace for being such an amazing midwife and for allowing me to have this opportunity.  We all went to bed at 0500… God you are so faithful!