Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | June 24, 2011

Global Glimpses

Who | Sarah Sallee

Where I’ve Traveled With Kingsland | Kolkata, India.

Why I Chose This Trip | I chose the trip to India to see what justice initiatives looked like internationally. For me, the goal in visiting India earlier this year was to observe the aftercare homes housing young girls rescued from the commercial sex trade and to hopefully implement their aftercare successes here in the states. After reaching out to young girls trapped in the commercial sex trade in our own community, I felt the international perspective would bring depth and deeper understanding of what aftercare homes could look like here in the states.

But, the aftercare homes didn’t quite look like I thought they would. The homes are a safe place and the girls protected, but there were so many girls that had been through more darkness in their short life than anyone should experience in a full lifetime – and they were working. It was difficult for me to conceptualize the drive that they had to for working in these homes based on the forced labor they came from. I am not sure what I expected, but it certainly was not a Hyatt Resort full of counselors nurturing these young ladies back to health. It was a community of young, playful girls learning to make products for purchase so that their aftercare home will continue to be financially supported.

In fact, I battled with the Lord for understanding that desire. I grieved for the girls and their youth tossed out the window. I cried out to the Lord on their behalf and how life could be different for them. Oh how I desired for them to have hope and a will for life beyond the wall of the aftercare home. How can we give them more internal and emotional healing? Well, as He does, the Lord gently corrected me. He reminded me of the song “God of This City” by Chris Tomlin. The chorus goes like this:

Greater things have yet to come
Greater things are still to be done in this city

I was humbled at the thought of things yet to come just as the song prompts. I was reminded that our God is in control. Our God is the light in the darkness. Our God is the hope to the hopeless and peace to the restless just as the song reiterates.

What I Will Remember Most | I will never forget how proud I was to be called “Auntie.” As we spent more time with the girls at the aftercare homes, they began to open up to us. We played games and laughed and enjoyed the time the Lord allowed us in fellowship together. As the end of the day when it was time to go, they didn’t want us to leave. They all gathered around and said “bye Auntie.” I have never been so proud to be called an Auntie.

Why Our Presence Was Important | Our presence is so important to these girls because we are a lasting relationship. By showing up to see the girls year after year, we are initiating hope in an otherwise bleak heart. Five, six, maybe seven years ago these aftercare homes didn’t even exist. It is early in the fight for justice against commercial sex trafficking but through constant and annual interaction in these homes and financial support in between, we won’t just be another person in and out of their life, we will be a Christ example and our visits will promote hope in their heart, a hope that may open their eyes to our Savior himself and into an even better eternal life with Him.

Why I Must Go Again | I must go again to shine His light in the fragile hearts of young girls once so oppressed. I want to be that person that says to that little girl “I love you and I will see you soon” and, to her unbelief, show up the next year and say “see, I told you so.” I want the Lord use me to initiate faith in their minds, belief in their souls and hope in their hearts by following though and showing up just like what was promised.

How You Can Make a Difference | Prayer and support. Pray for justice for these young girls and for the hearts of the men and women running the trade. They too need the Lord. Support Kingsland’s Justice Ministry by participating in the Just Run for a Just Cause. The 5k and 10k run, and 1 mile family walk September 17, 2011 will help raise awareness and support local and international justice initiatives. Register online and receive a t-shirt handmade by the girls in one of the aftercare homes we visited. And, visit the Kingsland Justice website to learn more about Kingsland’s justice initiatives.

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Posted in Global Glimpses, India

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | June 23, 2011

Bags of Hope

This summer, Kingsland’s Missions Ministry is hosting five Summer of Service initiatives on Wednesday evenings to benefit some of our local ministry partners. We kicked things off last night with our Bags of Hope for the Homeless initiative. More than three-hundred Kingsland members gathered in our Loft venue to hear a brief word from 1000 Hills Ministry, a Houston-based ministry that feeds the homeless. In addition to meeting physical needs, 1000 Hills also provides spiritual nourishment for the homeless at three worship venues called The Church Under the Bridge, The Church in the Park, and The Church in the Driveway. Our friend Tre9 (Bobby Herring), a Christian Hip Hop rapper, also spoke about how God led him and his wife Amanda to work with and feed the homeless in Houston’s urban areas. Together, these urban ministry partners feed and minister to hundreds of homeless individuals every day.

In addition to creating greater awareness about what our urban partners are doing to help the homeless, our objective last night was to assist these partners with some of the practical things they need in order to do their work. So, we asked Kingsland members to purchase and bring bags of items that are needed by those who live on the streets — things like toiletries, mosquito repellant and first-aid kits, and candy and breakfast bars. Together, we assembled almost six-hundred individual bags that our urban partners will distribute to the homeless in the coming days. The best part of the evening was watching parents and kids and the old and the young working together. This kind of evening is a key part of fulfilling our purpose statement of equipping the next generation. Afterward, Jon Davis, our Missions Ministry Associate, led us in a concert of prayer for our urban ministry partners and the homeless population that they serve.

Our next Summer of Service initiative is next Wednesday evening. We will assemble Bags of Redemption in cooperation with Kingsland’s Justice Ministry. Our Justice Ministry reaches out to young women who are trapped in the dark world of the commercial sex trade in our own community as well as young girls that have been rescued from this darkness. Our local justice ministry initiatives are making a difference in the lives of these girls. Our Bags of Redemption will help us to take hope and encouragement to precious human beings who believe that no one cares about them. I hope you will join us for this next opportunity to offer the hope of Christ to the least of these who live in the shadows in our own community.

Note | Please take a moment to check out this video thanks from Houston’s homeless for the Bags of Hope distributed by Bobby and Amanda Herring.

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Posted in Local Missions Initiatives

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | June 22, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Bangladesh Surfing Club | 2011 | Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

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Posted in Bangladesh, Wordless Wednesday

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | June 21, 2011

A Child Will Lead Them

One of my favorite songs is entitled, “By Our Love” by singer Christy Nockels. One of the verses of the song says, “Children, you are hope for justice, stand firm in the Truth now, set your hearts above. You will be reaching, long after we’re gone, and they will know you by your love!” When our missions ministry embraced the challenge of helping the victims of human trafficking, we took intentional steps to help our children learn about the issue of justice. We believe that we have a responsibility to teach the next generation (in age-appropriate ways) about what they can do to make a difference in the lives of those who live in the dark world of modern-day slavery. I am certainly thankful for everything that our adults do to invest financially to support our justice initiatives at home and abroad. But I am especially encouraged by what our children  are doing to help those who are less fortunate and in dire straits.

Chloe and Morgan Isenberger recently stopped by my office with a zip lock bag containing $56.00 in change. Morgan had recently told her mom, Kelly, that she wanted to have a lemonade stand. Kelly wasn’t sure it could be done because Morgan and her sister Chloe had to be at their swim team practice every day after school. After thinking about it, Kelly suggested that they set up their lemonade stand at the place where their swim team practices. So, Kelly and the girls went shopping and selected items that would give them the best profit margin. They also made a sign with a price list and this message: All proceeds support a home for girls rescued out of slavery. In addition to raising funds to help girls in need, Kelly and her girls helped to educate others about the issue of human trafficking.

The day after the Isenberger girls stopped by my office, Carson Potts and his older brother Cooper knocked on my door. Carson handed me his Just Change bank — the red house-shaped “piggy” banks that our families use to collect change to support our aftercare home. Carson’s bank was filled with coins. Kara, his mom, told me that Carson’s grandmother had given him a complete set of state quarters. Instead of keeping them for himself, Carson told his mom that he wanted to give the quarters to help the girls we support in South Asia. Without hesitation, Carson handed me his coin-filled bank. The Potts kids will start over with an empty bank — a reminder of their generosity and the need to continue to think of others.

I am both blessed and convicted by the thoughtful and selfless actions of the Isenberger girls, the Potts boys, and so many other children who do the same thing. Our children are leading the way and demonstrating that they are indeed hope for justice. They are beginning to realize that we are responsible for intentionally acting to help those in need and in danger. And, they are doing it in a Christ-like, selfless, and compassionate way. Let’s follow their lead!

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Posted in Justice

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | June 20, 2011

Capture the Moments

Yesterday was Father’s Day and today is my Dad’s 82nd birthday. Today is also the day my Mom and Dad tied the knot in 1955. Mom passed away two years ago just three weeks before their 54th wedding anniversary. The many photos we have of Mom have become even more precious to us since her death. In addition to the many candid shots, I especially love the studio portraits that have adorned the walls of our home since I was a kid. My siblings and I are in the process of scanning and labeling several albums filled with our family’s Kodak moments. The larger framed studio portraits present a more difficult challenge but we are working to have them carefully taken out of their frames and scanned. Pending completion of this project, I used my iPhone camera to capture one of my favorite wedding photos of Mom.

An early Kodak advertising campaign encouraged families to use Kodak Film to “capture the moments of your life.” I’m glad that my grandparents and parents did just that. But, unless we take measures to preserve those moments, we risk losing them to deterioration. And, unless we consult older family members, we also risk not knowing who is who in the oldest family photos in our possession. So, that’s why we are taking intentional steps to preserve our family history for the next generation. I encourage you to do the same. If you don’t, then someone may one day look at a photo of you and wonder who you are. So, don’t just capture the moments — capture the names and dates and places that were captured on film or digital media.

Happy Birthday, Dad. And thanks for leaving us a legacy of family photos that keep us connected to those who came before us and that help us to see and understand our lives in the larger context of our family history. Here are a couple of wedding photos taken on June 20, 1955.

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Posted in Home and Family

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | June 19, 2011

My Father’s Love

I feel that, in many ways, growing older has given me a greater appreciation for my growing-up years. I am among those fortunate individuals who is the beneficiary of a childhood that I would live all over again in a heartbeat. My parents were the primary reason my wonder years were wonderful. Time and distance has sharpened my perspective on what they did to make those years memorable in a good way. On this Father’s Day I want to thank my Dad for five of most memorable things about my childhood.

Thanks for loving Mom. | Dad married the girl of his dreams. It was so blatantly obvious while growing up how much my Dad loved my Mom. He adored her. Dad was the consummate gentleman. I never heard him exchange an angry word with my Mom or speak to her in any unbecoming way. He always treated her with the utmost respect and kindness. Their love for one another made our home a very secure place.

Thanks for believing in me. | I recall a particular family road trip when I was seven years-old. From the backseat of our un-air conditioned 1962 blue Plymouth Valiant, I told my Dad that I wanted to be a … (whatever it was I wanted to be when I grew up at that time). While I don’t remember what it was that I wanted to be, I do remember Dad’s affirming reply. He told me that he thought I would make a truly great … (whatever it was I had told him I wanted to be when I grew up). Dad never stopped affirming his belief in my potential and continues to encourage me today.

Thanks for the homemade fun. | One of my very earliest memories is of Dad making kites for us. He constructed balsa wood frames and then carefully cut, wrapped, and glued grocery bag skins to the frames. Mom added fabric tails to these kites and then we headed out to one of the fields near our home on the edge of town. I still vividly remember walking out into the field and seeing our kites take to the air on that windy day. This was just one of our fun adventures as a young family.

Thanks for your integrity. | Through the years Dad taught me the value of honest and hard work. I sometimes went with Dad to his office when I was a kid and later worked for him when I was in college. It was during those years that I learned really good things about my Dad from his customers. They spoke highly of him because he treated others with courtesy, respect, and honesty. He expected me to treat others the same way.

Thanks for loving me. | The one thing that I am most certain of is that my Dad loves me. My Dad has always called me “mijo” — a combination of the Spanish words for “my” and “son.” However, to those of us who speak Spanish, this is an affectionate term, a contraction that conveys more than the idea of “my son.” It more accurately conveys the idea of “my beloved son.” Mijo is a tender term of endearment. Dad still calls me his beloved son.

I find it interesting that the first mention of the word “love” in the Bible is not in the context of a man’s love for a woman, but rather of a father’s love for his son — specifically Abraham’s love for his son Isaac (Gen. 22:2). And, the first mention of the world love in the New Testament is also in the context of a Father’s love for His Son. At Jesus’ baptism a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son. (in Spanish, “este es mi Hijo amado”) I take delight in Him!” (Matt. 3:17). I’m thankful for my Dad and for all of the ways in which he has expressed his love for me and my siblings through the years. I have a better understanding of God’s love for me because of the ways in which my Dad has faithfully demonstrated his love for me. Thanks, Dad. Happy Father’s Day. I love you, too.

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Posted in Home and Family

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | June 18, 2011

Generation One Academy

Soon after coming to Kingsland to begin my service as Missions Pastor, my friend Jim Herrington told me about a young man who was starting a ministry to at-risk kids in Houston’s Third Ward. A few days later I met Mike Malkemes, an ex-Marine who was committed to making a difference in the lives of children living in one of Houston’s toughest neighborhoods. Our missions ministry helped Mike to rebuild and furnish a building in the heart of the Third Ward — an initiative that took us a little more than a year to complete. But, it was worth every dollar and every volunteer hour invested. This building now serves as the base camp for Generation One, the name of Mike’s ministry. God has blessed Mike’s various initiatives to reach urban kids over the past few years. And now, God has given Mike and his wife Kenzie another God-sized vision — starting Generation One Academy.

OG | Mike, why do you and Kenzie feel led to start Generation One Academy?

MM | We believe that in order to end generational poverty we have to begin with a child at age 2.5 and provide love and education throughout their formative years. We also see great value in working with and positively influencing the kids 50-60 hours a week versus our average of 10-12 hours a week.

OG | What kids do you hope to reach through the academy?

MM | We hope to reach the kids that are on the margins, the ones that are falling through the cracks. Kids that can do well, when given the chance and encouragement. And also the kids that aren’t on grade level due to no fault of their own.

OG | Where will you hold your classes?

MM | Our classes will consist of 12 students, a teacher, and a teacher’s aid. Each classroom will be placed in a different church in the community.

OG | Who will teach the children?

MM | We have hired 3 veteran and very qualified teachers and a principal to teach the first 3 classes. We are thanking God for the Dream Team He has provided!

OG | Where will your funding come from?

MM | 100% of our funding comes from individuals, churches, and foundations.

OG | You recently applied for a $50,000 grant. What are the requirements for getting this grant and how can people help get the word out about how to vote for Generation One in order to increase the possibility that Generation One Academy will receive this grant?

MM | Its all about votes!  Everybody needs to go to this link: http://lovealocalbusiness.intuit.com/business/Generation-One-Inc/123421?vtid=email_conf_manual_sbo or find it on our Generation One website and vote, then get as many people as you know to vote as well, including business and church networks, family, and friends. We may call on you again to vote in the Pepsi Challenge if we get accepted this next round! Also all you Facebook people, please find and ‘like’ Generation One!

Note | Kingsland’s missions ministry has scheduled two Summer of Service initiatives to help Generation One this summer. On Wednesday, August 3, we will collect school supplies to fill 300 backpacks for kids in the Third Ward. On Wednesday, August 10, we will collect books for the Generation One library and for school libraries in the Third Ward. Please contact our missions office for more information on how you can get involved.

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Posted in Local Missions Initiatives

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | June 17, 2011

Global Glimpses

Josh, Andrea, Omar, and Barbara. | 2011 | Thailand

Who | Andrea Bierschwale

Where I’ve Traveled With Kingsland | I have participated in short-term mission trips to Acuna, Mexico (2008) and Cha-Am, Thailand (2011).

Why I Chose These Trips | A few years ago I traveled to Acuna, Mexico with a team from Kingsland to build a home for a pastor and his family. While most of the men did the building, I ended up spending most of my time playing with the local children. God started working in me and giving me a heart for missions, but I didn’t know what to do with the desire. I began praying and asking God if He would send me somewhere where He could use the gifts, talents, and abilities He’s given me to serve His Kingdom. I checked Kingsland’s missions website and a scheduled trip to Thailand jumped out at me. I didn’t know any details about the trip, but I sensed God calling me to “go beyond.” I continued to pray and the desire to go to Thailand grew stronger and stronger. I stepped out in faith and sent Omar an email to inquire about the upcoming work being done there. I learned that the team would serve those who live and work among unreached peoples throughout South Asia, and they were in need of children’s workers to conduct a Vacation Bible School. I knew without a doubt that the Holy Spirit was calling me to Thailand.

What I Will Remember Most | Everything! I think about this trip and the families we were blessed to serve all the time. I often pray for them and the unreached people they risk their lives to reach out to and share the love of Jesus with. I will always remember the kids lifting their hands and voices while singing “Mighty to Save”. Every time I hear that song it makes me smile and spurs me on to pray for them.

Why Our Service Was Important | These families are living out the great commission in areas faced with much persecution. The parents were so thankful to receive some rest and encouragement from Omar and Josh while their children were able to enjoy the freedom to simply play and be kids thanks to Barbara. I am very thankful for all of Kingsland’s pastors and ministers who provide opportunities for the church to serve in this manner.

What One Child Said | One particular child shared that she was prepared to be a martyr and give her life for the message of Christ.

Why I Will Go Again | The Thailand trip was life changing for me. It all started with a small flame in my heart for missions. While on this trip it felt like God was pouring gasoline on that fire. God has ignited a flame in my heart for the unreached people of the world. While in Thailand I had a very strong feeling that I would return one day with my family. I don’t know what God has planned, but I’m praying He will send me back! In the meantime, God has allowed me to “go beyond” without leaving home. He is using me as an online missionary to reach the nations and make disciples through Global Media Outreach. Since returning from Thailand in January, I’ve connected with over 100 people throughout the world as an online missionary!

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Jesus | Matthew 28:19-20

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Posted in Global Glimpses, Mexico, Thailand

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | June 16, 2011

The Finish Line

My son Jonathan and his teammate Steve completed the 260-mile Texas Water Safari, the world’s toughest canoe race. After almost one-hundred hours of paddling from the starting point in San Marcos, they reached the finish line in the coastal community of Seadrift on Wednesday morning. It was a grueling challenge that required lots of training and preparation. They got an estimated three-hours of sleep along the way. My daughter Niki served as the team captain and met Jonathan and Steve at all of the check-points along the way as required by the race rules. She also had to do a lot of work to find these check-points along the river and to keep Jonathan and Steve supplied with water. She did an amazing job. On Wednesday, June 15, all of their preparation and teamwork paid off. Out of the 105 contestants, Jonathan and Steve were among the 89 that completed the race. Congratulation on a job well done.

Jonathan and Steve at the finish line of the 2011 Texas Water Safari.

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Posted in Home and Family, Texas Water Safari

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | June 15, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Weary travelers. Steve and my son Jonathan on day three of the Texas Water Safari.

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Posted in Home and Family, Texas Water Safari, Wordless Wednesday

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