A New Experiece

 We have been working with the colonias for many years now but experienced a new adventure on Friday. It has rained before, and we have canceled the day before because of muddy and flooding conditions. This Friday we arrived at Border Missions in a sort of cloudy and very slightly drizzly atmosphere. As we were getting ready to load it started poring rain - this has never happened before! We were able to back into the warehouse and load in the dry area, Because of the downpour, the roads in the colonias were flooded as well as the area where we distribute, so we had to cancel at the very last minute. I understand a few folks showed up but there was no one there. We returned home with everything we had loaded - luckily the weather was cooler so we could just park under the car port until Saturday morning. We then notified everyone that we would be there to distribute despite the wet and soggy boxes of produce! Our amazing helpers showed up and we began unpacking, often stopping to pour the water from soggy boxes. We did receive some extra food from a park resident, so we were able to provide a decent amount of food, as the supply seems down the past couple of weeks - perhaps due to the in-between season here in the Valley. Our CRM conference starts next week and some of the chaplains are bringing donations of beans and rice - the Lord always seems to provide. 

The CRM Conference will be a bit sparse this year, as many of the chaplains will be attending virtually due to the fact that their parks are not open yet, some of them not allowing any activities in the halls. Some chaplains are being very creative, holding outside services at their site to folks on golf carts or those bringing their own chairs, wearing masks and social distancing. Almost all of them also offer an online service. It is going to be a very different season here in the Valley, but I am sure everyone will find interesting ways to worship. After all, the disciples held services under the trees and outside in temple squares. 

The position of ladies in the church in present times has changed dramatically from early times. The legal and social status of women has fluctuated. Women were persecuted just because of their gender - even today in many countries women are considered less than animals. We are so lucky to live here in America where women are allowed (even encouraged) to become whatever they want - the sky is the limit, as in the current status of the current Supreme Court nominee. In the civilized world, women since the 18th century have experienced universal education and the right to vote. In the Christian realm of the world they have proved equal to men in achievements in education, art, literature, social services, and missionary work. God fearing wives and mothers have proved to be be vital factors in the spiritual elevation of our whole nation. Immoral behavior and the ever increasing divorce rate calls for us women to intercede along with God to again raise womanhood to its noblest heights which He originally intended for all daughters of Eve. 

We need to develop a positive view of government today. God honors good government. God establishment 3 things that are under attack today - family, church and government. Police officers are deeply involved in government and community - often making decision of government laws over emotional feelings. They not only write tickets and enforce the law, but we see them out there assisting in changing tires, helping the young and elderly, being involved in community affairs, etc. They are loyal, hard working servants God and for people of the community. Pray for law enforcement during this election that we have a peaceful election. God protect our officers as they protect us by helping to maintain the laws of our government.

How do you live as a dual citizen - as a citizen of the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the United States? How do we live as citizens of both? " Let everyone be subject to government authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves." Romans 13:1-2 is God's view of government. Our goal during this election is to be Biblically correct. It is God who establishes authority. He is in control. Any power given to officials have been given to them by God. God wants us to be submissive to the government - to be humble out of respect to the office.  Have respect not rebellion as God delegates authority. God established government to be a servant for Him - to punish evil doers in order to maintain order. God wants us to live under good government. Pray for all of those in authority that we many live in peace and quiet. How to we respond to government? We need to submit to authority because of our conscience . We need to honor authority - not from fear of being caught but because of our conscience. "For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil, live as God's slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor (leaders). 1 Peter 2:15-17. This does not speak against injustice. We need to vote - it enhances our ability to change the world. We can help by changing the tone in which we engage with others - speak the truth with grace. Share what we believe in respectful ways. Is there a time to stand up against the government? It would be in the  matters of worship - who and how we worship. Worship God alone. We stand for the American flag and all the values it stands for, but we kneel before God and only God. Bow our knee to God but stand for the flag. We need to stand on Christian morals and continue to witness for Christ. When there is a clash between Government and Christ, where do you stand? We stand strong for Christ.