Mobile Loaves and Fishes

It caught me by surprise how quickly the cold got under my skin and caused it to actually throb and ache with pain. The wind was brutal as it whipped down the streets of Providence last Saturday, the first day of December. Even though my fingers ached and my toes tingled from the cold my heart ached even more for the people that we met that day on the streets of Providence…the one’s that didn’t know if they would have a warm place to sleep that night or when they would get their next hot meal.

Last Saturday some of the JirehScope Ministry Team took to the streets of Providence on a training run with Mobile Loaves & Fishes (MLF), a new program to feed the needy right where they are on the streets. This miracle-on-wheels has finally come east of the Mississippi. We are excited and count it as a privilege to partner with The River Community Church of Woonsocket in serving the people in Rhode Island in this way.

We started off on Saturday by preparing over 200 hot dogs and 60 peanut butter sandwiches which were then loaded onto the MLF canteen truck along with fruit, chips, cookies, juice, hot coffee and hot chocolate. We also loaded on socks, gloves, hats, scarves, outerwear and some stuffed animals and off we drove into Providence.

Our first stop was Kennedy bus station where we were inundated with a crowd of people in minutes. Even with six of us working the truck we could barely keep up with the crowd pressing in to receive what we came to give them. One moment stands out among the rest at that stop…. A little girl was brought to me on the “clothing side of the truck” by an older woman and they asked if we had a hat. I was able to give her a pair of hot pink ear muffs, a bright and colorful scarf which brought a smile to her face. But her face light up with delight when I introduced her to her new friend-a bright white teddy bear. I watched her walk off into the frigid cold day hugging her newest friend.

We were asked to move from that location so we quickly boarded up and headed off to Crossroads, a facility that provides care for the homeless. Once again when they heard we were there throngs of people crowded the truck and we were quickly consumed with getting them food and something hot to drink. Within one hour from the time we opened the truck doors at Kennedy station we were closing the empty truck at Crossroads. Wow!

As we headed back to the commissary to clean out the truck we warmed our hands and feet and although we were filled with excitement that we had been able to provide hot food to so many we were humbled that God had chosen us to do His work this day.

It is now Tuesday and the day is once again cold and the ground covered with a dusting of snow and ice and I carry with me today a new perspective, a new brokenness for the homeless. I pray that God does not let me forget the suffering of these people nor the way that some showed compassion to me as they offered me their gloves for my cold hands.

The only thing they asked was that we should remember the poor, the very thing that I was eager to do. Galatians 2:10

To get back to JirehScope Ministries website, click here.

To purchase Troy's new Christmas song, to benefit Moblie Loaves and Fishes (RI), click here.

~Ruthann

We had a great time this weekend in Woonsocket, RI!! Troy was invited to minister with Harvest Community Church at an event to raise awareness about 411gina, an organization seeking information about missing persons. Though it's a secular organization, the host of the event talked about how in addition to seeking the lost in a spiritual sense, we Christians should be challenged to seek the lost in a physical sense as well.

And of course, as is usual for God, He worked some things out, and someone in the audience knew one of the missing people being profiled that night!!


And as a bonus for those of us there, Troy had a new song for the event, which "was good, and everyone liked it". ("it's good, we like it" is a common phrase among the JSM Team.. possibly overused, but wonderful just the same!!) Actually, I'm pretty sure everyone loved it, and can't wait for him to record it. (That's a not so subtle hint to Troy)

: )

O Mexico!

So I can't believe it's been a month already since we were waking up to the sound of the rooster and the dry desert air... but it has. Life definitely moves faster here... and though we work diligently in the desert of Juarez there is a calmness there that can only be attributed to the presence of God... and serving him in that capacity.

What a blessing it was for me to be on the Mission field with so many TRULY special people to me... and what a cool testimony of what God can do through a small group of committed people. I was very excited this year to be travelling with my 10 year old daughter Haley, my mom, many of the JirehScope Ministries team members, and many past worship team and youth group members.

Equally rewarding was how God raised up a group, hehe, from out of 'Ware'... that's Ware, MA for those who don't know. It was amazing how fast God 'knit' us all together for his purposes. We were soon laughing, working, sharing and ministering to and with each other... and it was easy to see how God grafted us together as a 'body.'

Our ministry efforts were great. We ran three days of VBS (vacation bible school) for the 60-80+ children (and some parents) of the neighboring 'colonia.' Each day we would take the bus out to watch the children run towards the bus an gather with excitement in their eyes, eager to come. We shared the gospel in translated messages, Spanish DVD's, song and with skits involving flash paper and 18' geysers of coca-cola!.. we shared our hearts and the love of Christ in many hugs, touches, looks and prayers, and as always, it was difficult watching them leave the last day. I was proud of our teams efforts. They presented the truth and the message of faith and salvation in Christ in engaging, unique and fun ways, that definitely kept the interest of the children.

We also did a great deal of construction. Ceilings were installed in the orphanage building. Plumbing was continued and the 'swamp coolers' were made usable. We capped 60' of block wall with concrete with a small concrete bucket brigade. I estimate we dug and set around 40 posts and installed metal fencing to provide some security for a new property site as well as continuing to dig for the footer of the final concrete wall that will surround the existing Orphanage compound. ALL of this was done with the joy of the Lord being evident in the attitudes of all those involved. We began each day asking to be filled with His Spirit... and He is so faithful.

We also spent a day visiting families and dispensing food throughout the colonia. Our host, Gary Matthewson said it was the most rewarding day he has had doing 'dispensa' in that colonia yet. We prayed with people for strength, healing and to accept Christ... for wisdom for parents and obedience for children. I was blessed to see that the families in that colonia in Juarez that were doing 'well' by the standard there, were doing well BECAUSE of the works of Christ through the church. 'Casa de Cristo' is also leaving a mark for the Kingdom there... and I was moved and encouraged to see that.

Honestly I am still hearing reports of how Mexico has touched and changed and birthed things in the team members. I could go on an on, but ministry continues... August has been the FULLEST month yet for ministry and travel opportunities and has held some promise for many new doors... stay tuned for a blog on the week with the youth in Shutesbury, MA at Pinebrook Camp!!

Ever Praising the Amazing! (He is SOO worthy to be praised!)

Troy

What happens in Mexico... doesn't stay in Mexico!!!

Well, it's been a few weeks since we all returned from our Mexico Mission, and I think I might finally be at the point where I can talk about the trip without overwhelming myself with missing everyone, and wanting so badly to be back there. I still miss everyone, of course, and I definitely want to go back, but I'm back to the same old normal that life typically consists of, and I've stopped resisting that. Hopefully, at the same time, I've been able to retain what God taught me in Mexico this year. When we first got back, I didn't want to unpack, because that was acknowledging that I was home. (It was the bugs that finally made me do it... the thought that there may be tons of icky bugs, and spiders, and snakefrogs in my suitcase, waiting to be let loose in my house... :) some of you can hear me screaming right now...and you're laughing at me. It's OK, so am I.) When we first got back, I didn't want to talk about the trip to anyone who hadn't been with us... because most of the time, words can't even begin to express anything about the trip. People who aren't there don't understand exactly why you went... lots of times we ourselves don't understand why we went until we get there. People who weren't there don't remember the sunsets, the rain, the bugs, the smells, the people, the stars, the kids, the stories, the jokes. Sometimes they can't get past the pictures of mattresses on the floor, scorpions, cement showers, and bathrooms that you have to walk outside to get to! They don't understand how none of that matters at all when you see the kids laughing, or see how some of the people down there live their everyday lives. They don't understand how one trip can completely change you, refresh you, remind you that you're not alone on this earth. They don't understand how freeing it is to spend a week thinking only of other people, and nothing of yourself. They don't understand the blessing in sacrificing comfort and material amenities. They don't understand how one smile, one tear from someone who comes to know more of God's love because of you can make your day, your week, your year.

All those things make it hard to leave each year, and harder to come back to normal life. Harder to go back to work. Harder to take care of the mundane, when you've spent a week amidst miracles... This year, for me, it was harder to come back than it has been in the past. I'm not quite sure why, but it was. My first week back to work, I mostly tried not to cry each day, and kept myself busy enough that I didn't really have time to think. I was working on a project with my boss, and in talking one day about different ideas and methods, she said, "Brooke, that's a good idea. You need to go to Mexico more often!" (Clearly, I had no good ideas BEFORE Mexico!!) Seriously though, when we go away on trips like this one, people around us expect something when we come back. I had been busy hating work, and thinking about how stupid and pointless it is in the grand scheme of things, and my boss was thinking that there was something different about me. They may not understand why we go, or HOW it happens, but they expect us to be different when we return. So often, we are the last ones to see the change within ourselves. We know it happened, cause we experienced it, felt it, and believe it. But sometimes, we get stuck wondering, "Lord, where are the effects of that change?" Inside, we feel like the same old normal, doing the same old mundane things we did before we left. But if we allow Him to, God will change us whenever and whereever He can, and for some reason it's easier on trips like this. But the changes don't stay in Mexico. We will be changed in the U.S. as much as Mexico; in the office as much as the desert, in our homes as much as the dormitories. And if we'll allow Him, He will use those changes to affect the people around us. They will take notice, and they will wonder... "what is it about Mexico?" And when that happens, hopefully it's after the withdrawals, and we can speak with joy instead of sadness. Hopefully we can speak His Truth, and hopefully our emotions will compliment that Truth, and not compromise it. Hopefully, brilliant ideas about data and mailings will not be the only change that people notice about me. Hopefully, they will ask me, "How was Mexico; what's diffrent about you?" And hopefully, I'll have the words to explain it to them, exactly the way God wants them to hear it.

-brooke

MEXICO!!!!!

I just got my vacation request approval for time off to go to Mexico!!!!! I'm SOOOOO excited, and I can't wait to get there.... I even can't wait to get to the airport!! Plane rides are the perfect opportunity to rest... you can leave things behind, where ever you're leaving from, and look forward to what lies ahead, where ever you're landing....

I'm already looking forward to everything involved in being in Mexico- everything!! Spending time with Garry and Terry; shopping for a gazillion pounds of food; fruit breaks; aprons and hairnets; swamp coolers; quasi-showers; the constant sound of work; the constant sound of Mexican kids; the joy of working all day every day, and knowing that it's accomplishing more than we'll ever realize this side of Heaven; sand storms, any storms; language barriers, and seeing God work beyond them; the mountains; the sunrises (and the street lights); rootbeer floats; the fish (hehehehe- ask Ruthann about the fish); the distance from a world of materialism- where what you have matters more than who you are; being humbled by the need in Mexico; seeing God's provision in the midst of that need; the distinct feeling you get when you're being used by God for something so much bigger than yourself, so far beyond your little world; Mexican worship services- all 4 hours of it; and of course, seeing my dad dance (don't tell him I've mentioned that part)!!!!!


hehe... Now I'm even MORE excited!!!

:-D

-brooke

Blog of Thanks

Just a quick word of thanks and praise for God working out the Mexico flights for us.. Through Pastor Bernadette.. He's Awesome!
~Troy

1.. 2.. 3.. Go! on 1 3 2 0.. AM that is!

*Inside information on the title...
"1, 2, 3 Go!" = what the JirehScope Team says when we confirm a decision.
1, 3, 2, 0 = 1320 AM on the Radio

Some time ago I met an individual at The Upper Room in Warwick, RI... where I was ministering. Well it turned out that "Mike," this individual, runs a christian radio show out of Providence. (Actually two... but more on that later) (SIDE NOTE: for those of you who are accustomed to my LONG blogs with spiritual content and 'challenge' at the core... this may be out of the norm... just a short note on a fun and hopefully prosperous opportunity! Guess we'll see when we're done!) So, after helping out at another ministry event in Warwick, Mike asked again if we could schedule a date to come on the show... May 26th! So, two days ago I cut my teeth on radio interviewing... what fun!!... and a cool way to share some messages in word, Word and song.

Mike runs a two hour show, Heart Rock Radio, and proceded to have me on for the entire two hour duration. We spoke about JirehScope Ministries, my ministry experiences, Jesus, Moses, the church, my new position at Word of Life Church, following God's agenda, (the need for air conditioning at Mike's radio studio ;-) and several of the 'stories behind the songs' as he played I think 6-7 of my songs. It was a wonderful opportunity to share some of my passions in this manner and I felt VERY alive encouraging the listeners to seek God's face as Moses did and STRIVE for greater intimacy with the Father... among other things.

At the close of the 1320 AM show Mike asked if I would be willing to come on his FM show some time in the future. (Woohoo! Stay tuned for future opportunities to catch that show on broadcast or 'podcast' as well!) We exchanged some 'networking opportunities' to be a blessing to eachother. (I'm going to provide him with some 'sound engineering' training... and he may be floating me some 'industrial music work.' PRAISE THE LORD for divine connections!! We also spoke of eachothers personal passions and goals. (Pray for Mike... He has a heart to be used for the Kingdom. "Give him favor Lord... and the desires of his heart.)

If you are interested in hearing this show I was given a copy and permission to set it up as a podcast... so feel free to leave a comment if you are interested. If there is 'some' interest I'll try to get that set up soon!

Okay... I've got to slip this in somewhere... AGAIN, I am 'JirehScoping'... seeing HIS hand at work! Again remember, we founded the ministry with an awareness of the importance of being faithful in the little... See how AWESOME and BIG God is! I agreed to go provide sound engineering (and impromptu training) for a ministry, on a volunteer basis, because I sensed God was in it. HE in turn used this opportunity to set up a relationship and bless me with at least one tremendous opportunity already. (Hehe... consider those lillies and birdies!! Man does He provide. Mt 6:25-34)

"Lord You are so cool! I pray Your strength for anyone reading this today that continues to give 'in the little' even when tired and the 'rewards are not 'readily apparent.' I thank You for being the God of opportunity. Help us to SENSE, SEE, HEAR and ENTER EVERY opportunity YOU CREATE for us for YOUR glory and the building of the Kingdom! ~in Jesus Name... Amen."

Praising the Amazing!

Troy Bourne
FounderJirehScope Ministries www.jirehscopeministries.org

"I need to duck distractions fence, and gently slip into Your Backyard
and climb the tree thats near Your House and lift a song of love
A serenade to win Your Heart and make You open heaven's window
when You look down into Your yard I want You to see me"

Excerpt from the song "Serenade" on "To See Your Face EP" Hear this and more at www.shoutlife.com/troybourne or Troy's MySpace More info on JirehScope Ministries at www.jirehscopeministries.org

Time Sensitive Material

“Time Sensitive Materials Enclosed! Please Respond Immediately!” If you’re like me you come across mail somewhat regularly that is marked with these words, and yet SO LITTLE of it seems important enough to really respond to immediately. I hope it has not desensitized us to the importance of truly ‘time sensitive material.’ Have you ever wondered how much ‘time sensitive material’ God tries to present us with that we just aren’t sensitive enough to pick up on? My pastor (Pastor Mark from Word of Life Covenant Church) recently quoted something he heard and identified with. “God, You did that on purpose!” (Said with a smile, aware of His Hand at work) Often times I will have an ‘initial elation’ when I realize that God had ‘set something up!’ A week ago I guess you could say, ‘God set something up.’ And again, upon realizing His Hand at work, I was elated… initially, but what follows this elation is actually much more productive in my opinion, because it deals with adjustments in our sensitivity to His timing.

This ‘initial’ feeling is common with me. I can recollect many times of knowing that I was in the right place at the right time because of Him… had read the right passage to be equipped for something He KNEW was coming… was lead to call someone, or bring something… or pray for someone… or bring forth a need only to see HIS Hand of providence honor the obedience to His prompting by opening the floodgates of His provision! There are COUNTLESS other things that I KNOW God had stirred for a purpose. He is SO awesome to use us in that manner. However some time ago, the Lord told me while I was journaling an AMAZING encounter with Him that I sensed Him saying ‘this can be the normal day to day with Me.’ As exciting as it sounds, and BELIEVE ME, IT’S EXCITING… it’s also the reason for the ‘initial' elation.

John 5:17 reads, “My Father is always at His work, to this very day, and I, too am working.” Later it continues saying even Jesus Himself can ‘do nothing of Himself but only what He sees His Father doing.’ This verse often comes to mind in a humbling fashion immediately following my ‘initial elation.’ God is ALWAYS at work. (Did I mention ALWAYS?) Eph 2 tells us that ‘we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to perform good works WHICH HE HAS PLANNED IN ADVANCE. (Hehe, chuckling wondering if he ordained THIS very moment, already written in His ‘log of plans’ for yours truly. Seriously, try to wrap your mind around that for just a second.)

Last Friday, while preparing for JirehScope’s Mexico Missions Trip meeting, I distinctly sensed the Lord leading me to initiate a season of ‘bearing each others burdens’ within the team. I had received a ‘directive’ from the Lord about how to actively implement this with the team. Pastor Mark Sowersby, of Ware, MA (who is attending the Mexico trip with us) brought a related teaching from Mark 2, of the four men who lowered the paralyzed man through the roof… making a discerning note on how Christ saw ‘their’ faith and how it moved him. We couldn’t have known how we as a team were going to unite in faith for a burden within the team that night… but God did.

That morning one of our ‘Mexico missionaries’ team member was diagnosed with cancer. While this may have sent ‘some’ into hiding, she still attended the meeting and ALL of the team felt the encouragement of her presence. “Where would I rather be than with a family of Christians?” she said. I too was encouraged… BOTH by her amazing attitude AND by God setting us up earlier in the day to bear one another’s burdens. We had an opportunity to unite OUR faith like the four men on the roof. We had been sensitive to His prompting and agenda for THAT TIME. He led us to the appropriate scriptures… appropriate attitudes… and appropriate ‘directives’ AHEAD of time. We were prepared for the opportunity to be hearers of the Word AND DOERS of the Word. We had opportunity to pray and anoint and expect. (And we WILL expect… because YOU SET IT UP GOD! WOOHOO!! You set that up God… You did that on purpose!) Lord I believe you began something that day… and Your Word says that You who began a work will be faithful to complete it. (Phew… ‘Began’ sort of goes hand in hand with ‘initially’… have I digressed? Stay with me.)

For those of you who have been reading my articles over the past 9 years, this concept of ‘initial elation’ is being revisited with a different title… so forgive me, as I don’t apologize for revisiting the concept. Let me pose this question. For every time that we have the elation of KNOWING that we have truly been orchestrated by Him, are we also aware of the fact that He could be trying to orchestrate us minute by minute? My initial elation is really the humbling realization of the spans of time that He may be knocking on my thick head trying to orchestrate, ‘set up’ and DO SOMETHING ON PURPOSE through me! Put this in light of ‘anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.’ I guess what I really desire is to have MANY ‘initial elations’ in the normal day to day, while remaining humble enough to realize that He could be knocking again in moments.

Gotta go… it might be time to get the door… there could be ‘time sensitive materials’ waiting. And right now there may be something timely for you too. Maybe a new awareness of His leading… maybe a prompting to pray for our missionary team member… maybe something you could NEVER know was coming, but He does. “Make us sensitive Lord to Your timing and leading… in Jesus Name.”

Till next time… Keep praising the Amazing!

Troy