I don't care!

I have to admit, I have not been looking forward to going to Haiti.  It's partly because I don't like being away from my family, but mostly because I don't like leaving the Orange curtain.  I've been places before and seen things that shake me up and make me uncomfortable.  I've seen poverty.  And I've seen the videos and the tv commercials too.  I know about needs.  But it's easier to stay emotionally detached from them when I don't know them and they don't know me.

I feel like my capacity for suffering with people I love has already been stretched this year.  People close to me are suffering the pain of depression, divorce, suicide, rape, despair, bankruptcy, anxiety, addiction, regret, foreclosure, repossession, demonic-oppression, self-harm, chronic pain, homelessness, and loss to death.  I don't really need to add extreme poverty and a new circle of concern.  But God has me going to Haiti, somewhat against my will.  And I trust Him.

Whenever I am beyond my capacity to endure, to care, to speak or to pray, God shows up.  His power is made perfect in weakness.  He specializes in surprising us with resources when (and only when) we run out.  Water into wine (908 bottles worth!), fish and loaves (with 12 baskets left over!), dead raised, sick healed, gospel preached - not just by Jesus, but by his gloriously inadequate followers.

I don't have a capacity to care for all the needs of the people around me, let alone the people around the world.  But whenever I open myself up to the God who not only has the capacity to care, but also the resource to love and respond, He not only makes up my lack, but does miracles.  So in my weakness I go, expecting God to enlarge my heart and my capacity to care, to love, to pray, to heal and to speak.  Because the one in me is greater than the need in the world.  And I trust Him.

Expectantly,
Todd

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

NEW HOME GROUPS FOR THE NEW YEAR

If you would like to join or host a group please contact Jeanne Swanberg at Jeanne@mountainviewchurch.com.  We will be starting these 6 week groups mid January and all you need to do is open your home, push play on the DVD player, and let people talk.  We'll even train you! 

 

Here is the list of Beautiful Outlaw Small Groups and their locations:
Jeff and Tonya Pearson Wednesdays 6:30pm in Capistrano Beach. Children welcome.
Craig and Lisa Owings Tuesdays 6:30pm in Mission Viejo (Marguerite & Crown Valley)
Terri and Matt Munro  Wednesdays 7:00pm in Mission Viejo (Marguerite & Jeronimo) 
Jamie Garreans Sundays 7:00 young adults at Warehouse (Church office / Laguna Hills).
Cassie Snow Wednesdays 6:30pm every other week in Dove Canyon.
Bob and Nora Lee Thursdays 7:00pm led by Todd Rodarmel in Laguna Beach.
Hannah and Mark Walker in Laguna Niguel.
Becky and Cameron Wade Wednesdays 7:00pm in Mission Viejo (Oso & Felipe)
Angela Briwick Wednesdays 10:00am women's group (Oso & Felipe)
Carolyn Johnson Fridays 6:00pm in San Clemente  
 
REFLECTIVE YOGA FOR WOMEN
What to expect: Learn and use the Lecto Divina Prayer. Yoga with a Christian emphasis, walk on the beach (weather permitting) and lunch.
Where: The home of Debbie Gilbert 1880 N. El Camino Real, #7 San Clemente
Who: Any Mountain View Church Women and their friends.
What to wear: comfortable clothes. Bring a yoga mat or towel.
Outreach Collection: SFS Food Bank donation (optional): peanut butter and jelly
Questions / RSVP: Patti Hardin 949-276-5944