 
In my message on “Why Give” in worship on July 24/25, I asked you to be in prayer for what God is calling us to do in the Sudan in 2011 and beyond. In the past six years, God’s blessings through this congregation have impacted nearly a quarter of a million children, women and men. Almost 22,000 kids have enrolled in our schools, more than 80,000 have been fed, and over 100,000 of our Sudanese sisters and brothers have benefited from our safe water projects. Currently in Darfur, 22 percent of all United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) projects are 100 percent dependent on Ginghamsburg Church. That means if we stop our investment at the end of this December, 22 percent of the lives being served will be drastically impacted—no schools, no food, no hope. Our faithfulness is keeping people alive. This is all the more critical since the Sudanese government in 2009 kicked out half of all aid agencies and is not permitting new ones in.
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After six years there, we have also earned the opportunity to plant our first church in Aweil, South Sudan. I can state unapologetically that the world needs Jesus. God has promised the rain of the Holy Spirit, and by faith we have been preparing the ground to receive the rain for the last six years. On September 27, three of us will travel to UMCOR’s offices in New York City to meet with the head of UMCOR and other key staff, as well as a specialist on church planting in Africa from the Mission & Evangelism arm of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, to map out strategies for our projects in Darfur and the first church plant in Aweil. I’ve been thinking about this incredible God opportunity while also asking, “Lord, how can we do this thing?” considering the difficulty of financial sacrifice during the midst of the economic crisis. The other day when I was looking through the newspaper, I kept noticing the Christmas in July strategy of many retailers as they try to give the economy a shot in the arm, and it occurred to me that we needed to do our own Christmas in July with the goal of finding 1000 of us who are willing to make a commitment to raise $1000 for God’s work in Sudan by Christmas, starting in July. Sound irrational? Maybe. But we have a God who says all things are possible. If you give $45.50 a week toward an interest-bearing Sudan Christmas Club contribution plan, you will total $1000 by Christmas. For some of us, it may mean giving $100 per paycheck for the rest of the year. I remember in the past hearing the great servant stories of cell groups or individuals who held garage sales or cleaned houses to earn extra income to keep people alive in Darfur. If 1000 of us bring $1000, that is one million dollars to save lives in Darfur while also planting our first church. All we need to do is to trust the promise of the Lord, to seek first the Kingdom of God, knowing in full confidence that all else will be fully provided. Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously…And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "They have scattered abroad their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever." -2 Corinthians 9:6, 8-9 Please pray for me as I continue to pray for you and for the people of Sudan… 
Posted By: Pastor Mike Slaughter on Jul 29, 2010 11:00AM
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 A few of our Anderson Hills gang and their families | Last weekend Carolyn and I had the opportunity to return to Anderson Hills United Methodist Church in Cincinnati where we did youth ministry from 1976-79. I preached in the three morning services and got reacquainted with friends that we hadn’t seen in over 31 years. Leatha Graham, a youthful 98-year-old, told me that I didn’t look the same, "You used to have such beautiful dark hair!"
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Anderson Hills was my first appointment out of seminary. I was 24 years old. Our time there would be a brief two years and ten months, but we got right to work on the mandate given to us by our Lord--“Go and make disciples!” That first summer we started a Wednesday evening Bible study with a group of 13 students who would become our core. We went to work identifying a group of adults who had a passion to work with teens. I remember the summer evening in 1976 when I drove the River Road east out of Cincinnati to recruit Dan and Sue Meckstroth to work with middle school students. They both made a commitment to Christ that year and now over 34 years later serve at Ginghamsburg Church. We met in our home one night a week to disciple teen leaders and another night to disciple adults. Each of the disciples that we worked with recruited groups of their own. We organized strategic trips and retreats. From Ocean City, New Jersey, to Port au Prince, Haiti, we worked, witnessed, studied, prayed, laughed and loved together. The teens and adults that Carolyn and I left on the first Sunday in April '79 are now hovering around the 50-year-old mark. A few of our former adult counselors are approaching 80. The work of discipleship that Carolyn and I committed ourselves to in that brief 34 months continues to bear fruit through our Anderson Hills gang, who continue to reproduce themselves in others. When Carolyn and I were moved from Anderson Hills to Ginghamsburg by our Bishop in 1979, we got right to work--identifying a core group, equipping and sending. Thirty-one years later, Tom and Elaine Sampley are reproducing themselves in the Czech Republic. John Ward has restarted two churches while he continued in his regular employment. Dennis Mikel has been instrumental in discipling Lay Pastors for the care of thousands. All of us are called to this work of discipleship. Carolyn and I are currently meeting with a group of 26 young adults in our home on Tuesday evenings. Carolyn is taking time to meet with the women and I with the men apart from our regular meeting time. Whom are you discipling? Discipleship doesn't happen apart from the hard work of mentoring. Church programs don't make disciples. Disciples make disciples! The process of discipleship is the focused work of moving people from believers to followers: from donation to sacrifice, from moralistic principles to lifestyles of self-denial, from the pursuit of success to true significance. Disciples learn to drop everything they have into the hands of Jesus to be directed by God’s purpose. God bless…
A little busy last Sunday morning - reproducing disciples. Sorry to have missed the gathering. Thanks for being committed to the mission of Jesus.
Posted By: Jeff Raker on Jul 22, 2010 09:57AM
We missed you Jeff! Thanks for the discipleship you are doing in your part of the world. It was an inspirational gathering. I am in awe of what all of you are doing as disciples...keep on!
Posted By: Carolyn on Jul 22, 2010 06:14PM
Good reminder that I need to bringing someone along when I serve and minister. Like that you said people make disciples and not programs. So true. Thanks for the reminder to spend my life on others.
Posted By: rusty eshleman on Jul 24, 2010 10:23PM
 Brandon serving with the Environment Team on Ginghamsburg’s campus | I have been in a state of numbness for almost 24 hours. Two families in our church experienced the senseless loss of their 22-year-old son, Brandon. His mom Kim, who has been one of our devoted teachers of two year olds on Sunday mornings, witnessed the horrific murder of her son. Brandon had been a “Treehouse” children’s teacher at Ginghamsburg for seven years. He was also one of the three organizing founders of Artists for Sudan and served with our campus Environment Team.
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My office has been a revolving door for members of the press today, who have inundated me with questions like: “How can a member of your church whom you have known for years have committed such a horrendous act against his stepson?” “How can God allow such an unthinkable act against a young person of promise?” This weekend in worship we will address some of these questions, and I would appreciate your prayers for Brandon’s family and all of those who have been affected by this senseless tragedy. We will have grief counselors on site all weekend to meet with any children or adults who worked with Brandon. A few hours before his death Brandon posted these words on his Facebook page: “Life is too short not to do something that matters.” Brandon did much to serve both God and people in his brief 22 years. Now how about you and I? God bless…
My condolences to his family & to all those people that knew and loved him.
May God help us all do our part to do something that matters.
Isn't it true that the only investment that counts this side of heaven is our investment in other people? I heard that years ago & think Betty Malz talked about that.
Posted By: Elizabeth Wolfe on Jul 09, 2010 06:41PM
When I first read about the grief counselors being available, I thought of my Mother's slow illness of Alzheimer's disease and how I feel that things are so surreal many days. It's so prolonged, and indescribeable to experience the daily challenges, and grief of someone with this illness. Then I read the blog post and I realized that this was the young man I had heard about on the news. I am so glad that the young boy is safe, and I cannot imagine the experience of losing a son especially to murder by someone who was supposed to be a caregiver. I hope those affected will find comfort in their sorrow. We are fairly close to calling Hospice in for the final months, and I know it will be so difficult, but longterm grief is dealt with differently than what has happened with this young man. But there is hope in all tragedy...at least that is my own hope.
Posted By: Helen (Michaiah) Combs on Jul 09, 2010 09:50PM
My condolences and prayers to his family, friends, and for Pastor Slaughter.
I am currently reading Quiet Strength, Tony Dungy's Memoir. Tony is such a wonderful example of a Christian man. When his oldest son committed suicide, he said he was asked, "Why do bad things happen?" He replied in his book, "I don't know. Why did Jamie die? I don't know. But I do know that God has the answers, I know He loves me, and i know He has a plan whether it makes sense to me or not. Rather than asking why, I'm asking what. What can I learn from this? What can I do for God's glory and to help others?" After reading this from Tony Dungy and after this recent tragedy regarding Brandon and his family, the only thing we can do is to keep going head up high, one foot in front of the other, staying on our God-path and glorifying Him!! There is much to do, and we need to keep our eyes and ears alert to other's pain!
May this wonderful family and their friends and loved ones feel His loving arms around them!!
Posted By: Joey on Jul 09, 2010 10:17PM
God doesn’t force us to choose him. He allows us to opt between Him and evil. Satan is behind evil deeds. Satan is about death, God is about life. Brandon and his family need our prayers during this difficult time. God Bless…
I am so sorry for your loss.
Posted By: Rich B on Jul 09, 2010 11:30PM
I have been drawn to 2 Corinthians 4:18 to 5:5. "For the things seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." This earthly life is a prelude, a preparation for eternity "so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life." There is profound comfort in that truth. What hope we have for eternity as we live out this precious time here on earth. Physical death is not the end but the beginning of our own eternity.
Posted By: Judy Hardman on Jul 10, 2010 01:40AM
This can be hard for many to believe but the witness of Brandon's life will bring many to Christ. At a friend of mines daughter's funeral, I felt the Holy Spirit in just listening to all she had done in her short life. It has changed my husband and my life forever. We were drawn closer to Christ and have a family in the church that we never had before. Brandon was the same kind of person. It is a gift he has left behind for many.
This is unbelievably hard for so many. I personally spoke with this man numerous times a week about his faith, sermons at church, Mike, and family and sometimes when I felt he crossed lines, I confronted him. He asked me Sunday in church if I was still praying for him and I told him I was praying for all of them. I am carrying a lot of anger and confusion about this but I keep telling myself that God sent His Son to give us grace and mercy. I do pray that for him. And as Brandon's family has said, he would want us to forgive.
May God bring peace and healing to Kim and Zane. Let this church family do its work. Pray, pray, pray
Posted By: T.G. on Jul 10, 2010 08:48AM
My sympathy for the entire family. As a past Sunday School teacher of the Kindergarten group, I can attest that Brandon always seem to glow when working in the Tree House with the 1st and 2nd graders. You could tell that he was someone special.
Posted By: Kathy Klepinger on Jul 12, 2010 02:21PM
I am new to Ginghamsburg and have not had the privilege to have known brandon. Only what I have read or heard this past week. These two verses from Matthew speak of the kind of person He is: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. "
Posted By: Mark Schindler on Jul 13, 2010 12:21AM
My condolences to you and your church family Pastor Slaughter. God be with all of you. -peace
Posted By: Regina on Jul 13, 2010 10:53AM
We’ve been reading about Noah this week in the Transformation Journal. I’ve been asking myself where is the redemptive narrative in Noah’s story for the Jesus community? I identify with Noah in that Christ’s call in my life is to create saving spaces and places. This June I traveled with my seminary class to many of Ginghamsburg’s mission sites around Dayton, from our medical equipment ministry, food pantries, gently used clothing store and car ministry to our inner city Clubhouse ministry, where children are receiving free lunches daily at six Dayton area sites.
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I really see how as a Christ community we are creating a diversity of saving places for people, redeeming them from the torrents of economic and genocidal tragedies from Dayton to Darfur. As Christ’s redemptive community, we are helping to create hopeful pictures in hopeless situations and connecting people to God’s love and grace in Jesus. My question to those of you in other churches, how is your church intentionally creating saving, redemptive places in your community or around the world? I would love to hear from you. For those of you at Ginghamsburg Church, what is your saving place of service and commitment? God bless…
For me Mike, I dont' really belong to a group at Ginghamsburg even though that's where I attend service but I am a Blue Star Mom. The Blue Star Mom's (BSMs) is an organization committed to sending boxes from home to soldiers deployed, especially those soldiers who don't hear from or receive anything. There is one boy in my son's unit, Eryck, who joined the Army simply because his family is very poor. His paychecks go into his mothers account to help his mama raise his brothers and sisters. My son Jake wrote me that Eryck hadn't received any thing since they had been in Afghanistan and wanted to know if I could put in his name to the BSMs even though he wasn't from Ohio. I did and I went ahead and put a box together and sent him one myself, I always send a little note to let the soldiers I send boxes to, know I am praying for them, I always mention God. Jake said when Eryck got the first box, he thought he was going to cry. He was overwhelmed that he would get something from people that didn't even know him. This winter my branch of the BSMs was contacted by an officer who said his men were in the mountains and were cold and really in need of more blankets. Within a week several boxes of blankets were sent. As an introvert it's difficult for me to get involved with a group of people, I haven't gotten to the place where I share much with them, but it fills me up to have the priveledge to be a part of what they do. More...
Just our branch literally sends out thousands of boxes to soldiers each year. As well as giving clothes and toiletries to homeless vets in our own area that we may hear about, and spending time with the Vets at the VA. Each meeting is started with the opening of the bible and prayer and closed the same way. I'm so grateful to be a part of a giving group not asking for or wanting anything in return. By giving and helping in this way I absolutely receive more in return. It fills my heart to the max and i have a very happy soul.
Posted By: Suzanne on Jul 09, 2010 09:00AM
Throughout the year I lay aside my summer “must read” book list. The list is fairly eclectic and usually includes at least two business-leadership books. This week I have been reading Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath. Based on my own fast-paced lifestyle, I was caught by their analogy of an “Emotional Tank.” “The Emotional Tank is like the gas tank of an automobile. If your car’s tank is empty, you can’t drive very far. If your Emotional Tank is empty, you are not going to be able to perform at your best.”
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Think about how our emotional connectedness impacts our faith. Belief by itself does not equate to action. The authors point out that, “Everyone believes there is tremendous human suffering in Africa; there’s no doubt about the facts. But belief does not necessarily make people care enough to act. Everyone believes that eating lots of fatty food leads to health problems; there is no doubt about the facts. But the belief does not make people care enough to act.” The authors’ premise: “Feelings inspire people to act.” Or, in biblical terms, “loving God and others as yourself.” Emotional health impacts spiritual, relational and physical wellness! Loving self has a whole lot to do with resourcing our Emotional Tank. I intentionally set aside some time each day for self care issues, but sometimes the demands of a harried pace deplete my resources and I find myself too close to running on empty. Carolyn and I are taking some time this week for Sabbath rest. What is filling my Emotional Tank? Watching one of my favorite Bible teachers, Joyce Meyer each morning teaching on personal boundaries. Picking blackberries with Carolyn in the evenings. Seeing a movie or two, and-- believe it or not -- doing some landscape chores (something I rarely find the time for). I would like to hear from you on this issue. What fills your Emotional Tank? God bless…
Ministry keeps us/me pretty busy and drained sometimes. My emotional tank is filled my by spending time with my family, fishing, and going to baseball games with my family!!! The best is, going on long drives and or walks with my wife and finding that joy of life and why King Jesus brought us together!! With all thought that being said, if I can't do those daily then I make sure I pop in my Ipod while I'm working out to listen to Toby Mac and to pray while I run... That helps me daily to be filled!!
Brian Edgerton
Posted By: Brian Edgerton on Jul 01, 2010 11:47AM
My tank often gets low as well, with this fast paced life we lead, it's always go go go. I fill mine back up with my emotional connection with my children, and my best friend (my husband). There's nothing more fulfilling than hearing the kids giggle as we run around the back yard. Or hearing them squeal with laughter while playing in the pool. Snuggleing up at bedtime, while watching the disney movie, smelling the fresh scent of baby lotion after bath time. The softness of the baby's skin first thing in the morning taking her out of the crib as she nuzzles into my neck to catch another second of sleep before the day starts. With my husband, it's watching him interact with the kids, and the look he gives me when one of them has done something really onrey, or funny. The gentle hug from him after we get the kitchen cleaned up from having another crazy evening of 6 random family members showing up to eat dinner with us. The way he picks up our 3 year old son when he's had a nightmare...or skinned his knee. There's so many things that make my emotional tank full, I think that's a good thing.
Sometimes too, when people run low, it's because they chose to run low. They are in a negative funk that only allows them to stay half full. Those are the ones we need to reach out to and break that negativity and show them by how we live that we can have full emotional tanks it will help.
Praise God for all that he gives us as fuel. No matter the type, he always provides. More...
Posted By: Megan Moore on Jul 01, 2010 12:54PM
My tank is filled when I hear a beautiful song that lifts my heart and thoughts. I am so often moved by music. So many songs remind me to pray and be thankful for what I have been blessed with, but also what my responsibilities are as a christian. So song and music - definitely, fill my tank!
Posted By: Stephanie Tracy on Jul 01, 2010 03:59PM
The concept of the emotional tank is was a concept Kim and I read early on in our parenting in a book by Dr. Ross Campbell, "How to Really Love Your Child". He explained how our children had emotional tanks and encouraged parents to fill them with positive reinforcement. He wisely explained how and we took that as our "mo" for raising our three children and keeping their emotional tank filled by positive reinforcement from 1) eye contact, 2) focused attention, 3) appropriate touching (cuddling, picking up, hair nuggies, 4) communication and 5) words of encouragement. Dr. Campbell's theory was that the tank will be filled either by positive input from us as parents or by the child misbehaving to get any attention, even if it's negative attention from aggravated parents or teachers. That might explain some adults and their attitudes....just left over from how they got their tank filled as a kid.
By following these principals, we were able to raise some pretty awesome kids who are doing the same now with their kids.
Watching my kids become awesome parents fuels my tank. More...
Spending time with with my grandchildren and fueling them fills my tanks!
And when they aren't around, what fuels my tank and strengthens our marriage is a walk around town, hand in hand, with Kim, my best friend and wife for over 34 years now.
Outside of family, developing others in their faith, personal time with God, and tinkering with my MG or puttering in my yard all fuel my tank.
This is a great concept and glad for the opportunity to share.
In Jesus,
Clark
Posted By: Clark on Jul 01, 2010 05:44PM
I have also been enjoying Joyce Meyer this week. She's good at helping me reset my priorities!
Spending time with positive people refills my "tank", while negative people seem to drain it quickly.
Listening to music is often a tank-filler, as is spending time outdoors, enjoying the gifts God has given us... blue sky, white clouds, trees, flowers, birds and other creatures. I often think "God painted that sunset just for me!"
Posted By: Janet Wymyslo on Jul 01, 2010 08:56PM
Spending time with loved ones is always emotionally refreshing. When my dogs play with one another or a family member, it is so comical. I always feel refreshed emotionally from that. Sometimes, when my husband goes to the bathroom, I suddenly see my son come running around the corner from the bathroom with all of the tissue, toilet paper, etc. in his arms and he's laughing. I smile to myself while waiting for the ineviteable yell from bathroom for assistance. ha, ha.
My daughter raps to the dogs, my Mom, and so many others. Or, sometimes just sings all crazy and it makes me laugh. Giving and receiving give me an emotional lift also. Seeing friends and family really enjoying one another, and having good relationships really makes me feel a sense of peace. Taking a nap with the fan on always does a good job too. I guess the experience of having my emotional tank filled is scattered throughout the day, and week. It's not only a one-time event like a vacation or something although that does help. I find ways all throughout the day to have joy or laugh. Since life is such a mixed bag, it helps me to find joy in the everyday things.
Posted By: Helen (Michaiah) Combs on Jul 08, 2010 09:09AM
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