The Sick Bird

Have you ever been in a spot before where you saw an animal that was hurting and knew you could do nothing about it?  Maybe I'm the only one.  Whatever your stance on "mercy killings" of animals are I am not diving into that one.  But I found myself yesterday looking out of my office windows and I noticed a small black crow in the drive way.  He was hopping around as if something had happened to one of his feet.  He would spread his wings all the way and look up into the sky, almost wishing he could be up there and fly away from this issue that was holding him back.  What captured my attention even more was that every time another bird flew past him he would squawk and chirp...almost shouting out "HELP ME, I'M STUCK", but to no avail no bird neither great nor small would take the time to help him.  Can you see the small bird now?

This same day a brother from our church came by, we decided to go across the street to get a cuppa.  As we left the office we encountered this bird again.  As we walked up to this bird the discussion turned to helping this bird out of its misery.  This brother spoke a very profound statement that went along the lines of "wouldnt it be sad if this bird could fly but someone killed him because of a broken leg".  That statement invoked a series of feelings and thoughts in me about humans and "mercy killings" of people who have been broken, especially in the church.  Memories flooded me of people that I've known that have been broken or were placed in the wrong areas of a church's golden programs and in turn were forgotten about or even worse their joy and sense of belonging was snuffed out. 

I just want to encourage you with this scripture "When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.”  Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”  Matthew 9:12-13 NLT

I for one never want to "sacrifice" a sick or broken person on the altar of ministry.  Going back to that bird...how sad is it to know that he has what it takes to fly...his wings worked, but he needed to get a jump start to get off the ground.  The moral of this story is simple...give others a push in the right direction and watch them take off.

More to come!  Bless ya.

Pastor Chris

2011 UK Update 1 p2

Here is the 2nd part to our update.

2011 UK Update 1 p1

Here is the first update since we arrived in late January, sorry for the delay!  Blessings.  Pastor Chris

quick recap of what is happening

 Just to update you all on what is going on with the Lee's.  On Dec. 16th, we left Ft. Worth sort of emotionally and physically drained (understatement), Joseph Chirico can attest to that!  That night we pulled into Vernon, Texas...our hometown.  We have stayed with both sets of our parents, how gracious they have been!  I most say it has been a blessing to be down here, getting back to your roots is what its all about! Driving back country roads, cutting down trees, hunting, blasting a laptop with a .12 gauge with my brother, driving to Meers, Ok just to eat a hamburger, speaking at 1st Assembly of God, getting to spend time with my family during New Years Eve AND not working (something that has not happened in 8yrs!)...it has been very refreshing.  All this time i have been working on visa papers, received our visas last Thursday...finally!  I just bought plane tickets for the 13th of this month.  Believe with us that our 2 yr old will somehow want to sleep for 8hrs on a plane:)).  We are so ready to be over in the UK to help people and build His Kingdom, we have a problem though...getting all of our families to go with us! Believe us when we say we will miss you all!

Thru all this something has stood out, TRUE RELATIONSHIPS.  No matter the time apart, when you see each other again you pick up where you left off.  Open houses, honest hospitality,  "how can I help you" is what we have here.  THAT IS FAMILY!!

Remember, God is more about giving to you than wanting something from you!  True Love gives with no expectation of return!  MORE TO COME!!

Loving God, Serving Others,
 Pastor Chris