JOHN SHIRK – With tactfulness in place, we are sensitive to what might be proper or appropriate in dealing with others. We are careful not to be offensive in the way we approach a delicate matter. There are various situations where tactfulness can be extremely helpful in resolving outstanding problems: Mediation in conflict, dealing with a customer complaint, or approaching someone who is making unwise choices with their lives. With tactfulness, we care about the way we deliver the truth so that words of wisdom might fall on receptive hearts. Tactfulness sends a tough message with a tender touch.
There are several examples of this in the Bible. Proverbs 15:4 tells us that a tongue that brings healing is a tree of life. Ephesians 4:15 tells us that spiritual growth happens in relationships when we speak the truth in love. And our witness for Christ to unbelievers is more likely to be heard when we share the reason for our hope with gentleness and respect.
Tactfulness is a character quality that enables us to represent Jesus in the world today.
LISA LANDIS-I’m slowly easing back into the work week after an exciting time with Friends in Action Intl. reporting live from their work projects in Nicaragua.
We had some free time in Bluefields before we flew to Managua on Saturday. Here are a few of the pictures from our time in Bluefields. These are some of the places the Bluefields work teams get to experience, including trips to the market, the boat docks, & the town:
And here are some of the sites from our visit Sunday to Masaya, Nicaragua including “the lookout” over Lake Masaya:
Listeners can join Friends in Action work teams going to Nicaragua to build homes in May and June. Those interested can get more information or an application by calling the office at (717) 546-0208 or emailing FIA-USA@FIAintl.org.
JANUARY 2009 – Jeff Bianchi stops by the Kids Cookie Break to talk to Lisa Landis about playing with the Kansas City Royals minor league team and being a Christian in the world of big league baseball.
JOHN SHIRK – Alertness can be described as being attentive and watchful. Our senses are heightened to be in tune with what is going on around us.
To be alert is to be aware of potential hidden dangers. In the spiritual realm, the Bible challenges us to be aware of dangers, which wage war against our soul.
First Peter 5:8 instructs us to “be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”
Alertness teaches us to avoid the pitfalls of laziness and complacency. We are in a spiritual battle. We can prepare for each day’s challenges with a time of worship that includes prayer and Bible study. This will awaken our soul to be in tune with God’s will for our lives.
Alertness is a character quality that enables us to represent Jesus in the world today.
Here’s a quick look at what it takes to build a cement block house in Boom Sirpi. FIA supplies the materials & teams visit to help, but for the most part the people build their own house. It takes 800 blocks to build a house. The kitchen is located next to the block house and that is constructed of wood. The block is one large room.
Mandisa’s newest CD “What If We Were Real” will release on Tuesday, April 5th, 2011…But you can win-it-before-you-can-buy-it TODAY on WJTL! Listen for cues to call in and win and find out more about Mandisa and her music here!
JOHN SHIRK – Cooperation can be defined as working together or acting together for a common purpose. Teamwork is involved. This does not mean we go along with activity that violates our convictions, but with a cooperative spirit, we demonstrate a servant’s attitude to work with others to get the job done. We show flexibility to the ideas of others. We show respect for our co-laborers. We show a willingness to help where help is requested. Cooperation is particularly important in the church.
Jesus said, “A house divided against itself will fall.” This is the result of members working against each other instead of with each other. Ephesians 4:16 shows us how a cooperative spirit moves the ministry of a church forward. Speaking of Christ, “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
A cooperative spirit is a character quality that enables us to represent Jesus in the world today.
Tune in for Afternoons With Kristi Leigh (2-6 p.m.) March 28 – April 01 for chances to win tickets to a performance of a stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic “Nicholas Nickleby” by T.E.A.C.H. Drama, directed by Mr. Stan Deen. The performance will be held at the Cocalico Middle School Auditorium in Denver on Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2. For more details, call 610-775-2528 or click here!
LISA LANDIS- After our visit to the Rama Island we got back in the boat and traveled not far across the bay to the Rama Mainland. This is where FIA is working to build a village for the Rama people. A man named William is letting Friends in Action use some of his land to construct houses, teach the people agriculture, and generate wind power. This is where Karlita Bravo and her little brother and mom and dad live. They are the national missionaries with Central American missions who are partnering with the work of Friends in Action.
Here are some pictures from our Friday visit. The couple pictured is William and his cousin, the boats are their fishing boats and the cabin is one of the new cabins FIA is building to house works teams. The other house is the Bravo house and the base where Tim and other workers stay. I had a sweet siesta on their hammock. Nothing like being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the jungle. The church is also pictured below. The shot across the water is looking at the Rama Island from the Mainland.
As you see we left to go back to Bluefields as the sun was going down. Next I will post videos of our Friday visit. I hope to post those as we wait in the airport Monday.
