http://www.alignministries.org/index.php en info@alignministries.org Copyright 2012 2012-04-04T01:09:56+00:00 http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/when_is_enough_..._enough/ http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/when_is_enough_..._enough/#When:00:09:56Z As many of you know my wife and I took a trip to Haiti to visit some orphaned kids who were found down by a swamp just after the earthquake.  When we arrived we were shocked by the devastation and suffering that was everywhere.  I could not believe that people lived like this.  One of the days we had to drive through the City of Soleil (reputed as one of the poorest and most dangerous cities in the world). The air was filled with the smell of diesel exhaust, burning trash, rotting food and raw sewage.  Honking horns, people yelling, street kids selling air filter masks to people walking by, baby’s with only t-shirts on and trash lining the grounds were some of the many things that I saw. The hardship of life was on the faces of people everywhere.  With red irritated eyes and a burning throat from the polluted grey air I said to my wife, “this is probably a taste of what hell will be like".  We eventually arrived where the kids were located and we were again shocked and overwhelmed with sorrow, anger, frustration and hopelessness.  Kids sick with illnesses, malnourished, dehydrated with parasites... the list goes on and on.   Everywhere you turned there was pain, suffering and sadness.  I couldn't help to think, "God where are you in all of this?  Have you forgot about these people?  How can they have any hope?" I was really shook up and confused.   It wasn't until the last day attending a Sunday church service did God reveal what he was trying to show me on this trip.  We were seated in the front row of the church when the congregation began singing and worshipping Jesus.  I mean really worshipping with joy, admiration and thankfulness for God their Savior.  It was the first place that I had been in Haiti that felt safe and peaceful (God was there and you could feel it!) Listening to the beautiful voices behind me singing the hymns, I was overcome with emotion for what God had made evident to me in that moment.   God said to me, their hope is not in this life, their hope is living in eternity with me... and that is why they can endure the suffering today, for they know they will be in paradise with me tomorrow.  After the worship had stopped, the pastor began his message speaking in the Haitian language of creole, so I didn't understand a word of it and had plenty of time to think.  As I sat there to ponder what God had told me, I was inspired but also humbled and ashamed.  I realized that many times in my life I was honoring God because I wanted something more from him.  A new job, more money, a bigger house… fill in the blank. I know many times I had thought if I want to be blessed by him in the future than I need to be faithful and dedicated to Him now.  When the response should have been, because of what he has already done for me, I need to be faithful and loyal to him regardless of the future.  I can remember when times were tight financially and I was teetering on whether I can afford to tithe or not.  I would end up tithing because in my mind I wanted him to bless me in the future with more money.  Again backwards thinking. I should be tithing because of what God has already done in my life. I asked myself, when is enough enough? He was tortured, mocked, hung and died on a cross for me so that I did not have to endure the condemnation of sin.  He gave me the promise of an eternal life.  That in itself is more than enough.  What more could I expect from him? Now back at home this experience has inspired me to live life differently.  To give thanks in all circumstances because eternity in heaven is a promise that no hardship, suffering or circumstance can take away from me.   I have also realized that suffering is an opportunity to witness to others and to ultimately bring honor to God.  Both believers and non-believers will be watching me in how I handle the trials that life throws at me in the future.  What better way to bring honor to God and inspire others to be steadfast in their faith than by displaying unconditional loyalty and gratitude to the Lord who has already given me more than I could ask for.  Ultimately, I believe that when we remain faithful and thankful in the hard times of life, God is smiling down at us saying, well done good and faithful servant. In the words of John Piper, “God is most glorified when you are most satisfied in him in the midst of loss not prosperity” Aaron Herr March 29, 2012 2012-04-04T00:09:56+00:00 http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/bombo_church_youth_help_paint_donela/ http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/bombo_church_youth_help_paint_donela/#When:08:51:08Z   The young people at Bombo Pentecostal Church demonstrated a unique spirit when they gladly volunteered to help paint and work on Donela school.  The building materials needed to be shifted to keep the Donela children from harm when they reported back for a fresh school term.  The classes being completed on the top floor needed to be mopped and arranged.  The huge heavy cabinets that had been stored away in a lockable classroom for safety needed to be carried into the various classrooms, the school building needed to be painted……  There was work to be done.  Regardless of their own need to prepare for school, the youth worked sacrificially and relentlessly.  They worked for three full days under the scorching sunshine, while covering their eyes from the rising dust that viciously attacked them whenever a dry wind would blow.  Somehow, they were able to do rehearsals for youth Sunday amidst all of this work!  What Uganda needs is such selfless spirits that are eager to see a transformed community.  To Align friends and partners - know that you are not alone.  You are partnering with and providing hope to a people whose hearts are sold out to see God’s Kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.  Let us continue working together to see Donela transform a life, a community, and a nation.  God bless you.   2012-02-01T08:51:08+00:00 http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/stories_of_life_with_hope_in_kakooge_uganda/ http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/stories_of_life_with_hope_in_kakooge_uganda/#When:17:32:49Z As told by Pastor Patrick Kabugo, Kakooge Pentecostal Church  There is nothing that brings greater joy, satisfaction than seeing people’s lives being transformed, participating with the creator of mankind to bring a difference in people’s lives. People, organizations, ministries have names which never measure up to their meaning but Life With Hope which is an arm of the church to reach out to the rejects, discriminated of society, those suffering directly or indirectly from this deadly disease HIV/AIDS has measured up to it’s name. It hard to imagine that a person living with HIV AIDS can have a life of hope again. Many people that the church has brought on board through Life With Hope had lost hope. To them to live was of no value, excessive drinking was the resort and many had even tried committing suicide. LAWRENCE KIGAYAZA now nicknamed LAZARUS had not discovered he had HIV/AIDS until he started falling sick frequently. To him some body was bewitching him. By the time we found him, Lawrence’s body had begun rotting. I had never seen maggots coming out of a living person but this was the condition of poor Lawrence. Nobody could go near his unipot, a small round single room steel structure he called home. A swarm of blue flies became his companions. In his time of greatest need all of his “friends” left him because of the ugliness and stench of his rotting body. That was Lawrence’s state by the time the church found him. Pastor Agnes Kabugo encouraged him saying, “Lawrence, there is still hope for you.” “I am tired of those mocking words”, you could sense his heart say that. Lawrence is beyond recovery one doctor told us, he actually has cancer that is why his leg is rotting. The only solution is amputating the leg first to avoid the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. “I rather die with my leg”, Lawrence said.  We took Lawrence to the hospital, put him on special diet prepared by the church members. (Note: hospitals in Uganda do not provide meals for the patients; that is the responsibility of family and friends.) He is now on treatment. You need to see Lawrence now. He is back to a normal life. That is why we nicknamed him Lazarus - recalling the Lazarus whom Jesus called out of the grave he was already rotting (John 11:38-44). Thanks be to God who has enabled the church through the Align Ministries that people like Lawrence can have Life With Hope again MARGRET NAKIBUUKA The first days we met her, you could see the sorrow and misery in her face. Margret would greet us with tears. She would look at her 4-children and burst into tears. Margret would ask, “With whom will I leave my children when I die?” The father of the children deserted the family to stay with another woman a common practice for men here. By the time the church became aware of Margret’s condition she had a swollen stomach, you could think she was an expectant mother and she became bed ridden. The church took her for medical check up and it was discovered she had HIV/AIDS and T.B. She is now on treatment. It is amazing to see the changes in her life now. When you talk to her now smiles fill her face, she now looks younger and healthy. Margaret has come to know that Christ as a friend that sticks closer in times of sorrow and is a committed member of the church.   2011-12-28T17:32:49+00:00 http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/how_are_you_different/ http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/how_are_you_different/#When:16:46:14Z What impact for God's Kingdom are you making? It doesn't have to be big, as a matter of fact those little things, opportunities we overlook or pass by everyday can mean the difference to someone else. Is someone in Heaven because of you? 2011-12-15T16:46:14+00:00 http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/are_you_different/ http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/are_you_different/#When:16:08:46Z Just a thought -  If it were illegal to be a Christian in the United States: Would there be enough evidence to convict you?? 2011-11-28T16:08:46+00:00 http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/donela_school_kids_sing/ http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/donela_school_kids_sing/#When:04:03:32Z If you want a treat check out our MEDIA page and watch the kids sing the Donela School Anthem. http://www.alignministries.org/photosandvideo 2011-11-04T04:03:32+00:00 http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/mariners_church_-_spread_the_love/ http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/mariners_church_-_spread_the_love/#When:03:49:13Z Check out Mariners Church http://www.gospreadthelove.com/index.php/stories-of-loveUganda Spreading The Love 2011-11-04T03:49:13+00:00 http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/we_have_moved/ http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/we_have_moved/#When:21:27:12Z PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER Align Ministries and Don & Elaine Herr have moved. Our NEW address and phone number: 26 Blakeley, Irvine, CA 92620 Phone: 1-949-825-7788 2011-11-02T21:27:12+00:00 http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/bridge_of_hope/ http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/bridge_of_hope/#When:03:54:53Z  BRIDGE OF HOPE MINISTRY Bridge Of Hope is a ministry created to empower a disadvantaged life with hope for a future through education.  It was conceived in the hearts of young church members, who through Align Ministries efforts are able to access scholarships to study in various institutions of higher learning.   This privilege was opened to them when there was no hope to proceed with an education, and consequently no hope for a worthwhile future.  They decided that they must pass the blessing they received on to others.  In order to do this, the young church members are contributing a minimum of a dollar per month and saving it until it amounts to what can send someone to school.  The fire has now caught the entire congregation – young and adult alike.  Our mission churches in Wobulenzi, Kakooge, and Luweero are also making monthly contributions.  All of the church projects (Life Shop, Donela school, and eventually poultry project)  are contributing from profits made.   We now have 75 people who contribute monthly.  Within less than two months we have collected a total of 600,000/= (300 dollars), and interest is still growing.  In 4 months i.e. by the end of December according to the pledges we expect about 2,000,000/= ( Close to US$ 1,000) The young Bridge of Hope members that received scholarships are indeed excited to make a difference.  Already they offer revision, teaching, and coaching opportunities to High School students to better their academic performance. Bridge of Hope:  “JOINING HANDS TO GIVE HOPE THROUGH EDUCATION.”   2011-11-02T03:54:53+00:00 http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/missionary_work/ http://www.alignministries.org/index.php/site/missionary_work/#When:14:12:36Z In missionary work the great danger is that God's call will be replaced by the needs of the people to the point that human sympathy for those needs will absolutely overwhelm the meaning of being sent by Jesus. The needs are so enormous and the conditions so difficult, that every power of the mind falters and fails. We tend to forget that the one great reason underneath all missionary work is not primarily the elevation of the people, their education, not their needs, but is first and foremost the command of Jesus Christ--"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...."Matthew 28:19 Oswald Chambers 2011-10-26T14:12:36+00:00