Street Dogs

I've never met a dog I didn't like. I have met many that didn't like me -usually Chihuahas. When we go to countries, I take constant grief over the fact that I befriend all dogs - Dirty, diseased, friendly, unfriendly, lost, and found. Most street dogs are unsocialized and not approachable. Others are reasonably social but have never been petted, scratched, loved, or cared for. Sad - very sad.

Last week we were in Chiapas, Mexico and toured a drug and rehab facility led and managed by one of our church partners. I found Chico the pit bull chained to this shed. The comments from my comprades were, "Ed, be careful." Chico had a sweet friendly face. We made eye contact and he seemed cool. Every step I took toward him his tail wagged harder. Hmmm...friend or foe? Still approaching I whispered sweet nothings along the way. Slowly I extended my hand to Chico. He responded with a huge lick. Next he was up on my arm soaking up the love and craving more. "Love me, love me, love me" he begged. Yes, I let him lick my face. This big guy keeps order around the rehab center. He does his job very well. But like alot of us, inside he is a marshmellow. I wouldn't have missed this relationship for anything. Chico and I have a thing goin' on!

Mexico National Conference

This great group of men, excluding the Gringo, produced another outstanding National Conference here in Tuxtla. From left to right: Alberto Barrita, Sebastian Ovando, Mario Avendano, and Gabriel Valdiviezo. A key member of the team Althea Sidaway is missing from this photo.

The phrase, "You had to be there." fits describing this event. There were great presentations and testimonies. As always, there was unity in the room. One hundred percent of exisiting systems attended and particpated along several pen!ding Church Partners. Our donors and guests were excited by what they experienced. Congratulations to Mario and his incredible Mexico team

Anticipation!

We pulled into our hotel after a long day of travel to Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico. It was very hot, we were tired, ready to unpack, cool down, and rest. As we entered the parking lot we were greeted by this huge banner announcing our conference. The banner faces the main street of Tuxtla and makes a huge impression.

Instantly I forgot about the heat and fatigue and was very energized. How exciting! The Second National Conference ADU Mexico! My heart rate accelerated and my eyes filled with tears remembering God's annointing of the 2008 conference and anticipating what will take place tomorrow.

In the center of the banner you see the words Fisica, Social, and Espiritual highlighting the transformation our Church Partners provide their communities each day. Physical, social, and spritual transformation that is achieved by providing safe, affordable, water where it is needed most!

Tomorrow over 125 people from our churches come together for six hours of celebration, learning, and rejevenation for this ministry. I'm pumped. There will be hundreds of hugs and handshakes. God will be celebrated and honored by these incredible people. WOW!

Because of this banner the people of Tuxtla know that ADU is in the house! "To God be the Glory!"

Guerrillas of Grace

I love this concept and book of prayers brought to us in 1984 by Ted Yoder. This post is comprised of direct quotes from this book.

"The Old Testament prophets can easily be conceived as guerrillas doing battle with the established powers of their day. Jesus was the pre-eminent guerilla of grace: he confronted repressive institututions and liberated captive minds and hearts with his words and his life. The early Christians rallied to Paul's battle cry: "We are not contending against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness..."

There are some characteristics of guerillas that give particular relevance to the use of that image to desribe Christians.

By any of our usual measures, guerrillas are a weaker force set against a superior, more organized power, a power which exerts both subtle and blatant pressures to conform. Guerillas are engaged in the battle to regain some territory, or some part of life, for a higher purpose, a truer cause. Doesn't "guerrilla" desribe the contemporary church in many developing countries?

It is also important to note that guerrillas usually work in groups. The point is that both grace and guerrilla are relational terms.

Guerrillas are never quite so desperate as they are confident. They believe they are fighting on the winning side, in spite of any and all appearances to the contrary.

Guerrillas are willing to give their lives, if necessary, because they believe the cause for which they struggle, and which struggles in them, will finally prevail. "

I want to be a "Guerrilla of Grace".

Spiritual Warfare

This request for prayer was sent to our staff and Board of Directors moments ago. We now invite all of you to join us in this effort.

As many of you know we continue to experience continual attacks on this ministry by the Ministry of Health in the Dominican Republic. Recently the MOH shut down ten of our systems and they remain closed today. This has been a difficult dynamic to manage and resolve. The irrationality, unreasonable demands, and inconsistent requirements of the MOH power structure add complexity to the situation. They wreak havoc for our Church Partners, our staff, and most concerning, for our National Director, Juan Jose Gomez. Let there be no doubt that is an ongoing attack of the Evil One on this ministry in this country.

Moments ago I spoke with JJ Gomez regarding a proposal and action plan he will present to the Ministry of Health tomorrow morning. Tomorrow JJ will:

1. Address all identified issues - real and imagined.


2. Attempt to get many systems reopened and serving their communities.


3. Attempt to gain agreement and commitment on the qualification of future systems.

We need a large volume of effectual, fervent prayer from now through noon tomorrow that

1. The Evil One would be defeated.


2. JJ would experience the power and presence of the Holy Spirit and our prayers.


3. The heads and hearts of MOH officials would be opened and reasonable.


4. Resolution of issues would be achieved.


5. Agreement can be reached on the requirements for future systems.

We know our God is able and that prayer is the powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. Please join us now in fighting this important battle. Thank you for helping us fight the good fight of faith!

Team Gloria

This weekend a long awaited goal was achieved! Team Gloria, comprised of:

Casey Biggers, my niece
Cheryl Page, my daughter
Ruth Ann Moore, my sister-in-law, and
Joyce Anderson, MY FANTASTIC WIFE,

achieved a long-awaited goal! After months of training and fund-raising they completed the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in the Rocky Mountains. They called themselves "Team Gloria" honoring my sister-in-law, Gloria Harris, who is a breast cancer survivor. She also happens to be Joyce and Ruth Ann's younger sister. Casey and Cheryl walked 39 miles in the two days. Ruth Ann and Joyce walked 26 miles. Fantastic! We are totally proud of each of you for who you are and what you have accomplished.

This was such a beautiful and meaningful event plus a great time for our family to honor Gloria. There were lots of laughs, lots of blisters and sore muscles, and lots of tears of joy and love! As a result, it looks as though they will do it again in 2010 adding more family members! We will be there to cheer them on!

Transformation - Father's Day 2009

At Healing Waters we are passionate about physical, social, and spiritual transformation for the people and communities we serve. On this Father's Day 2009, it seems appropriate to share a transformation story of a different sort. What people often forget is that transformation is not an instantaneous result. It requires patience, perseverance, purpose, and passion.

My friend Ron Worthington understands what is required for authentic transformation. Ron rescued this 1949 Farmall Cub tractor from his Dad's place. It had been used by both his Dad and Grandad for many years. Ron had many pleasant memories being raised with this tractor and his dad teaching him to use it. It seemed a shame to see it in such poor condition. The transformation process began in 2007 and was just completed. This was a labor of love. Ron would tell you it was worth it all and that the thoughts and memories that were part of the process will last forever. This beauty has new life and will be part of this family for many generations to come.

Our labor of love is to bring about transformation of even greater magnitude to the people and communities we serve. We provide the means, God takes care of the transformation. What a privilege! What a legacy!