Overflow

The desire to help another human being is not enough.
Some are naturally inclined to help those in need. For a period of time, this can be exchanged for the ultimate purpose for meeting people’s basic needs.

Jesus used meeting people’s basic needs to show His love which ultimately opened doors for Him to meet spiritual needs as well. His ministry was filled with miracles.
We are innately selfish. The most selfless, kind-hearted individual doesn’t have enough stamina to love others in and of themselves over a period of time. 1 John 4:19, “We love because he first loved us”. We are only capable of loving one another because we have first been touched by his love and we use that as our example and standard.

There is a great need where I am. Most families live on less than $2 a day. The majority of initial reactions to seeing extreme poverty are selfless. We want to help immediately. The problem is that the simple desire to help someone is not enough. The Lord desires us to see peoples needs spiritually as much as we do physically. Matthew 9:36, “When He saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

I’m trying to understand what it means to meet peoples needs outside of myself. Coming to an understanding of Christ’s love overflowing from my heart is key. Biblically, we should care for those in need because Christ cared for us in our deepest hour of need. What the world sees as Christ like behavior in our lives should be directly related with Him being the complete satisfaction of our hearts. If He alone fills our cups, they will overflow to those around us, just as He intended. Because He loved us first, we are now enabled to do the same.

We have fun

...what most of our bus rides are like.


We had a 90s dance party when Purdue and Ga Tech were here. There were many great costumes, but the Oregon Trail quartet took the cake. They also brought a mattress outside while it was pouring rain and made everyone watch them "ford the river" with it.




We climbed another volcano today. The walk down is very steep at about a 45 degree slope. It's hard to walk down because the surface is tiny bits of rock and people actually end up sliding and running down.

My shoe broke on the climb up. A quick sidenote: me ad Jeremy play a lot of blackjack in our spare time. So naturally we played through a deck on top of the volcano. If I won, I got his right shoe and he got my busted one for the walk down. If he won, I would have to wear the same shirt for a week.







I won.

Another group got in late last night. Please pray specifically that they would embrace the love of Christ and be open to be changed from the inside out. We've had 3 incredible groups come through already. It's tough to wave goodbye to people that you've become close with only after a week and immediately greet a fresh group the next day. It has been ultimately rewarding to see the Lord work in the lives of the people that come down. There is a level of vulnerability that seems to be unlocked in a sense. When people are taken out of their comfort zones and put in an unfamiliar place it is a welcoming atmosphere for God to
Change people. It's incredible to watch, and it's also been incredible seeing it in my own life.

I will be coming home in a week, for a week, for Jay Dillards wedding. I cannot wait to eat whatever American fast food is in the airport.

More to come
Joey

Location:Chinandega

Paging Dr. Howser

Our latest Iguana, Dr. Doogie Howser escaped. I'm in the process of finding another one.
Third time's a charm.

Location:Chinandega

Tired

We went on an adventure last night, 50 of us camped on top of an active volcano. I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking.
I'm tired.







Gearing up for our hike after our 1.5 hour ride up a 4x4 trail.







Up the side of the volcano. Note how small the people in this pic are. BIG hill.







I'm pretty happy about the climb.





Our camp was located right below the crater...sulfuric smoke constantly coming out of it.






Sunset.

Location:Telica Volcano

Dr. Howser

The first group to come down, consisting of Purdue and Mizzou students, is almost done. Purdue will stay for another week, and another group will join them on Sunday.
We visited the Chinandega dump on Monday. Over 300 families have been moved from there to a village called Villa Catalina which Amigos started. Still, there are over 300 families living at the dump as a way of life. They collect 100 pounds of metal for $5 and that gets them by for a week. Amigos has plenty of room left in the Villa for families to continue to move out, but it is hard for them to see the long term benefits of doing so. It would require them to adapt to a whole new way of life. Pray for the families to be courageous to move out of the dump.

Our first Iguana is no more. After I found out that we couldn't keep him as a pet, I sold him to a Nicaraguan man who took him home for food. We have since then, found an "Iguana Verde" that is not instinctually malicious like the first kind we had. His name is Dr. Doogie Howser. I'll keep you informed.

It is hot. 91 degrees today with a heat index of 107. That means that it may as well be 107. I am adjusting to the heat pretty well though. I was sick for a day and half because of dehydration. Drinking 2 gallons of water a day apparently is not enough for my big frame down here. I am now trying to drink around 3 gallons a day.

Lastly, all the kids in the Villa, call me "Gordo". This is because, well, I'm fat. They all run up and play with my stomach like a punching bag. They just don't see too many well fed Gringos down here.

More to come.




Joey







Families looking through the dump for cans and scrap metal.







At Villa Catalina







Group Devo time.

Location:Chinandega

Muy Caliente

I Made it to my new home safely. Showering before bed and after I wake up will be a part of my daily routine, as it is very hot here with no air conditioning.
Last night was my first night here and me and some of the other amigos staff had an interesting time with our new pet and friend Mr. Feeny. He is a 3ft long iguana that I bought on the way home from the airport. He almost escaped, we almost got tail whipped, and after capturing him again, we made a home for him only to find out we have to release him because it is illegal to keep them as pets.... Apparently it's too dangerous.

The first group comes in this Saturday. Until then, we'll be preparing the Amigos house for their arrival. Pray that God would prepare our hearts and theirs for the week ahead.

Love Yall
Joey





-posted from iPhone

Location:Chinandega, Nicaragua

Goodbye Bham

Otey's on Tuesday was a huge success. I think everyone I know in Birmingham was there, what a great night. We raised over $800 as well. I can't show my gratitude enough for the friends I have. You all are truly one of a kind. Tonight I'll pack up my car and drive to Ft. lauderdale, Fl to spend mothers day with my mom. Then after the weekend, Ill be flying out of Ft. Lauderdale next Tuesday to arrive in Managua, Nicaragua shortly after lunchtime on Tuesday. This will be followed up by a 2 hour taxi ride to Chinandega which will be my home for the summer. My next update will be from there.

In the coming week pray for the short term groups coming down each week, that the Lord would prepare their hearts to experience incredible things while in Chinandega.
For safe travel, and that I don't die of a heat stroke.

Love y'all
Joey

I'm gonna miss these guys

Cuatro de Mayo

Otey's in Crestline Village is holding a Pre-Cinco de Mayo party, "Cuatro de Mayo", and proceeds will go towards my trip. Matthew Mayfield will be playing a concert. There will be a $10 suggested donation for the show. You'll also be entered in a drawing for 1 of 4 $25 Otey's gift Certificates. May 4th. Starts at 8pm.

Spread the word

See you there.
Joey

Counting Down

15 days until I leave Alabama and only 20 days until I'm in Nicaragua!
Thank you so much to those who have given and please continue to pray for me. If you want something on your fridge as a reminder, send me an email. joeymcginn@gmail.com

Also, there is a benefit being held for my trip Tuesday night May 4th. Details will come soon.

Joey

Preparing for Nicaragua

There have been many things lately that I've had to do to prepare to leave the country for several months.

My heart has been overwhelmed by the grace of our father. Godly perspective on my circumstances is such a beautiful thing that I'm forced to say it and describe it in a poetic tone. To simply say that God has been good to me doesn't do it. Rather, he's opened my heart to understand and appreciate hardships, dead ends, and moments of confusion to be monumental preparation for what's ahead; Nicaragua.

I do know that our "conforming to the image of His son..." (Rom 8:29), or sanctification, is a continuous process and we will never see the full effects of that until heaven, but the Lord in his grace and love has brought to fruition many things for me in the last several months.
The Lord has been preparing me for this trip long before I knew I would go, or even consider going. I usually say these things because I know they are true because they are biblical. Now I am able to say it with full confidence as I understand and have answers for so many "why Father ?" prayers that I have prayed over the last year.
It is biblical that our hardships are essential for our future placement and growth.
Perspective is key to understand and find joy in the midst of frustrating circumstances. This whole thing was never promised to be easy! But, He did promise us complete satisfaction. I pray for God to grant us biblical and Godly perspective in the tough times. There is joy and peace and contentment in all arenas of life, the good and the tough times. Ephesians 4:13 might be one of the most popular verses, but most of the time that it's quoted it's out of context. Read the two verses before you get to verse 13....
Paul says, " I know what it is to have plenty and I know what it is to have nothing... I will be content with both....I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Biblical joy is not always jumping and clapping and smiles and high fives, but a solid rock foundation of truth of the gospel that holds strong when the world fails us and crumbles all around us. Whether we have plenty or none at all, our hope is not in this world! And being content in any if these scenarios is what the Lord desires for us. Pray for that enduring joy and satisfaction!


Thanks to those who already have spread the word around about financial help for my trip. Keep it up.

Love y'all.
Joey
www.amigosstore.org/joeymcginn.html

Update

Thank you so much for the financial support so far. I am 1/3 of the way to my goal!

Please pray with me that the Lord would continue to provide.

Many of you have let me know that you are following my journey here, and you do not have to follow the blog through a gmail account to read, as you all know. So, please spread the word and pass around the link.

www.amigosstore.org/joeymcginn.html

Joey

All about Amigos

Please check out this video about Amigos for Christ, the group I am going to Nicaragua with.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mpPLS38054&feature=youtube_gdata

Why Nicaragua?

Amigos will host over 600 short term missionaries this summer. They will come from all over the U.S. and are mixed high school and college groups that stay for a week at a time. Looking over the schedule, I spent some time praying for Purdue College, who is the first group of the summer.

After reading the statistics of the Nicaraguan people's daily lives, it became clear to me why this many people come down each summer to serve and help.

2.1 million people (40%) live in houses made from scrap material

2.7 million people (50%) live in overcrowded conditions
Health

477,000 children (33%) suffer from chronic malnutrition

2.7 million people (50%) do not have access to essential medicines

There are only 3 doctors for every 8,000 people.

Jesus fed the 5,000 because they were hungry!
He didn't hand them a bible verse and tell them that God should be their daily bread.
Meeting peoples basic needs as an opportunity to love and show the love of Christ is a biblical concept. You will find it all throughout Jesus' ministry. "What we have done to the least of these, we have done to Jesus."
(Matthew 25, go read it, it's there).
So we have a calling to give to and serve the poor regardless of what they believe or how we are treated in return, not seeking an earthly reward but working for our father in heaven. "For whom much has been given, much is required..." Luke 12:48. We are the "much has been given". We have been given Resources, and talents that the Lord calls and "requires" us to use for his name! And what happens when we use our resources that have been given to us to help meet the needs of brothers and sisters? The doors have opened...why would we ever do such a thing? : they might ask. Becuase his love controls and compels us! 2 Cor. 5:14.
I am not going to just go to Nicaragua because it's a mission trip and it will be good for me and for some Nicaraguans. The Lord has called me to give what I have for this period of time to further his kingdom and his purposes. Please pray with me this week for Purdue college and the rest of the groups coming down that the Lord would start now, today, to prepare their hearts to give and serve relentlessly seeking a heavenly reward.

Please spread the word. Our faithfullness in prayer is crucial.

Joey

Dates Confirmed

May 11th-August 26th!
My passport is being renewed this week and my first flight is being booked.
The wheels have started turning!
I have set up a budget for myself that will allow me to contribute a substantial portion of the trips expenses out of my own pocket, but I still need your help

Amigos has set up a giving website for me.
For many friends, I will not send an actual support letter, but if you feel led to give it can be done through this link.


http://www.amigosstore.org/joeymcginn.html
All donations done through this site are tax deductible.

Please pass the link around.

Nicaragua '10

About 9 months ago, I was offered an opportunity to come to Nicaragua for the summer and work with the minstry, Amigos for Christ.  
I have prayed frequently that my decision of whether or not to spend the summer in Nicaragua would not be influenced by circumstances. There are many things that need to happen in the next 2 months for this trip to be possible and the thought of it all has at times become overwhelming.
It is by his grace that Ive been brought this far and that will continue to carry me. So my approach has not been how can it work if I do go, but does He want me to go? He does.  
There are many details such as what I will be doing specifically, the organization that I am going through, etc.... Which I'll write about soon. 
For now, the journey has started with confirmation. 
 
I am extremely excited for this opportunity and have been brought to my knees in pleading before the Lord for his desire for me to stay or to go. Through this, He has shown me much about himself and consequently much about myself as well. He has been preparing me for this trip over the last year.   

So please pray with me now that God would continue to open my heart to be prepared for this summer. There are still many things I know that God wants me to learn before I go that will equip me while I'm there.
More Soon. 

Joey