When Helping Hurts.......

This book was recommended to me by a pastor I sat next to on a flight to florida a while back.
This book is about evaluating short term missions. In a nutshell the book suggest being good stewarts of what God give us by doing his work in accordance with scripture. Thus whenever we desire to do HIS work there are more components to it then the "physical act of work"
We must "sow" as we work. The book suggest that the American culture and the jump on the band wagon of STM (short term missions) has in instantances caused more harm then help.
When there is no relationship no atmosphere for sharing God's plan. When the people we are serving are not being served as they determine their needs are. Instead the needs are determined by the folks doing the mission trip often the money spent and the relationships were not for God purpose but rather the "God complex". Which is when Americans think we are all that and know best because of our bountifulness, opportunies, and education. The author then takes one through a process of evaluation that makes those being served collaboratories of a "joint venture" with the team desiring to serve. Many STM operations don't allow for the planning the relationship building and the partnering needed to allow the work done to produce "sowing"for those being served and spiritual growth for those on the mission team.

I realize that the education and the experiences you all had on STM helped give you a better understanding of the world and an appreciation for the blessings you had been given. And allows for this conversation to take place. I therefore see all past expereinces as a means of getting to this point.

So with the above in mind please give your thoughts and comments on how to move forward in our desire to serve..............I love the idea of serving with you all.

(The book, When helping Hurts, I read, is at Sara' s house I left it there for all to share.)

So here a few questions I would like to throw out there:

Since this is an ongoing desire of our family, is there a project we can do that is already built on an existing relationship?
If so how can we collaborate with those we want to help in order to "meet them where they are at?"
Since many trips are very costly in travel. Can we arrange a way to come together for a project
but eliminate much travel/lodging expense so that our funds can go directly to help those in need?
Perhaps we would be better to do a joint venture to "raise funds for a project" or to do a project for someone in one of our own backyards?

Let's keep in mind .....what is alread on the family calendar. Adam's class graduation (the one that is important to him) is July 16th.
Please list any other events that are of importance so that we can work around them as we move this discussion along.

Thank you for your time I would love to hear AAAALLLLL thoughts.
LYMTML
mom

Keeping it Alive!

Adam and I were talking last night about how we both feel like we've let our "goals duties" fall behind in the past couple weeks...I know I feel really bad about the fact that I haven't blogged in a couple weeks.  So - this is a shout out to everyone to keep up the good work and re-energize your efforts.  We'd love to hear updates from everyone on how it's going - feel free to keep everyone updated here! :-D  Let's keep each other motivated and accountable!

Daily Bible Reading

Read the Bible in a Year!  Hey all ~ just thought I'd share the daily bible reading schedule our church is following. Just in case any of you feel the need/desire to get in the word more often :-)

Our dear Pasotr Mark just posted this on FB thought you would enjoy!!

And speaking of New Year's resolutions, here's a prayer that may help you: "Lord, Grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know its ME!”

CONTRIBUTORS

Not sure who has the ability to add more authors to this blog - probably Sara?  But I think that if we're going to be updating everyone on here (which I think is a great idea!) we should make sure everyone is invited.  We're currently missing:

Adam
Toni
Chris
Jay
Scott
Dad

At the least I guess maybe send out the sign-in info for the "Naab Family" account?

Update from KZOO!!!

Hello All!!

Little update for ya. Dad and I started our talk about our goals and plan to read a book called "Every Man's Battle." Its a little crazy cause I am now reading 2 books at once which is unheard of in Adam land.

Next, Chris and I are doing well. He is making a lot of insights into his soul that are very honest and genuine. He is also taking steps to communicate much more respectfully. I have to say I am very proud of him.

So far the goals are going well.

Thanks for everyone commitment to this!!!

God bless,
ADAM

Goal updates

Hey Naabs,
Here's an update on goals that I know about:

1. Ulrich and Jay got together and put an action plan together for operation clean up
2. Toni and I reviewed finances together and she's off and running with Mint.com. (A great site for managing money and financial goals)
3. Kelsey and I put together a blog for exploring issues of faith and acceptance.

Year is off to a positive start, if only I could get myself better.