Gayla's Magazine

The Mexico Border

The troubles of Mexico are endless it seems.... all of the recent violence between the border issues, two governments and the drug cartel has resulted in daily killings just inside the border of Mexico. Much of it is unknown by the US press.  We are here on the border (my dentist) and concerned about all of the missions that are dependant upon American help to survive.  The word here is that virtually NO ONE is going across to send aid now.

What happens when aid ceases?  What happens to the ministries feeding the innocent children?  Do we trust in the protection of the Lord to continue or not? When we hear the reports of different areas of need and how supplies are very limited right now, we decide we must send food NOW. Our routes for getting help into Mexico have failed and we must find new ways to get our supplies in.

Phone calls begin from authorities.... 'don't go'. ' Your life is at risk, please stay away'.  'Do not cross this border'.  'This crossing is unsafe'. 45 people were killed in a shoot out with the cartel earlier this week right here. There is a heavy army presence at the border (but the trouble is when the cartel arrives they just start blazing guns and war breaks out between the two- and the innocent get caught in the crossfire) Even local missions urge us not to go.

We prayed and decided to go anyway.  How do we leave precious people in peril without support?  Having lived through a war in Africa already - we do understand the dangers, but also the tremendous boost of encouragement others can receive by just seeing us, may it ever be so short a time. It means SO VERY MUCH to someone living in danger to see and receive supplies from someone who cares.  Fear can take over the mind and torment the spirit. The old statement 'war is hell' is true.  Been there and done that!

Meet T.

He is a rugged courageous missions minded man who is thrilled we are unafraid to go in.  He tells us of so many that have stopped going due to the trouble happening.  We decide to go in at the hottest part of day, in a old black suburban with the windows down, to look as much as possible as unimportant to watchers 'trolling' cars looking for open opportunities for trouble. We fill the car with supplies(more about that later) say a prayer and leave for the border.  The army inspects us - speaks rapid spanish to us(no idea what was said- it was said so fast) So we just smiled and went on.....

 

T. tells us this very road is where his last brush with death happened.  2 weeks ago he and the Borens were traveling here when suddenly 2 big buses turned and blocked the road (criminals had siezed them).  The traffic stopped - men stepped out and begin to rob each car at gunpoint - those who did not give them money were shot dead on the spot.  When the traffic realized what was happening people started backing up, panic happened and briefly the cartel lost control as cars started going everywhere.  Others jumped from their cars and ran.  B. and W. and T. were in two vehicles - one guy reached in Billy's and tried to grab the keys - he fought him off.  Another one opened W. door and tried to pull her out of the car.  She fought him off.  They shoved their vehicles in reverse ( pulling a trailer) and turned around the (trailer was flopping) and floored in headed back. They tell us strangely it all happened so fast they were not even afraid.  6 people were killed.

This road today is empty of all traffic. We begin to pray for the poor people who live in these conditions everyday.  We risk our lives bringing life sustaining food to them.

The odd man is standing out beside the road.. is he a lookout?  A car with dark tinted glass is setting beside the road... another one?

more tomorrow.....

Sometimes in life a decision must be made for self protection, or ones principals.  If something happened - we are all three ready to go.... and would be thrilled to wake up in heaven!  So it's best to live by our principals and let God take care of us as we do His work.

 

 

 

Sun Bonnet Penny Sue..... my mantra at 7 years old.

“Why should I have hope?”

 

This devastated mother cannot see any reason in her life to have hope.  I sympathize with her horrific life!  It is beyond belief how she has to live and try to protect her young child in the midst of this completely torn apart life.

But  I have found a way to bring hope and a fresh beginning to the lives of mothers in Haiti.  IF YOU WANT TO SEE HOW ……PLEASE READ THIS…..I remember living in Africa as a child and experiencing the lack of proper supplies due to being a growing child.  My family and I shared the same life sacrifices of going without enough to eat and enough to wear for growing children.   No money to purchase anything that we needed…. We learned to do without and ‘make do’  with what we had.

Necessities of life had a different meaning for me as a child.

My mother didn’t have enough for us….One birthday she made a sock doll for me called, ‘Sunbonnet Penny Sue’  out of one of my dads socks.  She tried her best to make it special for me,  but  as a child I knew my dad would go without one of his very small supply of socks for me.  Funny how I remember THAT doll more than any other birthday….. it was a dark sock with two button eyes, it was  tucked inside it’s self to give it body.  She sewed a little white mouth on it by hand … and the smile was a little crooked… like mine was when I got it on my birthday. It’s clothes were bits and scraps of cloth taken from the insides of seams of other garments.  Nothing was wasted, because we had nothing….  My doll was living proof of that.  I don’t remember ever playing with her, because I knew the sacrifice that had been made to make her for me.  I didn’t want something to happen to her. Sun Bonnet Penny Sue was my only doll at 7 years old….. I HOPED SOMEDAY I WOULD HAVE A REAL DOLL….

I know how it feels to be without, and to suffer lack.  Later on as a  older child  a length of cloth provided hours of fun for me to play with, and hours of hope for my mother to make clothing out of.  Simple cloth…. Just simple cloth.

Come  to Haiti and see what I have found…… HOPE! Moms Against Hunger helps the helpless in many ways to provide sustaining ways to overcome the terrible hardships that come to the poor around the world.  Finding creative ways to assist mothers to provide for their own is one way MAH makes a difference for other mothers.  I cannot provide for all the needs in the world, but when I find someone who is also working to help mothers overcome, I want to help them as much as I can.

Sewing Class

“Our first sewing class started on February 18, 2008 with fifteen women and seven graduated.  Five of the women who graduated have started to earn money from their sewing skills.  Even those who did not complete the class have gained skills that are allowing them to earn some money.  Three of the graduates have earned enough money to purchase their own sewing machines.   In fact, one woman has made enough money that she has been able to bring her children back from the village so that they can live with her and have her raise them.   Within a six month time frame she has earned about 6 years worth of wages (half of it going back to her business). None of the women that started the program were able to provide for their families before the class.  Most of them worked as merchants buying and selling products, but unfortunately, most of the merchants end up in debt to those who provide them goods as they are unable to sell enough goods at a high enough price.  This class has been a miracle for these ladies as they can now provide for their families in a positive and healthy way.

We are allowing the women who graduate from the sewing class the option to work at our facility several days during the week when our facility is not being used by other programs.  We provide the material, machine and a safe place and then each woman gets to keep 50% of the sales proceeds from each item they make. As women earn enough money they will buy their own machines and be able to work out of their homes.”

“I'm Chrismene, I'm 25 yrs old and married. I was born in Gonaive. I am currently living with my husband and 2yrs old daughter in Port-au-prince. I'm grateful for this program and love working here.”

“I am Marie I was born in the southern city of Jacmel. My birthday is January 7th, 1955. My family and I moved to Port au Prince in 1971. Both of my parents are deceased, and I have two brothers and two sisters. I now live near Port au Prince in an area called Croix des Missions. I have one daughter named Jemaella Carmelle, she is seventeen years old. The two of us live alone. I have never been married. I love the whole world and love spending time in prayer. I serve in a local church teaching Sunday School. I am a very patient person. I love to work and would like to keep working to improve life for my daughter. Before joining Heartline, I worked as a vendor selling things on the street. I did not know how to sew prior to coming here. I believe ‘La Couture est un art’ (Sewing is an art). It is by the grace of God that I am here now.”

“I am Myrielle D.I was born in the Grand’Anse region of Haiti, in the southwestern peninsula. My birthday is January 21st, 1973.  We came to Port when I was a child. I now live in my brother’s house in an area called Nazon. I have four brothers and one sister, and one daughter named Christie Goimin who is seven years old. I finished all of high school and attended a professional school. I worked as a secretary for two years but the business closed. I worked as an educator in a school for four years before that – when the school management changed I lost my job. I had no work for two years, and that is why I came to learn something that can help me provide an education for my child.”

“My name is Myrlene. I'm 27 and from Jacmel. I left Jacmel when I was 6yrs. old and moved to Port-au prince. I went to primary school in Port-au-prince and also finished high school there. I have a 1yr old daughter and I've been married for 3yrs. I graduated from the sewing school and now I'm working in the sewing program. This program means a lot to me because it gives me an opportunity to make changes.”

“There are very few stores in Haiti, most people shop for what they need on the street  ‘pepe clothing’ –  or used goods.
Since the earthquake the fabric supply has been very limited, both on the street and from visitors. Food and medications are priority and rightfully so.
I am always looking for ways to make the sewing program better. Having to depend on a "middle man" for fabric could be a weak link as far as I am concerned.
Question: Could the ladies be successful without my help on the fabric end of the deal. What would they do in a pinch?
Assignment: She would shop on the street for "pepe" used clothing . I would give each woman five dollars, she would get as much as she could. After I approved the fabric, she would have to make a bag from "pepe" that same day.
Risk: I had no idea what to expect. I could be blowing fifty bucks....it was time for some new thinking!
I am pleased to report the ladies out did themselves and created great bags! Greater than what I had hoped for. I wanted them to see that they could be successful even if they didn't have fabric coming in  from the States. “ They  have learned they do have what it takes to think outside of the box and be creative."

CAN YOU BELIEVE THEY ARE MAKING PURSES OUT OF USED CLOTHING.... REALLY... WITH ALL THE FABRIC HERE IN THE USA?

Moms Against Hunger can make a difference here….. can you send finances to help me ship aid to mothers in Haiti.  No mother should be without hope….Together we can help her climb out of despair  and begin to DO something about her situation.  It takes so little to help train a woman to sew… she can start providing for her own needs.  I bought one of the purses these ladies make and it's my favorite travel bag.... for so many reasons.

Please help me ship hope to Haiti…….

 

Your gift today CAN AND WILL change a mother’s life. CLICK HERE...ON THE DONATE BUTTON TODAY.

Moms Against Hunger…. Your best choice to help mothers with children around the world.

Sunbonnet Penny Sue….. my doll of hope, has become a mantra of care for thousands and thousands of children who live in rags and squalor.  Please help me help these mothers….

Sewing machines….. fabric…. Thread….. so little to do so much!!!

Help!! 

 

 

 

I feel this way too....

The Mall of America

I only had 3 days off in the entire 3 months spent in Minnesota completely free with my husband.  So he took me to the Mall of America in Minneapolis  - Americas top and largest mall!! 

It's so big 32 Boeing's 747's can fit inside!! It's 4 stories tall and has 500+ stores inside.

 

It has it's own theme park as well as the Underwater Adventure for families to enjoy.  It would take 86 hours to explore @ 10 minutes spent in each store.  The Mall of America even has it's own TV Reality show!  There are 20,000 FREE parking spaces here and has it's own light rail station. 

It's far beyond huge.... the day we were here there was a special Native American presentation held in one of the rotundas. 

I had a great time back in the big city life!!

If you go in Minneapolis DON'T MISS SEEING THIS PLACE.

Look at This Boat!

The weather in Minnesota can be deadly in an instant.  That's a big negative about this area. The weather. Look at this boat, the result of a tornado that came up suddenly.

No telling where this boat came from but the tornado wrapped it so tight on this pole it's firmly in place!

Just hope there were no people in it when this happened!

Look at how long this boat has been wrapped here!  Now that was a strong wind!!! At least on the Gulf coast we do have alot of warning when a hurricane is headed our way.  Here in Minnesota there is little warning - we have had to jump up and go down to the basement ourselves. 

Not good.  I wonder about the danger when terrible weather hits in the middle of the night.

Why Preachers are Burning OUT...

Congregations Gone Wild

By G. JEFFREY MacDONALD

Published: August 7, 2010

Swampscott, Mass.

THE American clergy is suffering from burnout, several new studies show. And part of the problem, as researchers have observed, is that pastors work too much. Many of them need vacations, it’s true. But there’s a more fundamental problem that no amount of rest and relaxation can help solve: congregational pressure to forsake one’s highest calling.

The pastoral vocation is to help people grow spiritually, resist their lowest impulses and adopt higher, more compassionate ways. But churchgoers increasingly want pastors to soothe and entertain them. It’s apparent in the theater-style seating and giant projection screens in churches and in mission trips that involve more sightseeing than listening to the local people.

As a result, pastors are constantly forced to choose, as they work through congregants’ daily wish lists in their e-mail and voice mail, between paths of personal integrity and those that portend greater job security. As religion becomes a consumer experience, the clergy become more unhappy and unhealthy.

The trend toward consumer-driven religion has been gaining momentum for half a century. Consider that in 1955 only 15 percent of Americans said they no longer adhered to the faith of their childhood, according to a Gallup poll. By 2008, 44 percent had switched their religious affiliation at least once, or dropped it altogether, the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life found. Americans now sample, dabble and move on when a religious leader fails to satisfy for any reason.

In this transformation, clergy have seen their job descriptions rewritten. They’re no longer expected to offer moral counsel in pastoral care sessions or to deliver sermons that make the comfortable uneasy. Church leaders who continue such ministerial traditions pay dearly. A few years ago, thousands of parishioners quit Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minn., and Community Church of Joy in Glendale, Ariz., when their respective preachers refused to bless the congregations’ preferred political agendas and consumerist lifestyles.

I have faced similar pressures myself. In the early 2000s, the advisory committee of my small congregation in Massachusetts told me to keep my sermons to 10 minutes, tell funny stories and leave people feeling great about themselves. The unspoken message in such instructions is clear: give us the comforting, amusing fare we want or we’ll get our spiritual leadership from someone else.

Congregations that make such demands seem not to realize that most clergy don’t sign up to be soothsayers or entertainers. Pastors believe they’re called to shape lives for the better, and that involves helping people learn to do what’s right in life, even when what’s right is also difficult. When they’re being true to their calling, pastors urge Christians to do the hard work of reconciliation with one another before receiving communion. They lead people to share in the suffering of others, including people they would rather ignore, by experiencing tough circumstances — say, in a shelter, a prison or a nursing home — and seeking relief together with those in need. At their courageous best, clergy lead where people aren’t asking to go, because that’s how the range of issues that concern them expands, and how a holy community gets formed.

Ministry is a profession in which the greatest rewards include meaningfulness and integrity. When those fade under pressure from churchgoers who don’t want to be challenged or edified, pastors become candidates for stress and depression.

Clergy need parishioners who understand that the church exists, as it always has, to save souls by elevating people’s values and desires. They need churchgoers to ask for personal challenges, in areas like daily devotions and outreach ministries.

When such an ethic takes root, as it has in generations past, then pastors will cease to feel like the spiritual equivalents of concierges. They’ll again know joy in ministering among people who share their sense of purpose. They might even be on fire again for their calling, rather than on a path to premature burnout.

G. Jeffrey MacDonald, a minister in the United Church of Christ, is the author of “Thieves in the Temple: The Christian Church and the Selling of the American Soul.”

A version of this op-ed appeared in print on August 8, 2010, on page WK9 of the New York edition.

 

Hold On Until the End

"We are made partaker of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end" (Heb. 3:14).

It is the last step that wins; and there is no place in the pilgrim's progress where so many dangers lurk as the region that lies hard by the portals of the Celestial City. It was there that Doubting Castle stood. It was there that the enchanted ground lured the tired traveler to fatal slumber. It is when Heaven's heights are full in view that hell's gate is most persistent and full of deadly peril. "Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." "So run, that ye may obtain."

In the bitter waves of woe
Beaten and tossed about
By the sullen winds that blow
From the desolate shores of doubt,
Where the anchors that faith has cast
Are dragging in the gale,
I am quietly holding fast
To the things that cannot fail.

And fierce though the fiends may fight,
And long though the angels hide,
I know that truth and right
Have the universe on their side;
And that somewhere beyond the stars
Is a love that is better than fate.
When the night unlocks her bars
I shall see Him--and I will wait.
--Washington Gladden

The problem of getting great things from God is being able to hold on for the last half hour. --Selected

Got Corn?

Learn Something New Every Day

I learned a new food source today! Get this!!  "The cattail is a close as you will get to a WILD SUPERMARKET.  It is easily harvested and highly nutritious.  The shoots are like tender zucchini and cucumbers, adding both flavor and texture to salads.  The immature male green flower head can be steamed or simmered.  Cattail pollen is high in energy and nutritious.  It can be used raw or sprinkled on yogurt, in fruit shakes oatmeal and salads. 

Cattail leaves can be twisted to make dolls, like corn husk dolls or used in thatching roofs making baskets and mats. 

The brown flower heads make good punks with a slow burning flame that drives insets away.

The Native Americans used cattails medicinally, applying the jelly of the young leaves to wounds, sores, and boils for external inflammations and to soothe pain."

I quote the 2010 Calendar for Otter Tail County.  Interesting!

I am humbled....

I received a very special  letter addressed to me recently...

Dear Dr Gayla Holley,

We are pleased to inform you that the Houston Police Department would like to award you the H.P.D. Humanitarian Service Award........ on August 11, 2010.

This is a high honor and I am humbled to receive it.  I am proud of our brave men and women who serve in the Houston Police Department, and I thank you for thinking of me.  Your help to me in Moms Against Hunger -Haiti Shipments  has been a valuable resource.

I am 1300 miles away and another team member will receive it for me, I will be thinking of this special ceremony tomorrow night.....