JOHN KALE

I am so excited to be back home from Mexico, but I have to be honest, I miss it already. All I can say is WOW, what a week! God continues to blow me away. I never thought I would find myself in a colonia in Matamoros, Mexico playing soccer with the locals. I thank God that I will be going back.

The thing that amazed me the most was the love that the people of Matamoros showed me while I was there. Let me set the scene for you. I'm in the Oasis Colonia in Matamoros just hanging out and trying to help out wherever I can. I don't speak Spanish and most of the locals had limited English capabilities, so as you can imagine communication was tough. I don't know any of the people we are helping, most I have only met minutes before. I'm not the doctor providing the free medical clinic, or the guy fixing the house. I'm just there. I'm watching whats going on and attempting to acclimate myself to the culture when I notice something that blows my mind; the people of Matamoros, adults and children alike, are showing me love! They gave me hugs, they smiled, they waited patiently as I struggled to understand what they were asking, then they waited longer while I ran to find a translator; still smiling from ear to ear. The had joy and it mad me have joy, they smiled, which brought a smile to my face, and they had patience which showed me how appreciative they were that I was just there with them. Most of the time, they probably looked more like Jesus then I or many of the missionaries did.

It dawned on me that we Americans have forgotten what it means to show love. We spend so much time wrapped up in our busy lives, so worried about our schedules that we forget to stop and smile at a passer by. We forget to take time to hug a co-worker or friend. We get upset because the person in front of us can't speak our language - we would rather turn a cold shoulder than show love by trying our hardest to communicate with them any way we can. You see love knows no language. A smile says more than a thousand words. A high-five or handshake can tell a person more than any self help book could ever hope to. The old saying is so true..."actions speak louder than words!"

So I challenge you to take time this week to speak love by what you do rather than what you say. It is the little things that matter. Be creative! You may be surprised at how simple acts can make all the difference. Show Love This Week!!!

Example: I told you I do not speak Spanish. There were 20-30 children around and I couldn't communicate verbally with any of them. It was sooooooo frustrating! I love to have fun as most of you know, and I love to play with kids. It was killing me 'cause I wanted so bad to talk to them and to play. There was this one little boy. I never found out his name. We were standing outside the church where the group was doing a free medical clinic (pictures from the clinic coming later). It was just the 2 of us...he spoke Spanish and I spoke English. Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. It was awkward at first, we tried to talk to each other, but it wasn't happening. The the most amazing thing happened. I grabbed a futbol (soccer ball for you English speakers!) and kicked it to him and we were instant friends. We passed the ball back and forth for about 30 minutes, never saying a word. Occasionally, one of us would make hand gestures to the other signaling what to do, but no verbal communication took place. We passed the ball back and forth until it was time for him to go home. His mother came out of the medical clinic, he ran over and gave me a high-five, I uttered one of the few Spanish words I know - Adios - and he waved goodbye. Neither of us could "talk" to each other, but the message was clear! I had a friend. We both showed love without saying a word.

Later in the week I came across the boy again during a futbol game. I was taking pictures and he was playing. He ran up to me and waved and I said "hola!" He gave me a high five and ran back out onto the field to play. He didn't have to say a word...I knew he loved me and he know I loved him. It was an amazing thing. I never knew a soccer ball could say so much!

Most of you know that I am leaving for Mexico in the morning. I will be in Matamoros, Mexico for a week at AIM's base leading worship for an adult group who is coming down to work in a colonia in Matamoros. I am really excited about the trip, because this is my first mission trip outside of the US. Please keep me in your prayers. I know God is going to do some amazing things on this trip; I just pray I stay in His will and get to be part of the excitement.

I searched all day for a video that summed up my trip. As I was searching, I remembered this old Mark Lowry video. I have chosen it in honor of my travels tomorrow and in hopes that I don't make the same mistake he did.

But I believe there is a deeper meaning to this humorous song. I am getting an amazing opportunity to go to Mexico free of charge, receive a pay check for my efforts, and be "the guy on stage singing". Seems like a pretty "first class" deal if you ask me. Yes I am very blessed. But if I let these luxuries distract me, I will miss out on the Amazing things God has planned for me this week.

Often times, we seek the luxuries of life and forget the One who blessed us with these luxuries. We are flying first class, but heading to the wrong destination.

I pray that this week I make it on the right flight and end up where God wants me both physically and spiritual! And I pray that the same is true for all of us, every day of our lives. I hope you enjoy the video and God Bless!

So Wake beat Duke tonight. As you can imagine, it made my night. I attached some good photos for you to check out. I hope you enjoy them. I sure did...why you ask?
Because I just love seeing Duke Cry!













































































Go Heels!!!

During my travels, I enjoy checking out church marques. Most of them make me laugh, but some are funny enough to actually make me stop the car, get out and take a picture. I have added some to this blog so you can decide for yourself. Don't get me wrong, I think it is great for churches to share the Gospel, and if your church feels their sign is the best way to do that, then go ahead. But sometimes I think we take it a bit too far. Sometimes the lessons we teach are not the lessons we intended to teach. Just use these 3 for an example:


1. Marler Baptist (Courtesy of Travis Cheek)

Lesson Learned: We must use weird words when we are at church.



2. Gates Ave. Fellowship (Where I stayed for the summer in Mississippi...the sign had the same message it did from the summer before.)

Lesson Learned: Your church sign can be dusty, but your Bible cannot.



3. Charity Independent Baptist Church (This is my favorite)

Lesson Learned: The Scripture may be puzzling, but at least their theological beliefs are clear!

Hope you enjoyed the signs...if you have any you would like to share, please pass them on.

I finally have a blog. Let's see if I can keep up with this thing!