Ice Breaker – We Are The World

Each week on The Stretched Blog, I ask an ice breaker question. The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community. I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments. While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

On this day (March 7th) 29 years ago, a large group of popular singers released “We Are The World” and launched an initiative (“USA for Africa”) which raised money for Africa by selling over 20 million copies of this hit single.  If you lived through the 80s, you have to check out the video and remember the great hairstyles and attire of the singers.

Today’s Stretched Ice Breaker is inspired by We Are The World.

(I’m always looking for Ice Breaker question ideas.  If you have an idea, send me an email at jon@jonstolpe.com.  If I use your question, I’ll give you credit and share your links.)

Question:  What is your cause?  What is one cause you’d like others to know about?  What is one thing people can do to learn more about this cause?  And what is one thing they can do to further this cause?

My Answer:  If you’ve been reading here for any length of time, you know the people of Guatemala have captured my heart.  This year, I’ll be taking my family back to Xenacoj, Guatemala to work with GO! Ministries.  We will be specifically ministering to the widows and orphans of this area (James 1:27).  To learn more about GO! Ministries click the link above.  Here are a few things you can do to further the cause of GO! Ministries:

1. Pray.  Pray for guidance and effective ministry.  Pray for the widows and orphans.
2. Give.  On the website for GO! Ministries, there are a few different ways you can give.  Every bit helps.  I’ve seen the power of a few bucks.
3. Go.  Go on a short-term missions trip with me to Guatemala.  You can make a huge difference by going to Guatemala for a week.
4. Share.  Share with others about GO! Ministries.  And share about our trip.

Here’s our highlight video from last year’s trip:

Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.) And keep STRETCHING!

Also don’t forget to sign up for the Stretched newsletter.  Check out this post to find out how to sign up.

Guatemala Fundraiser Recital

Preparing for a missions trip takes a lot of time, energy, and resources.  You have to lock in the date for the trip.  You have to coordinate details of the trip.  And you have to determine the resources required to make the trip possible.  Some of these resources include tools, supplies, and donations for those you are helping.  Finally, you have to consider the financial cost of going on a missions trip.  How will you pay for the trip?

Our family is heading back to Guatemala this summer to serve with GO! Ministries in and around Xenacoj (a small village an hour and a half outside of Guatemala City).  Our date recently made a minor modification.  We are now planning to go July 20th through July 27th.  We will be ministering to the orphans and widows of the village.  As we get closer, we will be able to share more about what we’ll be doing specifically and what we will need to bring.

We have intentionally put aside money to help pay for this trip, but we still need to do some fundraising to help cover the costs of this trip which will cost our family approximately $7,000.  (We need to raise approximately $3,000 to help close the gap.)  We are kicking off our fundraising efforts this year with a recital.  Isaac will be headlining the recital, and he will be joined by friends and relatives who have offered their musical talents to help us raise money for Guatemala.

You are invited!  Here are the details:

Send Me

Last night, our H.O.P.E. group met at our house for dinner, a devotion/discussion, and a service project.  Usually, I lead the devotion/discussion, but last night was different.  Isaac (my son) led the devotion/discussion.

He started this time by reading a verse from Isaiah:

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”  Isaiah 6:8

The discussion kicked off with a question from Isaac: “What does this verse mean to you?”

It was a great discussion.

What would prompt Isaiah to respond the way he did?

It’s not always fun to serve, but it’s often very satisfying to serve others.

We don’t always see the benefit of serving others, yet we have to trust our efforts will not be lost on others.

But I think there’s more to Isaiah’s response.

If you read the rest of Isaiah 6, you’ll notice Isaiah shares a vision in which he is escorted into the throne room of God himself.  He sees seraphim with six wings covering their heads with two wings, covering their feet with two wings, and flying with two wings.  They are singing “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty.  Heaven and earth are filled of His glory.”

Isaiah’s response in verse 8 is the only way he could respond having experienced God and His glory.

There’s a lot of great reasons to serve others, to volunteer your time, and to even go on missions trips.  But the main reason for doing these kinds of things is to respond to God and His glory.

Do you realize God is holy?  How do you respond?

May we respond like Isaiah – Send me!

(Great job, Isaac!  Thanks for leading.)

6 Reasons To Go To Guatemala With Me In 2014

This Saturday afternoon, our family will be hosting an informational meeting for those who might be interested in going to Guatemala with us in 2014.  We’d love to have you join us.  To find out more about the meeting, click here.

Why would you want to go to Guatemala with me in 2014?

Great question!  While I think it would be an amazing and unique experience for anyone, I don’t think it’s just something COOL to do.  I think a trip to Guatemala is a great idea for many reasons.  Today’s post will give you something to chew on.  I’m hoping it will leave you curious to find out more information.

6 Reasons To Go To Guatemala With Me In 2014

1. Follow the Great Commission.  In Matthew 28:18-20, we are told to go into all the world.  Going to Guatemala with me will provide a great way for you to live this out.
2. Do something different.  You can spend a week at the beach or a week in the mountains any year.  Make this a year when you do something different.  Going to Guatemala with me will give you the opportunity to do something completely different.  You will eat different food.  You will hear different language and different music.  You will meet different people.  It will be different, and it will be good!
3. Broaden your view.  You live in a box.  I’m not sure how big it is, but you have your comfort levels and viewpoints based on what goes on in your “little” box.  Did you know there is much more in this world that happens outside your box?  My first trip to Guatemala in 2012 was an eye-opener for me.  I had never before seen the poverty that I saw in Guatemala.  I was introduced to a new culture and way of life as I walked the streets of Xenacoj and met the people.  Going to Guatemala with me will broaden your view and change many of your perspectives on life.
4. Get your feet wet.  When you approach a swimming pool, a lake, or the ocean to go for a swim, most of us stick a toe in the water before we jump in.  We want to see how the water feels.  Is it hot?  Is it cold?  We want to get our feet wet before we commit ourselves to getting completely wet.  Going to Guatemala with me will give you the opportunity to get your feet wet on missions.
5. Change someone’s life forever.  When people think of a short-term missions trip, they don’t often think about having a long-term impact.  My experience has shown me that a short-term trip can have a long-term impact.  Going to Guatemala with me will give you an opportunity to change someone’s life forever.
6. Change your life.  I don’t like change.  I like being in my “comfort zone.”  But I’ve realized how change can be healthy.  It STRETCHES you to new heights.  It transforms you into something better.  Going to Guatemala with me will change your life forever.  You will come home a different person.  I’m hoping you will come home with a new mindset – a mission mindset!

What are your travel plans for 2014?  What would a trip to Guatemala with me make possible in your life and in the lives of those around you?

Go To Guatemala With Me In 2014 – Informational Meeting

Do you want to do something incredible in 2014?

Here’s something for you to consider.

What:  Guatemala Missions Trip 2014 Informational Meeting

When:  January 18, 2014 at 1 PM  (We’re planning for this to last an hour to an hour and a half.  We’ll provide a little taste of Guatemala cuisine.)

Where:  My House in Schwenksville, PA (contact me for directions)

Why:  Our family is planning a return trip to Guatemala August 3, 2014 through August 10, 2014.  We believe you may be called to go with us this year, and we’d like to share with you about our previous trip and about what you might expect by joining us this summer.  We would also like to give you more details and answer your questions.

Who:  We’re not asking you to commit to going just yet.  If the idea of going on an adventure, getting out of your comfort zone, and doing something worthwhile is remotely interested, you should consider coming to this meeting.  (Maybe you don’t live near me.  Maybe you already have a commitment during this time slot.  If you can’t make it, but you want more information, e-mail me at jonstolpe@gmail.com so we can connect.)

RSVP:  We need to know how many to plan for.  Leave a comment or send me an e-mail to let us know you’re coming.

Go To Guatemala With Me In 2014!

This is a time when people are setting goals and planning vacations for the new year.  I’m looking forward to new goals and new beginnings in 2014.  I want to challenge you to consider a goal/vacation trip.  Why not go to Guatemala with our family in 2014?

Our family is starting to plan a return to Guatemala.

Here are the rough details:

End of July or Beginning of August 2014

Fly into and Guatemala City from your city

Serve in and around Xenacoj (this could be a mix of feeding children, visiting widows, construction, or other forms of serving).  I can’t tell you exactly what we’ll be doing yet, but I’m sure it will be life changing for you and for those in Guatemala.

Approximate cost is $1,300 to $1,500 per person.  This includes your airfare, expenses in Guatemala (food, transportation, shelter), and travel insurance.  You’ll need a passport (which could add to the cost if you don’t have a current passport).

If you’re interested in hearing more, leave a comment.  I’ll touch base with you with more information.

Here are two highlight videos to wet your appetite.  The first video highlights our family’s trip in 2013.  The second video highlights my first trip to Guatemala in 2012.

A Letter To Me – Note From Guatemala (2012)

This week, I received a letter from me.  It’s a note I wrote to myself the day before I left Xenacoj, Guatemala for the first time (in 2012).  It’s interesting to read my thoughts in this letter.  The letter really only scratches the surface on the reflections I’ve had since leaving Xenacoj the first time and returning again last summer.  Here’s the letter:

Dear Jon,

When thinking back to all of the incredible things God did during my trip to Xenacoj, Guatemala with Adventures Youth (and RIOT Missions), I stand amazed.

What an experience it was!  I couldn’t stop laughing when Spencer (Ware) shared his funny stories.  And you’ll never believe me when I tell you about the time when we built a home for a family in just 2 1/2 days.

This experience wasn’t just new places and faces, God showed up in huge ways.  My favorite part about ministry was sharing and praying with locals and I will never forget the way their openness impacted me so much.  I especially loved the time we were able to bless Zuli’s family by building a home and giving her family paint for their new house.

This week, the rhythm of my life was interrupted.  I learned to connect with God by avoiding distractions.  The big groups and devotions helped me discover that I have a unique sound and story.  In the wavelength of my life’s experiences, my highs and lows, I can see how God is involved in my life.  During this trip, I saw God in key moments like the time we returned from dedicating Zuli’s house.

Being empowered to access the kingdom and hear God’s voice, I learned sharing our faith is simply a matter of offering prayer and a hand of help to those in need.

Something I never knew about myself until this experience is kids (teenagers) actually look up to me (and not just because I’m tall).  The biggest thing I learned about God and His character is He speaks to me.  Because of Xenacoj, I will never live life the same way as before.

The world is waiting and it’s time I amplified the messages I hear from the Lord, time to proclaim my story.  And it’s not just enough to amplify.  After this week, I realize the need to reverberate; I must keep moving again and again, allowing the voice of God to echo through my own story.

Jon

A missions trip of this type is pretty powerful.  It stretches you in ways you could never fully imagine.  This initial trip which was spurred by a question from a friend and a leap of faith has led to significant life change.  My family has been forever changed.  And I’m convinced we can help other individuals and families to experience this same type of life change.  Xenacoj left a huge mark – a STRETCH mark – on me.

Our family is in the process of planning a return trip to Xenacoj in 2014.  We would love to have you join us.  I can’t promise it will be easy.  I can’t promise it will be comfortable.  I can’t promise you’ll have the exact same experience as I have had so far.  But I can promise this – you will be stretched.  You will be wrecked (in a good way).  And you will be forever changed.

How does that make you feel?  Scared?  Excited?  Inspired?  Encouraged?  Unaffected?  Really how does the thought of joining me and my family on a missions trip to Xenacoj, Guatemala make you feel?

What are you waiting for?  What will it take for you to go?

Seriously, if this is something you are interested in pursuing.  Please leave a comment or reach out to me.  Let’s talk!

5 Reasons The Church Should Engage In Short-Term Missions

The local church is God’s designed instrument for impacting the local community and for living out the Great Commission.  And I believe short-term missions is a key tool for pursuing this command.  If you’ve been reading for very long, you know that short-term missions has had a huge impact on me – an individual.  But I believe there is something greater to consider.  Short Term Missions can also have an amazing impact on churches.

In today’s post, I’d like to share some thoughts on short-term missions and the local church.  I’ll present five reasons the local church should engage in short-term missions.  I’d love to get your thoughts and feedback.  Do you agree with these reasons?  What other reasons would you add to this list?  And how have you seen short-term missions work (or not work) in your local church?

5 Reasons the local church should engage in short-term missions:

1. Short Term Missions provides a way to partner with full-time missionaries.  There are many full-time missionaries out there who depend on relationships built through the local church to provide financial and prayer support for their ministry.  Short Term Missions connects churches with missionaries to enable greater work.
2. Short Term Missions challenges individuals to take a leap of faith.  This is part of my story.  My church has made a practice of challenging church attenders to go on a short-term missions trip.  I’m assuming that most people are like me.  Most people have to take a leap of faith in order to go on this kind of trip.  These kinds of trips change lives.  My life was changed when I took a leap of faith to Guatemala in 2012, and I know many people who were dramatically changed when they decided to go on a short-term missions trip.
3. Short Term Missions encourages members of the church body to leave a legacy.  This is becoming my story.  My initial trip to Guatemala had a huge impact on me.  I knew when I came back the first time I wanted to go back again.  And I also knew I wanted to keep finding ways to make an eternal dent in the village of Xenacoj.  Even now, I am planning and praying about a return to Guatemala in 2014.  Maybe you’ll join me!
4. Short Term Missions is a way for the local church to make disciples of ALL people.  The Great Commission instructs Christ followers to go into ALL the world baptizing and teaching others to follow Christ.  I believe this starts in the local community, but I also believe the local church has a responsibility to go into ALL the world.  A great way for the local church to take an initial step toward this command is to pursue short-term missions.
5. Short Term Missions inspires the church body to pursue greater goals for the Kingdom.  Everybody likes a great story.  I know my stories from Guatemala have been an encouragement for others.  And I’ve seen the stories of others who have returned from a week away in Guatemala, Mexico, Haiti, India, and Kenya.  These stories have an amazing power to move people.  Call it the ripple effect.  Stories from short-term missions experiences multiply and even grow exponentially as other people jump on board to go on a trip of their own and as churches take bigger leaps and make intentional decisions to devote more of their focus and resources to helping people in far away lands.

Do you agree with these reasons?  What other reasons would you add to this list?  And how have you seen short-term missions work (or not work) in your local church?

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Cheer Each Other On

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:24-25

My Guatemala story would be incomplete if I failed to talk about the importance of cheering each other on toward love and good deeds – especially when it comes to marriage.

My initial leap of faith decision to go to Guatemala would not have happened had it not been for my wife.  Let me explain.

Two years before my initial trip to Guatemala, my wife and I were planning to go to Nairobi, Kenya on a mission trip with a group from our church.  We saved and raised money to go on this trip.  We got our shots.  We purchased our airline tickets, and we made our final deposits for the trip.  As we finalized our preparations for the trip, something wasn’t quite right.  My wife’s health was beginning to deteriorate.  We visited her doctor, and we tried to make some adjustments.  But it wasn’t enough.  Four weeks before the trip, we made the difficult decision to cancel our plans.  It was one of the toughest decisions we have ever had to make.  We didn’t have travel insurance.  We couldn’t get our money back, and we were missing out on a “dream” mission trip to serve the poorest of the poor in the slums of Nairobi.  I remember feeling lonely and defeated.  Would we ever be able to go on an international mission trip again?  More importantly, would my wife’s health improve?

Without going into detail, things got worse before they got better.  Leanne ended up in the hospital in September just weeks after we would have come back from Kenya.  It was clear that being in Nairobi at this time would not have been a good idea for us.  Leanne’s recovery was slow but steady.  She was released from the hospital in early October, and she began the process of healing.

Throughout the healing process, we continued our desire to serve others.  We launched our H.O.P.E. group (Helping Other People Everywhere) serving the local community with other families.  This has filled much of our desire to serve others, but there was still an itch begging to be scratched.  We still desired to serve internationally.

Fast forward to last spring, our youth pastor asked if I would go on the high school summer mission trip to Guatemala as a chaperone.  I can’t tell you how much I struggled with this decision.  How could I “risk” leaving my wife and son home alone while I traveled to Guatemala with our daughter?  I prayed.  I sought godly council from friends and family.  And I wrestled through a lot of fear and doubt.  In the midst of this, my biggest cheerleader kept encouraging me to go.  Leanne said go over and over again.  She knew it would be hard, but she knew it was the right thing to do.  She kept cheering.  She kept spurring me on toward love and good deeds.

You know the story.  I ended up going to Guatemala in 2012, and the trip rocked my world.

Upon my arrival home, I had so many stories to share.  I indicated my desire to go back again.  And Leanne listened to my stories – a little jealous about my experiences and a lot more interested in going overseas for missions.  Our family talked and prayed about going somewhere together as a family in 2013.  We kept coming back to Guatemala.

This decision gave me an opportunity to be the cheerleader.  Leanne was a little concerned about the language barrier that went with being in a strange place.  As the week went along, I tried to encourage Leanne, and I prayed she would connect with the people of Xenacoj as we ministered together.  It was amazing to watch her fear and frustration transform into enthusiasm and excitement.  I will always remember our last day in Xenacoj.  Leanne was in tears – good tears.  She didn’t want to leave yet.  Xenacoj had captured her.

Our reentry back into life in the United States has gone relatively smoothly.  Yet we’ve been left with a huge desire in our heart for serving the people of Guatemala.  And so our story continues to evolve.  It’s our turn to cheer you on.  While we prepare for another trip to Guatemala at some point, we want to encourage you.  We want to spur you on toward love and good deeds.  Maybe it’s in your office.  Maybe it’s in your neighborhood.  Maybe it’s overseas.  Maybe with us in Guatemala.

How will you share love and good deeds with others today?

Who is your biggest cheerleader?  Who do you need to encourage today?

What are you being encouraged to pursue?

A Leap Starts With A Step Forward

“That’s one small step for a man, a giant leap for mankind.”  ~Neil Armstrong

Over the past couple of years, I’ve written a lot about taking leaps of faith.

When you think of a leap, what comes to mind?

I don’t know about you, but I think of a giant lunge forward.  I think of a Carl Lewis size jump ahead.  I think of Michael Jordan taking off from the foul line on the way to an amazing slam dunk.  I think of those crazy guys in wing suits who jump off of cliffs like they are flying squirrels.

I don’t usually think about an inch forward.  Yet a small step can be just as terrifying as jumping out of a plane.  And a small step may require just as much faith as something considered more extreme.

I want to encourage you to dream big, but I also want to remind you to start small.

What are you waiting for?

Why are you standing still as though your feet are stuck in concrete? 

What small step of faith do you need to take today?

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”  Matthew 17:20

I’ve talked a lot recently about going on a short-term mission trip.  Maybe that is just too big and scary for you right now.  Just maybe you need to take a smaller step right now.

Here are a five suggestions for taking smaller steps towards a short-term mission trip:

• Learn about a foreign land.  Get on-line.  Read about Guatemala.  Learn about Haiti.  Educate yourself about a part of the world that needs to know the love and hope of Jesus Christ.
• Connect with a missionary.  Develop a pen pal relationship with a missionary from your church.  Get on their mailing list, so you can read about their adventures and ministry.
• Pray.  Pray that God would help you to take a bigger leap of faith in the future.  Pray for the people and missionaries you are learning about.
• Get some skin in the game.  Consider giving to a missionary you trust.  Or consider supporting someone else as they pursue their own short-term mission trip.  Your financial contribution – big or small – could have a huge impact on those in need.
• Start today.  Do something small today.  Don’t wait until tomorrow.  It probably won’t happen if you keep putting it off.