Retired: Thinking Round Up & Haiti

The Bishop's Round Up Against Hunger, an area hunger project begun nearly 40 years ago by Kansas East Conference, was the life saver of our Scholarship Project in Haiti from 2008 to the present. Since the change in the Conference there has been confusion about who and how Round Up will continue to meet needs as in the past. Actual money for the many hunger programs has also been reduced by uncertainty and our failure to get information out in a timely manner.

The last meeting of BRUAH it was decided to make some changes to increase interest but mostly to make it once again a program that addresses hunger ministries in an interesting, educational, and timely manner. Plus, have Round Up once again be an event for renewal of relationships, education and FUN mission and  ministry.

It appeals to young people and mission minded church folks. We would like to increase the appeal to all interested in feeding the poor and hungry in our communities and our third Conference partnership in Haiti. Can only do that with publicity and planning. So....we plan some changes and now is the time to start doing what we talked about.

March VIM trip allowed us the opportunity to meet with nearly all  the Haitian university graduates and the family of those who have married. So impressed with all of them, as they came in together and we greeted self assured, professional young men and women.


When asked "what now" almost as one voice they said "now it is time for us to do what you did".  Then they explained, they can not find work as professional educated specialists, because of nepotism and politics in Haiti. Salaries are still minimal and limited. They want to begin their own businesses, hire motivated employees AND pay them adequate salaries and eventually offer them assistance with education.

At the last Round Up meeting I offered to take on some new responsibility. So far we have scheduled a Country Gospel Group: Marilyn and Friends who will play during the morning and play for worship that will be the final event of a busy day. We will be sending letters soon with information for food distribution, partnership support and new projects to deal with hunger in our Conference & Haiti.

Photos are the son of Enickson Villiere who graduated from a Five year Computer Science Major.  Others are Gamaniel Laurent and Fedner Clovil, both Civil Engineers.

I have been thinking all day that I jumped the gun with my decision to retire in June.  More than ever the need for funding has been jumping at me from posts from students, news from Haiti. Where or when do we find the funds for all the needs? Ha! I have an idea...will give it with " the rest of the story" but first, this... The situation in Haiti has put several of our students in compromising positions that make it difficult to just ...end  the project ahead of time. One of the students worked for the EMH this summer managing the clinic on Lagonave to raise the money he needed for the last 6 months of prep time at university before his final board exam.  The Virginia Conference that hired him, sent the money for his summer of work to the EMH and that seems to be as far as it goes. We are advised it would be best not to protest or try to obtain the funds. 

Two engineering students who graduate now..have their major projects to complete and the costs are going to be about 1000 US-- each.  We just purchased a large capacity laptop for one engineering student for 500.00 US and need to purchase another for a Diesel Mechanic who has to learn how to diagnose and repair vehicles that require computerized testing. 

Most of the students who have graduated are working at limited jobs or attempting to run small business from their homes without resources. I have contacted Pastor Jim Wishmyer, in Virginia, who is developing a "grant and micro lending program for educated Haitians trying to start up a business. Chali suggested we might skype with him to discuss his project and any possibility of joining into the project. They have assisted a couple of our students in the last two years. 

We have made a personal grant and loan to Louis Dufrene who has been our employee since 2007..assisting not only as translator and interpreter but managed the records of all of the students and the funding we have supplied. He was  hired as secretary and business administrator for the clinic to be paid by the other conference. His salary was also sent to the EMH.  As his brother died suddenly a few weeks ago it is best to let that be, also. He has moved his parents to the mainland, rented a store from another relative and has ordered supplies for the store and charcoal to sell with help from his mother. He is in business...with a grant and business loan, that no doubt he will pay back. He is a very trustworthy fellow. 

While in Haiti for Spring brake we worked on Lagonave in a very poor, dought stricken area that has had no crops for 3 years and no teacher salary for 3 years.  The team identified several small projects critical to the welfare of  residents of Nan Zeb ...and we are in hopes of being able to be active as partners with the leaders in the community. Gonna need to dream and pray and plan wisely how to do our share. They are hard workers  but very hungry right now. 

I am looking forward to working to extend the outreach of Round Up both internationally and locally once I am retired and looking for something to focus on other than driving my family mad.  We have done Bishop's Round Up Against Hunger the same way for many years. We already have a music group who will play during the morning and for worship that plays a variety of types of music.  Worship will be a "new thing" and not sure what else, but hope we make a big dent in "hunger issues" locally and in our target countries. 

Now..for the rest of the opening "piece".  I have been anxious all day as we had to transfer a major chunck from savings to meet the needs of several students beginning projects for school and trying to run small businesses from their homes. 

 In 2008 when I committed to enroll 30 some students in university and vo teck training,  I promised myself I would NOT be one to commit to a project and stop befor the end. We had supportive individuals, congregations, confrences, even GBGM offering financial support. I have the DNA of a pit bull so no worry.  Then our stent was up and GBGM had seen our living arrangements.  A couple of months later we were there for the earthquake of all earthshakes. Haiti suffered, needs were doubled and life just got harder and the US became more skeptical.  

UMCOR had their own agenda and our students, picked up the pieces of there broken laptops and school buildings and life flowed on, interrupted but well...that's Haiti.  We give thanks that Round Up funds were there when we moved home and could only offer to tell the story to those interested. The conferenc got bigger and our project seemed smaller except 30 students had faithfully given there utmost for an education that was impossible without funds from our Advance Special.  Now, Round Up, still focused on alliveating hunger in Mexico, Haiti and local programs, is planning a "facelift" because hunger flows and education, with all it's international neuances, is the hope for so many. 

Our project is not yet finished, and this morning we debated if we had to say no to our students or say "what the hell" to our retirement funds.  We didn't exacty see eye  to eye, but Joe went to the bank, transferred funds and sent money to Haiti.  AND I had a text from a student who said, "it's ok, pastor, God knows our needs and will take care all of us." AND then I remembered my marble collection my grandpa gave me 60 years ago.  My grandpa can get us through this!  Thank you, Jesus, and Grandpa Dove.  Grace & Peace ..Shirley Edgerton

Returned from Haiti yesterday. Great trip, great team, fabulous Haitian food, lots of dirt and hot sun. Friends to greet us, new friends who let their kids play with us after school.
School: Great place to start but not our mission focus, but because the block building is badly broken and children walk through doorways and sit under loose concrete blocks that fall to the floor (?) and break apart. Teachers, including the principle not paid salary for 3 years...yes, not a typo. The principle has repaired one dangerous entryway with his own resources. Pastor is also a great community leader. There is one doorway that won't wait much longer and needs only four bricks and some concrete and three boards. Hope they have some left from the church almost built.

 Situation: Lagonave has had no rain, except in the mountains for 3 years. There have been no corn, melons or peanuts for that long so nothing for market except to cut down every tiny sapling for charcoal so they have a bit of food each day. One photo is a young malnourished woman who, like her mother has severe edema in the legs and fluid on the lungs. With all the foliage going to charcoal, nothing to attract rain, and the well broken and the cistern is dry. The Episcopalian's are doing an emergency food distribution soon and one for Non Zeb would be very appropriate.Won't solve the problem but for about 4,000 US the local families in need could eat until some charcoal is sold.
Community Meal: From some extra funds we had a loaves and fishes experience. Our cooks managed to feed all the workers, about 150 children, 30 plus adults wandering by AND all of us (16) a huge meal.  Well behaved tiny tots to older kids had one FULL meal one day.  Cost us a bit over 100 US.
The Mission Focus: Three team members were there in 2014 and with funds raised by their church managed to begin an 18,000 project to build a church to serve 3 communities.

The badly broken school was used for church. Not many came because it looked bad and had a "history" of voodoo rituals. A "real" church that would be a sanctuary for hungry people needed a foundation, walls, floor and roof. And, by golly and the grace of God AND an additional grant from Mercy and Justice, when we left the foundation had block walls nearly completed and they were still madly working with enough "stuff" to finish maybe  the floor.

In our many years of VIMing...there was more work accomplished in 4 days than we have ever seen on one project. The Circuit Superintendent stayed with us the entire time, managed the money and met with community leaders, stewards and talked to workers and all who stopped by. It was a week of laughter, reunion, sadness and frustration with Mother Nature, human nature and appreciation for workers intent on building quickly a place for God to be in a hurting community.            

Costs of materials have risen since the estimate was made for the building but with the ingenuity we saw that roof is not far from raising.  

We came home happy and sad. Happy because the project had gone well with material all on site, workers intent on doing things right, unnecessary people staying out of the way; yet there are very hungry families praying for rain and cutting down the trees; there is a well that needs simple repair; a church almost complete; teachers in need of a bit of pay; and there is a God, who, I believe wants a community fed, a thirst quenched and some generous folks          

to "find a way." Suggestions  welcome. sje                             

  

Sermon: “Three Steps to Tomorrow”

As Christians we are not called to passive love

The way to the cross is a vigorous, assertive pursuit of social and personal righteousness.

 It is loving in a way that refuses to play the worlds game.

Like…high dollar positions; limelight’s and media; building borders to keep out the persecuted and poor; military might to fight back and retaliate; or believing that “life” means comfortable homes, plenty to eat, vacations, good health care, and not insulting the social codes of “right color, right sex, right age and right religion.”

Jesus’ non-violent way, is the way of salvation, healing and eternal life. 

The 1^st step to Christ’s tomorrow, in today’s reading, was taken by Peter when he confessed that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah. The Christ of God, sent to usher in the Kingdom of God. Christos, the anointed one!     

But we already knew this before we read the text in chapter 8.

 At the beginning of the gospel Mark begins by telling us he was writing the Good News, of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In previous sermons we heard of demons, angles, voices from heaven that already recognized Jesus as more than an ordinary man. Even called him Man of God..

 So we aren’t surprised at Peter’s astute identification.

Peter had been observant, had “listened” well, he watched all Jesus did and then he determined that ancient prophesy was finally fulfilled.

The Messiah King; the Majestic Lord, the Savior of the world was finally present, no longer

“Just” teacher, rabbi, healer, magic man, demon chaser, the real superhero was with them.

The 2^nd step to tomorrow. (All the gospel writers begin Jesus stories with “6 days later or immediately, I just like “tomorrow”)

Anyway, after Peter makes the startling observation of WHO he thinks Jesus is…Jesus “sternly” as if this knowledge is really a secret, says, don’t tell!! 

That is probably ok with his friends as they have to figure out what it really means if Jesus IS who Peter says.

So Jesus tells them. He says, expect people to get really upset about another King challenging in Caesars Empire and that he, Jesus will probably be arrested, tried in a court and die on a cross. Peter misses the part about a “resurrection scene” and argues until Jesus says “Peter, stop thinking like Satan” and everyone is looking around like “what happens now?”

What happens then is Jesus offers them the challenge of a life-time. They have been following him everywhere! They have listened to him teach and preach; they watched him touch and heal lepers, demoniacs, blind guys and bleeding women! They are pretty impressed with all he has done.

So he says, “hey, if you want to continue to follow me, easy nuff, chose a cross to carry and dump the concealed weapon, put your life on the line, take on the Empire, the religions leaders, touch the lepers yourself, start loving sinners like you, and enemies who disapprove; anticipate being rejected, persecuted and challenged and even be ready to lose your head by offering your heart to “the cause of justice and mercy.”

He said it to “followers” then…and Jesus still makes the same offer to millions of Christians in pews today.

   

Many theologians make the 3^rd step of this story sound like some si fi event or better yet like a movie.  Actually a kids movie. I think about the ending to Beauty and the Beast…or better yet…Shrek!! Remember true love means she give up her princess status to be transformed back to a ogre so she and Shrek can go dancing and singing through life.

In God’s creation, transformation is not science fiction or supernatural. Watch National Geographic! Or better yet, talk to religious folks who pray regularly, meditate and seek relationship with God.

   

 Every Christian who has had an experience with God during a retreat, prayer time, meditation or time of real emotional struggle knows, that God, in our head and in our heart, has this way of convincing us that we just may not be who we thought we were, or doing what we really could be doing.

Many have felt the hand of God on their back or arm, calming, comforting or redirecting their steps.

 Jesus has actually leaned forward from a cross on a wall to speak words of direction during a worship service, but was heard only by the one whose life was redirected.

Loved ones have spoken words of redirection or assurance from the place beyond to one who is listening.

Mark tells us, Peter, James and John heard God speak from a cloud and command them to “listen” to Jesus.

To those who are “listening” for God to speak they will hear when God has something to say to them.

Listening takes many forms but mostly it takes allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, something not easy for most.

We listen best when we are searching for answers, solutions or direction for our lives.

On the mountain top 2000 years ago, three disciples were pondering Jesus prediction                                                   about his death and resurrection.

How could this confessed King, sent to challenge Cesare and the Empire, sent to SAVE Israel, HOW, could that happen if he allowed the Empire and the religious leaders to short circuit his power and presence?

They didn’t understand but they did have ears and eyes to see as Jesus prayed and was transformed                                          in their sight and hearing,

from Jesus the man of miracles to Jesus Christ, the man of sorrows, come to save humanity.

They were present and uncertain as Jesus took his third step to his tomorrow.

Lent and Easter challenge Christian’s as Jesus did when he announced his future on the cross and in the tomb.

This year is a personal challenge for me with the first sentence of today’s sermon.

I invite you to join me this Wednesday evening as we begin 7 weeks of Lent, and a Sermon Series:

“That We Might Follow Him”

Sermon: “Three Steps to Tomorrow”

As Christians we are not called to passive love

The way to the cross is a vigorous, assertive pursuit of social and personal righteousness.

It is loving in a way that refuses to play the worlds game.

Like…high dollar positions; limelight’s and media; building borders to keep out the persecuted and poor; military might to fight back and retaliate; or believing that “life” means comfortable homes, plenty to eat, vacations, good health care, and not insulting the social codes of “right color, right sex, right age and right religion.”

Jesus’ non-violent way, is the way of salvation, healing and eternal life. 

The 1^st step to Christ’s tomorrow, in today’s reading, was taken by Peter when he confessed that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah. The Christ of God, sent to usher in the Kingdom of God. Christos, the anointed one!     

But we already knew this before we read the text in chapter 8.

 At the beginning of the gospel Mark begins by telling us he was writing the Good News, of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In previous sermons we heard of demons, angles, voices from heaven that already recognized Jesus as more than an ordinary man. Even called him Man of God..

 So we aren’t surprised at Peter’s astute identification.

Peter had been observant, had “listened” well, he watched all Jesus did and then he determined that ancient prophesy was finally fulfilled.

The Messiah King; the Majestic Lord, the Savior of the world was finally present, no longer

“Just” teacher, rabbi, healer, magic man, demon chaser, the real superhero was with them.

The 2^nd step to tomorrow. (All the gospel writers begin Jesus stories with “6 days later or immediately, I just like “tomorrow”)

Anyway, after Peter makes the startling observation of WHO he thinks Jesus is…Jesus “sternly” as if this knowledge is really a secret, says, don’t tell!! 

That is probably ok with his friends as they have to figure out what it really means if Jesus IS who Peter says.

So Jesus tells them. He says, expect people to get really upset about another King challenging in Caesars Empire and that he, Jesus will probably be arrested, tried in a court and die on a cross. Peter misses the part about a “resurrection scene” and argues until Jesus says “Peter, stop thinking like Satan” and everyone is looking around like “what happens now?”

What happens then is Jesus offers them the challenge of a life-time. They have been following him everywhere! They have listened to him teach and preach; they watched him touch and heal lepers, demoniacs, blind guys and bleeding women! They are pretty impressed with all he has done.

So he says, “hey, if you want to continue to follow me, easy nuff, chose a cross to carry and dump the concealed weapon, put your life on the line, take on the Empire, the religions leaders, touch the lepers yourself, start loving sinners like you, and enemies who disapprove; anticipate being rejected, persecuted and challenged and even be ready to lose your head by offering your heart to “the cause of justice and mercy.”

He said it to “followers” then…and Jesus still makes the same offer to millions of Christians in pews today.

   

Many theologians make the 3^rd step of this story sound like some si fi event or better yet like a movie.  Actually a kids movie. I think about the ending to Beauty and the Beast…or better yet…Shrek!! Remember true love means she give up her princess status to be transformed back to a ogre so she and Shrek can go dancing and singing through life.

In God’s creation, transformation is not science fiction or supernatural. Watch National Geographic! Or better yet, talk to religious folks who pray regularly, meditate and seek relationship with God.

   

 Every Christian who has had an experience with God during a retreat, prayer time, meditation or time of real emotional struggle knows, that God, in our head and in our heart, has this way of convincing us that we just may not be who we thought we were, or doing what we really could be doing.

Many have felt the hand of God on their back or arm, calming, comforting or redirecting their steps.

 Jesus has actually leaned forward from a cross on a wall to speak words of direction during a worship service, but was heard only by the one whose life was redirected.

Loved ones have spoken words of redirection or assurance from the place beyond to one who is listening.

Mark tells us, Peter, James and John heard God speak from a cloud and command them to “listen” to Jesus.

To those who are “listening” for God to speak they will hear when God has something to say to them.

Listening takes many forms but mostly it takes allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, something not easy for most.

We listen best when we are searching for answers, solutions or direction for our lives.

On the mountain top 2000 years ago, three disciples were pondering Jesus prediction                                                   about his death and resurrection.

How could this confessed King, sent to challenge Cesare and the Empire, sent to SAVE Israel, HOW, could that happen if he allowed the Empire and the religious leaders to short circuit his power and presence?

They didn’t understand but they did have ears and eyes to see as Jesus prayed and was transformed                                          in their sight and hearing,

from Jesus the man of miracles to Jesus Christ, the man of sorrows, come to save humanity.

They were present and uncertain as Jesus took his third step to his tomorrow.

Lent and Easter challenge Christian’s as Jesus did when he announced his future on the cross and in the tomb.

This year is a personal challenge for me with the first sentence of today’s sermon.

I invite you to join me this Wednesday evening as we begin 7 weeks of Lent, and a Sermon Series:

“That We Might Follow Him”

What a Few Do

“What A Few Do”                                                                                           Nov 11, 2015    

Long time no blog! We look forward to a team experience in March to La Gonave to continue work on a church, meet with students, investigate a retailer, and (for Joe and me) to just be there together for the first time since 2010. He has gone with teams but I have gone alone.

A text yesterday informed us that the father of Wiltere who taught us Kreyol on La Gonave had died. See photo. That means money is needed to pay the drummers and dancers to raise money for burial in a cript. Wiltere is the last of his sons, who is raising 3 families of children on a fairly unproductive farm …and Wiltere was probably the most unsuccessful fisherman I ever met. His redeeming qualities were his love of family, God and all God’s children.  He was a great teacher for us. We will send him some money as we haven’t a clue how they survive except by the grace of God.

We still have 3 university students who are graduating or near graduation and 4 High School students at various stages.One of our graduates is now a new papa AND training to be a preacher as he waits for a plan to become a businessman and preacher. See photo of our newest Godchild, Apollos !

Our Haiti share from Round Up Against Hunger, we hope will pay expenses for the university students.  High School is a seven year program and most are about mid-way to near completion. Tuition is less than university by far and we hope to find some sponsors who would get to know some fine young adults and help them at least do what few do.

We talk with students more frequently than our own children and grandchildren as Facebook messenger is time to touch base each morning with students, graduates and their smart phones. They are all pretty “techy” and the phone is a part of life in Haiti as it is here. Only the service is very hard to understand in Haiti.

We hope to see some of you at Round Up.  With changes in the Conference things are rearrange somewhat but there are still food pantries and people in need in our region.

Our Mercy and Justice partnerships are always an opportunity to do what more than a few do, as we pray for and partner with our brothers and sisters who are trying to have a better life.

Pastor Shirley & Joe Edgerton, Axtell KS  Axtell – Beattie UMC charge. 

Narrative Lectionary for Axtell / Beattie Preaching: I have been preaching the Common Lectionary most of my preaching life. It is in my DNA, I believe, I am not to not always do what I have always done. A preaching site I frequent offers (though the Lutheran site) a Narrative lectionary that in 4 years moves us through the Hebrew teachings AND some new approaches to Advent and Lent.  My concern was liturgy and music but after exploring Facebook I have entered into conversations with Presbyterians, Lutherans and others. The conversations are stimulating and thought provoking and new.

NEW!  God so often promises “new things”. I know I have never had two days just alike in all my years. I learn something new every day. I always mange to make new “mistakes”!  Last evening I learned how to “teach well” an adult Bible Study class. I’ve been teaching Bible classes for years, but the church leader teaching last evening has a “gift” and made it all new for me.

So much “teaching material” is not covered by the lectionary but I have feared “to tread a new path” seemingly without trail markers. I have discovered others are seeking the something new and in this new community of travelers I have discovered wisdom, humility and most of all respect for and desire to share and explore God’s word for all.

I’m “beginning” my exploration with the most familiar text from Deuteronomy which is the second reading / teaching of the 10 Commandments and the Shema.  Amazing that in this season of political promises for “new laws” aimed at solving problems, I get to preach on the basic biblical laws aimed at making life better.

There is much concern about how to make church “better”; how to protect our schools and the children in them; and how to care for creation. Perhaps we will find some answers as we to a new thing by “re-looking” at some ancient scriptures. Prayers are welcome.

Please remember the Haitian Students from La Gonave that receive funding from Round-Up each year.  Shirley