Here at 212 Degrees it is always my desire and our mission, to inspire others to influence those around them to impact their world for Christ. Over the past 2 weeks however, i have been the one inspired. And this inspiration has come in a couple very unexpected ways. i just returned home from a Medical Missionary Intensive training course through Equip Inc. in Marion, North Carolina and was unexpectedly both humbled and inspired. i sat in a room with 19 other missionaries from many different backgrounds, who came from all over the world, learning new skills that will better equip us to GO! and be a light in the darkness. One of them dedicated and committed to sharing the love of Jesus with the Muslim people in remote villages high on the mountain plateaus of Pakistan, or another who will be the first foreigner to ever step foot into the village of a mountainous tribe on an island in the Philippines. Several others who will be spending the next chapter of their lives living along side the people of Uganda and Haiti, or others who will suffer along side the church in the Sudan and Indonesia. And a pastor from Stillwater, MN who is leading his congregation into medical missions in Mexico. For 2 weeks i was inspired and influenced, by the lives of these heroes of the faith, to continue to impact the world around me for Christ through the skills that He has given me.
Then, upon arriving home, i received a letter from one of the young girls i sponsor from the Philippines. Ethyl Mae began her letter with these words. "Dear Scotty, May God inspire you when you feel down, encourage you when you feel like quitting, and guide you when all things become confusing. Stay happy because that's how God wants you to be." She then quoted James 4:10, Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up. And then yesterday i received an email from an amazing friend, who has for the last 8 years or so, been a dedicated and faithful prayer warrior for me and so many others. She gave me a verse and a quote from the great preacher Charles Spurgeon which read,
The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me. (Psalm 138:8)
He who has begun will carry on the work which is being wrought within my soul. The Lord is concerned about everything that concerns me. All that is now good, but not perfect, the Lord will watch over, preserve, and carry out to completion. This is a great comfort. I could not perfect the work of grace myself. Of that I am quite sure, for I fail every day and have only held on so long as I have because the Lord has helped me. If the Lord were to leave me, all my past experience would go for nothing, and I should perish from the way. But the Lord will continue to bless me. He will perfect my faith, my love, my character, my lifework. He will do this because He has begun a work in me. He gave me the concern I feel, and, in a measure, He has fulfilled my gracious aspirations, He never leaves a work unfinished; this would not be for His glory, nor would it be like Him. He knows how to accomplish His gracious design, and though my own evil nature and the world and the devil all conspire to hinder Him, I do not doubt His promise. He will perfect that which concerneth me, and I will praise Him forever. Lord, let Thy gracious work make some advance this day!
Spurgeon
So, as i have been inspired, i hope this has in turn influenced you to impact your world for Christ. Thanks so much for your love, for your prayers and for your faithful support. God Bless!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
The Confessions of a Ragamuffin
i have an old friend whose most prized possession was her GPS. She took it everywhere with her and if she found herself driving without it, her anxiety level increased substantially. Whenever we would go somewhere together, she would have me drive, and i have to be honest, getting used to that GPS was a huge challenge for me. Not only was it a bit “foreign” having a woman with a british accent talking to me all the time, but constantly being told which direction to go was nerve racking for someone who is generally pretty good with directions. If you have ever used a GPS i am sure you can relate either to me or my friend. The interesting thing to me however, and the great benefit to having a GPS, is that when you make a wrong turn, the GPS will “re-calibrate” and give you new directions to get you back on track! No more pulling over to a random gas station to ask the attendant for directions, instead, your lovely British online navigator will re-calibrate your every move in order to keep you on course to your destination.
As many of you know, i have just returned from Nepal, where my team spent two and a half weeks doing some pretty amazing ministry. We recorded most our time on film in order to create a documentary of the plight of the Nepali people and what we are doing to make a difference in the lives of many who are suffering. It was an amazing time that took us from teaching in a Bible school in Kathmandu, to several public and private schools both in the cities as well is in remote mountain villages. We went from ministering to a community of lepers, to preaching in an old sheep barn that is now the church home to 30 new believers in the village of Ghandruk. We went from sitting on the streets with 6-8 year olds addicted to glue, to sitting in the homes of several friends who wonder each day where their next meal is going to come from. In Nepal, the team i lead did an amazing job of communicating the love of Jesus with each and every person we encountered. Thanks to the hearts and generosity of this team, many physical needs are being met, food has been provided, school fees have been paid, and the good news of Jesus and His love and grace has been proclaimed, changing lives for eternity. It was an amazing time of seeing God work in our lives as well as in the lives of the Nepali and Tibetan people.
Having had such an amazing experience, you would think that coming home would be filled with thoughts of God’s faithfulness. And in many ways, you would be right. However, the more i go into all the world and share the good news, coming home is always a challenge for me. Re entering the world as i know it, here in America, is very difficult. The first couple weeks is an enormous challenge, even for a seasoned missionary of 20+ years. i find myself feeling intensely alone, missing not only my team, but the friends i have left behind for the next 6 months. i find myself spiritually and emotionally exhausted from the intense ministry i have just completed. It is in moments like this that i am reminded of something my old mentor Greg used to say to me. He would tell me that times when we are emotionally and spiritually exhausted, we are always in danger of being cowards. What he meant by that, was that we are in danger of becoming complacent, we stop caring, we don’t think straight, and are in danger of making poor decisions and bad choices that get us off track. It is in these times that temptation is most significant, and satan seeks to derail us.
This is the place i found myself this past week. Tired, lonely, feeling sorry for myself, missing my friends in Nepal, and my amazing team of students, and struggling with why i am able to drop $15 bucks at Famous Dave’s when Susma is continuing to struggle with the $24 a month she makes to support her and her daughter. i found myself this past week making poor decisions. Decisions that were selfish, prideful, and choices that quickly got me off track and lost. i needed to re -calibrate the direction of my life! This, however, did not come through a British woman telling me what to do, but rather through a dynamic and powerful Mexican named D.A. Horton, and through the power of the Word of God. D.A. reminded me of the cost that comes with following Jesus Christ with my whole heart. He reminded me in Luke 9 about the DAILY task of picking up my cross and following Jesus. He reminded me of the tough choices i have to make in order to honor God and honor those around me as we seek to live completely in tune with our Lord and Savior. And God reminded me through Hebrews 4:12-13 that “...the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
i am thankful for the cross. For the grace and forgiveness that is ours when we stray off course, and for the power that is ours through the living word. i am also thankful for the gentle but powerful voice of the Holy Spirit that sometimes comes with a Mexican accent. And i am thankful for friends who always keep their GPS nearby to insure that we all stay on track. How is your calibration? It’s good to be on the right track and moving in the right direction, if you find yourself taking a wrong turn, “...listen to His voice, hold fast to Him, for the Lord is your life...” Deut 30:20.
Thanks for all your prayers and for your amazing support of the ministry i am a part of. i will continue to seek the Lord and His direction as together we take this good news to the utter most parts of the world. God Bless!!
scotty brown
Eph 5:10
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Inspire, Influence, and Impact!
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes or daily food, and someone say’s to them, “Shalom! Keep warm and eat hearty!” without giving them what they need, what good does that do? Thus, faith by itself, unaccompanied by actions, is dead. James 2:15-17
At 212 Degrees, we exist to inspire individuals to influence those around them to impact the world for Christ. We believe that part of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and encouraging our fellow believers, involves not only a deep and growing relationship with Jesus Christ, but also a deep conviction to putting that faith into action. We believe that their is great benefit to accomplishing our goals to inspire, influence, and impact through action oriented relationships.
In March of 2011, we will embark on 2 very significant ministry opportunities in 2 very different parts of the world. Amy Mulvihill has put together a team of women who will be going to the northern coast of Haiti to provide training and encouragement to 150 Haitian women through a weekend Woman’s conference with our Haitian partners at Open Door Haiti. During this conference we will seek to encourage these women in their faith, teach them from God’s word, and offer them some very practical and important training in the areas of women’s health, community education, and nutrition. We will be raising $15000.00 in order to cover the cost of the conference for each of the 150 women who will be in attendance. This will cover materials, food, lodging, transportation, and even a fun day that they will spend together outside the church. We will seek to inspire thee women to have a greater influence on their families, their villages, and their country, and to be a voice that brings good news to the captives!
Also in March, Scott will be leading a team back to the country of Nepal. For two weeks Scott and his team will be reaching out to families that we have been investing in, seeking to provide food, education, and even some micro businesses to those who have deep and significant needs. All of this will be done along side the local church as we seek to bring the love of God into their lives, their homes, and their communities. Our work with these families have resulted in several coming to church for the very first time, meeting with Pastor Raj Kumar on a regular basis, and asking profound questions that we hope will lead them into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Both Haiti and Nepal are spiritually dark places and we covet your prayers as together we live out of mission to inspire, influence and impact our world through our trust and faith in Jesus Christ accompanied by actions that are motivated by the love that He has for us. Thanks so much for being a part of this ministry, for your prayers, for your support, and for inspiring me to live out the mission!
Lead well,
scott brown
212 degrees
At 212 Degrees, we exist to inspire individuals to influence those around them to impact the world for Christ. We believe that part of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and encouraging our fellow believers, involves not only a deep and growing relationship with Jesus Christ, but also a deep conviction to putting that faith into action. We believe that their is great benefit to accomplishing our goals to inspire, influence, and impact through action oriented relationships.
In March of 2011, we will embark on 2 very significant ministry opportunities in 2 very different parts of the world. Amy Mulvihill has put together a team of women who will be going to the northern coast of Haiti to provide training and encouragement to 150 Haitian women through a weekend Woman’s conference with our Haitian partners at Open Door Haiti. During this conference we will seek to encourage these women in their faith, teach them from God’s word, and offer them some very practical and important training in the areas of women’s health, community education, and nutrition. We will be raising $15000.00 in order to cover the cost of the conference for each of the 150 women who will be in attendance. This will cover materials, food, lodging, transportation, and even a fun day that they will spend together outside the church. We will seek to inspire thee women to have a greater influence on their families, their villages, and their country, and to be a voice that brings good news to the captives!
Also in March, Scott will be leading a team back to the country of Nepal. For two weeks Scott and his team will be reaching out to families that we have been investing in, seeking to provide food, education, and even some micro businesses to those who have deep and significant needs. All of this will be done along side the local church as we seek to bring the love of God into their lives, their homes, and their communities. Our work with these families have resulted in several coming to church for the very first time, meeting with Pastor Raj Kumar on a regular basis, and asking profound questions that we hope will lead them into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Both Haiti and Nepal are spiritually dark places and we covet your prayers as together we live out of mission to inspire, influence and impact our world through our trust and faith in Jesus Christ accompanied by actions that are motivated by the love that He has for us. Thanks so much for being a part of this ministry, for your prayers, for your support, and for inspiring me to live out the mission!
Lead well,
scott brown
212 degrees
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Upcoming Nepal Trip in October
This is the new incoming class of 2010 at Grace Bible School in Kathmandu. This Bible Seminary, led by Pastor Raj Kumar, trains young men and women from remote areas of Nepal. At the school they are provided with solid biblical and pastoral training which will enable them, when finished, to return to their villages and lead their congregation, and shepherd their communities. Due to the incredible poverty of these remote areas, each student has been sponsored and supported as God opened the doors for these men and women to receive the much needed training that will bring His kingdom to the people in areas that are still unreached. This October i have the honor of spending some time with these students and teaching on the topics of leadership and evangelism. Pray for us as we learn together!
Update on my May Trip
We have been working with Sanumaya and her family for many years. Sanumaya’s husband died in a construction accident and left her alone with 4 small children. Over the years we have helped her with housing, food, and education for her kids. This past May when i went to visit with her, i found that her two youngest daughters were no longer in school. When i inquired as to why this was, she responded by telling me that she could no longer afford their school fees. i told her that it would be an honor to help her and that i would take care of any school fees required in order for them to register for their classes. Her daughter became very excited, but i noticed that Sanumaya was silent. The next day i returned with my friend and pastor, Raj Kumar. i asked Sanumaya about the situation and found out that her youngest daughter (12 yrs.) works cleaning houses and makes about 1000 NRP per month. (about $13 USD) Her older daughter (15 yrs.) makes about 1500 NRP per month. She told me that if her two daughters go back to school she would no longer be able to pay her house rent and would have no place to live. The money her children make covers the rent while the money she makes at her little bamboo tea shop in her neighborhood by the river, provides for their food. i found myself in the midst of a moral quandary. If i send the girls back to school to receive their much needed education i would end up putting the family out on the street. The next morning i met with Raj Kumar and the elders from his church to figure out our options. i discovered that for about $75-$100 i could provide Sanumaya with the training and equipment to operate her own candle making business. With only 8 hours of electricity provided per day in Kathmandu, there is an enormous demand for high quality candles and the revenue would easily provide the money she would need to offset the incomes of her two daughters. The next day i went with Pastor Raj Kumar and two of the elders from the church to share our idea with Sanumaya. As you can see from the photo, they are now both elated. Sanumaya is looking forward to the added dimension of her shop, learning a new trade, and having a solid education for her kids. Raj Kumar is also meeting with Sanumaya at her tea shop a couple times a week. While drinking tea, he continues to share the love of Jesus with her and the people who frequent her shop. An amazing connection!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
First Night Back in Nepal
It always seems like the never ending day. Starts out great, is miserable in the middle, and ends in euphoria. My day started at the Original Pancake House with Mike at around 6:30 am. That's the part thats great...good friends, giood food, and the anticipation of being back in Nepal. Then it is 5 hours to LA (with a little In And Out intermission thanks to the Thompsons!!) an 11 hour layover followed by a 17 hour flight to Thailand, with a 5 hour lay over (this is the miserable part), followed by 4 hours to Kathmandu. But upon landing, taking in the unique smells as you walk down the stairs of the plains roll away jet way, you forget about the fact that every muscle in your body aches from the small, confined space you have existed in for the past 42 hours. We headed out of the airport and wasted no time getting to our guest house, getting cleaned up with fresh clothed, and heading out into the streets of Thamel. Amy and i walked around Thamel as Amy was reunited with all the memories of 5 years ago when she traveled here on her first Peak Performance team. She was noticing all the things that were different, as well as many of the things that remained the same. After getting reaquainted we headed down to Visit Sanumaya, the mother of three of the girls we have been working with and a family i have been supporting for several years. Her husband died several years ago and she now works at a tea shop made of a bamboo and tarp shelter on the corner down by the river. We had tea and spent some time getting caught up with all that has been happening over the past few month. She shared some big needs that they had that we will take care of in the coming days, and i let her know that she is deeply loved.
We then headed into Thamel as evening came and were immediately acosted by many of the street kids that we work with. It was soo good to see them all and here a bit about their lives and just sit and listen to them laugh and share their hearts. Maya, Rupa, Shova, Dipa, Rita, Gita, and Sangita all were there. The ministry had begun, connections were being made, and we are excited about what God is doing and look forward to all that is in store. Pray for us as we invest deeply in these relationships. We have lots of stuff planned for this week and are excited to see what God has in store. i'll keep ya posted!
We then headed into Thamel as evening came and were immediately acosted by many of the street kids that we work with. It was soo good to see them all and here a bit about their lives and just sit and listen to them laugh and share their hearts. Maya, Rupa, Shova, Dipa, Rita, Gita, and Sangita all were there. The ministry had begun, connections were being made, and we are excited about what God is doing and look forward to all that is in store. Pray for us as we invest deeply in these relationships. We have lots of stuff planned for this week and are excited to see what God has in store. i'll keep ya posted!
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