Romania and Missions

Choosing Joy

2014-02-05T00:10:00.000-05:00

There's nothing like adversity to expose character and maturity or the lack thereof. Unfortunately, 2012 has picked up where 2011 left off. And the trials of life continue to pile up. After my car died, I began experiencing increased pain in my teeth. Thursday I went to see a dentist and they found two big problem teeth. One, a molar, needs to be removed. They were able to do a root canal on the front tooth. Until I get the permanent cap, I can't eat anything crunchy, chewy, or sticky. So far I'm living on bread and butter spread but bought some broth today.

Oh and did I mention the cost for the root canal? Over $2000 which I had to finance because I am just at the starting point in beginning to pay off debts. So that was a setback. And I'm still in pain because the molar still needs to be cut out. I have no idea how much a tooth extraction will cost but will call the referral on Monday and find out.

Thursday I was in such a bad mood. It seemed as if the world was crashing in on me! I know that was an overreaction but a toothache will do that to a person. After the root canal, I was able to get some stronger pain pills and antibiotics, which are both beginning to work. And I am getting my fight back.

My fight is for joy and living as a child of God- not as one who has no hope. I am using time spent at bus stops/riding the bus (about an hour a day) singing hymns, praying, and memorizing Scripture. I am working on Romans 8. I tried and failed to memorize this with my church during a sermon series last year. But I am having some success this time around (working on verses 11-15). But it is a fight- a struggle. My natural tendency is to give in to depression and surrender to despondency. By preaching the gospel to myself even while in tooth pain at a very cold bus stop I declare the truth- that I am a child of God- dearly loved by God- He knows my needs and is using these trying times to develop character and endurance in me!

Are you going through difficult circumstances of life? How are you clinging to hope- and the source of Hope-Jesus Christ?

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Saving Money With Public Transportation!

2014-02-04T00:40:00.000-05:00

Wow, I'm finally car free! I have to admit that I've wanted to try this for several years. I wish it didn't happen the way it did. I had hoped I would have a stockpile of cash saved for a new car and then voluntarily forgo a car. Instead I hang in the balance for a month waiting for my car to be repaired then have to abandon it mid ship when the repair costs far exceed its worth. Life never happens quite the way we plan.

Public transportation saves the U.S. the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually.

I only drove to and from work daily (approx 100 miles a week) so my savings on gas, while not significant, averages about $100 a month. Add to this insurance ($65 a month) and oil changes and the savings add up.

Unlimited rides on public transportation is only $42 a month!

A big plus for me is the potential savings. By this I mean, what I might have had to spend over the next year. I try not to worry or be anxious (remember it's a sin!) but the car was 18 years old, the exhaust pipe was rusted through, didn't start well on cold mornings- well you get the picture.

But God has a plan and that plan for me involves taking the bus. I went to the mall this evening to take advantage of free wifi and just get out the house. Also, bus rides (and waiting on the bus at stops) are perfect times for reading, listening to gospel filled music (Chris Tomlin and sermons are on my Kindle now), and memorizing Scripture. I am trying to memorize Romans 8 as well.

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

and

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

from Romans 8 (ESV)

During cold mornings, I am clinging to the promises of Scripture and trying to preach the Gospel daily to myself. Some days are easier than others but God is faithful everyday!

A car free 2012 (no payments, no gas, no auto insurance!)

2014-02-01T01:16:00.000-05:00

2011 has gone out with a bang.

Actually, more like a 2000 lb bomb.

On December, my transmission gears started slipping again. I thought the transmission
flush had solved this issue before Thanksgiving. Well, it didn't. Long story short,
after an expensive rebuilt transmission, the same thing happened again. Seems there
are massive electrical problems in the car. Rather than put any more cash into a 18
year old car, I instructed the mechanic to find a place to scrap it. Cut my losses.

Good News

The good news is that I can get everywhere I need to get via public transportation.
Even better, I don't have to pay for auto insurance this year (save $800! this year- beat
that Geico), no outrageous gas prices, oil changes, and plan on cancelling my much loved
AAA when it expires. $42 a month gives me unlimited rides on public transportation. I
just have to plan every trip which is the downside.

So I am still on track for paying off 1/2 my credit cards this year. If I can survive 2 years
without a car I'll be way ahead of my goals/plans. I think this is another example of God
taking a trial and turning it into a blessing.

Ukraine:Operation Christmas Love Packing

2013-01-14T10:19:00.000-05:00

From Mission Without Borders (UK):

30,000 boxes will go to some of the neediest people because of your generosity.

The Albu family received an Operation Christmas Love box last Christmas. Recently widowed and with six daughters to provide for, Mrs Albu was overjoyed:

“I’ve never received such help and nothing asked in return.”

Her daughter, Dorina, added:

“I keep thinking I’m in a dream. I’ve never been so happy. We cannot find the words to express our gratitude.”

Help us make a world of difference this Christmas.

You can make a difference in the life of a needy family this Christmas by donating to Operation Christmas Love. You can donate online by credit card or by phoning 800-245-9191 (ext 242) (US only). Preparations are underway and your help is appreciated! Mission Without Borders is rated a 4 star charity by Charity Navigator. Over 93% of all donations go directly to program expenses.

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Giving Families Tools to be Self Sufficient

2013-01-03T02:27:00.000-05:00

This was posted a couple of days ago on YouTube and it brought a smile to my face. When I visited Moldova last year, I discovered a unique people and culture marred by a tumultuous history of war. Yet the people I met were optimistic, hard working people who hoped for a better future. Mission Without Borders is helping families become self sufficient through the Family sponsorship program. Donors are able to provide special needs for their sponsored families (in this case greenhouses). My family needed tools. They don't ask for a handout- they want tools so they can work to provide for themselves- becoming self sufficient (and raising the standard of living for all Moldovans). In the case of this video, larger and earlier harvests will provide a livable income for one family and benefit the entire community with fresh food in abundance.

Personally, watching these stories makes me more determined than ever to become and stay debt free. The road is long and I can't see very far ahead but I long for the day when, when someone in Moldova needs a set of tools, I can write the check and be generous. I am trying to schedule financial counseling through my church next week.

Albania Summer Camp

2013-01-02T00:19:00.001-05:00

Here are a couple of videos from Mission Without Borders about summer camps that are still ongoing in Albania. Thousands of orphans and children from poor families have enjoyed this 10 day camp organized with help of local churches. Hundreds will soon enjoy 10 days of "delicious food, relaxing surroundings, fun activities and Bible teaching."

I still want to visit Albania in 2013. It may be late in the year before I can get the money together but prices will be lower in November/December anyhow.
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Summer Camp! 2011 Mission Without Borders

2013-01-01T03:31:00.001-05:00

Mission Without Borders is, once again, sponsoring Christian summer camps in Eastern Europe. This year they plan on sending ~~3000~~ over 4000 disadvantaged and orphaned children to 5 days of fun and learning.

The cost of sending one child to camp is just $20 a day!

Many of these children don't have a stable home life and they work hard throughout the year for the privilege of being able to attend camp. If you can help send one child to a 5 day camp, the cost is only $100. Click through the donation banner to the right or look at their webpage. Mission Without Borders is a non profit ministry that has been given a 4 star rating by Charity Navigator.

Seeds of Hope- Mission Without Borders

2012-12-31T01:22:00.002-05:00

As the United States is recovering (cross your fingers!) from record cold and snowfall, millions in Eastern Europe are still suffering the effects of cold and poverty. Chisinau, Moldova has a forecast tomorrow of 21 F with snow! I don’t envy them.

However, along with the bitter cold of winter, there is always the promise of spring. April showers bring May flowers and Spring is also the time for planting crops. Many families in Moldova, Ukraine, Bosnia and other Mission Without Borders field countries have small parcels of arable land (side yard). Last year, Mission Without Borders inaugurated the Seeds of Hope campaign in Bosnia. Families enrolled in the Family-to-Family program were provided with top quality seeds and tools to work their garden.

This test project proved to be a tremendous success- “every family was successful in reaping a great crop!” (Focus News,Feb 2011)
In this “war on poverty” it is important to build capacity for self-sufficiency. Mission Without Borders believes in upholding the dignity of those it seeks to help. Providing the needy with a way to work for their daily bread (when possible) is both biblical and healthy.

Testimonies

“The vegetables provided such a good yield that we had enough for the summer and autumn. We even have potatoes for the entire winter..this was an enormous help to our family.”

Mrs. Fejzic

“This means so much to us! Our entire family worked together in the field..We had sufficient food for the entire year. Please pass on our thanks to all those who contributed to this project!”

Snjezana Kurtanovic
This year, Mission Without Borders want to expand the “Seeds of Hope” program to each of their field countries! $25 will purchase one box of a selection of superior grade seeds. Each country will choose the vegetables most suitable to their climate and tastes. The time to buy seeds is now so that when the weather warms up, the ground can be prepared and a crop planted.

Can you help? Donate today!

Family Sponsorship in Moldova

2012-12-30T05:28:00.001-05:00

Every month Mission Without Borders assists poor families with parcels containing food, hygiene items,and/or clothing in several Eastern European countries. Each parcel is specific to a particular families needs (some may receive necessary medicines, wood for heat, etc).The Family sponsorships keep families together (preventing institutionalization of children simply because the parents cannot afford them) and helps the entire family on the road to self sufficiency.

Every winter Mission Without Borders prepares larger parcels for Operation Christmas Love. These 26 pound boxes provide many food staples, candy for the children, and knowledge that someone cares for them. Over 7000 boxes were delivered in Romania alone.

I co-sponsor one family in Moldova. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet them last March. It is a joy to pray for (and with) a family who is working hard to serve God in a difficult economic climate.

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What Would You Do? Mission Without Borders in Ukraine

2012-12-22T02:43:00.002-05:00

In Ukraine, hospital services are free but, as in other former Communist countries, you receive a bill for drugs, food, and equipment used during the hospital stay. Supplies for a birth may cost up to $26. This may sound extraordinarily cheap in America but in Ukraine this can be a weeks wages. If you are so fortunate as to have a job at all.

Mission Without Borders MotherCare program provides medical advice, "reusable nappies, ointments, baby clothes, nutritious food supplements and feminine hygiene goods" as well as a place to discuss concerns and support each other in a gospel-centered environment. Food and clothing for the new mother and baby may be provided as well.

The souring world economy and rising prices (Ukraine had 9.8% inflation in 2010) have taken a toll on all but the poor and those least able to provide for themselves (pregnant mothers) are bearing the full force of the fallout.

Expecting a baby should be a time of joy and thankfulness not a time of dread and worry. All babies deserve to be born healthy and welcomed into the world with happiness.

On a recent visit, a MWB coordinator fought back her tears..

"In previous years, I could distribute 600 parcels each year.

Now I can only distribute 200 parcels. How am I supposed to choose?"

What Would You Do?

Pray for the workers in Ukraine as they struggle to meet the physical and spiritual needs of new mothers and families.

Below you can read the latest 2011 Mission Without Borders newsletter from the UK:

Cubicle Travel Tips - Palace Resorts

2012-12-20T02:20:00.000-05:00

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All because of a warm meal..

2012-10-17T00:27:00.000-04:00

Maria is 79 years old. A widow in Moldova, every day is a constant struggle to survive. Winters in Moldova can be harsh and cruel. For three years running, she was frozen out of her home and was forced to take refuge in an institution for the elderly.

The old age pension in Moldova is about $26 a month. When I visited Moldova in March, a small loaf of bread in the grocery was about 50-75 cents. Many other food products were higher-comparable in price to American prices. You can imagine, then, how this meager pension barely covers the cost of food. There is nothing left for heating or clothing. Tea is a luxury.

Poor diet and cold weather often lead to illness. In Moldova, a hospital stay costs $10 a day- not including doctors bills and medicine. Fear and loneliness can take over easily.

However, Maria has started attending the Mission Without Borders community center. Since she began attending, “she found a community that has given her a new lease on life”.

“My life has changed,even at my old age!”

Every day, Maria, and many like her enjoy a warm meal and fellowship at the community center. She has started attending church and bible studies at the center.

“It’s wonderful that, even though I’m old, Jesus has found me.”

“Maria has now found Christ She has a purpose to live. She is treated with dignity and respect- all because of a warm meal”

During the winter months, cold is everywhere and there is little relief for those most vulnerable-children and the elderly. Mission Without Borders has a special winter appeal-Operation Winter Rescue- to provide heat, warm coats,gloves and hats, and food to the neediest during these difficult months.

You can help!

Simply log onto their secure website or call 800-245-9191 (ext 242).

Mission Without Borders has been rated 4 stars by Charity Navigator. Over 93% of funds go directly to program expenses. Only 3% is used for administrative costs.

Anxiety is a three letter word..

2011-12-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

It's "that" time of year again. Frosted windowpanes, Christmas carolers, decorations galore. A time when friends and family gather to celebrate Christ's birth. Yet for some it can be a lonely time- away from friends and family. For others, it can be a depressing time as we focus on what we don't have/can't give and financial stresses. This evening I fell into this category. I was anxious about my car (my muffler could fall off any minute- it was welded together but on a rusty pipe- no I don't have money to fix it properly yet).

Worry is a sin.

"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"
--Matthew 5:25-30

Worry is a sin I often indulge in and it always leads to anxiety and covetousness/envy. Nothing good ever comes of it!

So I prayed for the muffler (yes God cares about mufflers because He cares about His children!) and then began to deliberately list out loud things I had to be thankful to God for.

I woke up this evening in a warm bed, washed my clothes in clean water, and made a healthy meal of fried potatoes. I have a job to go to which provides me with enough income to pay my bills. Already I am in the top 10% of all the people who have ever lived! I had a heavy, very warm coat and gloves to protect me from the cold and a car to transport me to work and back.

Most of all, I have salvation. I have been rescued from my sins and am a child of God! 1 John says:

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

All this to say is that this month, I am going to try every day to be thankful and ask God for His provision and simply trust Him! Easier said than done..

Great Video about Objective Faith (Rediscovering the Gospel)

2011-09-22T00:11:00.000-04:00

Baptized Four Times from The Gospel Coalition on Vimeo.

The Gospel is not what we do for God but what God has done for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Emergency Fund!

2011-09-21T00:33:00.000-04:00

The first step to a debt free lifestyle, according to people who are living the life, is an emergency fund. Dave Ramsey recommends an initial "baby emergency fund" of $1000 (which should pay for most common emergencies). After paying off debts, a six month emergency fund is recommended (6 months of essentials- not luxuries).

Suze Orman has been recommending eight months of living expenses as an emergency fund before paying off credit cards or becoming debt free.

Honestly, I'm torn between the two options. Because all personal finance is personal I guess I have to find what works best for me. As a single guy, I doubt that 8 months of living expenses should be a primary goal. A family man may see this as a necessity.

I am glad that as of Oct 7, I will have an initial emergency fund of $1000 stashed away in an ING account. Then, at least for the next 12 months, I plan on following Ramsey's advice and eliminating all credit card debt from smallest to largest. The only other debt I have is a student loan.

After paying off the credit cards, I am going to stop and see where I'm at- where the economy's at- and determine whether to plow ahead or stash a 6 or 8 month long term emergency fund aside before tackling the student loan.

If possible I would like to take a trip to Albania (as cheaply as possible) as a "reward" once my credit cards are paid in full. Hopefully this will be in 2013!

Delivering Gifts in Kind goods in Albania

2011-09-03T02:04:00.000-04:00

Gifts in kind (GIK) is a kind of charitable giving in which, instead of giving money to buy needed goods and services, the goods and services themselves are given.

This is a new video showing the delivery of these goods to needy families in Albania. Mission Without Borders has been rated a 4 star charity by Charity Navigator.

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Bad Decisions

2011-08-17T23:29:00.000-04:00

Ever want to kick yourself for a bad decision you made? Whether it was one decision or a series of choices- I think everyone has been in this position.

My bad decisions have been in the area of finances. Specifically, using credit cards to live beyond my means. I mean, I went to college- I DESERVE this. Childish logic. But I keep using it to justify my purchases/wasteful spending.

This month I have decided to concentrate all my effort on getting an emergency fund established. Dave Ramsey says this is the first step in getting out of debt (after a written budget). If I go on a spending freeze (all unnecessary spending stopped) this may be a possibility. Then every extra penny needs to be put toward debt.

The first target is the Target Visa. It is the smallest of my debts but it is also the highest interest rate. So it qualifies by either Dave Ramsey or Suze Orman standards to be eliminated first. Then, since this is my oldest card, it will be a backup emergency fund. But ONLY for emergencies. It has a small limit of $900 so I can't get into too much trouble (and $900 would deal with any immediate emergency I might have).

What bad decisions have you made? How are you correcting them? I am praying for a spirit of contentment and wisdom. Contentment with what I have not what I don't have/want. And wisdom- to use the resources that I have been blessed with wisely and be frugal.

Summer Camp Moldova- Mission Without Borders

2011-07-27T00:09:00.001-04:00

Now that summer is over half over, Mission Without Borders has released a short video showing the fun that was enjoyed in Moldova by sponsored kids in the summer camps. The children learned about the life of Joseph at the Nehemiah camp but they also got to experience new friendships, outdoor play, exercise, eat healthy foods and, well, be a kid!

I haven't heard whether or not my sponsored child was able to go to camp or not. I hope so. I need to write him a letter before school starts.

Seeds of Hope Change Lives in Ukraine

2011-07-22T03:12:00.002-04:00

I was so excited to see this video posted last week! In addition to providing quality seeds and garden tools to families as in the above video, Mission Without Borders was able to donate seeds and orchard trees to children's homes.

God providentially allowed a new director to a home in Bulgaria. This new director of the Razliv home in Bulgaria is a trained agronomist! Every child planted tomato plants and potatoes in a small plot of land behind their school. Caring for their garden will teach responsibility, life skills, and contribute to the Home's kitchens (saving money on food expenses)!

It was exciting to see how this new project of Mission Without Borders has taken off and enjoyed such great success in its first year.

Albania in 2013!

2011-05-20T03:33:00.000-04:00

I just received another letter from K my sponsored child in Albania today! I have been sponsoring him for 4 years now and it's neat to get pictures as he grows from almost a toddler to second grader. I sponsor K through World Vision and I have a big announcement.. I am planning on visiting him in Albania in 2013!

I know you're thinking 2013?? A lot can happen between now and then. I agree. However, I had a good friend once tell me that you always need to have something to look forward to. Short term and long term. I have a goal of paying off all credit card debt by the end of 2012. This is a very real possibility. But money just doesn't move me emotionally.

I need something more..

I need an adventure- a challenge with a specific target in mind. Achieve this goal (pay off all credit cards) and this is the tangible reward- a semi-exotic vacation and seeing the awesome work God is doing in K's life.

Albania may not be a safari but it's exotic for me. The language barrier is huge. That will be something I'll try to make progress on next year. The words are unpronouncable (Romanian is phonetic which is nice!). I also hope to hop a bus and visit Durres, the base of operations for my good friends at Mission Without Borders. They also do a wonderful work there with families and children in need.

Right now I'm thinking the trip will be 7-10 days. It's more expensive to get to than Romania so that would be a factor in the length of stay.

When in 2013? That's still up in the air. If, as planned, I pay off all credit cards by December, I would like to save and pay cash for most of the trip. Based on $100/day (which is probably too much) expenses, this would bring the costs to about $1900-$2200- about 4-6 months of careful savings.

Anyhow enjoy the 'exotic' video. The flag is the Albanian flag (although it looks like the flag from our high school production of 'The Mouse That Roared'). More details to come..

A Inviat! He is Risen!

2011-04-24T17:31:00.000-04:00

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!

Cubicle Travel Tips - How To Save Money On Your Vacation

2011-02-25T01:11:00.002-05:00

How have you saved money on your family vacations? Let me hear your tips! Follow me on Twitter (@jeffltaylor2) and keep in touch!

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Ronald Reagan Endorses Personhood

2011-02-10T00:28:00.001-05:00

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Emergency Aid- World Vision in Haiti

2011-02-09T01:49:00.000-05:00

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January 20, 2010 It was a heart-stopping moment this morning when a powerful aftershock just after 6 a.m. had me making a hasty exit out of my hotel. I was soon joined by the rest of the World Vision staff, mostly in pajamas.

Once we had recovered our breath, the conversation quickly turned to how many more fragile buildings might have been brought down. The whole aftershock maybe lasted six or seven seconds. I’m writing at 6.30 a.m. and my heart is still pumping quite hard. It’s certainly the biggest quake I’ve ever been in, but I imagine it’s peanuts for others.

You can’t help feeling the people of Port-au-Prince could use a break. Yesterday, I spoke to a man named Rosmond at one of the city’s hospitals, where World Vision was delivering medical supplies. He was holding his bandaged-up son, but he had actually come to visit his daughter, who was lying on a stretcher, wrapped in multiple bloodied bandages. She had been trapped in a church building for two days before being rescued.

But it was Rosmond’s story that struck me on this occasion. He and his wife and 8-year-old son have been living on the street since the quake, sleeping on plastic sheets. He has been using the cash he had on him to buy food and water. That morning, his money had run out. It was about 3 p.m., and he and his family had not eaten all day.

In one sense, though, he was remarkably lucky. His home was built on a hillside, and he was the only one at home when the quake struck. His wife was at work and his son at a neighbor’s house. Seconds before the quake hit, he went to the outhouse. It will probably be the most fortuitous call of nature of his life. As he stepped outside, the quake hit. Three houses slid down the hillside, crashed into his home, and demolished it. Rosmond and the outhouse remained standing.

Donate to World Vision relief efforts in Haiti.

Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend!

2011-01-15T05:39:00.004-05:00