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| Melanie Sorensen (More than Music's environmental missionary that has been circumnavigating the globe this last year in the name of Christ) |
If eating sheep brains, snorkeling with sharks,
banning birds, or giving tours of a coffee plantation
does not sound like missionary work to you, then I
would encourage you to continue reading. I have just
returned from 11 months on the missionary field
supported by More Than Music Inc. This mission trip
was amazing and better than I could have imagined.
Let me explain what being the "More" in More Than
Music Inc. was about for me.
THE CALL My whole life I have had a keen awareness of the environment and how we, as humans, affect it. As I grew in my faith I started to see the connection of caring for the environment as a way to bring glory to God. My convictions came with conflict as the Christian community did always see these links. I used the Word as a lamp unto my feet and the sword in my hand as I moved forward in confidence for God's call in my life. My career allowed me to teach about nature but my desire grew strong to connect this teaching with biblical principles, thus the birth of my year sabbatical from work. This year free of work gave me the opportunity to serve God in 7 different countries, 4 of which I spent significant time volunteering. THE WORK Eating sheep brains for Christ would make a great T- shirt but that is not why I went although I did eat them and many other organs. I went to Mongolia to volunteer for a Pallas Cat conservation project. During my time I worked with a researcher collecting small mammals to aid in the understanding of this threatened wild cat. I was also able to teach English to the children of the village where I was living. This opened the door to many conversations for a 96% Buddhist country. One of the highlights of this trip was answering questions about how my faith in God goes along with my passion for conservation. I lived in Kenya for three months, volunteering for a Christian environmental organization called Arocha. This organization sees the connection between the desperate needs of their people and the devastation of the environment causing it. This was an amazing time to build relationships with local Kenyan Christians working toward the common goal of spreading God's love through the act of caring for His creation. I was able to teach biblically-based, environmentally themed classroom lessons in over 10 different schools. Arocha uses bird banning in the local forests to help get a better understanding of how the locals can use the forest without depleting it. I was also able to be a part of teacher training workshops, giving local teachers the encouragement and resources needed to incorporate environmental themes to their core curriculum. I snorkeled with shark everyday during my time in Fiji. I was able to live with a local family empowering their village members to use the beautiful resources around them as a tool to increase household income and children's education by giving snorkeling and village tours to tourists in the area. I held a guide- training workshop to village members interested in participating. We developed a snorkeling trail within their marine protected area to minimize damage to their amazing coral reef. During my four months in Costa Rica, God challenged me to stand and be bold in my faith. I was a volunteer naturalist for an eco-lodge giving tours of the surrounding natural areas to tourists from all over the world. I also gave coffee and sugar plantation tours with the local farmers. This was an amazing opportunity to live and work in a small town, building relationships with not only the locals but also the staff at the lodge. THE CHALLENGE God has called all of us to be caretakers of His creation "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." Genesis 2:15. God's glory is revealed in the splendor of His creation. Why would we want to damage it? I challenge you to find ways in which your actions toward the earth can bring glory to God. As simple as turning off a light when you are not using it, recycling a bottle; these are things we all do already, but now do it as a way to praise God for His wondrous creation, of which God has told us to take care. |
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| Genny Moellring |
Though Stephanie is taking some time off to tend to
her newborn and to her family, there are still ongoing
ministry costs and needs. Please consider how you
might help.
We know there are many causes to which you can give, and only God can lead you to support this one. We are excited about the work He has enabled through your prayers and gifts. We are always doing our best to multiply the money given through CD sales and very minimal administrative expenses. The message we carry is so important. There are many still who need the freedom that comes through Christ. As we have been privileged to to do for Melanie, we hope to help equip and spur many more on to the work God has for them. Maybe even you.
To give just send a check or money order to |
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It's good hear from Melanie on how God has so greatly blessed her efforts. I am thrilled, too, with the developments for the Sonflowerz. Thank you, friends, for your ongoing support. We can do great things if we come together and pour out our unique passions and gifts for the benefit of one another and those in need. What can you do today to serve those around you in a Spirit of true love? If eating sheep brains is ministry, and believe me, it is, then whatever you have to give, God will approve and count as a mighty work. Don't judge it - just give it. Until next time I'll be doing the mighty kingdom work of lovin' up my family, changing diapers and giving songs and smiles to my new little girl, |
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