Pray Their Brains are Comfortable

Don and Martha
Originally uploaded by Cross and Crown.

From Oklahoma City to Liberia - Don and Martha Bryant began a journey today. They embarked for a three week mission trip to this west African nation that is ravaged from 14 years of civil war that ended in 2003.

The Bryants met a Liberian Refugee at their son and daughter-in-law's congregation in Florida and began an immediate friendship. Martha and Don are taking her home fir a visit. While there, they will minister with their words, their hugs, their joy and their faith.

Martha asked that we pray that their brains are comfortable. They will not be staying at a comfortable American-style hotel. They know they will be dirty, might not have water to bathe or drink safely. They will eat different food, they will be physically put to the test. It's definitely not a posh safari trip they are taking as Martha fulfills her lifelong dream of journeying to Africa.

Pray their brains are comfortable and that their heads cope with the physical challenges of the trip.

While we're at it, let's praise God for their hearts and willingness to obey his will in their lives. Everyone at the mission will miss them for three weeks, but they are taking the Cross and the Crown with them to share God's love in the same way Don and Martha share it everyday at 9th and McKinley in Oklahoma City.

Shepherd's Voice

P1010446
Originally uploaded by Cross and Crown.

This article appeared on Sunday, April 10, in the Quail Springs Church of Christ bulletin where Dan Vann is an elder.

In this picture, he's on the right, praying with Kent Taylor, another volunteer, and a child of God (not Mary).


Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2 Corinthians 1: 3-4)


 I can't remember her name. I only spoke with her twice. l call her Mary. I met Mary on one of the Wednesdays that I volunteer at the Cross and Crown Mission and she was living proof of the passage above.

I was in the prayer room that Wednesday when Mary came in and I was introduced to her. She seemed embarrassed, perhaps a little frustrated, that she had to sit through an "interview" before she could be assisted. (When someone comes for the first time, they are briefed on the "guidelines" for help, the spiritual focus of our efforts, when the Mission is open, how often they can get assistance, how we can help, etc.) She only wanted "some groceries to tide her over" until she got on her feet financially that month. Initially, she was distant and curt in her responses - that is, until I asked her how I could pray for her - specifically. I'm sure the Holy Spirit was at work convincing her I was sincere because she really opened up about her children and especially her grandson. Her concern was over his health, his friendships and her desire for him to grow up and "follow Jesus."

I shared with her about our grandsons and our similar concerns, and then prayed with her for a few minutes, assuring her that I would be praying for her during the week. When we finished, she hugged me and told me how encouraged and hopeful she felt. The Holy Spirit had once again proven the above passage. Countless times I had been encouraged about our grandsons (by many of you!) and the Lord used me to do the same to reach someone in need.

Time and space don't permit me to share the blessings I've received volunteering at Cross and Crown, but He always seems to redeem the time. Plus, I get to see His mercy at work through the volunteers and staff that work there faithfully. Your schedule may not permit time to physically go to the Mission, but you can spend time in prayer each week for the Mission and the people God brings to them. Here are a few specific ways you can pray:

Rock Island House: located across the street from the Mission, the goal is for it to be a "safe haven" for homeless or hurting teens. Pray for all planning/zoning issues to be quickly and completely resolved so construction can begin soon.

Currently the Mission offers very low cost medical, dental and eye care. Many who could not receive care otherwise have been helped through this outreach. Three of our members (Curg Laughlin, Scott Wyatt and Larry Olsen) volunteer their time each week to serve those who qualify. Paul Whitmire told me recently that this is a very fast-growing need. Pray that more doctors, dentists and clinicians can step forward to expand these services. Specifically pray that God will open the way to have dental facilities “on site” at the Mission in the future.

"Pray that there are adequate volunteers each week to meet the Mission's needs.

Occasionally we sing about "taking Jesus to the streets." Pray that the hurting and impoverished who come to the Mission see Him when they get there.




Dan Vann

Taking a break

Unc
Originally uploaded by Cross and Crown.

This is Scott's nephew, Grant.

Actually, Scott was working, and Grant was pestering.

No Not One

Worship
Originally uploaded by Cross and Crown.

How long has it been since you've heard this one?

Words: Johnson Oatman, Jr., 1895.

There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! No, not one!
None else could heal all our soul’s diseases,
No, not one! No, not one!

Jesus knows all about our struggles,
He will guide till the day is done;
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! No, not one!

No friend like Him is so high and holy,
No, not one! No, not one!
And yet no friend is so meek and lowly,
No, not one! No, not one!

There’s not an hour that He is not near us,
No, not one! No, not one!
No night so dark but His love can cheer us,
No, not one! No, not one!

Did ever saint find this Friend forsake him?
No, not one! No, not one!
Or sinner find that He would not take him?
No, not one! No, not one!

Was ever a gift like the Savior given?
No, not one! No, not one!
Will He refuse us a home in Heaven?
No, not one! No, not one!

Come Unto Me

Come Unto Me
Originally uploaded by Cross and Crown.

Chastity is a part of the family at the mission on Sunday nights. Tonight as she came to remember Jesus in communion, the song, Come Unto Me, played in the background.

The song is from this scripture from Matthew 11.

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."