Thoughts on Bethlehem

This summer I spent some time in Bethlehem, Israel - not Pennsylvania! I was struck by many different thoughts and emotions as I walked the streets of this ancient town. During this Christmas season, I tried to capture some thoughts in a poem. 

Bethlehem

O Little Town of Bethlehem
How much you must have changed
A once obscure and quiet place
Not many knew your name

Then one year a census called
Come children far and near
Come back to where your families grew
Come celebrate this year

So many came to Bethlehem
Including one strange pair
A carpenter, a pregnant girl
Yet few knew they were there

"No room", "move on", "go somewhere else"
Rejection was their fare
No one understood their plight
And no one seemed to care

Then . . . .

A baby’s cry broke through the night
An angel shouting joy
O little town of Bethlehem
You birthed a baby boy

In that night so much had changed
For Bethlehem the town
From now on, the world would know,
The name , the place, the sounds

Two thousand years have come and gone
And Bethlehem’s still known
But few see what is really there
Behind the walls of stone

This town that once declared no room
To the Savior that was born
Now finds itself rejected too
Lives broken, shattered, torn

No census now is needed,
They come to see and hear
The baby’s birth, no longer hushed
Draws thousands far and near

Yet in the midst of everything
Rejection fills the air
No one understands their plight
And no one seems to care

O little town of Bethlehem
The one Who knows you best
The baby boy, the savior - king
He is your peace and rest

While all the world ignores you now
As once you did to Him
Jesus sees and hears you
Come to Him and Live

Celebrating - in the Dark

I am meditating quite a bit these days on what it means to celebrate in the midst of dark times. This morning, I woke up in a bit of a "funk" - disturbing dreams, not a very positive outlook for Christmas (my Mom will most likely be in a nursing home for rehab) and just basically a continual downward spiral in my life that has been taking place the last 18 months. I realized quickly I needed to be reminded of some truths in the dark. A good friend challenged me last night to take the celebration of Christmas to the nursing home where my Mom is - don't allow the circumstances to dampen the celebration. I started thinking about Mary - and what this happy occasion looked like to her . . I'm not sure what is worse, celebrating Jesus birth in  a nasty, smelly stable/cave or in a nursing home (actually, we probably do know the answer to that).  Then I got to thinking about a conversation I had with one of my Bosnian friends whose daughter was born in the midst of the siege on Sarajevo. During the birth there was no running water, so her husband had to take buckets to a water source and bring them back to clean both her and baby up after the birth. She told me that even though people had very little food and shells were being fired into the city daily - some of her friends managed to secure a chocolate bar and a few other little gifts to bring to her to celebrate her daughter's birth. Wow - I really needed that reminder . . . I can certainly find ways to celebrate this holiday in the midst of these dark days.  So, off I go gathering both physical expressions as well as some emotional strength to celebrate Jesus' birthday in the dark . . . think I'll buy a few candles! 

Through the Eyes of a Child

Trying to get back into the swing of things here . . . 

Last night I went to see the movie Boy in the Striped Pajamas - it is a powerful portrayal of the simplicity of a pure relationship, unhindered by prejudice - until the adults stepped in.  There are times when I think Heads of States would be better off if they took time to remind themselves of simple truths that most children understand before they are taught to be prejudice. I have recently befriended a wonderful woman from Iran who is teaching me Farsi. She comments to me every time I visit her that she does not understand why I am nice to her - that her experience here in America has been that of being ignored,  shunned and pushed away as soon as she says she is from Iran. What a tragedy - I actually understand a bit of how she feels . . you see, several years ago - actually it was right after the American troops went into Iraq . . . I was visiting Brussels, Belgium. We were out in the main square with a group from the Discipleship Training School there and an older man, dressed in a suit walked up to me - after I greeted him, he asked " Are you from America?" - I said, "Yes, I am" - He angrily proclaimed that America should leave Iraq and that I should go home- then he vehemently SPIT on my shoe.  I was taken back to say the least . . .  yet,  I am thankful for that experience - I know that in my heart, I wanted to say to that man - "WAIT, you don't even know me . . . WAIT, please don't judge me so quickly . . . WAIT . . .  

My Iranian friend echoes those thoughts . . . the boy in the striped pajamas echoes those thoughts - I pray that I will always remember how I felt being judged so quickly and that I will always WAIT before I pass judgement on others. 

Welcome Camryn Hope Whitaker

Welcome to our family

Camryn Hope Whitaker

you are a gift to us

and to this world -

we love you !

Aunt Lisa admires Camryn with awe! 

Daddy and Grammy bursting at the buttons with unabashed pride! 

The whole family waiting with anticipation for Camryn to arrive! 

Following Up on Amazon Story

Ok, I had to cool down a bit after watching Nightline last night. You would not have wanted me to post what I wrote at 1 a.m.  So, now that I have had some sleep and time to think . . . I'm still quite frustrated with the report. What a lost opportunity to make a difference in the shaping of a nation and the personal lives of young Amazonian children. ABC News was less than professional in the way they handled the story . . . it was amazing how they edited things together, took camera shots etc. that in reality made up their own story. I wish we could have access to their footage and interviews and show them how journalism can be a tool of change rather than a tool of criticism- and ignorant criticism at that! Many things they said were just not true. I heard an interview with Hakani's mother tonight and she shared that one of the Indians had walked out of the jungle so that he could  speak with Dan Harris, the journalist from ABC. The Indian man came to tell Mr. Harris that the Indians NEED the help of the missionaries. This man's comments were then taken out of context to support Mr. Harris' thoughts that the missionaries are proselytizing. By the way, speaking of the whole proselytizing point - Mr. Harris' obvious slant on this issue by going to a camera shot of a little girl wearing a Jesus t-shirt was just ridiculous. I SO wanted to ask him if he had done an interview with Mother Theresa, would he make her take down all the crucifixes she had in her home for AIDS babies. Furthermore, would he refuse to address Rev. Martin Luther King as Reverend because his religious affiliation was construed as proselytizing - I doubt it.  Ok, maybe I haven't really cooled down  - I just hate seeing people who have given  their life to serve others be criticized and misrepresented like my fellow co-workers in Brazil.     

If you want to hear 2 podcast interviews with Enock Friere (helped produce the Hakani documentary) and Marcia Suzuki (Hakani's mother) go to the following link and listen to my brother's radio show as done here in New Jersey. 

http://jeffwhitaker.podcastpeople.com - if this link does not work go to jeffwhitaker.com then click on radio show and then click on podcasts. 

Thanks for letting me rant and rave - I'm going to get a cold glass of ice tea and calm down! 

In the News

Well - it has taken a gross act of injustice to inspire me out of my blogging slump to start writing again. Tonight, Wed Sept. 24th, Nightline on ABC is doing a special about the Amazon. Their focus tonight is to be on Youth With A Mission's initiative to stop infanticide that is taking place among the indigenous peoples of the Amazon. There is a worldview among the tribes that children born with deformities, perceived deformities, as twins, triplets, or born to unwed mothers all carry evil spirits with them and curse the tribe. The traditional way to resoond to that is to bury the child/children alive. One little girl survived by having her brother rescue her and take her to some YWAM missionaries. This little girl, whom the tribe rejected, in reality had a thyroid problem and with simple medicine she is now doing fine and was adopted by a YWAM family.
According to an article in USA Today by the reporter of Nightline, there are some who believe that if the culture believes it is acceptable to take the lives of these children than that is their worldview and we should not step in and do anything. My thought in response to that is I am glad at some point people did not accept Hitler's worldview . . I would venture to say that they are many people with disabilities, or those who were born a twin, or those who were born to unwed mothers, who would be quick to step in and help these indigenous people see the error of their worldview. One thing the article in USA Today forgot to point out is that the indigenous people themselves approached the missionaries and aked them to help in addressing this issue. Several of those who have been rescued have been so by "healthy" brothers and sisters who knew that the burying alinve of their sibling was wrong. There is lots more to say about this - I will wait until I watch Nightline in a few minutes to comment further! Stay tuned !

Last Hooray - Baboons!

The phone rang Sunday morning as I was getting ready to pack . . . quick, get in the car and drive over a few streets - the baboons are in the neighborhood! So, still in my pajamas - a few of us jumped in the car and headed over in search of the baboons - we really didn't have to search . . . as we turned the corner a whole troop was rummaging through the garbage and jumping on the rooftops. It was a fun way to bring some closure to my 3 weeks here in South Africa!

The little guy on the right was a little afraid to get in

 the Alpha Male baboon's territory! 

There were a few mother's with their babies! 

It was amazing to see them jumping on the rooftops and climbing the walls! 

We decided that this troop was definitely in need of some lotion for their bottoms, they all looked infected ! 

Feed My Sheep!

This morning as I was preparing a meal for the crafters from African Hope Crafts, I was reminded of the words Jesus spoke to Peter . . . 'if you love me, feed my sheep". My desire today was to feed both physically and spiritually these precious people. Myself and a friend, made cards for each crafter with their name and a Bible verse. I so want them to know they are loved and cared for by the God of the universe! As we held hands to pray, I couldn't help but think of how many times Jesus simply shared a meal with someone or with a group. Living life, eating food, laughing together . . . it all expresses the relational, interactive life of God. Today it was a privilege to feed His sheep and in so doing expressing my love to Jesus by expressing His love to them.

Serving honey-mustard, curry chicken, rice, mixed veggies and salad! 

Veliswa and Nomakabekho - a mother and daughter that work as administrator and crafter

Neziswa and Mkhapi -both are crafters

 

Beauty Comes in Many Forms!

Beauty is so evident in the PEOPLE
Beauty is seen and experienced in many PLACES
Beauty comes in the PROCESS

My week continues to be full of people, places and processes. I am spending ALOT of time this week meeting with individuals, whether it be colleagues, friends, students working on a project, or just hanging out in the township. Tomorrow I will be cooking for 12 of the crafters at African Hope Crafts. I am looking forward to serving these wonderful artists!  

Community Life in a School

One important aspect of the schools we run in YWAM is community life. The school's philosophy is live/learn, meaning our schools are 24/7. Living with the participants gives so many opportunities for informal conversations and real-life discipleship. It also allows for LOTS of good times as we celebrate each other's cultures and lives. This photo is our Brazilian gals - they made a Brazilian dinner complete with dessert that will knock your socks off! 

I so enjoy jumping into the mix of the schools and experiencing all of life with the participants!

Visiting the Young Teens Small Group

I had a great time this afternoon attending a Bible study with these girls. The girls are taking turns leading the study. This week one of the girls said she wanted to study the book of Job! 

During her introduction, one of the young women said - "Job, huh? I never read that book 'cause I thought it was supposed to help you get a job! ! ! ! " Vanessa (bottom left) began the study telling the story of Job and then we read the last chapter and each gave our thoughts. It was fascinating to hear their thoughts on why God allowed all that happened to Job and then to listen to their comments about bad things in their life. I was taken back at how many of the conversations led to a comment about AIDS. This disease is an everyday word to them - a reality that each one of them lives with either in their immediate family or a close friend.  I am so encouraged that they are reading the Bible, searching and asking questions. With all that they face - God is the only One Who can tackle their challenges! 

 

I enjoyed delivering gift bags to the girls from my friend Dianne Lombardo - the gift bags had notebooks, pens, lip gloss, candy and hair ties. The girls loved them and were SO appreciative! 

Teaching in South Africa

The first day of class went well. We had a good morning laying the foundation for the week of teaching and beginning to cover the foundations of the Discipleship Training School. 

Tomorrow is a big day - teaching in the morning, a lunch appointment, and then I get  to go into the township to give some gifts to one of the small groups that gather weekly.   

Restful Sunday - Busy Week Ahead

This is just a quick note to keep you up-to-date on what is happening. I have recovered from jet lag fairly quickly, which is good because tomorrow- Monday morning, I need to be in full gear to teach all morning. I will be covering the purposes and outcomes of the Discipleship Training School. This class will be with a group of leaders from 7 nations who lead and train others in our Discipleship Training School program worldwide. I am thankful for today, which was truly a day of rest and soaking in the beauty of South Africa. We went for a ride on the coast and enjoyed good food and good friendship - it was definitely refreshing. The week ahead is packed full of activities so the restful day today was a blessing in preparation for the busyness. So far, no baboon sightings and the weather is warm in the day and cool at night. I will give more details of our activities throughout the week.

Travel Adventures - is it ever "normal"????

Well, I made it to Capetown - just a few minor hitches along the way! The first hitch occurred when I arrived to New York!
The flight from JFK to Amsterdam was canceled - so they put me on the South African Air flight that I normally take which goes New York to Senegal to Johannesburg to Capetown. So, that all worked out fine and I even had an empty seat next to me between New York and Senegal, which allowed for a decent rest time, except for the minor distraction of the lady across the aisle being sick to her stomach the entire flight ! ! When I arrived in Johannesburg the real adventure began. Somehow, the guys in New York only booked me through to J'burg - not onto Capetown even though my luggage tags said Capetown and my itinerary he handed me said Capetown . . so therefore I was on stand by from J'burg to Capetown along with the rest of the population of South Africa! ! ! I arrived in J'burg at 4:30pm Wed. and by 8:00pm was still not on a flight, had missed a few and there was only one left - which was overbooked by 7 people PLUS had about 7-10 more on stand by . . . I figured no way was I going to make it . . so I started thinking I would find a hotel and fly over to Capetown in the morning. THEN, South African Air said they would give a hotel voucher to all those who were stuck . . . so as I was waiting to find out about the hotel - by this time it is 8:45pm . . . while I was on the phone with my friends in Capetown trying to explain my situation - all of the sudden one of the men who was waiting with me hands the lady at the counter his boarding pass - she rips it up and hands him another one and says - hurry - run to the gate . . . then another guy does the same thing . .so even though I had no idea what was happening or why, I hung up the phone and handed her my boarding pass and she says - OK, here you too - RUN ! ! ! Of course, I had ALL my luggage with me - but I took off at full speed . . . an "angel" appeared at security check and he helped me with my luggage down to the gate - when I ran up to the gate - there were about 15 people hovered around the desk - they all looked at me and said "Do you have a confirmed seat?" I said, "I think so" (honestly, it was all a blur and I had no idea if I had a confirmed seat) . .The crowd said "Give him your ticket" . . .so I handed in my ticket - they swept me through the doors onto the bus - thankfully my luggage "angel" was honest - I had lost track of him in the commotion, but he appeared at the bus door with my 2 pieces of luggage . . .The stand-by crowd at the desk were so funny, it was like they were all cheering for anyone who actually made it on! When we finally got on the plane - it was packed . . . a few of the stand by people that DID get on ended up riding in the "jump" seats back in the kitchen! ! ! So, I am here - safe and of somewhat sound mind! See why people don't travel with me - it is NEVER normal ! ! !

But God OR But, God

When situations occur in your life have you ever heard yourself say "But God, why . . .  But God, couldn't You . . . But God, I thought I was supposed to . . . " This last week - actually this last year, I have said "But God" several times - not understanding the "whys", the "whats", and just feeling like so much of my life has been thrown for a loop. I am so very thankful that this last week, God took my But God and turned it into - But, God has a plan . . . But, God is on the move . . . But, God is working where you cannot see. One week ago, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to go to South Africa  because Mom's health was on the edge and there was no one to stay with her. I felt like we had hit a wall . . . But, God had a plan I could not see - tonight I am sitting in my home with a lovely woman from Liberia who will stay with Mom while I am gone. She is so great - even to the point that I am bummed I can't stay and get to know her. She told me today that NEXT time she would come 2 days before I leave so we could spend some time together! My "But God" what am I going to do? - turned into But, God had a poetic twist - Lisa goes to Africa and Africa comes to Mom! I sit here tonight, so encouraged that this last week God turned my questioning, doubtful, pain-filled BUT GOD . . into a faith-building, mouth-dropping, wonder-working BUT, God is still God! 

Justice and Knowing God

This morning I came across an interesting passage . . . Jeremiah is speaking to King Josiah's son. King Josiah was one of the few kings who loved God and led his people in following God and getting rid of false idols. Apparently, his son was not so great and Jeremiah says to him . . . 

"Did not your father eat and drink, and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him. He judged the poor and needy; then it was well. Was not this knowing Me? says the Lord." (Jer. 22:15b,16)

I wonder if we sometimes forget what it really means to know God. Over and over scripture points out that action - loving, serving, sacrificing, etc - that is what defines a true follower of Christ. When I pray, Lord I want to know you more - do I really know what I am asking? It is so much more than knowledge of God - it is living in such a way, that identifies and understands God's heart for people - for His beloved creation. 

A God Who Sees

As I continue my study through Scripture on justice, I found myself this morning in the middle of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar's story. This story is from the very beginning full of the injustice of people's choices - in most cases one injustice leading to another. Sarah is barren (I'm sure she felt this was unjust) . . . her response was to bring justice to her situation in the only way she knew how . . . Hagar is unjustly given to Abraham, used as a forced surrogate . . . her response is to seek justice against Sarah by despising her and gloating over the pregnancy . . .  Sarah responds to Hagar's attitude by unjustly kicking out of the house the woman she herself begged her husband to sleep with in order to conceive a child - sounds like day time TV! Enter the just God of the universe - amazingly the Angel of the Lord comes to Hagar in her unjust situation and speaks directly to her heart - assuring her that He will bring justice to her and her unborn child. Hagar's response is to call God by a name that is one of my favorite names for Him - Beer Lahai Roi - You-are-the-God-Who-Sees!  I would venture to say that most of us long for God to see the injustices in our lives - validate the situations we are in and call them what they are. God did not take Hagar out of the unjust situation - remarkably He tells her to return to the very people that brought on the injustice (I'm not convinced that is a principle to use in these situations - still pondering that one) Yet, God promises Hagar that she will bear a  son, whom she is to name Ishmael - which means "God hears" . . . In the midst of this unjust situation, God's message to Hagar is I am a God who sees and hears . . . a message I want to take to those living in the quagmire of injustice - there is a God who sees and hears - you are not forgotten! 

Real Life Questions

Today was a little rough - my Mom fell AGAIN - which she has done a few times lately. She hasn't gotten hurt seriously in the falls , physically- some bruises and minor pain. However, I do think her spirit has been wounded - discouragement and frustration seem pretty close to the surface. It's a little weird how all of this with her failing health falls into the justice of God issue for me. My heart breaks to see her struggle and my admiration for her soars as I watch her get back up with determination and push on. I almost immediately want to ask God the why questions, which I am so very glad to know He can handle. I actually take great comfort in the scriptures when I read so many of the giants of the faith questioned God - I actually think their questioning spirits reveal a relationship with God that is open, honest, healthy and REAL! As I wade through the scriptures in search of truth and revelation about the justice of God - I have some real life questions right before me where I can bring application. I'm sure you do too - it seems we all have questions and situations in our lives that force us to trust God's justice and His love and His care for us. So, today I hold onto what I don't always see so plainly or clearly - I guess that would be called faith! Hope you are hanging on too ! 

Headlines for the Week

As I was thinking about what to write about I kept thinking of little headlines for this coming week  . . . 

Jeff Whitaker begins his radio show Monday evening on WOND between 6pm - 7pm. Tune in to hear the latest discussions, political updates and local news. I'm proud of you, Jeff -  "Make a Difference!" 

Dianne Lombardo turns 44 on April 1st. Some of you may know that Dianne and I have been friends now for over 30 years - She always passes into the next age group 2 months before me! 

Happy Birthday Dianne ! 

Prioritizing Projects - over the weekend I was receiving e-mails in reference to so many projects I am working on in the next year - I became a little overwhelmed but also feel extremely grateful for so many wonderful projects to be involved in at this point in my life. 

A few of these projects that you will read about in the future are:

UNiquip, a staff training seminar for YWAM - there is one in Hawaii in August and one in Amsterdam in January. 

Hope Campaign - an initiative in New York City to inspire, inform and mobilize people regarding women and children at risk, including poverty, HIV/AIDS, trafficking, and more.

Ambassador Club - a club in the local junior high helping  students to understand children in other parts of the world, their needs and how they can reach out locally and internationally

University of the Nations seminar course - I am working on creating a 2 week seminar course that will take place on location in the Middle East summer 2009.

African Hope Crafts - A micro-business for those impacted with HIV/AIDS in a township close to Cape Town, South Africa. The jewelry that these crafters make is so beautiful and displays the creativity of God. 

Teaching - I have several opportunities to teach both here and overseas in the coming months, so there is lots to prepare.

Justice Study - This week I will continue my study on the justice of God. I am beginning to go through scripture and look at various stories that deal with justice. I'm already in deep as I looked at Cain and Abel this morning and then onto Noah! More on those thoughts later this week. 

So, a few headlines and quick synopsis of all I am thinking about this week and preparing for in the coming months ! 

Confronted With Injustice

The first time I traveled to Bosnia and Herzegovina was in 1998. I was on a prayer trip with a group of students from our Discipleship Training School in what was then Yugoslavia(now Serbia). For our week on prayer we decided to take a field trip to Bosnia and not just teach about prayer in the classroom, but go and pray in this neighboring nation where war had just ceased. I was not prepared for what I encountered on that trip. War to me was something you read about in books, saw in movies- but always an emotionally detached subject. At one point in our journey we were driving along a stretch of road that weaved through one bombed out village after another. On both sides of the road there were houses charred and destroyed with remnants of a former life strewn on the front lawn. Many of the houses had "war graffiti" sprayed on the rubble - a calling card so to speak from those who had "cleansed" the village. I was numb. Trying to process what I saw with my own eyes was a struggle, let alone trying to help the students I was leading make sense of it all. I can say that something changed in me on that trip - an innocence and naivety left me forever. So this is what humankind is capable of? This is what I am capable of if left to my fallen, sinful state? I just realized while writing this that that revelation took place exactly 10 years ago. I think it has taken me 10 years of processing that experience along with a hoard of other face-to-face encounters with injustice to now so deeply and seriously ask God questions about justice and injustice. Don't get me wrong, I've asked those questions before - but it seems at this juncture in my life - I not only am asking, but am at a place where I want to know the truth of God's justice.  

I am reminded of a scene from the movie A Few Good Men, where Tom Cruise's character is questioning Jack Nicholson's character - pushing him to tell the truth . . . Jack Nicholson so brilliantly played the part and lashed out with the now famous lines . . . "You want the truth? You want the truth? You can't handle the truth . . . " He then goes onto explain the harsh realities of the decisions he has to make everyday that others never even know about or contemplate.

Truth is sometimes different than what we expect and almost certainly cuts deeper and reveals things which we never could have imagined. I can't say if I am ready to handle the truth of God's justice, I am sure it is much more complex than what my "cut and dry" / "black and white" little heart is expecting. I can say that I want to know my God deeper, and an aspect of His character is justice. Knowing someone means delving into the scary parts too, even when you're not sure what you will find - so I trust God to allow me to know an aspect of Him that is misunderstood, confusing to many, yet good and true and coherent with all of Who He Is. 

Any thoughts?????? 

Learning Curves!

I am on a huge learning curve right now in the area of justice issues and the justice of God. I think it has been sparked in part by some personal questions I have had this last year concerning right decisions gone wrong. When does God intervene and when doesn’t He - how much is left to our choices and how much does He supernaturally intervene???? I know, these are age old questions and ones that are much more complicated than what can be expressed in mere words. Coinciding with my personal journey has been a growing awareness and hands-on confrontation with issues such as HIV/AIDS, poverty and human trafficking. My “tent” is being expanded, as referenced in Isaiah 54:2. It seems the Lord is expanding areas of influence and service. Because of all of this I am currently entrenched in books, conversations and thoughts on the justice of God and what His justice looks like in a fallen, broken, hurting world. What is my role in responding to the injustices I see, feel and live among? I invite you to join me in conversation as I write about this and share some of the things God is revealing to me about Himself and what I, you, we can do. Stay tuned . . .