6 Year Old Kylee Has A Golden Heart
Recently, I received a call from a good friend and long-time partner, Scot Irwin. Just hearing from Scot was great in itself, but when he told me why he called, I broke into tears. I was inspired and refreshed...and most of all it reminded me that the innocence of a child can teach us "grown-ups" a thing or two.
It was coming up on Kylee's 6th birthday and Scot and his wife Rian were busy planning for their daughter's birthday party. Preparations were being made for decorations, cake tasting had commenced, and Kylee was thinking about the theme of this year's big bash...after all, it was her BIG 6th Birthday!
With all the excitement in planning her party, I can only image that, as a soon-to-be six year old, Kylee would be excited to receive a mountain of presents. All the pretty bows, ribbons, and TOYS! However, this is where the story took a surprise turn. When asked by her parents what she would like for presents, Kylee just smiled and looked up at them and said...I really don't need any more toys. With such a bold statement from a child, I'm sure that her parents were taken back and at a loss for words.
You see, Kylee remembered the little Dominican girl, Arlette, who her family sponsors. Arlette is 5 years old and very poor. The Irwin family keeps her picture on the refrigerator and prays for her daily. So, Kylee decided that rather than receive presents at her birthday party, she would ask her parents, family, and friends to bring donations for Arlette...and that's exactly what happened.
Kylee collected so many donations that she was able to buy Arlette enough clothes for a YEAR...dresses, shorts, shirts, sandals, shoes, and even a nightgown!
I hope that Kylee's story and golden heart inspire you as they did me. If we all just took a couple minutes to help others like Kylee did, this world would look radically different. Thanks for setting a great example, Kylee!
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Bart Davidson Visits The Dominican Republic
This month I was reunited with a long-time friend and former business associate, Bart Davidson. For years, Bart and I worked together on many direct mail marketing programs. Bart is the president and founder of BR Direct Marketing, a world-class mail house located in Santa Ana, California.
When I made the decision to resign from my corporate life and transition into ministry, Bart was one of the first people to encourage me. While I could tell that he was sad that our professional relationship would soon end, I could tell that Bart was excited to start a more personal friendship...and that's just what we did.
Despite his extremely busy work and travel schedule, Bart's curiosity of G.O. Ministries and the work that we do led him to ask if he could spend some time in the Dominican Republic with me. Well, I don't have to tell you that without hesitation I said, "Absolutely!" During Bart's time in the Dominican Republic, we had the opportunity to tour many of our construction projects, nutrition centers, churches, private schools...and yes, even sneak in a couple rounds of golf.
Having Bart down to the island was not only a blessing for him, but for me as well. It gave me an opportunity to step back from doing ministry and allowed me to look at what's being done from a different angle. It reminded me that no matter how successful you are, no matter how hard you work, no matter how good your intentions are, God is only concerned with how you love others.
When I walk through the streets (many of them are simply dirt roads) in the Dominican Republic, I'm constantly stopped by people who want to say hello and children who need their daily "Berman Hug." It's because of moments like these that I am honored to serve as a representative to many people who care enough about others to extend love and blessings.
I want to say a special THANK YOU to Bart Davidson for leaving his comfort zone to spend a selfless week serving others in the Dominican Republic. From the day I met you, Bart, your generosity and kindness have astounded me!
3 Years, Thousands of Bricks, And Countless Man-Hours Pays Off
In 2006, G.O. Ministries launched its vision to build a community center in the heart of Hato del Yaque, a small rural community in the Dominican Republic. However this project was to be the largest G.O. Ministries had ever taken on. In fact, the building was to be more than 4x the size of other G.O. Ministries' structures. When Discovery Church of Simi Valley, California heard about the project, they quickly stepped up to the challenge and partnered with G.O. Ministries to begin construction.
Now, almost three years later, this building (which has dormitory facilities, a nutrition center, staff housing, clean showers, and a community meeting room) is ready to be inaugurated. On June 25, 2008, G.O. Ministries will host a celebration ceremony and Pastor Aristides Pimental will "cut the ribbon", opening the building for its first use. Pastor Mark McKinney of Discovery Church will also be onsite in Hato del Yaque to represent the church congregation that has helped to build this building over the last three years.
While the building is magnificent, the story behind its construction is the real focus. It was built by the hands of short-term team members over the last three years (with virtually no construction equipment). Each person has left their own distinct mark and life story in the walls of this building. Now, this beckon of light will shine in the community and be a safe haven for all.
Construction on the second floor is now underway and the community is more excited than ever!
