Hello all!
I know it has been a little while since I last posted anything on this blog....I am sorry for that, things seemed to get really crazy as I got further into the semester! I am now officially finished with my first semester of Seminary and it truly was a blessing. God has taught me so much already in my time here both inside and outside of the classroom in so many ways! I cannot wait for the semesters to come and how He will continue to teach me and mold me in His image, all the while preparing me for the ministry to come that He has set before me.
Yesterday, I was sitting at Starbucks getting some reading done for class (yes...I am already reading a few books for the spring semester) and I stopped reading for a little while to do a devotional, and the poem that was in this book really spoke to me, so I wanted to share it. It is from Psalm 139:14 which says,
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Following is the passage:
"You're special. In all the world there's nobody like you. Since the beginning of time there has never been another person like you. Nobody has your smile, nobody has your eyes, your nose, your hair, your hands, your voice.
You're special. No one can be found who has your handwriting. Nobody anywhere has your taste for food, clothing, music or art. No one sees things just as you do. In all of time there's been no one who laughs like you, no one who cries like you, and what makes you cry or laugh will never produce identical laughter and tears from anybody else, ever. You're the only one in all of creation who has your set of abilities. Oh, there will always be somebody who is better at one of the things you're good at, but no one in the universe can reach the quality of your combination of talents, ideas, abilities and feelings. Like a room full of musical instruments, some may excel alone, but none can match the symphony sound when all are played together. You're a symphony. Through all of etenity, no one will ever look, talk, walk, think, or do like you.
You're special--you're rare. And in all rarity there is great value. Because of your great value you need not attempt to imitate others...you will accept--yes, celebrate your differences.
You're special and you're beginning to realize it's no accident that you're special. You're beginning to see that God made you special for a purpose. He must have a job for you that no one else can do as well as you. Out of the billions of applicants, only one is qualified, only one has the right combination of what it takes. That one is you because--you're special."
I hope that this passage blessed you as much as it did me. Through this, I hope that each of you may realize how truly special you are to God. That He made YOU in His image. That YOU were fearfully and wonderfully made. God took the time to make you the exact person that you are, and He loves you so much. May we remember the great amount of love, time, and care it took God to make each one of us. In this Christmas season, may we remember the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. That we are so special and God loves us so much that He gave His only son, so that we may have eternal life (John 3:16). So remember, God loves YOU more than you can ever imagine!
In Christ with love,
Jordan McFall
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Update #1
Hello all!
I have been here in Kentucky now for almost 3 weeks! I have heard from a few people, wondering how I have been doing, and I realized that I haven’t been the best at staying in contact with most of you back home since I got here to Asbury. I am sorry for that, and so I thought it would be good to send out a short update to you all instead of the simple text messages I have sent out to some people, saying simply “things are good.”
Things have been really crazy, but also really good as I have been getting into the swing of things here. God is teaching me and stretching me so much already in these short 3 weeks, it is amazing. I am currently taking 12 hours of Masters’ levels classes, to which I was told by many people here that I am crazy for doing so….we will see how the semester goes :) I am taking the following classes: introduction to the New Testament, Inductive Study over Matthew, Kingdom Church and World, and Life of Prayer. There has been a lot of reading for the classes, and I have either just turned in my first papers for the class, or am in process of getting ready to turn them in. It is hard to pick a favorite class, but I really enjoy and have already learned so much in my Life of Prayer class.
The community life here has been really good for me, and it is such a blessing to be a part of it. Myself and a group of guys have started to meet together once a week to just spur one another on in our walk with God. To come together to pray for one another, learn from each other, memorize scripture together, fast together, and just simply hang out together. I know that God will use this group to stretch me, and am so excited for what God is going to do through us coming together, even if it will be hard at times.
I also am now in the seminary choir….we will see how that goes, since I was never in Choir. but somehow I passed auditions and the director let me in, Lol. I am also playing intramural volleyball on Thursdays now, which should be fun! Another thing I have been a part of is AHOP (Asbury House of Prayer). It is every evening at 9pm during the week, and it is just a time that students from both the college and the seminary can come together to worship and pray to God. There is no set “order” of things, we just kind of come together and go as the Spirit leads! This time each evening is so amazing to come before my Creator, praising Him, crying out to Him, and just taking the time to be silent and listen to Him.
I have also started to play the djembe during AHOP…I walked in one evening and one of the guys handed me the drum and said, “I brought this for you to play” and so I have been attempting to play it each night since then. Through my "Life of Prayer" class and my time spent each evening at AHOP, God has been teaching me so much about worship and prayer, and it has been so amazing. If any of you want a good book on prayer, I highly suggest "Prayer" by Richard J. Foster.
Needless to say, things have been challenging but really amazing here so far. I am excited for all that God will continue to teach me in my time here. I hope this has given you a little glimpse into all that God is teaching me in my time here so far.
In Christ with love,
Jordan McFall
I have been here in Kentucky now for almost 3 weeks! I have heard from a few people, wondering how I have been doing, and I realized that I haven’t been the best at staying in contact with most of you back home since I got here to Asbury. I am sorry for that, and so I thought it would be good to send out a short update to you all instead of the simple text messages I have sent out to some people, saying simply “things are good.”
Things have been really crazy, but also really good as I have been getting into the swing of things here. God is teaching me and stretching me so much already in these short 3 weeks, it is amazing. I am currently taking 12 hours of Masters’ levels classes, to which I was told by many people here that I am crazy for doing so….we will see how the semester goes :) I am taking the following classes: introduction to the New Testament, Inductive Study over Matthew, Kingdom Church and World, and Life of Prayer. There has been a lot of reading for the classes, and I have either just turned in my first papers for the class, or am in process of getting ready to turn them in. It is hard to pick a favorite class, but I really enjoy and have already learned so much in my Life of Prayer class.
The community life here has been really good for me, and it is such a blessing to be a part of it. Myself and a group of guys have started to meet together once a week to just spur one another on in our walk with God. To come together to pray for one another, learn from each other, memorize scripture together, fast together, and just simply hang out together. I know that God will use this group to stretch me, and am so excited for what God is going to do through us coming together, even if it will be hard at times.
I also am now in the seminary choir….we will see how that goes, since I was never in Choir. but somehow I passed auditions and the director let me in, Lol. I am also playing intramural volleyball on Thursdays now, which should be fun! Another thing I have been a part of is AHOP (Asbury House of Prayer). It is every evening at 9pm during the week, and it is just a time that students from both the college and the seminary can come together to worship and pray to God. There is no set “order” of things, we just kind of come together and go as the Spirit leads! This time each evening is so amazing to come before my Creator, praising Him, crying out to Him, and just taking the time to be silent and listen to Him.
I have also started to play the djembe during AHOP…I walked in one evening and one of the guys handed me the drum and said, “I brought this for you to play” and so I have been attempting to play it each night since then. Through my "Life of Prayer" class and my time spent each evening at AHOP, God has been teaching me so much about worship and prayer, and it has been so amazing. If any of you want a good book on prayer, I highly suggest "Prayer" by Richard J. Foster.
Needless to say, things have been challenging but really amazing here so far. I am excited for all that God will continue to teach me in my time here. I hope this has given you a little glimpse into all that God is teaching me in my time here so far.
In Christ with love,
Jordan McFall
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Officially at Asbury Theological Seminary
Hello all,
After a long drive I arrived in Wilmore on Tuesday, and spent the day settling into my dorm room, and meeting new people here. Today was the first day of new student orientation, and although it was a packed day and an overwhelming amount of information, it has been amazing. I am so excited to begin my new journey here, and as I have arrived, I know all the more that this is where God has placed me. The community here at Asbury between not only students but also the faculty is amazing to be a part of, and I am excited for what God has in store for this semester! If anyone is interested and would like to send me mail, I have posted below my address here at Asbury, and would love to hear from you! I hope to post another blog on here in a couple of days to keep you all updated.
In Christ with love,
Jordan
Jordan McFall
ATS- SPO #701
204 N. Lexington Avenue
Wilmore, Kentucky 40390-1199
After a long drive I arrived in Wilmore on Tuesday, and spent the day settling into my dorm room, and meeting new people here. Today was the first day of new student orientation, and although it was a packed day and an overwhelming amount of information, it has been amazing. I am so excited to begin my new journey here, and as I have arrived, I know all the more that this is where God has placed me. The community here at Asbury between not only students but also the faculty is amazing to be a part of, and I am excited for what God has in store for this semester! If anyone is interested and would like to send me mail, I have posted below my address here at Asbury, and would love to hear from you! I hope to post another blog on here in a couple of days to keep you all updated.
In Christ with love,
Jordan
Jordan McFall
ATS- SPO #701
204 N. Lexington Avenue
Wilmore, Kentucky 40390-1199
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Asbury Theological Seminary
Hello everyone!
I have been home for two weeks now, and just wanted to do a really short update for anyone still checking this! I have been asked by several people if I was planning on keeping this updated as I head to Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky this fall. So I thought I would let you all know I will be keeping the blog up and will try to post every once in a while, while I am in Kentucky. My hope is that when I do this, it will give you an update on all God is doing in my life in my time there and that it may be an encouragement to you! Thank you again for your continued prayers and support.
In Christ with love,
Jordan
I have been home for two weeks now, and just wanted to do a really short update for anyone still checking this! I have been asked by several people if I was planning on keeping this updated as I head to Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky this fall. So I thought I would let you all know I will be keeping the blog up and will try to post every once in a while, while I am in Kentucky. My hope is that when I do this, it will give you an update on all God is doing in my life in my time there and that it may be an encouragement to you! Thank you again for your continued prayers and support.
In Christ with love,
Jordan
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Finally another blog! :)
Hello all!
I am so sorry it has taken so long for me to post anything. It seems like since our team left Tanzania, I have had such a big flood of thoughts and emotions, I have had trouble coming up with something to write. But, I will start with our last day in Tarime.
We all decided that we wanted our last day to be at Gamasara with the kids, because this is a place they love so much, and we wanted to share it with them one more time. We wanted the day to be a fun day with the kids, and not an entire day of sadness saying goodbye the entire time. Because it was our last day, the entire staff came out there with us, which was so much fun! (they normally don’t come) The kids did a small program for us in the morning, where there was a lot of crying coming from everyone, including the staff. From there we went outside, and had lunch, which was a blast! We had asked the staff what a good treat would be for the kids for lunch, and he told us bread and jam. So we stocked up on bread, butter and jam for the day. It was so much fun to see how excited and happy they were to have something that we consider “normal” back in the United States. I don’t think there was ever a point that there was not a long line of kids. As we emptied the cans of jam, the kids would take them and lick the rest out of it, I think some of them had like 8 pieces of bread with jam! I don’t think I have ever seen kids so happy about food, and it was a blessing to be there to see it.
After that, the girls planned out a field day for the kids, and so we did some fun games. We did tug of war, three legged race, and sack races. The tug of war was hilarious; the kids were so into it! At one point I tried to help the team that kept losing by tying the end of the rope around me so I could just run in the opposite direction. It was funny to see the kids laugh about this, and yet tell me that I couldn’t do it, because it was cheating. After that, we did the staff against all of the kids, and that was so much fun! Even Bebe Leah (the grandma, who takes care of the kids at night) joined in! She even did the three legged race, which was hilarious! It was the perfect plan for the day, because it was so much fun, and kept all of our minds off of the fact that it was our last one with them for a while. Normally, when we would go out to Gamasara, we would ride out there and back with the kids, but this time we decided it would be better to not ride back with them. We didn’t want to have a long and drawn out goodbye, so we loaded all of them up into the truck, and then said goodbye as they were driving off. Although it was hard, it was truly a blessing to be able to say goodbye in that way.
I don’t feel as if I truly captured any of my emotions in this blog, but I wanted to give you all a glimpse of our last day with the kids. I miss them all so much, and things don’t seem the same without them around. It was really hard on me to say goodbye to them, because the reality is, that I have no idea when I will be back to see them. Yet, I know God had me here for this amount of time for a specific reason. I know that when it is time to say goodbye, it is because God is calling me to a new place and new adventure in my life. So even though it may be hard, I know God is good, and that He is in control.
I hope to post a blog about Nairobi soon, since we have been here for a bit, but I will hold off a day or two so you can enjoy this one first. But, I do have one prayer request. Please be praying for my transition here in Nairobi. Although we only have 6 days left before flying home, it has been hard for me to be here, because my heart is still back with the kids. So pray that God will give me the strength to press on, so that I may give my best towards the students here and the time I have left with them.
In Christ with love,
Jordan
I am so sorry it has taken so long for me to post anything. It seems like since our team left Tanzania, I have had such a big flood of thoughts and emotions, I have had trouble coming up with something to write. But, I will start with our last day in Tarime.
We all decided that we wanted our last day to be at Gamasara with the kids, because this is a place they love so much, and we wanted to share it with them one more time. We wanted the day to be a fun day with the kids, and not an entire day of sadness saying goodbye the entire time. Because it was our last day, the entire staff came out there with us, which was so much fun! (they normally don’t come) The kids did a small program for us in the morning, where there was a lot of crying coming from everyone, including the staff. From there we went outside, and had lunch, which was a blast! We had asked the staff what a good treat would be for the kids for lunch, and he told us bread and jam. So we stocked up on bread, butter and jam for the day. It was so much fun to see how excited and happy they were to have something that we consider “normal” back in the United States. I don’t think there was ever a point that there was not a long line of kids. As we emptied the cans of jam, the kids would take them and lick the rest out of it, I think some of them had like 8 pieces of bread with jam! I don’t think I have ever seen kids so happy about food, and it was a blessing to be there to see it.
After that, the girls planned out a field day for the kids, and so we did some fun games. We did tug of war, three legged race, and sack races. The tug of war was hilarious; the kids were so into it! At one point I tried to help the team that kept losing by tying the end of the rope around me so I could just run in the opposite direction. It was funny to see the kids laugh about this, and yet tell me that I couldn’t do it, because it was cheating. After that, we did the staff against all of the kids, and that was so much fun! Even Bebe Leah (the grandma, who takes care of the kids at night) joined in! She even did the three legged race, which was hilarious! It was the perfect plan for the day, because it was so much fun, and kept all of our minds off of the fact that it was our last one with them for a while. Normally, when we would go out to Gamasara, we would ride out there and back with the kids, but this time we decided it would be better to not ride back with them. We didn’t want to have a long and drawn out goodbye, so we loaded all of them up into the truck, and then said goodbye as they were driving off. Although it was hard, it was truly a blessing to be able to say goodbye in that way.
I don’t feel as if I truly captured any of my emotions in this blog, but I wanted to give you all a glimpse of our last day with the kids. I miss them all so much, and things don’t seem the same without them around. It was really hard on me to say goodbye to them, because the reality is, that I have no idea when I will be back to see them. Yet, I know God had me here for this amount of time for a specific reason. I know that when it is time to say goodbye, it is because God is calling me to a new place and new adventure in my life. So even though it may be hard, I know God is good, and that He is in control.
I hope to post a blog about Nairobi soon, since we have been here for a bit, but I will hold off a day or two so you can enjoy this one first. But, I do have one prayer request. Please be praying for my transition here in Nairobi. Although we only have 6 days left before flying home, it has been hard for me to be here, because my heart is still back with the kids. So pray that God will give me the strength to press on, so that I may give my best towards the students here and the time I have left with them.
In Christ with love,
Jordan
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Back in Kenya
Hello all,
Since I haven't posted in a little while, I just wanted to write real quick to let everyone know that all is okay. We left Tarime early Sunday morning, and are now back in Kenya. We have taken a few days in Mombasa to relax before heading to Nairobi to begin teaching there! It was hard to say goodbye to all of the kids, but I know God is still right there with them all, taking care of them. I hope to post something in the next couple of days that is a little longer, about our last day with the kids. Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers!
In Christ with love,
Jordan
Since I haven't posted in a little while, I just wanted to write real quick to let everyone know that all is okay. We left Tarime early Sunday morning, and are now back in Kenya. We have taken a few days in Mombasa to relax before heading to Nairobi to begin teaching there! It was hard to say goodbye to all of the kids, but I know God is still right there with them all, taking care of them. I hope to post something in the next couple of days that is a little longer, about our last day with the kids. Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers!
In Christ with love,
Jordan
Monday, July 13, 2009
Education…the way out of poverty
As we have been here there has been one main thing that has constantly been pushed and encouraged towards these kids; their education. With all of the poverty here in Tanzania, the only real way to get out of it is through education. I am so grateful that God has given these kids the opportunity to receive an education, which is very difficult to get here in Tanzania. One of the girls on our team even made the comment, that if she had to go through all they have to just to go to school, she would have dropped out way before the point they are even at. Despite the fact that their school fees are covered, there are still many obstacles that keep them from getting the most out of their education.
Today was their first day back to school after being on break for about a month. So yesterday we gave all of the kids their shoes (a pair of school shoes, and a pair of athletic shoes). It was a huge blessing to be able to give the kids these shoes they desperately needed. So thank you, to anyone who took part in the “step into each other’s shoes” project. These kids were so happy to receive the shoes you so generously donated, and I wish you could have been here to see it! I have posted a few pictures below for you to see!
Yesterday, we also took the secondary students shopping for much needed school supplies. We purchased two sets of textbooks (which they did not even have before), one for the girls to share and one for the boys to share. We also were able to purchase them notebooks, writing utensils, backpacks, rulers, mathematical sets, and a few other things. We are hoping to talk with them a little more this week, and figure out what else they need so we can get it for them before we leave. But again, THANK YOU on behalf of all of the kids. If it weren’t for your generous support, it would not have been possible for us to provide any of these supplies for them. Through your help and support, these kids will have fewer obstacles keeping them from their education, and be better prepared for school. I don’t think I can say thank you enough for providing these kids with the opportunity to get the education they deserve.
Last week, we had a bible study with the boys and one verse that was shared with them was Jeremiah 29:11. It says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We shared with them that they will go through hard times that will test their faith. Yet, God does not want to harm them, and will be right there with them through it all. That even when things become really hard, they must continue to put their hope and trust in the Lord. When they give full control over to Him, He will give them hope for something better, and will give them a future. We shared with them, that He is already watching over them, taking care of them. He is the reason that they are going to school, and getting the education they need. He is providing the people and funds necessary for them to have a better future, a better life.
My prayer for them, is that each one of these kids, no matter where they are or what they are doing will grow up to become amazing men and women devoted to God, willing and able to go wherever He calls them. That God will continue to be with each one of them, guiding them, and bringing others to Himself through their lives.
In Christ with love,
Jordan
Today was their first day back to school after being on break for about a month. So yesterday we gave all of the kids their shoes (a pair of school shoes, and a pair of athletic shoes). It was a huge blessing to be able to give the kids these shoes they desperately needed. So thank you, to anyone who took part in the “step into each other’s shoes” project. These kids were so happy to receive the shoes you so generously donated, and I wish you could have been here to see it! I have posted a few pictures below for you to see!
Yesterday, we also took the secondary students shopping for much needed school supplies. We purchased two sets of textbooks (which they did not even have before), one for the girls to share and one for the boys to share. We also were able to purchase them notebooks, writing utensils, backpacks, rulers, mathematical sets, and a few other things. We are hoping to talk with them a little more this week, and figure out what else they need so we can get it for them before we leave. But again, THANK YOU on behalf of all of the kids. If it weren’t for your generous support, it would not have been possible for us to provide any of these supplies for them. Through your help and support, these kids will have fewer obstacles keeping them from their education, and be better prepared for school. I don’t think I can say thank you enough for providing these kids with the opportunity to get the education they deserve.
Last week, we had a bible study with the boys and one verse that was shared with them was Jeremiah 29:11. It says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We shared with them that they will go through hard times that will test their faith. Yet, God does not want to harm them, and will be right there with them through it all. That even when things become really hard, they must continue to put their hope and trust in the Lord. When they give full control over to Him, He will give them hope for something better, and will give them a future. We shared with them, that He is already watching over them, taking care of them. He is the reason that they are going to school, and getting the education they need. He is providing the people and funds necessary for them to have a better future, a better life.
My prayer for them, is that each one of these kids, no matter where they are or what they are doing will grow up to become amazing men and women devoted to God, willing and able to go wherever He calls them. That God will continue to be with each one of them, guiding them, and bringing others to Himself through their lives.
In Christ with love,
Jordan
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