Children of Peace mission trip

Greetings GSLC family! I am back from Vietnam, past the jet-lag with both feet firmly planted in Utah and grateful for so many God-sightings along the way. God truly inhabits his creation wherever they are found and I have been privileged to work with a team in Vietnam who were daily muttering the words, “That is such a God thing!” Yes, miracles everyday, I will tell you one:

In the north, in the beautiful village of Sapa, where the climate is cool, the landscape lush with green and the rain misty; there live the indigenous tribes of Vietnam, often arrayed in original dress. They are welcoming and warm, beautiful people. The manager of our hotel in Sapa was a case in point. After discovering early one morning that the team would not be going to the clinics (orphanages and schools) as planned, this wonderful man went to work and quickly found us a school in the mountains of Sapa. The sun showed up brilliant and beautiful for nearly the entire day, which is unusual, and the children not only welcomed us but needed us. Truly it was a glorious day where medical and dental diagnosed and repaired, our clown Mike entertained, children reveled in their change of schedule for the day and all celebrated together as one creation - God’s creation, the creation of man.

Praise God! He is with us always and everywhere,
P. Christine

Good Shepherd House of Prayer

Yesterday I walked into a God Sighting. God was everywhere, I saw him first in the royal colors painted on the walls that showcased his words in triangles of Scripture. He was in the order of the room that breathed a spirit of calm and drew me in, quietly walking the perimeter, taking in the treasures. He was on the cross that stood before the royal purple of the King on which his names were engraved, each one in gold: King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Comforter - my mind raced to speak each one; Master, Messiah, Servant, Teacher, Lamb of God, Alpha and Omega, Lord of Lords, Son of God, I Am, Good Shepherd, Redeemer, The Word, The Chief Cornerstone, Alpha and Omega…..Jesus Christ.

There were beautiful paintings of Christ, various studies, renditions of his face on tapestries and stained glass. The House of Prayer is possibility - to sit, to ponder, to learn, to pray, to gather together or to rest alone, to be with Him. I nestled into a comfortable chair in a small corner and noticed another could easily have sat upright at the large oak table; several could join hands in praise at the circle of chairs….possibilities. Thanks and praise to the team that has renovated, decorated, appointed and filled this HOP with their love and their prayers, Bravo! Job well done good and faithful servants!

Much love,

P. Christine

Care and Share

Good Shepherd’s Member Care team under the direction of Denise Petersen,
has added to its many responsibilities the Care and Share team. Good
Shepherd’s members have always been quick to respond to each others needs in various ways, however, Care and Share is done online, making it possible to organize, volunteer and distribute care easily and efficiently. There have been multiple requests for meals in the past few weeks and Denise has gladly reported that the sign up sheets have been filled within hours of the request being sent out!

When the Milestone House opened the sign up sheets on the bulletin board requesting Tuesday night meals for the boys was filled just as quickly, although there were more questions about how, where, and when, to sign up.

One thing is very clear; the folks at Good Shepherds are willing to share their love with wonderful home cooked meals! What a wonderful Godsighting!

A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with others.
Proverbs 22:9

Pastor Christine

Look and Listen

It might seem strange to list a funeral as a God sighting but many have said Susan Jardine's funeral was one. During Susan's Celebration of Life at Good Shepherd the microphone was opened to anyone who wanted to share. Many got up to speak and all were memorable in their stories about sharing time with Susan. Some told of her faith and courage during cancer treatments, others her devotion to God, many reported her steady kindness and love for children. Then 12 year old Duncan walked to the mic and explained how Susan had always listened when he needed to talk and prayed for his various ailments. Then he said he knew for sure that when he had bronchitis Susan prayed for him and he got better because she prayed. We will see God everywhere if we just look and listen!

With love,

Pastor Christine

GSLC Milestone House Lease Signed !

Yes! Monday, November 23, 2009 T.H.E. Milestone House became reality. Praise God for moving this project along at record speed by bringing together Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, The Youth Mentor Project and several government agencies including Sandy City Housing. December 1, the five youth, 18 and 19 year olds, will be moving into T.H.E. Milestone House. T.H.E. Milestone House is a model program; a two year project that will be carefully monitored and described to provide a model for other shared houses for foster youth in transition.

Experience clearly shows that without a safe place to live there is little chance for youth to hold a job, attend school, build lasting relationships or stay out of trouble. This Thanksgiving I thank God and all our wonderful volunteers for helping to make this vision a reality for these youth.

Thanks and praise,

P. Christine