GRAFTED.
2018 DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
This guide belongs to __________________________________ Date ____________________________________________________ Ministry Site ____________________________________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction: Grafted 1 DAY 1
Give them food and clothing. 2
DAY 2
Not to forget them. 5
DAY 3
Will hear their cry. 8
DAY 4
Be their Father. 11
DAY 5
Extend mercy to them. 14
DAY 6
Give them compassion. 17
DAY 7
Secure justice for them. 20
DAY 8
Defend their cause. 23
DAY 9
Not to leave them. 26
DAY 10
Hold them close. 29
Journaling pages 32
When You Get Home 36
Child Sponsorship Opportunities 38
Back2Back Overview 40
We encourage you to finish this devotional after you return home. Stories and lessons the staff have learned on African soil, Mexican mountains, Haitian shorelines, and Indian streets fill this book and your heart for what’s to come.
INTRODUCTION by Beth Guckenberger Back2Back Ministries Co-Executive Director One evening my teenage son Evan, complained of stomach pain. I thought he just didn’t want to go to school the next day, and I told him he’d be fine. I sent him the next morning, but it wasn’t an hour before the school called for me to pick him up. As soon as I saw him, I knew something was terribly wrong, and we rushed to the hospital for answers. After several tests, they confirmed it was his appendix, and we made plans for surgery later that morning. While we were sitting there quietly, him sedated with drugs, me quiet with worry, he hit my arm hard, eyes wide. “It’s getting worse,” was the last thing he said before crying out in pain. I called for the nurses, who confirmed his appendix had just ruptured, and the surgery we were waiting for was now an emergency. They rushed him down the hall on a gurney, and I ran alongside. The nurse asked questions about medical history, and I responded as fast as I could, anxiety rising. “His paternal grandfather had cancer. I get nauseous with anesthesia,” I rattled off as best I remembered about our family. Evan was listening and finally pushed himself off the gurney to say with exasperation, “Mom, I’m adopted!” It was our one funny memory from that day. Honestly, in the crisis of the moment, I had forgotten. He is so firmly grafted into my tree, my history seems like his. I believe this is how God sees us, so firmly grafted into His tree that His history is our history and His future is our future. The stories of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are my stories. The tales of Daniel, David, Ruth, and Rahab are my family lore. Now because I am adopted into His family and considered a coheir with Christ, His promises are mine to accept and serve as a calling for me to live out. Romans 11 teaches us this truth: God has grafted us into His family, we were once broken off and lost (orphaned), and yet now we can “receive the blessing God has promised” and “share in the rich nourishment” of the olive root. John writes we are called “children of God.” As a part of this family, it’s our responsibility to reach out and share what the Father has given us, to those whose branch is still broken off. This week you will have a chance to interact with people all around you who need reminding God sees them.
Share with us how you’ve seen this in your life, and raise your hand as God calls on you to put these promises on display this week.
God has written promises in Scripture to orphans, the most vulnerable population of all. He asks His family to fulfill these promises in His name. So as His child, I am defended by Him, but am in order that I may defend others. I am remembered by Him, so I can remember others. I am heard by Him, so I can listen to others still broken off. Together, we are an extension of Jesus, showing a lost world His passionate pursuit. Everyday you’ll explore some of the promises He wrote and you’ll hear us share how we believe these promises are true for the children we serve, as well as true for all of us. He wants to come to us, lift us up, make us a home, and be our Father. He wants to execute true justice on our behalf and extend mercy towards us. Share with us how you’ve seen this in your life, and raise your hand as God calls on you to put these promises on display this week.
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GIVE THEM
I love oatmeal cream pies. Full of saturated fat and hydrogenated oils, they’re not exactly healthy, but so tasty! As one of six children living on a bike store manager’s salary, oatmeal cream pies were a childhood delicacy. I recall a season where finances were especially tight. My dad’s salary was stretched thin by unexpected expenses. The normal every-two-weeks grocery trip came and went. The cupboards emptied. I craved a soft oatmeal cream pie, but I knew this treat wasn’t a priority. Even with finances as tight as they were, my Dad gathered us together. He pulled out the month’s tithe check, and asked us to lay hands on it. “God, use this money to reach those in need,” he prayed. As he dropped the check in the mailbox for a homeless shelter, I remember thinking, “What about us?” “God provides,” Dad said, quoting a favorite verse in Philippians 4:19. “He’s a good Father who meets all our needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus.” We prayed together as a family that evening, trusting God to meet our needs, even as we wondered how He could. Early the next morning, someone knocked on the door. My mom answered to find our next-door neighbor surrounded by a dozen brown, paper grocery bags. “I went to the store early this morning, and you wouldn’t believe the sales!” she said. “You know I can’t pass up a good bargain. I just started filling the cart and found myself with extra. I thought I’d bring some for you, if that’s ok.” “Wow!” My mom uttered, tears in her eyes. “All of this?” We pulled bag after bag into the kitchen, putting milk, eggs, and bread into the empty cupboards. In the middle of the joyful chaos someone shouted, “There are even oatmeal cream pies!” Now 25 years later, I see God using the rough financial times in my childhood for greater purpose. He used them to teach me of His 2
faithfulness and to prepare me for the work He’s called me into with vulnerable children. I met Eduardo when he was ten years old. He and his siblings had just arrived at Posibilidades Children's Home. The children came from severe poverty and, having lost their mom and been abandoned by their dad, were used to fending for themselves. Two weeks after arriving to the home, Ale, the children’s psychologist, asked Eduardo how things were going. “Do you know we have so much food here?!” He asked her excitedly. “Not only do we eat every day; we eat three times!” May we all learn such joy from basic necessities.
Maybe you’ve never looked at bare cupboards, wondering after your next meal, but we each have needs. We’ve experienced seasons where putting one foot in front of the other felt impossibly taxing. But God knows every intricate thought we have, and our deepest desires just as well as He knows our basic needs. It is His joy to provide. Even though you, Hope, and Eduardo might have come from different backgrounds, you’ve experienced need. God is a good Father who knows His children’s needs. “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat’ or ‘What shall we drink’ or “What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33) Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 3
write down your thoughts
1 Read Matthew 6:25-34 (on previous page)
As you read, what things come to your mind that make you anxious? It may not be food or clothing. How do you believe the Lord will provide?
2 Hope mentions past struggles being a part of preparation for her current work.
Can you think of something that was painful before, but you can now see the benefit? How has God strengthened and sharpened you in the face of that trial or struggle?
3 Do you believe God is a good Father who meets every need? Why or why not?
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How have you seen or experienced anything this week to illustrate this?
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day NOT TO
As a new mom, I feel it would be nearly impossible to forget about my nursing baby. Our maternal instinct is a God-given tendency to protect and care for our children. How could I forget the heart-warming smiles from my baby girl? How could I ignore the unyielding crying I hear if she is uncomfortable or unhappy? I think it is only in a broken, sinful world where compassion or love could be forgotten, especially for a child. Scripture tells us, even if it were possible to forget your baby, the Lord will never forget each of His children. A few years ago, I met three children who felt forgotten. Their mother remarried, and her new husband did not want the responsibility of caring for another man’s children. They received shelter from their grandfather, but he was unable to truly provide well-rounded care. God, in His infinite goodness, moved to ensure those three children found a home with a loving family. He placed them in a foster family who met their needs and reminded each of them they have a Heavenly Father who will never leave them behind. As they reflect on their lives, they can see God has been there through it all, always faithful, always present. Praise God His grace and love abounds for each one of us. Whether it is grace for an overly exhausted parent, or love for an orphaned child struggling to feel seen and known, God is faithful to remind the weary heart He goes ahead, behind, and is ever beside.
Have you ever felt forgotten by God? It’s probably a safe guess to say we’ve all been there. When you live in a world where injustice is ever-present, it can be easy to believe our specific needs will slip through the cracks. 5
Five minutes of watching a news channel can cause lingering questions of being forgotten. Why would God care about the little details of my life with such catastrophes going on in the world? We may find ourselves thinking, “God, in a world where mommas lose their babies and people are hungry, surely You don’t have time to focus on the unpaid bill this month, the vacation I’d love to take my family on, that thing I want, but don’t need.”
May we be quick to remind ourselves, when we believe we go unseen, He sees it all.
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One of the most beautiful and powerful attributes of our Father is His unparalleled ability to care about everything. The child you’ve yet to conceive, the school of which you’re yearning for acceptance, the husband you’re longing for, the test you want to ace, the relationship you want to reconcile, the child in a developing country you love as your own – He hears each desperate prayer you whisper. It can be easy to believe the desires of our hearts come from ourselves, but we can trust that God not only sees what’s in our hearts, but plants it. May we be quick to remind ourselves, when we believe we go unseen, He sees it all. He cares about every detail of even the least of these. He is undeniably for us. Forgetfulness is not in His nature.
write down your thoughts
1 What is a verse in the Bible, or truth about God, you can remind yourself when
you feel forgotten? Think of the last time you felt forgotten or unseen by God. How did you pull yourself out from the depths of that lie?
2 How has God used you to show someone they’re not forgotten?
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What does it mean for your life, your story, that you will never be forgotten? How does this change the way you view God? How does this effect the way you enter into conversation with Him?
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3
WILL
Every year, Back2Back hosts a retreat for teenagers in Monterrey. We invite youth from children’s homes and teenagers from the Hope Program to spend a weekend in the mountains. Day one of camp is always full of energy and excitement. The 2017 retreat was no different. Everyone was having fun, laughing, and learning. One of the objectives of the retreat was to help teenagers find their voice. The boys from the retreat had gathered at a makeshift amphitheater overlooking a ravine separating two beautiful mountains. I asked them before sitting down, to find a rock representing the weight they were carrying. Many had experienced darkness. We started our time together each holding a unique rock in hand. “You can ask any of us two questions, about anything you would like, and we will answer honestly,” I began. The boys from the retreat looked questionably at me. “Anything?” One boy asked. “Yes,” I replied, “but there is one thing I ask in return. We can ask you one question and you, also, must answer honestly.” They were in. The first question asked was, “How old were you when you first saw something bad?” There were three of us guiding the conversation, and we each answered honestly. That’s when it happened, vulnerability was born, the unspoken agreement of our shared experience. It was their turn to answer our question. “Why that particular rock?” I asked them. The boy who had asked the first question spoke with sadness, “This rock is ugly, big, and horrible. I’ve seen so many ugly, horrible things.” 8
Everyone offered their answer, but I was locked in on that first ugly, horrible rock. What I heard in his voice was an overwhelming pain, as he expressed shame for what had been inflicted upon him. After the others had finished answering, we read Psalm 103 together: For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. The pain we feel from sin doesn’t always have to be a direct result of our own sin. The weight of shame isn’t ours to carry, whether it be our sin or someone else’s. God hears our voice when we cry out. The Bible says He throws shame as far as the east is from the west. We directed the boys to the edge of the ravine and encouraged them to surrender their shame. My young friend stood and took his ugly, jagged rock and threw it off the side of the mountain. Then he walked away lighter.
God promises, as children grafted into His family, He will hear us when we cry out to Him. What ugly weight are you shouldering, even when you don’t have to? Are you like the young man Chris writes about? Are you holding onto something you weren’t meant to carry in the first place? This week, you may experience instances where you feel a heaviness you don’t know how to handle. Are you crying out to the Lord, readily admitting when you cannot handle it alone? He hears you, loud and clear – even if it’s a mumbled cry of hurt and disappointment. He is always listening.
God throws shame as far as the east is from the west. 9
write down your thoughts
1 Have you ever felt weighed down by shame?
How did God help you in this instance?
2 What are Biblical truths that remind you you’re never too far away to be heard
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by God?
What is something you’re holding onto right now that isn’t yours to carry? How can you cry out to God so He can help you release that shame?
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BE THEIR
The problem with the world is that we draw the circle of our family too small. - Mother Teresa
If we are following after the heart of God, are our families ever truly complete? Isn’t there always room at the table? Isn’t there always more love to give, and room for another seat to pull up? God promises to not only be a Father to the fatherless and a defender of widows, but He promises to put the lonely in families. He says He will be a Father. A defender. A rescuer. A leader. A singer. A comforter. This doesn’t solely pertain to orphans. Our faith asks us to open our doors, and not shut our eyes. We see Jesus’ face not only in the vulnerable, orphaned child, but the single, grumpy neighbor, the frail, elderly couple, the sullen, angsty teenager, and the homesick, overwhelmed refugee. Putting the lonely in families isn’t just about adoption. It’s about leaving the door open and letting people in. It’s about redefining family. Two years ago, hands full with three boys under five, and new to a foreign country, God said, invite. And we obeyed. Our family invited a 17-year old girl from a hard place into our home. Our lives, hearts, and love expanded exponentially in ways we couldn’t have imagined. It’s not always easy. Hear me when I say we had, and still have, a lot of learning and growing to do. We make mistakes, but we are family. We belong to each other and it’s a
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mutual decision. We chose each other then, and we’re committed to keep choosing each other now. My husband coaches the Los2 soccer team in Monterrey, and we have an extra teenage boy or two around the table more days than not. I absolutely love our long dinner table for that reason, there is always room for more. Our kids know how to scoot down, grab another plate, and make room for others. It’s rarely quiet and orderly, but they’re used to joining in and helping out. This is family. We belong to each other.
Loving an orphan or a lonely person doesn’t require cross-cultural living – people are in need everywhere. It can look like adoption. It can also be inviting your neighbor to dinner, even when it doesn’t feel convenient. What does it look like to invite someone who is lonely into your space, especially when it’s not seen, celebrated, or easy? Psalm 82:3-4 says, give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people. God is using powerful, action-packed commands. Give. Uphold. Rescue. Deliver. He means business - with what we have right now. A conversation in shaky Spanish, a sweaty game of badminton, inviting a new friend for dinner, smiling at the stranger who looks sad. Small offerings, with open hands, have value in the name of our Savior. He calls each of us by name, and He calls us family. May we be spurred to see each other the same.
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write down your thoughts
1 This week you’ve been in new situations, learning new names, and cultivating
relationship. How can you take the boldness of stepping forward to get to know people somewhere else in the world and apply it to your life once you return home?
2 What would you say is one thing hindering you from opening your door and heart?
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Think of the suggestions Katie made above of people who need love – the single, grumpy neighbor, the frail, elderly couple, the sullen, angsty teenager, the homesick, overwhelmed refugee. Can you think of someone in your life who fits one of these descriptions? If not, can you think of someone who needs reminding they are loved and known? What are three steps you can take toward making this person feel loved and known?
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EXTEND MERCY
It was bedtime, and my adopted little brother did not want to fall asleep. We sat in the family room as he screamed his objections from his crib; “I’m not tired! I don’t want to go to sleep!” Then, for a moment, it was quiet. I looked down the hall to find him standing there, eyebrows furrowed in 3-year-old defiance. That little boy had climbed out of his crib and stood in rebellion, daring us to react! He had made a bad choice, and certainly anticipated consequences. But mercy and grace catch us by surprise as we await what we deserve. I scooped him up, walking towards his room. I held him close, wrapping him in his “calm down blanket.” His heart was racing. I squeezed him tighter, swaying back and forth. As he rested his tiny head on my shoulder, I felt his body relax in my arms. I whispered to him, “Avie, this is grace.” He gently lifted his head and looked in my eyes, “What’s grace?” he asked softly. I answered, “It’s when you get something way better than what you deserve. I am holding you now, even though you weren’t making good choices. Because I love you so much. Jesus gives us grace, too. When He died on the cross, He gave you something better than you could ever deserve, holding you even when you make bad choices.” He answered, “Oh.” and snuggled in again. When we taste mercy and grace, it draws us in closer, wanting for more. I found myself praying for this sweet little boy’s past, present, and future. I prayed he would always feel mercy and grace and would live free of striving, confident he’s been grafted in. May we always find rest in the Father’s arms of mercy and grace that hold us tight, releasing us from both performance and punishment. 14
As he drifted off to sleep, I realized I could’ve missed this; I could’ve missed this sweet moment of connection. The intimacy we experienced in that moment went far beyond what Avie could, or will ever, understand. I held him, experiencing the love of the Father. This practice of setting us free and pulling us close, is far more than a heavenly obligation, it is unmatched, intimate love. For our good Father delights in extending mercy and grace to His children, inviting us into an intimacy that brings Him great joy.
Mercy and grace seem to go together. Mercy – not receiving what we deserve. Grace – receiving far more than what we could earn. Consider the Cross and Jesus’ sacrifice upon it. No matter what we learn about God’s character, or of how much He truly loves us, it’s still hard to wrap our heads around the grace and mercy pouring from the Cross. We can see ourselves in Avie, calling out objections, and then in the quiet, waiting for the consequences to come. But Jenn, like Jesus always does, held Avie close and reminded him there is nothing he can do that will put him outside the bounds of loving grace and mercy. Little Avie falls asleep, and we can see ourselves in him – resting easy because of what he’s being provided with, whether he deserves it, or not. This is what Jesus does, time and again, for us –pulling us tightly to Him and whispering, I’ve got you, I’ve got you, I’ve got this.
When we taste mercy and grace, it draws us in closer, wanting for more. 15
write down your thoughts
1 Can you think of a time when you experienced mercy and grace?
What did it feel like?
2 What barriers do you face to accepting and understanding God’s mercy and grace? Performance? Punishment? Something else?
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Do you believe God truly “has you” in every circumstance? If you do, how does that effect your story? If you don’t, what are the hindrances to you believing He does?
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GIVE THEM
“Isn’t it overwhelming to come face-to-face with ongoing needs? How do you decide where to invest your time? Do you actually feel like you’re able to show love and compassion?” My response to these often-asked questions is inspired by missionary, Heidi Baker, who says, “Just love the one in front of you.” The Lord’s compassion is often demonstrated through interaction with others. I’ve long prayed God would open my eyes to the needs directly before me, and to help me love as He does. One of my first roles in Monterrey, Mexico was to captain a local children’s home. In my work and advocacy for the home, I spent several days a week there. Many days I simply showed up, hoping to make myself as useful as possible. Sometimes that meant overseeing last minute homework, other times it was sitting with the boys at breakfast. Nevertheless, I showed up, hopeful my consistency was building rapport, and my presence making a difference. There were days I found myself overwhelmed as the needs called from all sides. Mateo, will you check over these math problems? Give me a piggy back ride! Do you want to play soccer? Mateo, will you tie my shoe? It was in the midst of such a moment I heard God. Love the one in front of you, Matt. The day I met seven-year old Alex, his mother had just dropped him off at the children’s home the night before. He wasn’t speaking, but I imagined his feelings of confusion, loneliness, and abandonment. Slowly, tears fell down his face. There, despite a dozen boys vying for my attention, Alex was all I could see. I held him close as he broke down, and gently whispered prayers of 17
comfort over him. He began to relax, resting his head against my shoulder as we sat together. Before I knew it, he’d fallen asleep. In a dorm full of boys with endless needs, God extended compassion specifically to Alex. I marvel at the way God sees each of us and uses willing servants, like you and me, to demonstrate compassion.
Imagine the relief Alex felt at being able to sit with Matt and fall asleep. That’s the arm Jesus extends to us, pulling us near to Him as He speaks truth. "I am here. I won’t leave. I love you." Today, our time with God is limitless. He is always available and always compassionate. Every time we listen to each other, share what we have, stop what we are doing to serve another, we are an extension of the compassion Jesus has given us and we can now give freely to others. Little Alex may not have literally been resting his head against Jesus’ shoulder, but in those moments of crying, and eventually feeling peace enough to close his eyes, Alex experienced Jesus.
Just love the one in front of you. -Heidi Baker
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write down your thoughts
1 How can you practically keep your eyes open for the one in front of you this week? How might you extend compassion to them?
2 Think of a time when you felt God’s compassion. How did you feel it?
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Why do you think God wanted you to feel compassion in this way?
What does it mean for your story that God continually extends compassion? How does that change your day-to-day?
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7
SECURE
“Babies are scary.” It was my first thought when Back2Back’s social worker asked if I would be willing to help at a Christmas party. There would be about forty kids, but there wasn’t sufficient supervision. Four of the forty children were babies, and that’s where I came in. It would’ve been easier for me to single-handedly care for the 36 other children than hold just one baby, but I said yes, despite my reservations. My nerves spiked when we reached the party, and the social worker handed over the little bundle in her arms. I looked down at the smallest human I’d ever seen. Scarlet was one-month old, and had already been living in a children’s home for two weeks. She was also sick with a cough. I stared at her tiny body, feeling the weight of her story. There are few things more heartbreaking than a sick, newborn baby living in a children’s home. As I share Scarlet’s story, there are many words I could use to describe her situation: sad, disappointing, unfair, tragic, bitter. But as Scarlet coughed and slept against my chest, God’s fierce reminder flooded through me. Her story is My story, and My stories are never hopeless. Despite the hardships already in Scarlet’s short life, she is not forgotten, unloved, or unseen. Psalm 140:12 states, “I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” I don’t know anyone more poor and needy than Scarlet, the tiniest of God’s vulnerable people. Scarlet slept as the hours passed. I prayed God would give her a family who would love her, care for her, provide for her. I asked that she would know Jesus personally and intimately and have a strength only possible from Him. Scarlet is the smallest orphan I’ve ever prayed for protection. The night wore on and eventually 20
Scarlet and I parted ways, but I stayed up late thinking about my encounter with injustice and hope. What had happened to Scarlet was unjust - orphaned and left in a children’s home from birth. But God’s promise to her in Psalm 140:12 remains true, even as we wait for its fulfillment to come to completion. Scarlet may fall asleep each night in a children’s home, but her story is marked with the love of a Father who offers us hope in the dark. Lamentations 3:19-24 says, “Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” And we faithfully wait for the story of hope our God will tell.
While you may not meet Scarlet this week, you’ll likely meet a child who leaves you searching for hope within injustice. Children young and growing, underweight, unashamedly affectionate and hopeful for love. Bailey’s first reaction to watching Scarlet was fear. Perhaps you can relate as you venture into a new country and meet new faces. Allow God this week to remind you His work is always hopeful.
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write down your thoughts
1 How have you seen or felt hope this week?
Write down one of those experiences and share with your small group.
2 Have you seen justice secured for a child or family this week?
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What did that look like?
Do you believe just as He secures justice for the orphaned and vulnerable child, God secures justice for you? What does that look like in your own life?
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DEFEND
It was a Sunday morning a few years ago. The church was bringing attention to the worldwide orphan crisis, on a day, internationally, known as Orphan Sunday. It is a time when they told stories about children’s homes and the tireless work of organizations focused on the rights of this vulnerable population. Nine young men recently moved into a Back2Back's Hope House, orphaned as a result of rampant disease and violent attack on their families, sat watching members of the congregation openly mourn the orphaned child. One of the young men was asked later what he thought of the service; “I don’t know why they’re all so upset. I’m not an orphan.” He no longer identified as an orphan. He knows he is surrounded by people who love him, who stand up for him, and who are his champion. This changes everything. Everyone needs representation and this is what a champion does. I believe it’s here where the difference lies between having pity and defending someone’s cause. Psalms 82:3 makes it clear - we are to defend their cause. In the pursuit of helping, we must remember it is their fight, their lives, their choices. God calls advocates to set right environments, help them, set them up for success, but ultimately, it is their choice what to do. The Message interprets this verse, “You’re here to defend the defenseless, to make sure that underdogs get a fair break.” If you asked the young adults in the Back2Back Hope Program what they wanted, they’d answer, to have a fair shake at life - a chance to change their circumstances, an opportunity to build a better life for themselves, their families, and communities. As the body of Christ, we have an obligation to defend the defenseless. And if they remain 23
defenseless, then we have failed. We want them to now become champions, for themselves, and also for others still needing a defender. When we speak for the voiceless, we help them get their voice back; now they can fight for the weak, as they build their strength. God is about transformation and nothing He is in can ever remain the same.
This week you’ve likely met children in need of a champion, someone to step into the gap on their behalf and say, “Injustice stops here.” Whether God is calling you to return before you’ve even left the ministry site, or this becomes a onetime trip, may He continually open our eyes and heart to fresh needs around the world.
He no longer identified as an orphan. He knows he is surrounded by people who love him, who stand up for him, and who are his champion. This changes everything.
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Even without having the same experiences as the children you are meeting this week, we can all under- stand how it feels to need something or someone. How might God be challenging you this week, and in the weeks to come, to do what you can, wherever you are, for orphaned and vulnerable children? Whether you come back to this site every year, or you always remember this week with fondness, God has, and will, use you to defend the defenseless right where you are. God does His very best work at giving each of His children defense in their time of need.
write down your thoughts
1 Do you feel God asking you to raise your voice on behalf of someone this week? What does that look like in your life as you return “home?”
2 Can you think of someone in your own life who was a champion for you? Who are
they? What did they do that made you feel defended? How has God defended you?
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What does it mean to you to know that defending someone’s cause is, in part, helping them understand how to champion for themselves? How does this play out in your own story?
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NOT TO
There are two types of people - those who like the “Splash Zone” and those who do not. If you’ve ever been to Sea World, you’ve had to make your own choice whether or not to sit in the front row. Serving and raising kids who have experienced devastating challenges is like parking your life in the Splash Zone. It is both fun and messy to be in the front row. The splashes are unpredictable. They come from all angles. Sometimes they cool you off, and sometimes you’re soaked to the bone as discouragement creeps in. Towards the end of the book of Jeremiah, we read about God’s wrath and judgment. Jehovah Most High has been patient, but He has had enough. And then in 49:11, He stops. “Leave your orphans; I will protect their lives.Your widows too can trust in me.” In spite of the weakness and failures of others, God will never leave them, He will protect them. I hear a dare to God’s call – almost like He is saying, I dare you (Edom) to leave those in need; I am fiercely with them, no matter what you do. As many victories as I can boast about in God, I’ve also seen hearts shattered. I’ve even had to pick up a few pieces of my own heart. Here’s the truth . . . Jesus lives in the center of suffering. He gets it, knows it, and has lived it. If you and I have surrendered to Jesus as Lord of our lives - then, by His grace, we’re adopted. Our orphan status is now a thing of the past. We’ve been grafted into His family. He is wholly with us in the suffering. He will never, and has never, left us! The next time the enemy, or our own selves, want to whisper, “You’re alone.You’re misunderstood.You’re singular in this struggle,” we can remember the root to which we’ve been grafted. A grafted 26
root (that’s us) can’t be without the core root – it’s physically impossible. We cannot be left. The orphaned and vulnerable child cannot be left behind. Even if we are the the wildest and untamed root in the bunch - we are still grafted in, and our only true nourishment comes from Him.
As a mission trip guest this week, you have entered into the Splash Zone. You may be very familiar with it, or this might be your first time. You are going to see and experience God’s mighty hand at work. There are many joys, victories, and miracles going on around you. You might also see some hard stories. What would it be like to live in a wheelchair? What would my life look like, growing up, if I had to share a bedroom with many other girls? How can I comfort this hurting child in front of me? How can we brace for the splashes, both this week and at home? We do NOT do it alone. We are grafted into His family as a holy priesthood – anointed, spoken on behalf of, and accounted for. Enter into relationship with a child this week knowing we have the same Father, and are loved with the same intensity. This is where the story begins.
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write down your thoughts
1 As you consider being in the “splash zone� as Meredith describes, what realizations have washed over you?
2 What does it mean for you personally to know you are never, and will never, be left behind? Is this easy to believe? Why or why not?
3
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How do you think God feels when He meets us in the middle of hurt? What does this tell us about His character?
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HOLD
It had been a year after moving to India, since my wife and I had seen our families. We anxiously exited the airport terminal and were met with a warm welcome. Our joy was the result of being within eyesight of each other. There were many hugs and kisses, as we made up for lost time. My Mom gripped my hand as we walked to the car, and I held tightly to my Dad’s. Video calls are wonderful, but there is nothing like proximity to someone you love. Consider the prodigal son parable (Luke 15:11-32.) When the son was still quite far away, the father ran to him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. To the father, the time it would take the son to reach him was too long, and he ran. Despite the actions the son had taken, the father couldn’t wait to hold him close. Although Indian culture isn’t known for its physical affection, the children on campus still hope for it. When they participate in a school dance or have a part in a play, they will ask, “Are you coming to my school?” If we are having a meal at one of the homes, many will say, “Charlie, please sit next to me.” They desire closeness. The reason God can hold me close, is because of what Jesus did. If it weren’t for Him, I would still be in my sin. On the cross Jesus cried out, “My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?” For the first time, He was experiencing separation from God, so I could be forgiven and seen as righteous. He lost the proximity of closeness, and now I could receive it. If ever I don’t feel the closeness of God, it’s because I’m not aware just how close He is. Jesus was found with the sinner, the prostitute, and the tax collector. He shared meals and conversation with them. He didn’t allow sin to create a barrier between Himself and His children, but sometimes we do. 29
Jesus values holding us close, and I need to do the same. Closeness is not a reward and removing it is not a punishment. He never removes His presence, and presence is something I can give generously. We all want to be held close, because it is a sign of deep love and intimacy. When we experience it, it is a taste of heaven.
Think about the story of the Prodigal Son. The father is our Father – refusing to wait even one more second to embrace His wayward child. It may be difficult to grasp, the Savior desiring proximity with children who struggle to “get it right.” But, He does. As His children, we experience His love and kindness. Nothing will soothe lingering doubts, ongoing frustrations, or feelings of unworthiness like the Father’s presence.
We all want to be held close, because it is a sign of deep love and intimacy. When we experience it, it is a taste of heaven.
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Our Heavenly Father chased after us while we were in sin and thought we knew a better way. Once we are His child, we are always near Him, even when our emotions say otherwise. When we fall short, we may think distance is necessary, but He doesn’t punish us by removing His presence. He is always ready for us to accept being held near.
write down your thoughts
1 Think of a time where you created distance between yourself and God.
What led you to make this decision? How did God remind you distance isn’t the answer?
2 Describe the moments that you have felt most intimate with God?
3
Who in your life has modeled for you unconditional love?
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YOU.
You have this one precious life. Every day, you choose how to invest your time… your life. Some days, you invest in friends. Some days, you invest in family. Some days, you invest in community. Some days, you invest in you. And some days…you feel a holy desire – the desire to invest in something new. Something that grows your world perspective, that serves, that loves, that gives. Something that makes you feel alive. And perhaps this week, you have felt a stirring, a joy, a yearning to remain a part of the story started here on this soil. Thank you for coming alongside Back2Back Ministries as we serve orphans and vulnerable children around the globe. Wherever you come from, whatever your gifts, whoever you are… thank you for joining us. Thank you for traveling with us across oceans and through the mountains to whisper God’s words in the ears of children: “I will extend you mercy. I will uphold your cause. I will help secure justice. You are not forgotten.”
When you get home,
here are 3 ways you can stay involved...
Connect
Receive current prayer requests and inspiring stories and updates via monthly email. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. www.back2back.org/connect
Give
Give to the Back2Back Care Fund - every dollar invested goes directly to the holistic care of the children we serve. www.back2back.org/give
Go
Join us on another international mission trip. engaging in a week of service for orphans and vulnerable children. back2back.org/go
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Be the difference for one!
God tells the best stories.
When you sponsor a child, perhaps one of the children you’ve met this week, you’re not just giving money or putting a picture on your fridge (although those aren’t bad things).You are stepping into his or her life in a unique way; you become a supporting character in the child’s God-given epic storyline.You become a cheerleader, a guide, a helper. God can use you uniquely to bring change into a child’s life. 38
Sathwik is 5 years old and lives in a rural area outside Hyderabad, India. He is 100% boy: he loves to eat sweets and hunt for bugs. Unfortunately, Sathwik’s story has not always been about a boy going bug hunting. Until two years ago, Sathwik faced a tough obstacle. He struggled to connect with the other children and caregivers at his new home. Sathwik would wake late in the night, crying from nightmares and unsure of how to handle the pain he was feeling at such a young age. He needed to develop healthy attachments to the consistent, safe people around him. Without it, Sathwik’s success and emotional and physical health would be in jeopardy. Sathwik’s story, like all good stories, isn’t about a hero overcoming an obstacle by himself. When the problem seems too large, the darkness too deep, or hope is lost, someone steps in from the outside: a supporting character. No matter who they are – a guide, a coach, a sidekick – when they enter, a story gets a good shot of hope. Sathwik now has a host of supporting
RESTORE
EVERY CHILD
Connect with a child personally and help meet spiritual, physical, educational, emotional and social needs. $100 a month
characters in his life: loving caregivers and Back2Back staff. They wanted Sathwik to overcome this obstacle. The deciding factor came because more supporting characters stepped into Sathwik’s story: his sponsors. Because of his sponsors’ support, Sathwik is learning about the role he plays in God’s Kingdom through Vacation Bible School and reading his own Bible. Because of his sponsors’ support, a therapist visits with Sathwik as they work through trauma he’s experienced in the past. Sathwik also attends small groups each week that allow him to process his feelings and hurts. Because of his sponsors’ support, Sathwik receives regular meals, a well-rounded education, and can be found riding his bike or learning a new game with friends on campus. When Sathwik finally began connecting with the safe adults in his life, his demeanor – and story – has never been the same. Sathwik’s sponsors, his supporting characters, chose to step into his story. Now, Sathwik loves to laugh and play, hunt for bugs and ask so many questions.
TRANSFORM EVERY HOME
Invest in transformational change for a child’s orphanage or community to make a lasting impact. $250 a month
SPONSOR A CHILD TODAY. Learn more at back2back.org/sponsor
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In 1997, Back2Back followed God’s call to be His hands and feet to serve orphans in Monterrey, Mexico. We started small by sheltering, nourishing, and teaching children about God’s love.
The children you will meet this week have experienced abandonment, loss, abuse and neglect. This influences how they communicate and behave. Your investment will impact their lives as it will impact your own. 163,000,000 orphans is not a statistic. It is a story.
After years of experience, w importance of investing on level in the lives of children. I the Back2Back 5-Point Development Plan was cr an approach to orphan ministry that addresses crucial areas of child develo (spiritual, physical, educational, and social needs).
We all have a role in this mission. Tog
We value healthy Galatia partners and children. Galatia
way you will fulfill the law of Christ” G load.” In Greek, “burden” means so while a “load” refers to the weight o
We value what is best for the child. T filter from which we make decisions.
We value education and training on
communicate God is the hero and He is using us
We value relationships. We believe givin the hope of the Gospel. We are not victims of o are all “orphans” but when we receive Christ, we b
You will demonstrate these values all week through projects and intentional play (what we call play with a purpose). You might be a part of a game or activity that teaches sticking together, taking turns, or showing perseverance. However we engage,we promise to lead you in thoughtful, trauma-informed care.
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ans 6 relationships with ministry
ans 6:2 “Carry each others burdens and in this Galatians 6:5 “For each one should carry his own omething one is incapable of carrying himself of a soldier’s backpack.
The 5-Point Child Development Plan provides a
trauma-informed care. We want to
s to fulfill His will.
ng ourselves is paramount. We want to share our circumstances, but restored in Christ. We become adopted into His Kingdom as co-heirs.
Whether you are engaging in this Mazatlan story in Cancun Haiti Monterrey, Mazatlan, Monterrey Cancun, Haiti, Nigeria or India...
India Nigeria
You are invited to make a difference for one. Learn more at www.back2back.org
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Back2Back Ministries is an international Christian non-profit organization that is dedicated to being a voice for orphans. We exist to love and care for orphans and impoverished children, by meeting their spiritual, physical, educational, emotional and social needs that they may overcome their life circumstances and break free
Until every child is known and loved. STAY CONNECTED
Receive current prayer requests and inspiring stories and updates via monthly email. Sign up at: back2back.org
CHILD SPONSORSHIP
Tallie Betscher at childsponsorship@back2back.org 513-754-0300 ext. 1705
GIVE
Karen Holliday at kholliday@back2back.org 513-754-0300 ext. 1707
MISSION TRIPS
Chelsie Standeford at missiontrip@back2back.org 513-754-0300 ext. 1701
INTERNSHIP
Chris Ramos at cramos@back2back.org 513-754-0300 ext. 1709
TRAUMA COMPETENT CARE
To learn more about Trauma Competent Care, go to: back2back.org/tcc
from the cycle of generational poverty.
For more information, contact the U.S. office Back2Back Ministries, P.O. Box 70, Mason, OH 45040 (513) 754-0300 • info@back2back.org back2back.org