Whitty's Tales

Peace - A New Understanding

2009-12-16T20:01:00.002-05:00

This season I have discovered that the Hebrew definition of Shalom (peace) is very different from our English definition of peace. Most people when I ask them to define peace respond by saying one of two things - Peace is an absence of war OR peace is a feeling of inner tranquility - or something very similar to one of those definitions. However, the Hebrew definition of shalom is "fulfilled", "finished", "whole" - the peace that results from being a whole person in right relationship with God and with one's fellow man. The definition brings a whole deeper meaning to Jesus being the Prince of Peace - He alone is the one that can bring us into right relationship with God and with others. When Jesus tells us "Peace, I leave with you - not as the world gives" - That peace that Jesus promised to us is FAR greater than what we naturally think of peace. He didn't give us an absence of war or an ooey-gooey feeling inside. He gave us so much more, in that we have the possibility to be in right relationship with God and with others. I wrote a poem in response to this revelation. I hope you are blessed.

Peace, Peace - the world proclaims
We want to live in peace
No more conflict, no more strife
We want the wars to cease

Peace, Peace - each person cries
I want to live in peace
No more struggle, no more pain
I want heartache to cease

Peace, Peace - Jesus is born
Peace on earth, goodwill to mankind
Immanuel, Prince of Peace
Yet still that peace is hard to find

Peace, Peace Jesus proclaims
Not as the world do I give
Let not your heart be troubled, afraid
For in my peace you will live . . .

You will live in relationship
to God and to all
In wholeness and righteousness
Fulfilling my call

For peace as I give is not as the world's
The peace that I leave you is so much more
Your life will be whole, your spirit alive
For Shalom in its fullness, will be your life's cry

Feeling Unprepared, Knowing You are Called

2009-12-15T08:01:00.002-05:00

"Mary, we need to be on the road. We have to make it to Bethlehem before the baby is born. I think we need to leave early tomorrow morning. Do you have everything together that you will need both for the journey and the birth?"
"Do I have everything I will need, Joseph? I have no idea - What will I need to give birth to the Son of God?

This morning I was imagining a conversation between Mary and Joseph as they saddled up the donkey and headed to Bethlehem. I'm not sure anyone in history could feel as unprepared for a world-changing task than Mary did as she prepared for the birth of Jesus. And then there is Joseph - What was he thinking as he headed off to Bethlehem with a very pregnant young girl - who was his wife, but not carrying his child and with whom he had promised to be pure and righteous. I am thinking they both must have felt VERY unprepared - for the journey and also for the future events that they knew were ahead of them. So, the scenario begs the question - Why did they go? Why did they continue to move ahead with the plan? Surely they could have made some excuse to stay behind - or Joseph could have gone on his own explaining Mary's condition. (I've been in enough Middle Eastern settings to know that given the situation and all the people it would have been very possible for Joseph to fly under the radar of the census takers.) But he didn't. Mary did pack her bag and climb onto the donkey for the one week or more journey to Bethlehem. I think they went because they were called of God. Both Mary and Joseph had supernatural encounters with an angel - giving them their call - explaining their part in this world-changing adventure. So they went. Most likely not with an abundance of natural confidence. Not feeling like they had the world by its tail. Not even fully aware of the dangers, the miracles, the unlikeliness of some of the settings. They went.

When I first joined the group I work with - I had no idea what the future held. I had a plan to go to the Discipleship Training School for 6 months, but after that I knew nothing. I had quit my job that I loved, sold most of my household belongings and was preparing to go. I remember speaking with a man at church (he was a special speaker whose name I can't even remember). I went up to him and explained my apprehension in not having a long-term plan. His response was - "Do you have your marching orders?" I thought that a strange question. "What do you mean?", I replied. He said, "Do you really believe God has called you to go?" "Well, yes, of course I do, I wouldn't have left my job and sold everything if I wasn't confident that God said Go" - "Well, then GO - and let God unfold the rest of His plan"

I'm sitting here thinking that must have been how Mary and Joseph felt - both confident deep within themselves that God had called them - called them to be the parents of His Son, called them to travel to Bethlehem to fulfill prophecy . . . but I am also just as certain that they both probably felt very UNPREPARED for the journey. I am so grateful that they obeyed - they pushed forward with God's plan, not based on feelings, but rather based on knowing they were called. May God give us all the grace to do the same with what He has called us to do.

Immanuel - Beginning to End

2009-12-13T19:40:00.002-05:00

I love the name Immanuel - God with us! What a promise. I recently read an article that pointed out that the book of Matthew begins and ends with the promise of God being with us. Matthew 1:23 - "Behold the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son and they shall call His name Immanuel", which is translated God with us". Matthew 28:19,20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always even to the ends of the age" Amen. Jesus' birth was announced as being God with us. What an incredible reality that we so often glance right over. God WITH us. God with US. The Creator of the universe, the Almighty God is with us. How does that change my life? God came to earth to be with us and then as He was physically leaving the earth He promised to be with us always. We are never without His presence. This Christmas season may our hearts be encouraged with the wonderful reminder that God came to be with us and He promised to always be with us. We are never alone. No matter where we are or what we are going through God is with us - He is Immanuel. When you see the nativity in a yard, or in a store or in your living room - call out the name "Immanuel" and be reminded that He is with you from the beginning to the end!

The Battle at Christmas

2009-12-09T07:24:00.002-05:00

It is revelational to me when I see a familiar story or passage of scripture from a different angle - from a perspective I had not considered previously. This happened yesterday as I was swept into the Christmas story through the music and drama of "Miracle of Christmas", at Sight and Sound theatre in Lancaster, Pa. They portrayed what was going on among the angels and demons during advent. I had never focussed on how much angelic activity is recorded in scripture surrounding the birth of Christ. The angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah concerning John the Baptist (Luke 1:11,19). Gabriel again appears, this time to Mary announcing her pregnancy (Luke 1:26). An angel appears to Joseph in a dream (Matthew 1:20). An angel appears to the shepherds announcing Jesus' birth (Luke 2:9). A heavenly host join the shepherds and praise God (Luke 2:13-15). What incredible activity was taking place in the heavens in preparation for Jesus' birth and then announcing his arrival. A couple aspects they dramatized really caused me to ponder - God, the Father sending Jesus, announcing to the heavenly host that Jesus was going to earth, giving Him His assignment so to speak, making His purpose clear and Jesus agreeing to go. The conversations between the angels - Gabriel and Michael. Michael was given the assignment to protect Mary during the pregnancy and to do battle so that the birth took place. Then when Jesus was born, they portrayed Satan attempting to stop it and Michael defeating him. I realize that some of that is speculation, not being recorded in scripture. Yet, it helped me to ponder and consider all that was happening "behind the scenes" so to speak. I also realized how much we have reduced the Christmas story and made it seem so matter of fact. What a tremendous battle was going on. God was coming to earth in human form - it was going to change the world as they knew it then and the enemy tried to stop it. Yet, God, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Gabriel and the heavenly host all did their part in winning the battle at Christmas. No wonder the heavenly host sang out - "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and good will toward all"

Forgotten Holiday Heroes!

2009-12-02T14:05:00.001-05:00

Good King Wenceslas . . . remember him? I’m sure you can all probably sing the first verse of the Christmas song dedicated to him if you had to! Do you know the story behind the song? This man was raised by a godly grandmother and had the courage to stand up to his pagan mother (who by the way, had his godly grandmother murdered). I know this doesn’t sound very festive - but I was reading about him, his acts of mercy, his courage and even his martyrdom. It made me think of what kind of heroes we have these days. King Wenceslas was born in what is now the Czech Republic. Almost 1,000 years after his death, a British songwriter honored him and his acts of mercy in the famous Christmas carol. There is quite a bit of legend wrapped around him - stories of him going out in the cold winter nights looking for people who were in need. Tales of him sending his pages back to the castle for food, clothing and firewood to meet the needs of the people. Regardless of the details of the legend, he was a hero in his time, a man who lived out his faith even unto death. I wonder how many people who are alive today will have songs and stories written about them 1,000 years from now? If so, will those songs and stories reflect a faithful life, dedicated to serving God and helping others? Let’s give a shout out for King Wenceslas - a forgotten holiday hero we can all be proud of!

Experiencing the Journey

2009-12-01T11:38:00.003-05:00

I am somewhat stuck on this whole idea of Advent - coming, anticipating. As I was reading this morning and thinking about the holiday I looked at the nativity I had set up and it didn't feel right. I thought, why is everyone (Mary, Joseph, Jesus, shepherd, wise men) there? Why did I set it all up like it is a done deal? If I really want to experience advent and the season, maybe I should actually live the story. After all, Mary and Joseph are on their way to Bethlehem right now, the shepherds are going about their duties in the fields, the wise men are following the star. No one is actually in the stable/cave in Bethlehem. They are all on/in the middle of the journey. Then I started to think about some of the incredible ways God has moved in my life. I realized, so many of my favorite stories are about what God did DURING the journey - not when I arrived somewhere, but actually along the way. I began to ponder if I have not missed some of the wonder and awe of Christmas because I have not paid attention to the journey that was taken to get to Bethlehem - Mary and Joseph's journey, the shepherd's journey, the wise men's journey and of course, Jesus' journey. So, I challenge you to clear out the stable, put the shepherds back in the field, send the wise men back East, put Mary, Jesus and Joseph somewhere between Nazareth and Bethlehem and take the journey WITH them.

Here's to experiencing the advent season - packing the donkey, following the star, tending the sheep and journeying to Bethlehem!

Reclaiming Christmas

2009-11-30T08:08:00.002-05:00

I am setting out this Christmas season to be intentional. I don't want the wonder of the holiday to slip by. I am excited and full of anticipation for all God wants to reveal. I noticed in the account of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus 3:4 it says "When God saw that he (Moses) turned aside to look - THEN God called out to him". It struck me that God was waiting for Moses to notice - to take the time to stop and look. So, this Christmas season I am turning aside to look and I am very excited to see, hear and experience all that God wants to reveal to me. In order to be intentional I picked up a couple of books to help me focus. The first one is Immanuel by Ann Spangler. It is a 6 week devotional on the names of God and Jesus as she relates them to the season. The second book is called 25 Days, 26 Ways by Ace Collins. It also is a book that brings a focus to the real meaning behind so much of what we do at this time of year. Along with these books, I have made up a Christmas play list on my i-pod. So, this is my start. I welcome your comments, input and ideas.

Advently Living - Lisa

Amsterdam

2009-01-15T19:51:00.004-05:00

Just a quick update from Amsterdam. I arrived here safe and sound Wednesday morning at 7:30 am. I was quite exhausted not just from the flight but mostly from getting things in order for Mom and home while I am over here. I arrived at the YWAM base here and went straight to bed! I got up at 2pm and began to see people and get things in order for this upcoming week. We have 91 people registered right now for UniQuip - the staff training conference. It is exciting to prepare to receive all of these people from literally all over the world. I would certainly appreciate your prayers for the conference and also personally for those of us leading the conference. My Mom continues to struggle with her health, my 3 month old niece is in the hospital with an infection of some sort and the person with whom I am co-leading the conference - her father was just taken to the hospital in Denmark with pneumonia. So, we have lots going on in our families while we lead this conference. We also have great expectations for all that God is going to do this week . . . I will keep you posted as the week progresses.
I'd love to put some pictures up but when I went to upload some pictures from my camera I realized I had brought the wrong cord! Such a bummer.

Thoughts on Bethlehem

2008-12-19T10:13:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-14T12:22:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-03T21:26:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-02T15:53:00.003-04:00

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

2008-09-25T21:05:00.003-04:00

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

2008-09-24T23:14:00.002-04:00

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!

2008-05-04T07:55:00.003-04:00

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!

2008-05-01T10:23:00.003-04:00

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!

2008-04-30T15:46:00.004-04:00

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

2008-04-24T14:55:00.003-04:00

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

2008-04-22T16:46:00.002-04:00

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

2008-04-21T15:34:00.004-04:00

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

2008-04-20T16:28:00.002-04:00

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"????

2008-04-17T02:56:00.002-04:00

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

2008-04-14T20:23:00.002-04:00

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

2008-04-09T08:33:00.002-04:00

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

2008-04-03T07:36:00.003-04:00

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

2008-04-01T17:39:00.002-04:00

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

2008-03-30T21:56:00.002-04:00

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

2008-03-28T08:00:00.002-04:00

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!

2008-03-26T11:54:00.001-04:00

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 . . .

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T20:39:00.000-05:00

The Star

It stood out one night among the rest
Beckoning me to journey west
I can’t explain the urgent call
I just knew that what I saw . . .

Was more than just another light
Illumining my darkest night
The light was speaking to my soul
Come meet the truth and be made whole

My journey west was long and grueling
Turn back! Press on! within me dueling
This star that seemed to call me on
At one point in the journey – Gone

Where was that light that shone so clear
Now replaced with doubt and fear
Was the calling really real
It all seemed vague and a bit surreal

No, in my heart I knew the star
Was calling me to travel far
The path to truth has many snares
Be alert and be aware . . .

Although the star that first shone bright
May dim, or flicker or lose it’s light
Keep pressing on through all the tears
That star will once again appear . . . .

For as the wise men long ago
Traveled far yet did not know
Where their journey’s end would be
They searched until the star did see

Appeared again as first it shone
Guiding, leading to the unknown
What they found at journey’s end
Was truth and hope, their greatest friend

How like my own unchartered path
Unknowns and questions I do have
And when I doubt , the truth is near
A different road may appear . .

Than what I expect or think to be
God, where am I going, I cannot see?
Where will this journey find it’s end?

“In truth and hope and my greatest friend”

He tells me to follow that distant call
To remember the words and what I saw
He will not forsake or leave me alone
The star will eventually lead me home

I have been meditating on the wise men and their committment to follow the star. This poem is a result of praying about and thinking on the monumental journey those men took 2,000 years ago. The call to follow the star is still relevant today ! May you have a blessed Christmas and holiday season !

Reflections at the Pond

2007-08-26T21:10:00.000-04:00

There are a handful of places in the world that have become for me, places of reflection - places where I can go to be by myself and pray, think and listen. This pond, in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania is one of those places. It holds for me a lifetime of memories - it is where I first learned childhood lessons like: how to swim, how to bravely jump into unknown waters, that there is safety in numbers and you always swim with a friend, that spring-fed, ice cold water can both be refreshing and can knock the air right out of your lungs and so many more lessons of life. This pond has been a constant to me in my ever-changing, often mobile life. Whenever I visit it, it is consistently cold, consistently peaceful and always inviting. As I reflected on these things, I was so thankful for the sweet memories and the lessons learned and those I am still learning from this pond. As I jumped in this time, it still knocked the air right out of my lungs and it still gave me an incredibly refreshing feeling of freedom - God reminded me that it is still quite scary to jump into unknown waters - but like so many years ago - when I jumped into the deep end for the first time, there were trusted arms to catch me and to pull me up when I went under water. I sat there assured that as I continue to jump into unknown waters - God will be there and doubtless others as well, to encourage me to jump and to physically be there to make sure that I don't drown but rather gain the courage and the understanding to navigate the unknown. This pond holds a bit of mystery for me - much like the unknown waters I face right now in life. Yet, for some reason, as I reflect on the history of this pond in my life, I am encouraged that the mystery ahead will be even more wonderful than the mystery of the past. Such were my reflections at the pond. . .

Happy Birthday Mom !

2007-08-18T13:58:00.000-04:00

My wonderful Mom just turned a whopping 80 years young! We had a really special time of celebrating her life. It reminded me once again of how important celebrations and gatherings are to us. I have grown to understand in a deeper way why God COMMANDED the children of Israel to celebrate. God loves a party and I am certain He loves birthdays, anniversaries, or pretty much any gathering that honors life and encourages and celebrates relationships. What a blessing it is to be with someone and remind them of special times, funny times, heartaches and joys. I have realized the older I become and the more places I go and the more people I meet - that I appreciate those solid life-long relationships - people that know me and with whom I have shared special memories. Mom's party had people from the age of 80+ down to 2! People who have known her close to 80 years and those who have known her a mere 2. I am becoming more and more adamant about living life fully, blessing those you love and am trying hard to continually risk loving and loving sacrificially - because when I celebrate my 80th birthday, I don't want there to be any regrets - especially in reaching out, loving and allowing myself to be loved ! Happy Birthday Mom - I celebrate your life !

Feeling the Father's Heart

2007-08-09T05:57:00.000-04:00

In the midst of 20,000 people in need of proper housing, better education, healthier sanitation etc. God revealed to me once again how He sees the individuals - not just the masses. Nxeda came up to me while we were "building a better shack" (see my website for more on that). I gave her part of a muffin I had made and we were fast friends! She stayed with us that day, playing games, but mostly just sitting in my lap or tapping my leg for attention. There was something about the sadness in her eyes that caught my attention. I did not even want to think about what the possible reasons were for that sadness. What I did want to do, was play with her and try desperately to communicate to her that she is valuable. The day before I left I returned to her neighborhood in search of her. She came running out of nowhere and grabbed my legs. I told her I was returning to America, and in my heart I was praying that she would know a bit of the tangible touch of a loving God. It is times like these when the words of Jesus ring in my heart, "Most assuredly I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also, and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father" - John 14:12. I pray that Nxeda felt in her spirit the love of God just as if Jesus hugged her and played with her.

Relational Revelation

2007-08-01T15:16:00.000-04:00

Studying the Gospel of John this last week has been refreshing and revelational.
It is one of the amazing things about scripture that I love - God never runs out of fresh "down and dirty" revelation. He is always seeking to bring deeper revelation of Himself and His relationship to us. I have been struck this week with the incredible lengths at which the God of the universe goes to communicate to us that it is relationship that He wants with us. He created us so that we could join His Family. So often Christianity seems to focus on the separation we have with God rather than the invitation God gives to be a part of His family. The level of intimacy God wants with us, the invitation to relationship is what gives me my identity – not the outward obedience – my acceptance of His love, His intimacy is what empowers me to live life to the fullest. A friend once said that the remedy for sin is to join the Family. The antidote to sinning is receiving the love offered to you. It is so true that in a place of healthy relationship, sin cannot survive. God calls us into His Family - a healthy Family, full of love, intimacy and acceptance - it is in those relationships that we live life abundantly.

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long the world will not see me anymore,but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you" -John 14:18-20

You can't get more intimate and relational than that - How did we get so far away from that life-giving good news. Sin, shame, guilt, etc. all dissolve before an open-armed Father, Son and Holy Spirit who come to us, welcome us and make their home with us ! (John 14:23)

Baboons!

2007-07-29T15:09:00.000-04:00

Here is one picture of the baboons -per request of my webmaster, Joe! I have a few more pics of them which I will try and get on my web site - they are a blast to watch! Just yesterday, my friend watched as a baboon waited across the street from a convenience store. A woman left the store with a bag of fresh rolls and the baboon came up behind her, grabbed the bag then sat on a retaining wall chomping away on the rolls. Gives a whole new meaning to being mugged!

South Africa

2007-07-27T01:34:00.000-04:00

What a full time I am having here in Capetown. I came to do some planning with my International Discipleship Training School Centre (IDTSC) leaders, Maureen Menard and Patti Lee, as well as assist and participate in a 10 day course on the Gospel of John. While here I have jumped into some local outreach into a township called Masiphumelele. Interacting with the children has been a joy. At one point our group was helping a woman rebuild her "shack". I made some muffins to encourage the workers and pass out to anyone else hanging around. When we arrived we gave some muffins to a few children and within 2 minutes we had about 10 children eager to have a muffin! I had such a great time playing games with the children while the adults hammered away building the shack. The stories and experiences of these children's lives can be horrific. It was such a blessing to encourage them to play, to laugh with them and just to love on them. At any one time I had 3-4 children hanging all over me!

We have started the John course, 16 of us total, all meeting in Maureen's living room!
Already it has been a rich time of diving deep into the Scriptures, and we have just begun!

A side note to anyone who is interested - yes, I have seen some baboons - unfortunately the day they came into the nighborhood and got into everyone's trash bins - I was out and missed all the action - one day I want to be at the house when they come, but for now, I have only seen them on the side of the road down by Cape Point !

A New Beginning !

2007-07-22T10:42:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Whitty's Tales!
This is a somewhat feeble attempt at allowing so many of my friends out there to keep track of me!
It also and more importantly is a place where I can share some of the incredible experiences I am living, lessons I am in the process of learning and people I am meeting and getting to know. Life is such a privilege - such a precious gift and I am looking forward to sharing some of this with whoever happens to stumble onto this blog. So, for now - welcome . . .come back again and enjoy the journey and tales along with me!