BREATH

BREATH

Lisa Beamer on Good Morning America - (If you remember, she's the wife of Todd Beamer who said "Let's Roll!" and helped take down the plane that was heading for Washington, D.C.)
She said it's the little things that she misses most about Todd, such as hearing the garage door open as he came home, and her children running to meet him. She's now the Mom of a beautiful little girl, Mary.

Lisa recalled this story:

I had a very special teacher in high school many years ago whose husband died suddenly of a heart attack. About a week after his death, she shared some of her insight with a classroom of students. As the late afternoon sunlight came streaming in through the classroom windows and the class was nearly over, she moved a few things aside on the edge of her desk and sat down there.
With a gentle look of reflection on her face, she paused and said, "Class is over. I would like to share with all of you, a thought that is unrelated to class, but which I feel is very important.

"Each of us is put here on earth to learn, share, love, appreciate and give of ourselves. None of us knows when this fantastic experience will end. It can be taken away at any moment. Perhaps this is God's way of telling us that we must make the most out of every single day."

Her eyes beginning to water, she went on, "So I would like you all to make me a promise, From now on, on your way to school, or on your way home, find something beautiful to notice. It doesn't have to be something you see, it could be a scent, perhaps of freshly baked bread wafting out of someone's house, or it could be the sound of the breeze slightly rustling the leaves in the trees, or the way the morning light catches one autumn leaf as it falls gently to the ground.

"Please look for these things, and cherish them. For, although it may sound trite to some, these things are the 'stuff' of life. The little things we are put here on earth to enjoy. The things we often take for granted. We must make it important to notice them, for at anytime it can all be taken away."

The class was completely quiet. We all picked up our books and filed out of the room silently. That afternoon, I noticed more things on my way home from school than I had that whole semester.

Every once in a while, I think of that teacher and remember what an impression she made on all of us, and I try to appreciate all of those things that sometimes we all overlook.

Take notice of something special you see on your lunch hour today. Go barefoot, or walk on the beach at sunset. Stop off on the way home tonight to get a double dip ice cream cone. For as we get older, is not the things we did that we often regret, but the things we didn't do.

Remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Our tomorrows can always be better, by learning from our today’s. Have a nice day!

WAE OUT "Spirit", 07-07

Spirit is defined as; an animating or vital principle held to give life to physical organisms, a supernatural being or essence, an often malevolent being that is bodiless but can become visible, or a malevolent being that enters and possesses a human being. Over the past year I have gotten some clarity on the spiritual and physical aspects of my life and the lives around me. I have enjoyed know the spirit of other is with me through prayer and thoughts. I have enjoyed engaging with others physical lives as we can share an infinite spiritual relationship.

Spirit has been heavy on my mind for the past month. The Holy Spirit as it worked with me and the people around me. The spirit of my Father as he passed away on the 4th of July. My spirit as I listen and adjust to God's will around me.

I have increased my study of the bible and opened myself to the interventions of the Holy Spirit. Now, that can get a little scary or more dependence on God and less on my own initiatives. It comes truly in forms of income or changes in income and how I should go forward. God as a provider has taken new meanings for me and I have grown in my faith.

My father (Hudson Peavy Meacham, Jr.) became sick during my third week in Mexico. It was not serious at that time, so I came home and was able to be with him. He got sick in the hospital and went quickly. God was with him and I know he is with God now. How do I know, it is only through my beliefs in the Holy Spirit and promises of God through Christ. Hudson's spirit is with me today and will always be with me. I laugh at him looking at me and some of the things I do or don't do. It is a blessing to have spirits in our lives. Maybe this is an expansion for me in angels. Huddy is my angel.

I started 2007 with my track and know what God had in plan for me. I was going to be a missionary. I scheduled trips and made plans. But all along I stayed open to hear and respond to God's call (or pull) for me. I am sad my Dad passed away, but I am clear on where God is at work for me, today. It is caring for my mother. Being a friend and caregiver for her. She has given her life to me and my two brothers and our families. I am blessed that God has given me this opportunity to serve in this way. I feel the spirit of God in me as I care for her and I continue to open myself to respond to God's work around me.

My love and affection to all and blessings of the Holly Spirit, spirit of those you love and know and the spirit of your heart and soul as you go to tomorrow with God in hand.

Peace and Love,

David

Chiapas Chapps

I returned from Chiapas, Mexico on July 1. We are working with Pablo & Jan Feliciano (fellow Presbyterian missionaries in Ocosingo) and their family on new church development and construction of a medical clinic.

I was fortunate to be with John, Ginny, Holly and Maggie Mills for three week in Ocosingo, Chapas. One week was helping inventory medical supplies and aid staff in recovering from the previous weeks in local villages with the medical clinic which treated over 8000 patients. Week two was on renovating bathroom showes and installing hot water. The last week was working construction on the clinic.

Each week had it's share of physical labor and usually concrete in a bucket came up. I found my nitch on the shoveling of concrete into the buckets. Each week also had lots of new relationships. I would like to share some of these with you.

Julian Sanchez Garcia, he is the caretaker at the Alpha Omega Bible School, which is the place I stayed, also the office and home of the Mills and temporary home and office for Jan and Pablo. It is a happening place, including the 20 tons or more of Tzeltal Bibles. Julian is also a paramedic. He worked on the medical clinics, studied the English dicitionary for medicines and treatments. His wife and two children (Marlene and David) were with him part of the time. They have six children and live in a village several hours away. Marlene was a teacher to many due to her energy and desire to learn English, like her Dad.

If you wanted anything at the Bible School Julian was the one to find or make it. He and Sandiago (Pablo's brother) made a pair of cruches for Harless after he spraned his leg. Julian showed the love of Chirst to all in his humble way of helping and providing for others. Peace be with you Julian.

Week two, Lora Nelson, joined the team from Michigain. She is full of joy and adventure for Christ. She and I shared our experiences in Africa and how the Lord has called us to serve others, which means reaching out to others in different cultures. Reaching out means language, beliefs, values, cultures and daily life practices. Sometimes it is the simiple thing of gratitude of a meal when you visit a village church. They serve a Coke or Pepsi up front and then a meal, usually of soup and chicken. Lora and I were able to share our drinks and enjoy the new learned hospitality of Tzeltal culture.

She shared so much maturity and desire to grow. I have been back to her blog site and still enjoy seeing and reading about her growth. God is alive in her and I am honored to have meet her in my journey.

Bryan Plemmons was a young man in the third week that did construction on the clinic. Bryan was experiencing a number of new experiences. I enjoyed seeing him grow and when he took the shovel to shovel concrete he had made a turn in his outlook at the weeks work to me. I had the pleasure of watching Bryan inteact with the other young adults in the group and see him experience new things, not necessaryly on the job site, being a young person with other youth.

What a joy to be ourself and to learn new things. God works through us all and we all are starting at different points in our life. God helped me see the growth in a young man and to better understand my own growth.

I thank God for my time in Ocosingo and the many people I meet and experienced God. It is great to be amoung Christians and see how we all can grow and learn form the life experiences around us. I am grateful for being with Julian, Lora, Bryan and all the others for this time.

Special thanks goes to Ginny, John, Holly and Maggie for allowing me to join in thier family and life experiences. God be with them each day and God's blessing on their daily lives.

Paz en Cristo,

David

PS: Pictures

WAE OUT Newsletter: June 2007

Moni onse, (Hello all in Chichewa)

Out of Africa, I can hardly believe I have been in Africa. It was a joy to be with the Malawians, Hospital staff in Nkhoma, Malawi and fellow travelers from Western North Carolina. We were in Nkhoma for 6 days and were able to be with Dr. Barbara Nagy (Missionary doctor at the hospital) and her three beautiful girls. The main project was the renovation of two rooms, one was converted into a children’s examination room.

More details about my experience and journey are on my blog, Malawi: Heart of Africa. The attached picture is my dance partner. At one of the orphanages, she called me out to dance and we did.

I am back safely and still waking up at 3 AM, but overjoyed with the callings from God in Malawi. It is a place I want to return. I ask for your prayers for me as I listen for God’s calling and pulling and not my own desires.

Saturday, I leave for Chiapas, Mexico to be with John & Ginny Mills and others serving the Tzeltal community through the medical clinic in Ocosingo.

Your prayers for the following would be appreciated:
Malawian orphans may they be safe and receive the love of God each day.
Dr. Barbara Nagy and staff working and caring for others in Nkhoma Hospital.
Charles and Joseph nursing students at Nkhoma Hospital
Vincent Kuthinoi, nursing assistant in Nkhoma Hospital in providing infant care in the children’s ward.
My faith in seeing and hearing God’s work around me and my adjustments to join his path.

Zikomo,

David Meacham, Missionary
WAE Mission Services
16033 Cramur Dr.
Huntersville, NC 28078
DHMeacham@Earthlink.net
704.402.6782
http://servingwithchrist-david.blogspot.com/

PS: More pictures.
More stories.

Malawi: Heart of Africa, June 2007

Malawi: Heart of Africa
June 2007

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” Ephesians 2: 19 (Thank you James for guidance to read Ephesians’ five times.)

My heart was broken in Malawi. My heart was warmed and opened in Malawi. My heart was touched in Malawi.

Our team from Western North Carolina Presbytery visited Dr. Barbara Nagy in Nkhoma, Malawi for 6 days. Here is a brief look at my time in Malawi, as I was supported by Bethel Presbyterian Church.

Love and support for Barbara, Melia, Anna, and Happy was the main purpose of the visit. It was a joy to be with them each day. We laughed a lot and sang “Are you Happy and you know it” many times. I was fortunate to spend time with Barbara in the hospital. She is so kind and caring to the patients and is a wise and compassionate teacher to the staff and students. The hospital environment is close to an emergency room. Patients come into the hospital with a high risk of having tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV, therefore high mortality rate. Barbara works a lot with the children and is working to reduce the infancy death rate.

Death in Malawi is high. The average life expectance is 37. I was honored to speak with a man who was 71 years old. The people of Malawi focus on relationships and less on possessions. If a Malawian has some thing they feel obligated to share with others. To have a lot means to give a lot. You should pay for something based on how much you have and you the buyer are responsible for having the correct amount to buy something, “no change”.

Smiles and warm greetings were felt every day from those in and around the Nkhoma Hospital. We had a small make shift Sunday School lesson using Ephesians the Sunday we arrived. Church was amazing, word of God, prayer and singing galore. It was packed, maybe 1000 in attendance. I was struck by the number of small children attending alone or bringing smaller children with them. The number of young boys, including teenagers attending by themselves, some thing is going on here we need to have in America. Malawi has more Presbyterian’s than United States, population about 10 million with 10% orphans.

We visited several orphanages. One outside of Johannesburg, South Africa was a joy to visit. We sang and danced with them. “Thumbs up, elbows out, legs apart, bums out, tongues out”, now sign the song. You have got to see the video, big Tom can dance. We visited two other orphanages in Malawi and were greeted and welcomed warmly.

We had a great group of individuals on our team. Big Tom Burleson is a gentle giant. He was in constant prayer, especially when the car broke down. Steve and Jane Hansel explored many educational opportunities and opened doors to know and assist in Nkhoma schools. The recess the Hansel set up for the students and the big guy was a big hit for all. Teresa Locke did a little of very thing, including counting the 1300 infant caps and pulling together the inventory of medicines and supplies brought by the team. We did get pictures of Teresa, as she was the team photographer always taking pictures of others. Tom Kilgore had the steady hand and the will to stand for hour as he made the renovated room by the team come alive as the new Children’s Examining Room with balls, bottle push cart, and an elephant. He was able to also hear the song and prayers every morning in the hospital lobby area by staff, patients and their families. Grace Boyer was with the team coming and going. She was a grace and comfort to us, especially during celebration of communion (Matrin’s home made bread and coke) through the language of the holy spirit on the day we left Malawi. Kyle Nelson brought youthful joy and energy. He did not think he snored until the men got a chance to be together in one big room at the Guest House of Nkhoma CCAP (Church of Central Africa Presbyterian) Synod. He shared his faith journey, as well as opened and encouraged each one of us in our faith journey. Billy Wilson, our team leader was a blessing and flexible leader. He used his gift as a commissioned lay pastor to lead our evening devotions as well as the men’s sleeping quarter’s nightly discussions under protection of mosquito nets. The ants got through to his bed. God worked through us all in many different ways and I am blessed to have been with such wonderful Christians.

We were also fortunate to be with “The Three Nurses”; Annjo, Wilma, and Geanne in the Nkhoma Presbytery Guest house. They are nursing students from Holland. I was fortunate to work with them in the hospital and see the love and care they gave to the patients as well as learned how to carry children on their backs with a chitjenjie (cloth made into back pack). Annjo and Geanne joined us to climb Nkhoma Mountain and shared on their blog web site, “The view is overwhelming and we realize again how small we actually are.” Dat voelt heerlijk! (That feels delightful!).

Working as a nurse in the hospital was incredible. I observed surgery (skin graft, intestine repair, fallopian tubes tied, TB on a liver and removal of a uterus) and participated in critical infant care (twin just about died), out patient examinations, removal of a stuck catheter tube, and patient intake with Mrs. Harry. Mrs. Harry was my home base, I could always go their and join her and Edina to welcome patients and take their initial vital signs. I also got to meet Mrs. Harry’s daughter and grandson, Wisdom. What a joy to meet Wisdom.

On the children’s ward I was struck by a young child, maybe 8 or 9 on the floor crying scream and swing at her mother. I sat on a bench near her and sang gently. She came and cuddled next to me, we sat for a while. Later in the day I heard the screaming again. She was in getting her bandage changes from the burn on her right arm. She had fallen in a fire during an epileptic fit. I joined Mr. Vincent Kuthinoi, a nursing assistant to change the girl’s dressings. Every day he leads the morning prayers and singing in the children’s ward for all the patients and family members. I assisted him in changing bed sheets that morning. Vincent was so gentle in cleaning and caring for the girl’s burn as I held her head and arm from jerking away. The blood poured out in the tub as the old bandage was removed and he cleaned and cared for the damaged arm. It was a tough and emotional time, I saw the hand of God in Vincent as he cared for this young girl and as he comforted me as I cried after. God provides comfort in and through us all.

Thanks be to God for this time in Malawi. My heart was broken. My heart has grown. I look forward to being closer to God… so close to hear his heart beat as I call out, screaming and crying.

“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame, you will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11 (Bedankt)

Zikomo,

David

PS: More pictures. More stories.

Team E-mails from Malawi

Malawi – E-mails (From: Kyle Nelson, team author and To: Ginnie Steves, Western NC Presbytery contact)

5/25/2007
Hey Ginnie, It's the team. We just sat down to eat at the Korean Gardens (FYI: hotel where they are staying first and last nights in Malawi), and a young preacher we met earlier has a laptop, so we asked if we could borrow it to talk to the loved ones back home. South Africa was amazing. We didn't get to do the basketball clinic due to a flat tire, but we had an excellent visit with the after school care. The kids were awesome; they were a double treat with song and dance. We are real excited to go with Barbara to Nkhoma. We went by the market today and got all of our food for the week. I guess we'll talk to you the next time we get hold of a computer. Keep us in your prayers. We love you, Kyle Tell my dad to call Rose Brooks and tell her we made it through customs.

5/29/2007
hey Ginnie,
It’s Kyle; we're here in Nkhoma at the hospital. Things are going well. We are almost finished with the remodeling of the examination room. David is having a good experience with doing some nursing here, and Jane and Steve today are going out to one of the schools. Yesterday Tommy tried to go in to town but the car broke down on the way, but he got everything he needed by the end of the day. We finally got all of the luggage yesterday so everything is here. The hospital is doing a lot better and it seems all the nurses are really excited that were here. Dr. Linden even gave us his approval of our job in the examination room. Well I better get back to work I'm sure Tommy could use a hand. talk to you later and keep us in your prayers
love,
the team

6/02/2007
Hey Ginnie, It’s Kyle. we just got back from the lake and now are getting settled into Lilongwe, the lake was good, food was slow, water was warm, we had a great time with the women’s guild, we got a lot of things at the wood market, but everyone was grumpy on the way back with wood piled everywhere, we're about to eat again. We’ll talk to you later in the morning before departure, pray for safe travel. lovethe team

6/03/2007
Hey Ginnie, it’s a very brisk morning in Lilongwe, Malawi as we finish our breakfast and then head to our service were having together with the team and the Nagys. Were gonna have communion so barbs really excited about that. We all dread having to leave but we are also happy to come back to see all of our loved ones and to share our experiences. Malawi has really opened all of our eyes and we are ready to share the warm heart of Africa (Malawi) and there abundant love. Keep us in you prayers as we travel for the next 30 hours we love everyone and miss them. see you in Douglas at 10:30 am American time and 4:30Pm Malawian time, the team

Additional Photos: View photos

Nkhoma Hospital - Needs Update

Malawi Trip Update on Donations and Needs: (from Ginnie Stevens, WNC Presbytery)

First, let me report that $1,176 specifically designated for the children's examination room! The doctors at Grace Hospital have come up with a considerable amount of rocephin and other high-end drugs for children. The e-ray apron that Barbara requested has been donated. We've got lots of infant caps, various items on Barbara's wish list and several thousand dollars that will be sent to the hospital, some for specific items (like oxygen splitters and oxygenator repairs, to help with staff housing etc.) and more that is for general use (perhaps to pay off the pension debt. (See below.) So once again, folks have reached out in incredible ways.
Here is a report from a member of a mission team from the Southwest (OK, I believe), who was at Nkhoma Hospital a couple weeks ago.

"We have just returned from visiting the Nkhoma Hospital. We had brought 3, 50 lb boxes of medical supplies and a check for $ 4,500.00. But much more is needed. Michael told us that they have a bank loan of $ 100,000.00 to keep operations going. We need to make this hospital a matter of prayer, it is doing good things for a lot of people, with nothing to work with--all medical staff are working long hours with little in the way of medical supplies and medications....it is no wonder they are stretched to the limit...."

Malawi Trip 2006 - Pictures

Link to pictures from Western North Carolina's visit to Malawi in 2006.

Ocho Amigos - Nicaragua July 2007

Ocho Amigos

Serendipity has brought together 8 people of differing backgrounds with a common heart to serve God. Their direction is to go to the Northern region of Nicaragua and help a local Pastor repair his churches damaged by mudslides and tornadoes. Also, using the talents of the group a small medical clinic for the people of the community is also planned. This independent group needs you prayers and support for this week, July 22-29, 2007.


Pastor Josue Elias Raudez supervises a small church in Esteli, Nicaragua, Centro Misionario de Vida Nueva. He has also helped establish 4 more churches in the Northern region in the Departments of Esteli and Nuevo Segovia. Having no affiliation or financial support from churches in more developed nations, Pastor Josue manages to not only teach God’s word in his community but offer 2 shifts of lunch programs for school children in Barrio San Fransico, Esteli. In the past two years with the help of the men in the local communities, Pastor Josua has planted 4 additional churches in this region.



In the fall of 2005 this church was completed in Las Cruces. In the foreground are the hand made blocks used in construction.

Another church constructed in the community of Los Llanos was built in 2006 only to be destroyed by tornadoes this winter.

Please consider supporting this mission with your prayers and contributions.

David,

You are Right ON!

Relationships, Fellowship, that's what mission is about. sharing our joys, our grief, our downs, our ups, our food, our thoughts, our prayers, standing back and letting ours take the lemonlight.

At the beginning of a trip I try to write down my thoughts, my expectations, my dreams, not to see if any are achieved, but so when i write day by day in my journal what actually happens I am reminded God is in charge.

During our final group time together on the last night on a mission trip we all reflect on what did we gain. For many it is a revelation. how God has entered our lives and been with each one separately and together during our journey whether in Nicaragua or Mississippi. We all talk about how different cultures are transcended by Christ. How relationships are built, reinforced, challenged and interceded by God. We come lost thinking we are found and we leave found thinking we were lost.

Every trip I always feel like a thief in the night for I have gained more than i ever give. It's like the parable of the talents. On mission trips we are not afforded the option to bury our talent. Just getting on a plane or into a vehicle removes us from our creature comforts. We are God's risk takers, we lay it all out for him, we are vulnerable, but we go even kicking and screaming, questioning, crying and wondering "why me?" But my observation after nine years and close to 20 trips that the one who protest most is the one who falls first, hardest, longest and becomes our best witness.

Please keep in touch.

Peace, prayers and Love

Paul (Pablo) Jones
First Pres DeLand, Flordia

Malawi Team and Country Info

Malawi Mission Team
May 23 - June 4, 2007

Prayer Concerns:
* Christ will be the center of both new and renewed relationships;
* We will have open eyes, ears and hearts for the new things God has for us;
* We will provide support and encouragement for Barbara, Melia, Anna
& Happy Nagy;
* Our families and friends will be at peace about us while we are gone;
* We will have good health and safety.

Malawi Info:

Known as “the Warm Heart of Africa,” Malawi has a population of 10 million and is about the size of N.C. With a life expectancy of 35 years and a literacy rate of 40%, the daily lives of Malawians are incredibly challenging. Malaria kills more people than AIDS, mostly children. However, the number of orphans in Malawi is approaching 1 million.

More Presbyterians in Malawi than all of United States and growing. What a blessing to learn from them and share the good news with those in United States who are leaving the church.

CCAP, Church of Central Africa-Presbyterian, is our partner church. Currently, there are 6 PCUSA missionaries along with their children serving in Malawi: Drs. Barbara Nagy, Sue Makin, and Martha Sommers, Jim & Jody McGill, Frank and Nancy Dimmock and Debbie Chase.

Zikomo (please, thank you, greeting; just a good word to know in Chichewa, one of the languages of Malawi)

WAE OUT Newsletter: May 2007

I am out for sure now. I have committed to mission projects through March 2008. I am excited about serving the Lord and feel my energy is up. But I have been reading about the energy cycle of a missionary and how it is the highest before going; can get low at the start, rises after settling in, then difficulty with transition back to life away from the mission field.

Well, he I go. I just got back from 10 days in Florida and Mississippi doing disaster assistance. I am learning more and more it is not the work, it is the relationships. It is how we treat each other and how we show love to those who are in pain.

I volunteered to be our cook in Florida and learn more about serving and the role women have done in preparing and serving food. I though a lot about the role of a man was from sun up to sun down and a woman’s work was never done.

I have met with my mission teams to Malawi, Mexico and Nicaragua. Each person represents new and exciting skills and gifts. I pray for my love to each one as we go out together. There will be times of discomfort and stress. I pray for God’s comfort on us all and the ability to show love towards others, especially in difficult times.

WEC International in Fort Washington, PA is in need of a project manger. I have agreed to work with them from August to March 2008. This site is the sending site for missionaries worldwide. Retired missionaries, missionaries on leave and missionaries in training live at the facilities. I am excited about providing project management skills in this setting. I pray for God’s guidance and understand of my role as a missionary and how and if I should serve the Lord this way.

My blessing to each of you. I do appreciate your continued support and notes. Please check my Blog for additional activities, pictures, notes, etc.

Zikomo,

David

Diaster Assistance

Disaster Assistance: Florida and Mississippi April 19 – 29, 2007

Injury to the spirit is hidden and painful for the heart.

For the past week or so, I have been working with others in disaster areas of Florida and Mississippi. Florida had tornado damage and Mississippi hurricane damage. The physical damage is evident everywhere. The spiritual damage is felt by the souls of those who lived through the disasters and the ones who are working with them to repair their souls.

Dave and Miriam Barrie are the Village Managers in Deland Florida. They are very loving and caring people. They are from Canada and have farmed and been missionaries in Malawi. Now, they have been called to serve the people of Deland and other local towns that were damaged from the tornados in February 2007.

The Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Village is under construction with PODS for volunteers to stay and help. The progress is going slow to assist victims. Your prayers for relief and awareness of the needs of these individuals are needed. Help is also needed to complete the village. People in the areas that were destroyed feel left out and would love a cool cup of water.

After working a few days in Florida, Rob Dancy and I went to Gulfport, MS to join others from Bethel Presbyterian Church to mud sheet rock in Miguelina Ott’s home. Mig has been taken by contractor on past repairs not completed and is reluctant to trust. She survived the storm by climbing in her attic as the water rose, then to the roof. She slept in the attic the next morning and found her neighbor was not as fortunate.

Miguelina, her daughter and dog “Baby” are moving forward and need our prayers and support to continue to get on her feet. We were fortunate to work in her home and shared with her a prayer shaw and a quilt. These are small gift to let her know others love and care for her.

For me continued growth in the spirit of the Lord and that I have to trust in him. I can not understand everything and am asked to love one another each and every day with whatever I am asked to do.

Peace and Love,

David

PS: See more pictures

Gulfport MS - Katrina

Hurrican Katrina ripped through the gulf coast.

Bethel Presbyterian Church along with many other religious groups responded to the hurt and needs of others in the path of distruction.

I assisteded with construction in 2006 and am going back in April 2007.

This link contains pictures of the area and the activities: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BPC_Missions/

Please pray for those who are still hurting and recovering in the area. It has been a long and painful struggle.

In His Name,

David

Infant Caps -

Studies have shown that infections are reduced when caps are used with new borns. Dr. Nagy in Malawi can use 200-300 every couple of weeks so there's probably no limit on how many of those you can make or send to her.

Share with other knitters.

Peace,

David

PS: Infant Cap Pattern: http://www.warmupamerica.org/Jul06_kit.html

Camp Hill

Camp Hill is the encampment location of George Washington in November 1777 to oversee the area to Washington and Philadelphia.

In 1982 Sarah Drexel and her husband John R. Fell built the main house (castle), large water tower, squash courts and stable.

Today the site is the office for WEC - USA. Additional facilties have been constructed on the site for the staff, missionaries and their families.

Enjoy Camp Hill photos. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CampHill

MALAWI AND MATERNAL HEALTH

BY: Dr Burnett Lunan. He has recently retired as a consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

In May/June 2006 I visited Malawi as part of the Scottish Executive Partnership Programme. As a recently retired consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist my remit was to look at ways Scotland might contribute to improving maternal health in Malawi. Maternal mortality is acknowledged to be among the worst in the world outside conflict zones. Statistics are difficult to compile and estimates vary between 1000 and 1800 maternal deaths per 100,000 pregnancies - equivalent to a mortality of 1 - 2 per cent and a lifetime risk of dying in pregnancy of approximately 1 in 10! This is more than 100 times worse than developed countries.

The reasons are many - poverty and malnutrition are widespread and affect women’s health. The health facilities are often poorly equipped and maintained, and most experience shortages of medical and nursing/midwifery staff. In many hospitals women have to pay for maternity care, discouraging the poorest women from attending despite being the most vulnerable.

HIV/AIDS probably affects about 30% of pregnant women. Anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs are becoming available but some women decline testing on account of the risk of stigmatisation or offending their partner. In a situation where transmission from an infected mother to her newborn child can be substantially reduced by medication and proper management, it is essential to overcome the obstacles to diagnosis and treatment.

There is a serious shortage of obstetricians and gynaecologists (as in most specialties). The annual output of around 20 medical graduates is insufficient for the country’s requirements. This is now being doubled to around 40 and it is planned to increase further to 80 - 100 but this will need a huge expansion of teaching personnel and facilities.

Improving the postgraduate training and retaining of medical and nursing/midwifery graduates is another priority. Many trained personnel quickly find work with NGOs, CHAM (Christian Hospitals Association of Malawi) hospitals, and abroad where working conditions and financial rewards are seen to be better. Opportunities for training in the UK should be supported but not as a way of propping up the NHS and denying Malawi essential services.

The role of Clinical Officers - personnel who are not medically qualified but provide the backbone of the medical services throughout the country - remains controversial. Doctors tend to disparage the contribution of the clinical officers but without them most district hospitals and health centres would have almost no service. Some clinical officers have been locally trained to undertake complex procedures such as hysterectomy or even fistula repair, but remain undervalued.

The majority of deliveries in Malawi are conducted without trained attendants, and often it falls to Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) or family members to provide support. Until sufficient numbers of midwives are trained and women are able to access their services most mothers will look to TBAs to attend them in childbirth.

Good primary health services - antenatal care, family planning, treatment of anaemia and infections - can reduce maternal mortality modestly but significant reduction depends on medical skills to deal with complications such as haemorrhage, obstructed labour, ruptured uterus, convulsions and sepsis and to provide safe anaesthesia, safe blood transfusion, and surgical intervention.

In the shorter term, Emergency Obstetric Care has been identified as an area where all health workers involved in maternity care can benefit from good basic training. Teams from Scotland have already been spear-heading such a programme and there are plans to modify the content of the programme to reflect the needs and resources of Malawi.

In the longer term, improving the in-country postgraduate training of specialists is necessary. At present most postgraduates have to leave Malawi to train in South Africa or elsewhere. This denies Malawi the clinical services of these doctors while in training. By supporting basic science training within Malawi and then strengthening clinical skills training in-country, Scottish clinicians could make a valuable contribution to raising standards. It would be helpful also if the specialist qualification was examined and awarded on a regional basis (e.g. East and Central Africa) as this would give the degree an international status and make it attractive locally.

For any health programme to be successful there must be government support but in maternal health there must also be a commitment at every level in the community to demand the best possible services for the pregnant women.

Newsletter 04-2007

Welcome to my first newsletter as a missionary. Like my Dad, says, “I am not a seasoned missionary”, but have done mission work for a long time and looking to gain experiences by taking some “Baby Steps”.

You have been a part of me on my journey and I want to share with you my journey going forward as a missionary. I have created a blog web site with lots and lots of information, Serving with Christ – David.

I am taking “Baby Steps” this year and listening for God’s calling to me. This is where you can help me by joining me with your notes, thoughts and prayers. I feel God’s message comes to us through other believers, our church and prayer. This year I have been working on Habitat for Humanity homes to improve my construction skills and in a Free Clinic in Mooresville as a nurse assistant. Both are very fulfilling experiences and I enjoy serving with others to make difference in people’s lives with God’s hands.

My experiences for 2007 will include:
Florida & Mississippi Disaster assistance, construction April 19 to 29
Malawi, Africa Medical & construction May 22 to June 4
Chiapas, Mexico Construction & medical June 9 to July 1
La Sirena, Nicaragua Construction, medical, evangelism July 13 to 29
Fort Washington, PA Project Management, missionary education Tentative

Long term I want to use my skills as a Christian, project manager, engineer and nurse for serving others with Christ in the Mexico, Central and Southern America, Africa and USA. I see a special need for helping with drinking water and sewer needs for others around the world.

Thank you for taking the time to read and join me in this journey. Look forward to hearing and sharing with your God’s calling for us both as we move through this wonderful life experience he has given us.

Paz, Peace,

David Meacham, Missionary
WAE Mission Services
16033 Cramur Dr.
Huntersville, NC 28078DHMeacham@Earthlink.net
704.402.6782http://servingwithchrist-david.blogspot.com/

PS: Just in case you are wondering WAE stands for William, Anna and Eleanor my wonderful children.

PSS: Let me know if you do not want to receive these notes, just hit reply and put in subject: “No Thanks”.

Mission Trip Logistics

Malawi
2-week trip from May 23 to June 4
Trip is being organized by the Presbytery of Western North Carolina (WNC)
Will involve medical mission work and construction
I believe he will be meeting Dr. Barbara Nagy there, who is a missionary from Morganton and is 80% sponsored by the Presbytery of WNC
http://www.presbyterywnc.org/mission_zone/gco/index.html


Mexico
3-week trip from June 9 to July 1
The first week with a construction crew from the Salem Presbytery.
The next two weeks with the Hebron USA mission group from the Salem Presbytery to do construction work and medical help, if needed.
http://salempresbytery.org/mexicomissioninfopage2007.shtml
http://www.millsfamilymission.org/3.html

Nicaragua
2-week trip from July 13 to July 29
1 week with a construction crew from Statesville Grace Covenant Church a Foursquare demonation.
With Habitat for Humanity personel from Davidson, Our Town Habitat for Humanity office doing construction/medical/witnessing
These websites contains info on the trip -
Grace Covenant - Cornelius - Mission Trips (Parent church)

Grace Covenant – Statesville – Home Page (Sponsor church)

WEC - International
August 2007– March 2008
Working as a project manager for long range plans and facilites "Strategic Expansion", "110 by 2010"
Working in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania
WEC - http://wec-int.org/.

2007 MALAWI TRIP SCHEDULE

2007 MALAWI TRIP SCHEDULE (draft)*

Wed, May 23: Depart Charlotte 1:50 pm on USAirways #2544; arrive at Dulles Airport at 3:40 pm; Depart Dulles at 5:20 pm on South African #208

Th, May 24: Arrive Johannesburg, SA at 2:35 pm; go to Hotel Formula One. Dinner with Janet Guyer.

Fri, May 25: Depart Johnannesburg at 10:20 am on Sourth African #170; arrive Lilongwe (LLW), Malawi, at 12:45 pm. Be met by Sputnik transportation service (no kidding, that is the name). Go grocery shopping and the bank. Spend night at Korea Garden Lodge.

Sat, May 26: Leave early for Nkhoma. Sort out contributions; orientation by Barbara and others

Sun, May 27: Sunday worship; hike (?)

May 28-31: Work days

Fri, June 1: Visit ministries of Nkhoma Synod; end up at Fish Eagle Bay at Nkhotakota on Lake Lilongwe.

Sat, June 2: Boat trip to see wildlife; Pottery shop; Reflection; return to Korea Gardens for night.

Sun, June 3: Early worship service; Depart LLW at 1:35 PM on SA #171; arrive Jo'burg Airport at 4:05 pm ; depart 5:55 pm on SA #207.

Mon, June 4: Arrive Dulles at 6:00am; depart at 8:45 am on US Airways 1052; arrive CLT at 10:06 am

NOTES: Tommy, Kyle, David and Grace will be leaving on the same flights the day before, Tues, May 22. They will be met by Janet Guyer and stay at Hotel Formula One. On Wednesday Tommy will be doing basketball clinics. The others may go along with him or perhaps arrange a day of sightseeing, going to the Apartheid Museum and the like. We’ll need to check with Janet Guyer about this possibility.

Malawi News 3-2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Members of the 2007 Malawi Mission Team,

1. First, be praying for Barbara Nagy and her family. Early this Monday morning (April 2), Barbara will be meeting with Mr. Phiri of the Department of Gender and Social Welfare concerning the adoption of Happy. The rules are that she's supposed to be "fostered" for 18 months before adoption can take place. If the guidelines are enforced it will delay their return to the States considerably. So we're praying for compassion and understanding on the part of Mr. Phiri. If they get past that hurdle, then we need to pray for efficiency at the next stage with the US government. All the while, pray for hopefulness and joy in the Nagy family.

2. Barbara has said that the main project that you all will be working on will be repairing and improving the walk ways around the hospital. Hallelujah! It took me the best part of a week to figure out how to get from one place to the other; apparently this is an on-going problem as people who come end up wandering in and out of parts of the hospital that should be not wandered about, looking for the place they need to be. Tom, she has a special task for you, lettering the mission of the hospital on a wall somewhere. And, Tommy, there are definitely some electrical repairs to be done, one, I think, on the outlet of the x-ray box. (She said that hospital stafft sing the praises of those who built the x-ray boxes every day!)

3. I am attaching a draft of the meds and supplies list that she said they could use. I've faxed it her and e-mailed it to Edward Plyer to look over before I send it out far and wide. It's pretty close to accurate. (I have a letter ready for doctors to go with the list; I can e-mail it to you so you can personalize it and give it to doctors in your area.)

A very nice project for knitters are the newborn caps. Barbara says a study has shown that infections are reduced when caps are used. They are tiny, fit in all sorts or places in bags and she said they could use 200-300 every couple of weeks so there's probably no limit on how many of those you can carry.

One thing I'm checking with her is whether she wants us to purchase some of the meds on her list if we can get them at cost. She'd told me earlier not to purchase any meds, only to send money to Malawi because they've been able to purchase drugs at a much reduced price from Europe. (That's been one good thing about our financial donations; it's enabled the hospital to order in bulk ahead of time rather than buy at prime price only when the money is available.) However, a whole ship of medicines coming from Europe SANK! Insurance will pay for the loss, but the fact is, now they have to purchase as the money comes in at prime price until they can get another shipment. Barbara was bemoaning the fact that it's hard to make a reasonable budget; sinking ships can sink a budget in a heartbeat. Anyway, I thought later that I need to ask whether she'd rather have some reduced cost meds purchased here than high priced ones purchased there. For now, just seek donations. If you know about how to get some at reduced prices, send me what meds and their costs. I can send the list of what we can get to Barbara if she says to proceed; she can prioritize the meds and we'll purchase according to her list for as long as whatever money we have lasts.

4. Now, as to your schedule. It's getting closer to reality. I'm going to attach what I know thus far.

5. If you or your church are looking for a cool Mother's Day gift, think about mosquito nets! The Networkers Program of the PCUSA has lovely Mother's Day cards notifying Mom's that a donation has been made to the program so children can be protected from mosquitos. Go to http://www.pcusa.org/health/international/networkers-mothers-day.htm.

Yours in Christ's peace, Ginnie

Head Shot - Suit & Tie

Mexico Mission - 2004

Mexico Mission Trip: Eleanor and David Meacham joined 18 other Presbyterian’s from six different churches in Salem Presbytery on a mission trip to Busilja, Chiapas Mexico the first week in July. Busilja is a village of about 500 Tseltál Indians near the border of Mexico and Guatemala. We knew a little Spanish going in but no Tseltál at all. The children were beginning learn Spanish in school but most of the adults new only Tseltál.

So, we made lots of grunting sounds and hand gestures to work together in building the foundation of a new church on top of an old church. Two local congregations were coming back together and needed a bigger church. The new church foundation is about 150 feet by 50 feet (see the picture Eleanor and Harless Wright (Boone Presbyterian Church) on the finished foundation. We worked on filling in the foundation with rocks and dirt, then compacting the dirt and placing a 4” layer of concrete for six of the ten days.

Everyone pitched in to help build the foundation bringing their own special skills and talents. One of our group members, Jason Logan was a mason and was so excited to lay the hand made blocks for the alter steps. Also, the women and children would form lines and pass the rocks into the foundation (see picture, the older women was the buddy leader for the children and women brigade). Near the end of the construction rocks were getting harder to find so we had to go out as groups and collect them by hand throughout the village. It was quite a sight to see the Tseltál women and children filling their shirts with rocks to carry back to their progressing church.

During the visit we were able to share our faith with each other and the villagers. We had four worship services. Two with the group we were working with and two with other local churches in other villages. We also had Bible School and a Health Fair, where each day more and more of the village children came. Our first sessions had about 40 children that could color all day if you would let them, and by the end of the week there were over 100. They were estatic to play with the balls and balloons we brought along but were most intrigued by Christians from USA and what we represented.

Both Eleanor and David gained immensely from the trip and sharing our faith and love of Christ with others. As we go through our lives here in Statesville we have a special love and affection for the Hispanic population and want to continue to share the love of Christ with those here and Busilja. Make your plans to go next year with Salem Presbytery. So, peace with Chirst to all in Spanish and Tseltál

Peace with Christ, Paz en Cristo, Lamal ótanõl tai storal Cristo.

See More Photos: http://new.photos.yahoo.com/dhmeacham/album/576460762370819994

Mission Resume - David

DAVID H. MEACHAM
§ DHMeacham@Earthlink.net
§ 16033 Cramur Dr. Huntersville, NC 28078
§ 704.402.6782


SUMMARY
Christian Missionary with background and life time commitment of serving and helping others. Skills in service, operations, compassion, engineering, analytical, leadership, business and management. Expertise in coaching, facilitating, planning, organizing, creating and implementing new ventures. Demonstrates infectious enthusiasm, commitment, care, empathy, motivation, and integrity. Strong work ethic, communications, team building and computer skills.

FUNCTIONAL EXPERIENCE
SERVICE
Care and compassion for others through various types of organizations offering various services for more than 25 years. Responsibilities as a volunteer and employee include organization creation, funding, start-up, staffing, operations, marketing, leadership, management and board of directors.

· Leading for more than 20 years as an elder, deacon, usher, teacher, and church member.
· Started and operated non-profit organizations for food, counseling, Hispanic education, human relations, and AIDS.
· Developed financial support from $1,000 to over $200,000 and non-financial support through private donation, corporate sponsorship, corporate financing and grants.
· Established Hispanic organization that awarded $1400 in scholarships and conducted more than 25 public workshops.
· Inspired volunteers to nurture and minister to more than 20,000 individuals.
· Responded to God’s call to serve, love and minister to others, as Christ directed.

MANAGEMENT
Experience, skill, and competency in all phases of business cycle including management, supervision, planning, and consulting.

· Managed projects from conception to fully operational, from $10,000 to $12 million.
· Acquired $20 million propane and $1.5 million security company operations for synergies with core operations.
· Marketed and communicated for propane, security, energy services, emergency food, AIDS, human relations, and street ministries.
· Leveraged multiple organizational drivers for profit and not-for-profit.
· Designed planning processes, resulting in focused direction, two new businesses, 23 new products / services and a $23 billion merger.
· Learned what management is and is not and the role of personal ambitions and passions.

ANALYTICAL
Problem analysis, solution development, and evaluation skills for simple to complex issues. Skills include engineering, environmental, modeling and risk mitigation.

· Implemented benchmarking, risk management, financial analysis, ethnography and continuously improved processes for profit and non-profit organizations.
· Civil Engineering analysis and modeling of water resources projects, professional engineer in both North and South Carolina.
· Utilized technology improvements means for gains of over 500 percent.
· Established standard management process for effective resolution of critical organizational issues.
· Managed environmental compliance for over 300 permits and licenses.
· Realized life’s turbulence is not predictable and the vital role of faith.


WORK HISTORY

HISPANIC EDUCATION FUND, Co-Chair Statesville, NC 2001 - 2005
Responsible for development and operations of Hispanic educational assistance. Duties included secretary, treasurer, instructor, developer, public relations and counselor in both Spanish and English. Leader for nurture and care for Hispanic ~16,000 residents through an 20 plus person volunteer organization.

REGIONAL AIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK, Leader Statesville, NC 2003 - 2005
Responsible for volunteer coordination, education and service for HIV Care Partners. Duties included communication, educator, facilitator, and counselor. Lead team of 12 volunteers and one coordinator in responding to God’s call to our modern day leprosy, AIDS.

ENERGYUNITED EMC, President / Vice President Statesville, NC 1999 - 2005
Responsible for the corporate strategic plan and start-up of new business ventures. Duties included planning coordinator, entrepreneur, and manager. Managed operations ranging from 1 to 90 personnel and operating budgets between $10,000 to $800,000.

GREENSBORO HOUSING AUTHORITY, Director Greensboro, NC 1997 - 1999
Responsible for capital improvements of 1800 multi-family housing units. Lead team of five technicians for the operating and capital projects serving the needs for low income residents.

DUKE ENERGY, Consultant / Scientist / Engineer Charlotte, NC 1980 - 1997
Responsible for planning, environmental, and water resources analysis. Duties included manager, consultant, environmental engineer and civil engineer. Projects ranged in value of $23 Billion to $100,000. Received recognition for environmental stewardship.

LOAVES AND FISHES, Pantry Manager Charlotte, NC 1982 - 1985
Responsible for staffing and operations of emergency food services. Duties included funding, staffing, training, communications and counseling to serve over 20,000 clients. Operated on faith for funding and meeting increasing need for a hungry community.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Street Ministry Director Charlotte, NC 1980 - 1985
Responsible for staffing and operations of weekday volunteer counseling. Scheduled over 15 volunteers to for a 5-day a week operations for counseling homeless and needy clients.

EDUCATION AND SPECIALIZED TRAINING

Masters, Business Administration - Queens College, Charlotte, NC, 1983
Masters of Science, Civil Engineering - University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 1979
Bachelors, Civil Engineering, Graduated with Highest Honors
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 1978
U. S. Military Academy, West Point, NY, 1974 - 1976
Various Service and Management Training Classes

PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL AFFILIATIONS

Elder, Presbyterian Church USA
Board of Directors: Statesville Human Relations, Fundo Educativo Hispano, Weedon Corp.,
Board of Directors: Loaves and Fishes, Love INC, EnergyUnited Security, EnergyUnited Propane
Professional Engineer, Licensed in NC (#11637) & SC (#9995)
Nurse Aid I, NC #333245
Volunteer; American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity

In the Middle