Dear Family & Friends,
As I prepare to return to Jamaica for a third time in June 2013, for a 12-day Work & Witness trip, the Lord has laid a lot on my heart. But, first let me thank all of you who have partnered with me in the past. Without you we would not have been able to accomplish all the good we have done.
As I reflect back over the past year I can honestly say that through the many hardships, struggles and tragedies that we have faced as individuals, as families, and as a nation; God has proven faithful each and every time. Sometimes we see Him immediately and other times it takes awhile to see His goodness, but rest assured, “…those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint”. (Isaiah 40:31 NKV)
The tragedies in Aurora, CO and Newtown, CT stopped us in our tracks. The economic downfall has smacked many of us in the face and continues to take its toll. Accidental deaths of friends and family left gaping holes in our souls and created thoughts of disbelief. But if we step back, take a deep breath, and look at life as a whole, many of us would conclude that we are very blessed and fortunate to have what we’ve been given, to be a citizen of the United States of America and most importantly to be a child of the Most High God.
Jesus said, “When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required”. (Luke 12:48b NLT) God continues to provide in unexpected ways. The more we trust Him the more He reveals Himself. The more we seek Him the more He shows us His glory. The more He trusts us with, the more responsible He expects us to be. The reason we are blessed is to bless others, the reason we have been shown compassion is so we can be compassionate to those in need.
God’s Holy Word is full of laws and commandments, many of which are designed to show us just how much we need Jesus. If we need Jesus, just imagine how many others need Him too. When asked which command is greatest, Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-39 NIV) WOW! What a great summarization of all the commands that we have been given. We must simply love God and love our neighbors.
It is vital that we do not become foolish by going through the motions. We cannot fool God! “…Do not be overwhelmed by the increase of wickedness and let your love grow cold…” (Matt. 24:12 paraphrase), and do not be one that becomes "selfish, a lover of money, ungrateful, unforgiving, without self control, a lover of pleasure rather than God – having a form of godliness but denying its power”. (2 Tim. 3:2-5 Paraphrase)
In Matthew 23:23 NIV, Jesus condemned the teachers and Pharisees. He said: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices - mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law - justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” The leaders were going through the motions, pretending to be godly, but having no power.
In James 1:27 NIV, the author states: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world”.
In Micah 6:8 NIV, the prophet said: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”. This is the simple truth of what God requires. If we do these things, have faith in God and believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, there is no limit to what God can do through us.
As I have spent time reading in the Old Testament, specifically some of the Minor Profits, God has shown me over and over again how the mistreatment and neglect of the poor and needy became a major stumbling block to the Israelites. So much so that it became a point of contention with God and was instrumental to the hardening of hearts, leading to God’s Judgment on His chosen people. As we look around today, it is easy to see great need here in the USA and abroad. Even though times are tough, we are still blessed by God. Generosity in time of need is what will separate the Church from the pretenders. Please ask God to show you how you can be used to be a blessing to the needy and for opportunities to show love, compassion and mercy to those near and far.
It is exciting to have the opportunity to return to Jamaica! I know that God has placed this mission on my heart and He has given me a vision and a passion for sharing Jesus in Jamaica. I am truly blessed to be our church’s team leader for the 2013 team. This year I am especially blessed as my two oldest sons, Elliott and Isaac will be joining me to serve on this trip. Some of you will remember that Isaac participated on our last trip to Jamaica. For the last two years I have heard him ask repeatedly, “When we are going back?”
As I look towards the future and begin preparing mentally, physically and spiritually for this mission trip, I’ve found it helpful to look back over past trips and the past year, evaluate events that have transpired, and apply the lessons learned. It has become clear that everything in life teaches us, transforms us, and shapes us into who we are today. When we surrender to Jesus, our very life can become a lesson to be shared to encourage and strengthen someone else.
Elliott, Isaac and I will be answering the Lord’s call and taking a step of faith. It is truly humbling to have the opportunity, by being part of the group from The Hubbard Church of the Nazarene, to expose the boys to missions and give them a chance to be Jesus to someone we have not yet met. Our team will be serving in Westmoreland, Jamaica in the city of Frome and will be branching out wherever possible.
Our trip is scheduled from June 4th to June 16th, 2013. The cost is approximately $1,400 per team member, which covers airfare, food, lodging, island transportation and some tools and materials. Each team member is responsible for raising their own financial and prayer support; Therefore, I am reaching out to you for your help and support in assisting us with our financial obligations and needs for prayer. The 3 of us must raise a total of $4,200.00
The purpose of the work and witness trip is to join with our Jamaican brothers and sisters in Christ to work towards the completion of the District Center @ Mt. Shiloh Nazarene Church, and to share the love of Jesus with the people in these neighborhoods through work & witness, VBS and several speaking engagements.
Please pray for us that God will open the hearts of the Jamaican people, that there will be unity among our work & witness team, and that God would work in and through us by providing strength to complete the work, as well as give us His words to share His message of love.
We are very excited about this trip! Please consider becoming a vital part of this opportunity with us as God leads you to pray for and give to this mission. Financial support is essential to our going on this trip, but of greater importance is your commitment to pray for the entire team.
Let us thank you in advance for you prayer and support as together we obey the Lord’s command by responding to His Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and by caring for those in need.
In His service,
David Roose, Elliott Roose and Isaac Roose