The Power of a Birthday

Most of us remember waiting anxiously for our birthdays to come around - we would spend time thinking and planning on what kind of themed birthday we'd have, what kind of gifts we'd request, what meal mom would make, etc. Regardless the traditions, most of us would agree, a birthday is a special time in ones life. Of course the older you get, the less meaningful these birthday parties become (facing the reality of what age you're becoming can bee intimidating), but even so, there is something special about celebrating ones life with close friends and family.

Oftentimes, it is easy to take a birthday party for granted. I mean, doesn't everyone have a birthday? Wouldn't everyone have a birthday party?

Barberry reality hits. Not everyone has reliable family and friends to spend a birthday with. Not everyone has the luxury of getting their wish granted on their birthday. Not everyone has a happy birthday.

This October, two of our friends at Barberry had birthdays coming up.

One was a man who, through his broken past of drug-addict parents and unreliable friends, never had a happy birthday. At a game night, he came up to one of the guys and mentioned that. What does one do when an adult man in his late twenties mentions that he has never had a birthday party - and in his voice you can hear his longing for being recognized on his day of birth? It became very clear that night what needed to be done.

Through strategic planning - the party came and it was beautiful! One of the gifts he received was The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis - which was a book (and what are the chances) he almost read while he was in jail. We have been praying for him and know that God is working in his heart - please join us in praying for him and his family. I have no doubt that God has great plans to use him for His kingdom.

The second birthday that happened this year was for a woman who has grown dear to our hearts this past year. Linda is a woman who regardless of her disabilities, has God's love in her heart. Everywhere she goes, whoever she meets, she tells them not only how beautiful and precious they are, but also that she loves them and that God loves them. She lives with her mother at Barberry, and mentioned to us a few months ago that her birthday was October 18th.

Through collaboration with her mother, her family and the group here joined for a joyous birthday for Linda, daughter of the King of Kings. We made it a point to focus on the fact that she in indeed a princess - daughter of the Greatest King. She was all smiles and happily devoured the cake, which Jenn made from scratch.

But the joy of all of this, is not that these individuals receive the joy of having a birthday celebration in and of itself. The love of God was shining brightly for everyone - from the birthday guest, to their families, and to all of us Christians. The love and joy that fill a room when a person is intentionally loved in a way that we all often take for granted - through the simplest thing - a birthday party.

I hope these reflections speak to you as strongly as they spoke to me. Everyone was created with the strong desire to be known, to be recognized, and to be celebrated. Those of us who have families (immediate, extended, friends, church family) are blessed to live with this need met. Let us strive to love others the way they were created to be loved. Let us love others so that they may know that Christ loves them. It is no wonder why the Bible mentions time and again that the greatest is love. Praise God!

Community of Love and Care

Community of love and care
The shell speaks don't you dare
But underneath the intimidation
Is a beautiful creation.

Underneath the hurt and struggle
There is a small bubble
Of hope that's been plagued with rejection
Even filled with infection
Is there someone who can heal?
Who can peel
The layer of destruction
And fill it with God's love and grace?

It is an enormous challenge that man cannot face alone
When the human heart, when the bubble is turned into stone
The power and love of the Holy Spirit comes in the form of hug
And then begins to melt away the pain
Holy Spirit comes as rain
The tears are flowing
The light is showing
Rainbow.

Love comes in many colors, love shines.
It is divine.
Christ love is what changes stones into love.
Christ love is what changes infection into perfection.
Christ love comes
And builds
A community of love and care.

Somoan Neighbors

One of our favorite things about Barberry is enjoying the diversity of culture, specifically when it involves food. A Pineapple Pie from some Somoans in the community was delicious! They have such beautiful families that we all have bonded with in one way or another - be it discussions with the adults or hanging out with their kids. Even though they are going through some economic hardships, they always have a story to tell and something to laugh about.

I love coming home and chatting with our Somoan neighbors. It always brings a smile to my face

God comes through!

When we are in are most trying times, it almost always seems as if God comes through. This should come as no surprise, but for some reason it usually does, at least to me. When"we are week, He is strong."
The last few months have been trying, as others have shared, we are discovering that being here for the long haul takes more commitment then we "expected." We always talk about having no expectations of what will happen, but they slip in some how. It seems the more I try to make something as simple as playing disc golf with a neighbor happen the more I fail. If the key point of being here is to develop relationships then why is it so hard I have often asked myself.....Well this last week God allowed for some awesome relationship building. After months of trying to get together with one of our neighbors it happened. The guy actually took the initiative and planned it out for us almost! And we were able to play Disc golf and talk about Christ(thanks to one of the dudes here with the gift of evangelism). We are looking forward to doing this again this coming week. Praise God!
Also, God has really been opening doors with the neighbors who live below us. Friday night I was able to play catch with the dads that live there and that opened doors for lots of relationships and conversations to take place over the rest of the weekend. It is amazing how God comes in at just that right time and reminds us that HE alone is in control!
Thans for you prayers! May God richly bless you in his grace and mercy!

Backyard Bible Blast!

Just over a week ago we had a big group from Clear Creak Community Church put on a Backyard Bible Blast at Barberry village (that's some nice alliterations!). It was a great spin on the typical VBS. Instead of bringing neighbors to their building (they don't even have a building anyhow, they meet in a gym of a local school), they brought games, music, crafts, food, fun, relationship, and the Gospel TO the community.

We all felt like it was a huge success. The kids were comfortable, and many adults wandered over during the story/worship time. For those of us that live there, it was a perfect context to go deeper and more intentional in the relationships with families. Many of the Clear Creekers have (and plan to continue) contributing to the regular community meals at Barberry as well.

Enjoy some pictures:

A Trying Time

It is hard to believe, but the Barberrian Villagers are nearing their one year anniversary of serving and living at Barberry Village. The year has been full of challenges, excitement, and all the complicated yet wonderful things living in an intentional community could bring.

Like most relationships and things in life, the first six months were full of wonder and exploration, everything seemed new and fulfilling. Challenges were faced head on and energy was strong. The second six months, the energy slowly declined, especially when clear obstacles appeared.

So now, we are near the one year point, the point where we must ask ourselves - what are we doing, why are we doing it, and where are we hoping to go from here?

As we ponder this, and many of us wrestle with burnout and whether or not this is a worthwhile endeavor - whether or not this is where Christ can best use us - we must refocus.

What is the point of this? As a romantic relationship initiates, it is often sweet and full of suprises, give it time and it becomes the norm, becomes comfortable and can sometimes lose its excitement factor. I believe this happens in ministry too.

We are at a point where Barberry is no longer a new ministry. We've been doing it for a while, we have seen the good and the bad. Are we willing to continue living how we have and continue building relationships with our neighbors? Chances are nothing new will happen, no big breakthoughs for a while, perhaps some more dissapointments. Maybe we wont see fruit in areas we really want to see it in - will we continue?

As Paul traveled from church to church, and saw many things not where they should be, he didn't give up. He carried on. We may not see fruit immediately, we may not see fruit for months, years. Maybe not for a lifetime. How discouraging, it would seem. But are we living to see the fruit or are we living for the sake of the gospel? Are we willing to carry on and trust that God is working beyond what we can see?

As every happily married couple of many years says, sticking through the stale and difficult parts only leads to deeper and more meaningful relationship. It may be frustrating to push through the normal part of it, the part that becomes regular and mundane, but perhaps sticking through these times leads to something more beautiful than what can be seen instantly.

These are challenging questions and feelings. As we wrestle with the direction our lives are taking, what our goals are, we need all the prayer we can get. Please pray for the Barberrian Villagers and what we are all wrestling with as we prepare to enter the second year of living here.

Quinceanera Preparations Under Way in the Community

Elena and I arrived home after my night class to see a crew of 15-20 youth dancing in unison under the strict guidance of an anxious mother and father. One of my past students from Davis Elementary wandered by with her friends and I asked them what it was for. "Getting ready for a Quinceanera!" she exclaimed!

We had the joy of sitting out side on this beautiful Portland summer evening; watching in awe and mingling with a crowd of our neighbors.



The one in the pink blouse is the excited girl of honor: