A couple of summers ago I was able to hear one of my favorite singers perform the song "Kings & Queens" by the Newsboys. The song was written as a testament to the grace of God that has been shown to the weak, poor, and often socially unacceptable around the world. Songs, sermons, and scripture have led to a transformed heart by God's Spirit compelling me to serve 'the least of these.'
Naomi's Village
This summer I have the opportunity to shine the light of God's grace among the people of Kenya. Our team will be working with Naomi's Village, an orphanage founded by Bob and Julie Mendonsa located more than an hour from Nairobi, to "provide warm nurturing love, full nutrition, healthcare, excellent education, leadership training, spiritual care and counseling, and exposure to the world at large."
Our goal will be to join the mission established by the Mendonsa family to love the children and equip them to become the 'pace-setters' of God's kingdom in their own country. We will work directly with the staff of Naomi's Village, Cornerstrone Preparatory Academy, and Cure Hospital. My hope is to see the people of Kenya through the lens of God's love and to encourage others who are spreading His love through the work of Naomi's Village.
Why Go?
God has called.
As a seven year old kid, God radically changed my life when He saved me. As a fourteen year old teen sitting on the beaches of the Gulf Coast, God placed a call on my life to 'preach the gospel.' So, for me to abandon that call would be insanely forfeiting the experience of His grace.
God has equipped.
God has allowed me to experience the joys of success and pains of defeat to prepare me for a day like this; a day when my accomplishments pale into insignificance compared to the work He's done in me. God is using every day to prepare me for the next day; and so I'm choosing to use my experiences to help equip others to experience the joy of knowing Him.
God has promised.
God's plan is to use His church to make His name known among the world. So, when I go, God promises that His fame will be raised throughout all generations. I cannot surpass the opportunity to see how proclaiming His name will mark this generation.
How You Can Help
The most desirous gift I could request is for my Christian brothers and sisters to commit to pray for our team and the individuals we will interact with during our stay. My prayer is ultimately for God to reveal Himself in a powerful way. Additionally, we want to pray for the salvation of Kenyan souls, encouragement for all believers, safety and good health for the team, and patience and understanding for every circumstance that we may encounter.
Another way that you can help is through a financial gift to help to support the efforts of our team. While I'm certain God has commissioned me to go, I also believe He has called upon the body, His church, to participate through praying, sending, and sharing. Even the smallest financial gift would be greatly appreciated to help ensure the message that our team will be sharing, the message of Hope experienced through God's Love, is spread through the reach of Naomi's Village and beyond.
Additionally, you can follow me on various social media outlets to help share my experience with others. While internet access will be limited in Kenya, I will update my Facebook and Twitter feeds as often as possible. I will also attempt to use my blog to give a more detailed narrative of our experiences while on the field.
If you would like to make a financial contribution please mail your gift to the address below:
Kortney Jones
PO Box 1608
Chatsworth, GA 30705
Thank you in advance for your prayers, support, and gifts and I look forward to sharing with you the work that God is doing around the globe!
God Bless,
Kortney Jones
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness pt 2
"They may take our lives, but they'll never take our FREEDOM!"
Every man who's watched the gut-wrenching, adrenaline pumping story of William Wallace in the movie Braveheart knows there's a fight worth fighting, namely for freedom.
Many have forsaken the intent of freedom to mean entitlement. We have traded hard work for a handout and have neglected responsibility in the name of being the victim. There's an expectation that we are owed a return without making a true investment.
One author wrote, "Liberty is not to do as we wish but rather to do as we ought." To do otherwise is simply an abuse of our liberty.
Abusing our liberties is a form of selfishness. A misplaced view of freedom leads to selfish behavior. We are granted certain freedoms as an opportunity to be contributors to society not merely to escalate personal gain. "Do not use your freedom as a covering for evil but use it as bond slaves for God" (1 Peter 2:16).
Abusing our liberties forfeits influence. When influence is neglected we jeopardize the opportunity to speak truth into the lives of others. When influence is minimized we miss the opportunity to empower others for the greater good of any worthy cause. "You were called to freedom but do not let your freedom be turned into an opportunity for the flesh but through lover serve one another" (Gal 5:13).
Abusing our liberties discounts the gospel. When our liberties become law we discredit the foundation of the gospel. Our liberties, at their core, are merely gifts. When they are abused they misrepresent the good news Jesus proclaimed. Our first and primary liberty is the liberty we find in Christ Himself. And we must learn to function by this paradigm, "If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed" (John 8:36).
As Christians, we must see our liberties as gifts from God useful for building up the community of faith as we serve the Lord's purposes. Many of us need to be reminded that life is not about doing what we want, when we want, as we want. Christ didn't purchase our life to do as we please! The sooner we realize the truth of Christ's freedom for us the more meaningful our life will become. "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).
Every man who's watched the gut-wrenching, adrenaline pumping story of William Wallace in the movie Braveheart knows there's a fight worth fighting, namely for freedom.
Many have forsaken the intent of freedom to mean entitlement. We have traded hard work for a handout and have neglected responsibility in the name of being the victim. There's an expectation that we are owed a return without making a true investment.
One author wrote, "Liberty is not to do as we wish but rather to do as we ought." To do otherwise is simply an abuse of our liberty.
Abusing our liberties is a form of selfishness. A misplaced view of freedom leads to selfish behavior. We are granted certain freedoms as an opportunity to be contributors to society not merely to escalate personal gain. "Do not use your freedom as a covering for evil but use it as bond slaves for God" (1 Peter 2:16).
Abusing our liberties forfeits influence. When influence is neglected we jeopardize the opportunity to speak truth into the lives of others. When influence is minimized we miss the opportunity to empower others for the greater good of any worthy cause. "You were called to freedom but do not let your freedom be turned into an opportunity for the flesh but through lover serve one another" (Gal 5:13).
Abusing our liberties discounts the gospel. When our liberties become law we discredit the foundation of the gospel. Our liberties, at their core, are merely gifts. When they are abused they misrepresent the good news Jesus proclaimed. Our first and primary liberty is the liberty we find in Christ Himself. And we must learn to function by this paradigm, "If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed" (John 8:36).
As Christians, we must see our liberties as gifts from God useful for building up the community of faith as we serve the Lord's purposes. Many of us need to be reminded that life is not about doing what we want, when we want, as we want. Christ didn't purchase our life to do as we please! The sooner we realize the truth of Christ's freedom for us the more meaningful our life will become. "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Dear Mother!
He's so adorable. He's such an angel. He's so respectful.
This kid's a terror. He's a little demon. Who's kid is this?
Wow! My mom deserves a medal just for dealing with my ridiculous antics as a kid.
Growing up, I was the middle child (whatever that means). My parents were great. We did much of what we wanted, never went without, and were raised to respect others, ourselves, and our stuff.
What makes a great mom? Here are a few lines of why my mom is so great.
Great moms care for their family. She made visits to the doctor's office, emergency room, and in one instance, the county jail. (I think the jail thing was a scare tactic for me as a 6 year old--see line 2).
Great moms provide for their family. Gifts under the Christmas tree, candy in my Easter basket, parties for my birthday, dinner on the table. While some were expected and others were not, looking back I'm so grateful for her provision.
Great moms are patient with their family. She spoke on the phone and attended meetings with neighbors, teachers, the principal, and (I think) even the preacher to discuss my behavior.
Great moms sacrifice for their family. She sat tirelessly in her lawn chair reading Karen Kingsbury books while I waited my turn to bat at baseball games in the July summer heat.
Great moms discipline their family. A rag full of soap, a wooden spoon, the dreaded belt, timeout, being grounded from the phone, etc. She didn't beat me senseless but she loved me enough to discipline me and help shape me into a young man of character.
Great moms enjoy their family. She alternated between the sun and the shade by the pool while we practiced our cannon balls and back flips off the diving board. Pools, beaches, cruises, mountains, amusement parks. No matter where, she's been there enjoying life with the family.
Great moms teach responsibility to their family. "Write it down," she would say, when I asked if she would remind me to pack my jersey or get my gym clothes from the laundry. This signature phrase was a great training ground for responsibility and independence for my future.
Great moms are present for their family. Weekend tournaments, accepting a job hours away, and necessary conversations in the middle of the night have never been a match to keep her away. Even if it's just to listen, she's always been present.
Great moms share their faith with their family. Though she didn't brow beat me with Bible verses or torture me with thee's and thou's, she has continually shown me a beautiful picture of faith through her daily walk with the Lord.
My mom truly has been a blessing to me and I'm so thankful for what she's done and who she's been in my life. She has been willing to bear the weight of many circumstances in the life of each member of our family and for that I'm grateful. There's no question that the foundation of all she has been and all that she's done rests on the love she has for Christ and for us.
Perhaps the single most important phrase I could use to sum up her life for me has been, "I don't want to do anything that would stand in the way of God doing all that He wants to do in and through you!" She truly has been a remarkable display of a Proverbs 31 woman in the life of our family!
This kid's a terror. He's a little demon. Who's kid is this?
Wow! My mom deserves a medal just for dealing with my ridiculous antics as a kid.
Growing up, I was the middle child (whatever that means). My parents were great. We did much of what we wanted, never went without, and were raised to respect others, ourselves, and our stuff.
What makes a great mom? Here are a few lines of why my mom is so great.
Great moms care for their family. She made visits to the doctor's office, emergency room, and in one instance, the county jail. (I think the jail thing was a scare tactic for me as a 6 year old--see line 2).
Great moms provide for their family. Gifts under the Christmas tree, candy in my Easter basket, parties for my birthday, dinner on the table. While some were expected and others were not, looking back I'm so grateful for her provision.
Great moms are patient with their family. She spoke on the phone and attended meetings with neighbors, teachers, the principal, and (I think) even the preacher to discuss my behavior.
Great moms sacrifice for their family. She sat tirelessly in her lawn chair reading Karen Kingsbury books while I waited my turn to bat at baseball games in the July summer heat.
Great moms discipline their family. A rag full of soap, a wooden spoon, the dreaded belt, timeout, being grounded from the phone, etc. She didn't beat me senseless but she loved me enough to discipline me and help shape me into a young man of character.
Great moms enjoy their family. She alternated between the sun and the shade by the pool while we practiced our cannon balls and back flips off the diving board. Pools, beaches, cruises, mountains, amusement parks. No matter where, she's been there enjoying life with the family.
Great moms teach responsibility to their family. "Write it down," she would say, when I asked if she would remind me to pack my jersey or get my gym clothes from the laundry. This signature phrase was a great training ground for responsibility and independence for my future.
Great moms are present for their family. Weekend tournaments, accepting a job hours away, and necessary conversations in the middle of the night have never been a match to keep her away. Even if it's just to listen, she's always been present.
Great moms share their faith with their family. Though she didn't brow beat me with Bible verses or torture me with thee's and thou's, she has continually shown me a beautiful picture of faith through her daily walk with the Lord.
My mom truly has been a blessing to me and I'm so thankful for what she's done and who she's been in my life. She has been willing to bear the weight of many circumstances in the life of each member of our family and for that I'm grateful. There's no question that the foundation of all she has been and all that she's done rests on the love she has for Christ and for us.
Perhaps the single most important phrase I could use to sum up her life for me has been, "I don't want to do anything that would stand in the way of God doing all that He wants to do in and through you!" She truly has been a remarkable display of a Proverbs 31 woman in the life of our family!
Sunday, May 04, 2014
Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
What exactly were the hopes of Thomas Jefferson and other members of the 2nd Continental Congress when these words were written and signed into existence on July 4, 1776?
The Declaration of Independence was a theoretical blueprint for restoration in the midst of chaos. However, until the social constructs of such chaos are eliminated you will never create a society of perfectionism. Hence, a perfect world cannot co-exist with imperfect people.
But here's why it's important to grant the right to life:
What exactly were the hopes of Thomas Jefferson and other members of the 2nd Continental Congress when these words were written and signed into existence on July 4, 1776?
The Declaration of Independence was a theoretical blueprint for restoration in the midst of chaos. However, until the social constructs of such chaos are eliminated you will never create a society of perfectionism. Hence, a perfect world cannot co-exist with imperfect people.
But here's why it's important to grant the right to life:
Every person has a Story. The difficulties and celebrations of our past have woven together a story that shows others the person we are becoming. While our past can't be changed, it becomes a useful tool to help navigate our way into the future.
Every person is Searching. Life is more than a heartbeat. Life has meaning. Life has purpose. And every person is treading the path of this journey to find its end. We will not stop until our soul finds rest in that which satisfies its thirst.
Every person needs a Savior. A savior is simply the object of affection and security in our lives. The functional savior for many is found in relationships, finances, and hobbies. But when life becomes difficult we see that these functional saviors cannot sustain the cravings of our soul. Only Jesus can fully satisfy the longings of our soul. Only Jesus is meant to be our Savior!
What wasn't explicitly written by Jefferson and others can be implied from the Scriptures below:
"I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). There are many substitutes that offer their own version of life and meaning but only Jesus can truly sustain the life our souls crave.
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (2 Cor 3:17). When we chase the dreams of this world we find ourselves in bondage to its passions. Only Christ provides the freedom, security, and rest that we all long to experience.
"How happy is the man who has put his trust in the Lord and has not turned to the proud or to those who run after lies" (Psalm 40:4). The pursuit of happiness is most fulfilled when we trust and abide by the law of God's grace, realizing that only in Him can true happiness and satisfaction be found.
In this moment you have been given the right to life. How are you choosing to live? What is your story? For what are you searching? Who is your savior? Jesus is inviting you into His story. He wants to write the rest of your story with you knowing that the stamp of His grace is upon you!
Every person is Searching. Life is more than a heartbeat. Life has meaning. Life has purpose. And every person is treading the path of this journey to find its end. We will not stop until our soul finds rest in that which satisfies its thirst.
Every person needs a Savior. A savior is simply the object of affection and security in our lives. The functional savior for many is found in relationships, finances, and hobbies. But when life becomes difficult we see that these functional saviors cannot sustain the cravings of our soul. Only Jesus can fully satisfy the longings of our soul. Only Jesus is meant to be our Savior!
What wasn't explicitly written by Jefferson and others can be implied from the Scriptures below:
"I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). There are many substitutes that offer their own version of life and meaning but only Jesus can truly sustain the life our souls crave.
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (2 Cor 3:17). When we chase the dreams of this world we find ourselves in bondage to its passions. Only Christ provides the freedom, security, and rest that we all long to experience.
"How happy is the man who has put his trust in the Lord and has not turned to the proud or to those who run after lies" (Psalm 40:4). The pursuit of happiness is most fulfilled when we trust and abide by the law of God's grace, realizing that only in Him can true happiness and satisfaction be found.
In this moment you have been given the right to life. How are you choosing to live? What is your story? For what are you searching? Who is your savior? Jesus is inviting you into His story. He wants to write the rest of your story with you knowing that the stamp of His grace is upon you!
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