Family Connection 04.11.2011

Family Connection
04.11.2011
“Don’t do anything only to get ahead. Don’t do it because you are proud. Instead, be free of pride. Think of others as better than yourselves. None of you should look out for your own good. You should also look out for the good of others. You should think in the same way Christ Jesus does.”-Philippians 2:3-5 (NIrV)
This has been our memory passage while we have been focusing on the virtue of humility during March and April (we have defined humility as-Putting others first by giving up what you think you deserve). I love the second chapter of Philippians because it details what Jesus did for us; He gave up everything for us. He endured the ultimate humility of death on the cross for you and me; and He did it willingly. He gave up everything so we could gain everything through His death, burial and resurrection. Jesus willingly gave up His power, prestige and place in Heaven so He could become a servant; now that’s humility! But you know what? Philippians 2:5 exhorts us to think the same way Christ Jesus does, if we want to truly follow Him we have to begin to think the way He does (see Romans 12:2). This is what we have been teaching the children in the elementary program during the past month and a half.
On Wednesday my son Josh and I get to travel to Uganda, Africa to work with some dear friends, Brent and Leah Phillips. Brent, Leah, Bo, Amy, Luke and Tekle moved to Uganda in November to minister to orphaned children who have HIV and to help churches minister to children. We will also be working with a ministry called Cherish Uganda. We are very excited!! Both Josh and I are amazed that God would choose to use us to minister so far away from home but we are looking forward to helping out in whatever way possible. I have been sharing this with the children in our ministry but want to share it with you as well and ask for your prayers. Please pray that Josh and I will be able to minister in tangible ways and that God would use us in whatever way He sees fit. I would also ask for your prayers that we can bring back this trip with us to share with the children in our ministry as we desire to support Cherish Uganda this year through Summer Spectacular.
Jesus is our example! He is our hope and salvation and He is the reason we do what we do as His followers. It is my prayer that both Josh and I can humbly serve and be an example of Christ to everyone we meet on our trip. I will be posting pictures and video on my blog, http://musingsofachildrenspastor.blogspot.com/ , as often as I can and as internet connections allow.
It is my prayer that all of us can impact the children in our lives by our words and deeds as we desire to see them grow in a real, dynamic relationship with Jesus.

Walking by your side,
Brett Humphrey
Pastor H