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

Eager to Help

Smoke from wildfire at George Bush Park.

Every day for the past few weeks we have heard news reports about wildfires in Texas. The drought conditions have created a perfect environment for even the smallest spark to ignite a raging fire, thus prompting communities throughout the State to enforce burn bans. On Tuesday afternoon, I walked outside my office at the church only to see giant billowing plumes of smoke from another wildfire — this time at George Bush Park located just a few miles away. I watched developments with great interest because several of our church members live within close proximity to the park. Thankfully, local firefighters have contained this blaze.

Last week our missions ministry made an appeal for funds to assist the victims of the wildfires in Bastrop, Texas. Thousands, including three families that I personally know, have been displaced by the fires because their homes burned. I am happy to report that the people of Kingsland responded in a timely and generous way by contributing a total of $27,675.00 to assist those who suffered loss in Bastrop. We have forwarded these funds to our friends at the Austin Baptist Association. They are already at work providing assistance to families in need. These funds will enable families to purchase basic necessities, including toiletries, clothing, backpacks and school supplies, and other items they lost when their homes were destroyed.

Hard times, unexpected troubles, and unforeseen challenges can come at a moment’s notice. But, when they do, it’s great to know that Christ-followers are always so eager to help in practical ways — to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I have watched several news reports about churches that have mobilized to assist those who have suffered loss because of the wildfires around our State. Helping those in need is just one way that we can demonstrate God’s love to others. I am grateful to each and every member of the Kingsland family and others in our community who contributed to our Bastrop relief initiative. People in need will be blessed, encouraged, and refreshed as a result of our eagerness to help.

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Posted in Current Events, Emergency Relief

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | September 14, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Preparing lunch in the African bush. | 2007 | Tanzania

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Posted in Tanzania, Wordless Wednesday

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | September 13, 2011

Reecie’s New Purpose

In December 2008, I posted the story about the accidental drowning of our two-year old nephew, Clinton Ryan. I will never forget the morning we received the phone call informing us of the tragic news. In the midst of this unimaginably difficult experience, our dear niece Reecie made the courageous decision to donate any of Clinton’s organs that might be needed to save or improve the lives of individuals awaiting organ transplants. In my blog post, I shared the letter that Reecie had written to the person who received Clinton’s eyes.

Since Clinton Ryan’s death, Reecie has found a new purpose in life that she otherwise would never have chosen for herself — educating others about the importance of becoming organ donors. Reecie has encouraged parents to make the decision ahead of time to become organ donors and, in the event that anything should happen to their children, to make the life-giving and selfless choice that she made.

This month, Reecie’s story is featured in FACE Magazine, a publication about Lafayette women. Her beautiful photo is featured on the cover. The article is entitled Purpose Full. Please take a moment to read Reecie’s story about Clinton Ryan’s death — a story that is also about how God has faithfully sustained Reecie moment by moment and day by day. I am so proud of Reecie for finding and embracing a new purpose out of the darkest day of her life — a purpose that honors the memory of her sweet little boy but that also challenges others to give the gift of life to those awaiting organ transplants. We love you, Reecie!

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Posted in Death and Dying, Home and Family | Tags: ,

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | September 12, 2011

Sticks and Stones

As someone who enjoys writing and speaking, I think about words and how to use them all the time. There is power in words. We all are familiar with the children’s rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” The truth of the matter is that words can hurt us — and sometimes hurt us a lot! Perhaps you have wounded others with malignant mutterings or felt the sting of someone else’s oral assault. What is it that can make our words nasty, unpleasant, and destructive? Is it the gestures that propel them? Is it the intensity with which they are delivered or the silence that sometimes follows their thunderous volley? Is it other words that serve as accomplices or the carnage that lies in their wake?

“The pen is mightier than the sword” is an old adage that reminds us of the power of words. Whether written or spoken, our words can either add further injury to someone who is already down or be a soothing and healing balm to someone who is bleeding. Because words have the power to destroy or to heal, we should always make it a point to think before we speak. Proverbs 16:24 states: “Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body.” People — especially those who have been beaten down by life’s challenges, surprises, and setbacks — can benefit from words pleasantly orchestrated into symphonies of encouragement. The next time you come across someone who is hurting, discouraged, or despairing, consider how you can use words to promote healing and health by remembering the following simple suggestions.

DO NOT…
• Do not be afraid to remain silent.

• Do not underestimate the healing value of your presence and silence.

• Do not say something when you have nothing to say.

• Do not try to explain what you do not understand.

• Do not criticize or judge.

DO…
• Do affirm your love and express your compassion.

• Do stay and care for others as long as necessary.

• Do listen more than you talk.

• Do understand your limitations.

• Do ask God to help you look beyond faults and shortcomings to the needs of others.

Finally, keep in mind the words of the Apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus (4:29): “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

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Posted in Devotional Thoughts | Tags: ,

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | September 11, 2011

Remembering 9/11

There are certain dates on the calendar that will be forever marred by the debris of destruction. December 7, 1941 is one of those dates. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt addressed Congress to ask for a declaration of war. The opening lines of his now-famous speech are among the most memorable: “Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” The worst that the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor unleashed on America unwittingly revealed the best about America and produced what journalist Tom Brokaw called “the greatest generation.”

September 11 is another of those dates that will live in infamy. Like most Americans, I will never forget where I was on the morning of the terrorist attacks that took the lives of almost 3,000 innocent civilians and civil servants. And I will never forget what I witnessed just weeks later when I traveled to Bangladesh — propaganda by Al Queda boasting about the attacks and the loss of life in America. I was stunned by the cavalier attitude of those celebrating the loss of life and destruction of property, an attitude foreign to my worldview as a Christ-follower. Jesus never took a life but instead gave His life. Nor did He ever command His followers to harm or to use violence against those who reject Him or His claims. When one of His disciples drew a sword and injured one of Jesus’ own enemies, Jesus rebuked him and healed the injured man (Luke 22:50-51; John 8:10-11). Jesus was compassionate to the end. When any of His followers use the sword to persuade or to punish another, they do so in violation of His example and teachings.

Remembering 9/11 is the best antidote to the kind of complacency that can diminish our vigilance and weaken our resolve to protect our homeland. Having visited more than thirty countries, I have no desire to live in any place but the United States of America. We are not perfect. No nation is. But we are privileged to enjoy the kind of freedom that others only dream about and long for. And on this tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks, Americans are once again demonstrating what makes our country great. The 9/11 Tribute Movement is one example. Organizers of this movement have worked to mobilize volunteers to participate in the single largest day of charitable service in United States history. May the memory of 9/11 always spur us to show the world what distinguishes America from those who attacked us and to demonstrate that we can indeed overcome evil with good.

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Posted in Current Events

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | September 9, 2011

Among the Ashes

I had my first experience with a family whose home had burned when I lived in Houston in the 1990’s. Their home caught fire on New Year’s Day, just after midnight, when a stray bottle-rocket sent flying by someone in the neighborhood landed on the roof of their home. When I received word about the fire I immediately rushed over to be with the family. It was a terrible sight to see the shell of their home and everything they owned reduced to ashes. I walked through the smoldering and blackened remains of what once was their home, helping them to recover fragments of photos. I listened as the mother wept and pointed to where their Christmas tree once stood. All of the treasured ornaments that she intended to pass on to her kids were forever gone. It was a sobering experience to walk among the ashes.

I immediately set things in motion to mobilize our church family to help. I contacted realtors looking for temporary housing, contacted folks about furniture, and other big stuff. And then, a woman in our church called to ask me if we had provided the family with the most immediate things they would need — things like toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo and other toiletries, blow-dryers, underwear, and all of those little things we take for granted. Honestly, I had not thought about those little things at all. But the woman was right. So, we took a step back and started by providing the family with the little things they would need and then moved on to their bigger needs.

Bastrop Fires | Photo by San Antonio Express-News

Last weekend, soon after my son and I reached the finish line of the Colorado River 100 — the marathon canoe race that starts at Bastrop, Texas — we learned about the wildfires in Bastrop County. Within hours we received word that the homes of three families that we know in Bastrop had burned to the ground. One home belonged to the parents of some dear friends who serve as missionaries in South Asia. They lost all of their treasured family photos and remembrances from around the world. As of this writing, more than 35,000 acres of piney woods have burned and more than 1,400 homes destroyed. Thousands of people are currently displaced because of the fires.

Those who have suffered the loss of everything they owned will be on the road to recovery for months. They will have to find temporary lodging, work with insurance companies, and more in order to begin the journey back to what will be their new normal. But these families also have immediate needs for all of those little things that we easily take for granted — toiletries, underwear, socks, school supplies, and more. That’s why our missions ministry is collecting funds to send to the Austin Baptist Association so that they can purchase gift cards to give to families in need. Families can then use these gift cards to get what they need most. We have already forwarded $2,000.00 and will forward thousands more on Monday. If you would like to help the people of Bastrop, we are collecting funds through Sunday. Please make your check payable to Kingsland Baptist Church and designate it “Bastrop Relief.” We’ll get the funds to our friends in Austin who will in turn purchase gift cards for families in need.

• • • • •
Update | 12 September 2011 | Thank you Kingsland family for donating an additional $25,675.00 to assist those who lost their homes to the Bastrop wildfires. Your gift will enable our friends at the Austin Baptist Association to give assistance to hundreds of these families.

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Posted in Current Events, Emergency Relief

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | September 7, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Colorado River 100 Mile Marathon Canoe Race | Finished 30 out of 78 in our division.

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Posted in Colorado River 100

Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | September 6, 2011

Stay On Course

I learned an important lesson about staying on course while on a short-term mission trip to China in 2003. My companions and I were hiking in the foothills of the Himalayas in search of a particular village. When we could no longer make out the trail we decided to forge our own through unfamiliar territory. As we made our way toward a stream I stepped onto what I thought was a ledge. Unfortunately it was a shadow and, with nothing to support my weight, I tumbled down several feet and sustained a number of cuts and bruises. Stunned, we all decided it best to retrace our steps and to find the right trail.

We live in an imperfect world filled with inaccurate counsel about how best to live. For many people, the lines between wise and foolish behavior are blurred. We often hear wicked behaviors described as good and practical and godly behaviors demeaned as foolish and stupid. And, many people ignore the godly wisdom presented in God’s Word and decide for themselves what paths seem best. God wants His people to rely on His perfect wisdom to guide them in this imperfect world. So, lest you take a tumble, make sure that you stay on the paths marked out by godly wisdom.

It’s far too easy to get off course and to wander down dangerous paths. Here are some practical thoughts on how you can rely on God’s wisdom, avoid dangerous paths, and stay on course.

C — Chart a course that is based on the counsel of God’s Word.
O — Obey the signs along the way.
U — Understand the risks and dangers of wandering off the path.
R — Retrace your steps if you get off course.
S — Stay on the right path by looking to God for guidance.
E — Enjoy the journey.

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Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | September 4, 2011

The Colorado River 100

It’s official. My son Jonathan and I completed the 8th Annual Colorado River 100 Marathon Canoe Race this morning. The race was everything it was advertised to be on its website: This 100 mile marathon canoe race and adventure challenge down the scenic Colorado River will test your mental and physical strength, while giving you some of the best views the river has to offer. The race course did indeed offer fabulous views of Texas flora and fauna. But it also tested my mental and physical strength. This is, without question, the toughest physical challenge I have ever faced. Our goal was to complete the course in no more than 25 out of the 32 hours allotted to finish. Jonathan and I arrived at the finish line 23 hours and 40 minutes after starting the race. When we subtract the time spent at the checkpoints and resting, we paddled for more than 21 hours. That not only tested my physical strength, but my mental strength as well.

I had plenty of time along the way to meditate and to make observations. I must say that it was nice to be away from my phone and endless stream of email and to do nothing but enjoy fantastic scenery and a great adventure with Jonathan. Being a blogger, I made a mental list of observations and lessons learned along the way. These are a few of the things that swam around in my head while we paddled down the river.

• Many things that sound easy to do are, in reality, harder to do. Lots of stuff looks easy to do on television. But when you actually suit up for the challenge you realize that things are not so easy after all.

• The winds are not always favorable. For much of the course we battled a strong headwind. Even veteran racers said this headwind made the course extra tough. When the wind is in your face instead of your back, you just have to keep going.

• It’s better to sail with a fleet. We enjoyed paddling beside other contestants and met some great folks along the way. I once heard someone say that Satan is a pirate looking for a vessel without a fleet. All of the contestants knew that help was close at hand in case of emergency. I appreciate the team that gave me three Advil along the way!

• The progress of others is a great motivator. As with any race, you pass others and others pass you. That is the nature of a race. I found that seeing the kayak or canoe ahead of us motivated me to try harder.

• You can learn a lot about the people you paddle with. I know my son well. But being in a canoe together for almost 24 hours reminded me of what a nice young man he is. Jonathan has the most pleasant disposition, is an encourager, sees the brighter side of challenges, and never once complained along the way.

• A few minutes of rest can net you additional hours of labor. The last 38 miles of the race were the toughest because we paddled in the dark for 10 hours. Jonathan and I were both tired and decided to take a fifteen-minute break. So, we took a quick nap on a grassy bank and then were refreshed enough to paddle the remaining three hours to the finish line.

• You can’t do some things without the support of the folks who work behind the scenes. My wife Cheryl and daughter Niki were our support team. They provided us with fresh water and encouragement at every checkpoint. Cheryl rubbed SportsCream on my arms and back to make sure this old man could keep going. And Gina, my youngest daughter, called from Southeast Asia to congratulate us at the finish line.

The Colorado River 100 was a fun adventure, but it’s part of a bigger vision that Jonathan has to prepare me to join him on the 2012 Texas Water Safari — the 260-mile race billed as the toughest canoe race in the world. So, we’ll be spending lots more time together in a canoe between now and next June — and I will be sure to keep a tube of SportsCream and some Advil in my dry box!

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Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | September 2, 2011

My Next River Challenge

As a fifty-five year old guy who loves adventuring, I participated in my first canoe race less than a month ago. My son Jonathan invited me to join him for the Neches River Wilderness Canoe Race — a twenty-two mile course along the obstacle-ridden Neches River. I embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm and hardly slept the night before because of excitement. Jonathan and I finished the race in 5 hours and 42 minutes, placing 25th out of 59 participants. Although the heat was as intense as the course, we had a blast. The best part for me was sharing the adventure with Jonathan.

While on the Neches River, Jonathan invited me to join him on the next river challenge — the Colorado River 100 on Labor Day weekend. This one-hundred mile marathon canoe race starts in Bastrop, Texas and winds its way southeastward toward the finish line at Columbus, Texas. I agreed and later read about the race on the Colorado River 100 website: “Paddlers will have to endure Texas heat, night travel, fatigue, river critters and the elements in order to complete this challenge within 32 hours.” Yikes! This race is part of Jonathan’s strategy to get me ready to join him on the Texas Water Safari next summer, billed as the world’s toughest canoe race at two-hundred sixty miles.

Over the past few weeks Jonathan and I have exercised and also looked at ways to streamline and lighten what we are required to carry with us in the canoe. In addition to things like an extra paddle, personal flotation devices and other stuff, we also have to carry water and high-calorie snacks to sustain us between check-points. At my current weight I estimate that I will burn in the neighborhood of 15,000+ calories over a twenty-five hour period (if I actually live through this ordeal). So, we want to be sure that we stay hydrated and that we keep up our strength with snacks that will re-energize us. I know that this race will be a challenge for me because I have yet to paddle a canoe for twenty-five or more hours. But, I am determined to do everything I can to keep up my energy level so that we can finish the race within the specified period.

This race has caused me to think a lot about the energy I will have to expend in order to successfully finish the course. While flying back to Houston from Nicaragua on Wednesday, I read something in “Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity,” Mark Batterson’s latest book, that got me to thinking about the energy required to successfully “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1).

Sin is a waste of energy. Plain and simple. It’s wasting energy on things you can’t have and control. And it’s actually a double waste. After you waste your energy on things like lust and pride and anger, then you have to waste even more energy on things like guilt and shame and regret. Nothing is more de-energizing than sin. But by the same token, nothing is more reenergizing than obedience. It’s pure energy.

Batterson is right. While I am looking forward to the next river challenge with Jonathan, I am also committed to maintaining my focus while running the daily race. Just as Jonathan and I work to lighten the load in our canoe, each of us must “lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us” (Heb. 12:1). Something to think about! I’ll post again about the Colorado River 100 in a few days. Our start time is 7:10 AM on Saturday, September 3. Prayers appreciated!

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