Mike’s 3 Cents

Men, Haiti and Muslims

Feb 8, 2010 Uncategorized 1 Comment

Provocative title,  huh?  Lower your expectations. I am just being…provocative.

First, i misspoke Sunday regarding the Forever Changed conference this weekend. My intention was to draw a distinction between the last conference which was predominantly a women’s conference and this one which is designed for everybody. I chose the word “couples” to confirm the inclusion of men, but that choice violated a key value the conference team has worked for for months – inclusion of everybody. Even the breakout session Tammy and I will be doing will be geared toward relational dynamics, not specifically couples. Bottom line: everyone will benefit from this conference – don’t miss it. Sign up online today!

Regarding Haiti, I wanted you to enjoy the good words Vanessa shared with me last week. The back story is simply that upon learning of their family’s unexpected need to return to Haiti (Brad, Director of MOH, was already there, Vanessa and their 4 kids were still stateside), I asked if we could be of help regarding their travel costs. It turned out to be a timely question – their cost-free option had just evaporated…

Hello again Pastor Mike,  I would like to thank you once again for helping me and the kids get HOME to Haiti!!!  We are so grateful to you and your church family for loving and supporting us and most of all for your prayers.  We have had a very difficult week taking in all the sights, sounds and smells of loss and death but God is so good!  He is showing us the path every day to New Hope!  Praise the Lord. Mission of Hope is here for such a time as this!  A time that most people cannot even comprehend but God is sovereign!  He knows everyone. It has beet difficult to rest, but by the grace of God we will.  Thank you for being a part!  God bless!!!    ~ Vanessa

Finally, let me again offer my thanks to Pastor “And” Sieberhagen for bringing a powerful message that challenges not only with regard to Muslims, but to the core of our heart. In some cases, many of us were faced with a major paradigm shift in 40 minutes…let me encourage you again to face your questions honestly…don’t back away from your immediate apprehensions and concerns if you had them. Heart surgery is no matter to be taken lightly, and heart issues are where Jesus specializes. Some of you expressed a desire to contact Pastor Andy, and here’s the article he referenced. Jesus said, “…love your enemy…” and radically differentiates his followers from others. Some of our enemies are easily identified, others are not. The question is, Are you loving… radically? It’ll cost you.

‘mission of hope’ update

Jan 27, 2010 Uncategorized Leave a comment

I couldn’t be happier that MOH is where we have decided to direct our support. They are doing a GREAT job. Here’s an update:

Mission of Hope has distributed 1.5 million meals to the Haitian people since the earthquake hit. Last Thursday they distributed 391,056 meals almost doubling the efforts of the UN. They do all of this through indigenous church leaders and Christian ministries that make up over 1000 distribution points in a network MOH initiated called Haiti One. Haiti One represents 40 Christians NGOs, and hundreds of smaller missions and Haitian churches with more than 5000 full-time staff represented in it. They are rallied around the vision to reach the nation with the Gospel and during this difficult time have been extremely effective at bringing relief where it is most needed, distributing food, water, and temporary shelter. They were already in place and operating this network prior to the disaster and that is why they have been so successful. It is primarily driven by Hatians which is also the reason for their success. It is their own people meeting the needs. They know their culture, context, and the need.

heading to haiti

Jan 23, 2010 Uncategorized Leave a comment

Thought you might like to hear the latest from the Johnsons… If you haven’t given generously to the cause in Haiti, let me reiterate and endorse their ministry as one you can trust is having a significant and direct impact on the ground. This note from Vanessa should clear up any question as to whether they are committed to the very real long-term relief that will undoubtedly be necessary…

Pastor Mike,

I felt lead to email you as I know that your people are covering us in prayer.

After much prayer but just a few short conversations Brad and I have decided that we need to be back in Haiti as a family.  It looks like we will be reunited with Brad next weekend.  We are all very excited.  We have no definite travel plans yet but the decision has been made and we are just working out the details.  Hopefully we will be leaving on Friday. J

Thanks for showering us in prayer.  Haiti needs it now more than ever before!

Praying the words from Psalm 61!

Vanessa Johnson

Mission of Hope