Living on $1.25 a day - because it's not about me.

PHOTO TAKEN BY MARK SHERMAN IN RURAL TANZANIA, AFRICA.

TODAY IS ASH WEDNESDAY, WHICH MEANS LENT SEASON IS UPON US.

Today begins a season of self-examination; a time to observe the fact that every person who ever lived has and will return to dust upon their last breath. It's sobering, humbling, and an opportunity to participate in something much larger than ourselves - looking forward to Easter, when Christ died for our sins and rose again on the third day to bring new Life, new Hope, a new Reality. To be our Bread and Water so we may never hunger or thirst again. For the next 40 days, people all across the world join together in all our imperfections to realize what is most important in the journey of life. Though typically known as a Catholic tradition, I believe many Protestants are finding the significance of this great tradition. This will be the second Lent I will participate actively in. Keep reading to see why.

TODAY WE REMEMBER WHAT WE, THE HUMAN RACE, HAVE IN COMMON - AND WHAT WE DO NOT.

Though we all have the right to be free, to choose, to worship, and to dream -- the fact is that billions of people currently walking on this planet with us are living in extreme poverty. 1.2 billion people still live their entire lives on less than $1.25/day.

TODAY, AND FOR THE NEXT 40 DAYS, MY RESPONSE TO STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH THOSE IN EXTREME POVERTY IS TO LIVE ON LESS THAN $1.25/DAY.

Our brothers and sisters in our own backyards and around the globe do not have the luxury of "sacrificing" things for a season - it's their only choice. They have no plan b, and no quick fix to rising out of their situations. Therefore I do not want you to think I'm doing something great - it's not about me. It's about them. It's about us, and Jesus. We belong to one another, and we ought to stand together and sacrifice what we can - to live simply so others may simply live. You see, it's the choices of the affluent that greatly affect the forgotten, the marginalized, the discarded, the overlooked. Jesus made it quite clear how he felt about the "last", and how the "firsts" must respond by giving joyfully and serving wholeheartedly. But do we ignore that part of Scripture? I used to. For a while I even highlighted those Scriptures but closed the Bible and went to dinner and a movie.

TODAY, I CHOOSE TO STOP. TO LOOK FOR THE OVERLOOKED. TO REMEMBER THE FORGOTTEN. AND TO PRAY FOR MY DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS CURRENTLY LIVING IN EXTREME POVERTY. 

Though I must continue to work, to pay for rent, gas, utilities, and phone bill -- I can still give up a few extra bites of food and drops of coffee & wine to identify with the plight of the poor. I can still take time to remember and pray for the billions of people who can't turn on water (hot or cold), flush a toilet, sleep safely in a bed at night, or heal from physical, emotional, and spiritual brokenness. The list goes on. So by living on $1.25/day, I'm talking about food & drink. It's not a lot -- But it's a start.

WOULD YOU JOIN ME THIS LENT SEASON BY CHOOSING TO GIVE UP SOMETHING FOR THE POOR, AND TO REMEMBER THAT JESUS CAME TO SHOW US ANOTHER WAY, WHETHER IN CALIFORNIA OR KAZAKHSTAN; HAVE NO HOME OR THREE HOMES; OR SLEEP IN A MANSION OR MUD HUT?

BECAUSE IT'S NOT ABOUT ME. 

OR YOU. 

IT'S ABOUT US. AND JESUS.

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:

to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,

to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

7 

Is it not to share your food with the hungry

    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—

when you see the naked, to clothe them,

    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

8 

Then your light will break forth like the dawn,

    and your healing will quickly appear;

then your righteousness will go before you,

    and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.

9 

Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;

    you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

ISAIAH 58:6-9

If you have any thoughts about this post, or reflections/suggestions/things you are doing this lent season, I'd love to hear from you. Be sure to follow or sign up to receive emails above if interested in reading future posts...

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Diary of a New Dad | First Bottle Feeding! Gulp.

Brittany had a dentist appointment a few weeks ago and left for an hour. During that time Zoey was super hungry, and there was absolutely nothing I could do besides hold her closely, entertain her, whisper in her ear, play some music, change her, etc. But when it came to actually satisfying Zoey's little stomach (feeding), I was 100% helpless. It was terrible!

Fast forward to yesterday morning... Britt was about to head out to coffee with a friend and told me she had pumped milk for Zoey for the first time (which is quite a story in and of itself), and that I would need to feed her at some point.

I looked right at my bride and said with gentle assurance and said,

What she didn't know is that I felt about as ready as this guy was for the 2nd escalator:

Mommy left. Gulp. It was only a matter of time. I knew Zoey would eventually need to eat.

 We hung out for about 30 minutes, everything going well but in the back of our minds we both knew what was about to transpire. Z looked at me, made eye contact, gave me the look, and communicated the following message:

I knew it was time to have the amazing and rewarding experience of satisfying her hunger. At the same time, there are no guarantees of a good latch. There could be nipple confusion, too much (or not enough) flow, or a number of other factors. I took a deep breath and prepared to make the switch from pacifier to bottle...

She latched on to that thing right away!

Success!!!

But then, less than 5 minutes later, the bottle was empty...

The milk was gone!! However, Zoey gave a good burp and fell asleep in my arms right away. I held my girl closely against my chest, giving myself an internal round of applause.

Britt had an amazing time out, got home and asked how it went. Words were not necessary. 

Only this brave, manly, heroic nod.

We exchanged high fives, and called it a morning. Woohoo!!

TO BE CONTINUED...

Diary of a New Dad | Malaria & Fatherhood

LOCATION: PAPUA NEW GUINEA, JANUARY 2011.

It was the second time I had malaria - the first time was in the lowlands, and this time I was in the highlands. The first time was rough, but this time it took much longer to get medicine so it was incredibly intense, my fever was higher, the chills were stronger, and I was weaker. In the midst of my pain and weakness, I had the most serious "heart to heart" with God I had ever had. As the chills kicked in and caused me to shake violently, I questioned God like never before.

It just so happened that the moments before the malaria kicked in, I finished reading a book called "Knowing God" by J.I. Packer, who basically calls the reader to quit trying to know things about God and actually step into a relationship with him - to really know him. In the midst of my questioning his power, his will, and quite honestly his existence, the violence of my chills suddenly went from a raging wave to the most still, tranquil peace I had ever known - ever. I felt the gentleness of his presence, and a soft whisper in the depths of my soul. I heard him speak to me, "My dear child. I love you. I'm here for you. You are weary, but I am strong. I know everything about you. Shhhh, be still and know that I am God. Let me teach you my ways. Let me love you. Keep your eyes fixed on me." For the following 4 weeks, my malaria continued -- but each night when the fever raised & chills increased, I told Brittany, "It's time to learn about God. Time to deepen my relationship with him and know him more."

I took this picture the day after the encounter described above, Jan. 2010.

FAST FORWARD EXACTLY 3 YEARS...

LOCATION: PASADENA, CA. JANUARY 2014.

Brittany and I had just finished giving Zoey a bath before bed, which has become a routine of ours and of course a very special and intimate time together. She had been cleaned and fed, yet she began to scream loudly -- differently than she has before. So I wrapped her up tightly in her cute little ducky towel, still completely naked, vulnerable, dependent, and screaming. I held her closely in my arms and began to whisper to her, saying, "My dear child. I love you. I'm here for you. You are weary, but I am strong. I know everything about you. Shhhh, be still little one and know that I am your father. Let me love you. Keep your eyes fixed on me."

In the middle of one scream she suddenly turned her head and fixed her eyes on mine, and immediately had a radical peace come over her. She relaxed and gazed up at me and realized that she was safe, and that I was there to watch over her and protect her. At that exact moment I had a flashback to the moment I fixed my eyes on the Father several years ago. It was during that time that my relationship with Him strengthened like never before. I've never been the same since that intimate encounter in the midst of suffering.

Likewise, my relationship with Zoey strengthened as well that night.  I knew that becoming a Dad would teach me about God. Well, friends - those lessons have officially begun.

My precious daughter, Zoey, and me. Jan. 2014.

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Diary of A New Dad - Embarking On A Different Kind of Adventure

I'M A DAD!!! 

After 4 years of dating and 6 years of marriage, my wife, Brittany, and I welcomed our precious little girl, Zoey Elizabeth Sherman, to this world on 12/9/13 at 11:49 am, 20" long and 7 pounds 9.6 ounces of pure perfection. It has been an incredible journey getting to this point in our lives, and even more so throughout the pregnancy and labor process - stories sure to come in the near future!

And my oh my has the time flown by -- she's almost a month old already. Crazy!! We have treasured every single moment together as we find ourselves continuously kissing her little nose and toes, squeezing her cheeks, and simply reflecting on how much of a miracle it is to finally have her in our arms, gazing at her with unconditional love. One of my favorite things to do is simply hold her while she holds my finger tightly in her tiny fingers, staring at the intricate details of her fingernails, eyelashes, full head of hair, and so much more.

CLICK HERE TO SEE PICTURES OF ZOEY'S FIRST FEW WEEKS OF LIFE. 

(Here's a snapshot of what you're in for. The cuteness is strong with this one!)

Anyways, I don't want to get too ahead of myself. I just wanted to finally get in a rhythm of writing all the things going on in our world right now. I know many people say, "Just wait until the second and third, when all the milestones aren't as big of a deal and you're much less in awe of it all." Well first of all, I hope I don't lose this passion for God's beautiful creation and of the precious gift of life and responsibility of raising a child! And second of all, even if that is the case, you better believe I'm going to be the token parent who runs around telling everyone how proud I am and how much love Brittany and I have for one another and our baby girl! Boom!!

That said, I invite you to follow my "Diary of a New Dad". First off, you need to know this: I am a Christian and believe that God created us in his image, and has blessed us with an opportunity to know him more by creating new life, loving our children unconditionally, and honoring God and others with every word spoken and deed done. One of the final pieces of my choice to want a child was because I knew I would learn so much more about the Father's heart. My prayer is that this blog would be a place where I can unpack those lessons, reflections, and discoveries.

This will also be a space dedicated to being transparent about the struggles of parenthood as they too will surely become a reality. One thing in particular will be the difficulties in moving overseas, saying goodbye to family here, and bringing a grandchild to another continent.

But in the midst of these hard times will come stories of blessing, encouragement, hope, healing, and the joys that come with walking alongside those who live in poverty, loving on children who have never known the love of a mother or father, and serving them together as a family as we embrace what we have in common - complete dependence on God.

Warning: Expect this blog will be full of posts about how amazing this adventure of parenthood will be with my hero -- my wife. She is my treasure and inspiration and I could not imagine life without her love and example. Visit Britt's blog here!

Lastly -- I'll definitely include tons of stories of poop, spit up, throw up, pee, burps, diapers, and all things that come with the territory of being a dad. I don't know about you, but I CAN'T WAIT! The real question is, to include pictures or not? Just kidding. But seriously let me know ;)

Hope to see you in Diary of a Dad part II. 
Looking forward to your comments and questions. God bless!

Mark Sherman, aka Zoey's daddy.

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A Homeless Man & A Hole in Our Gospel

I went to meet a friend for lunch but decided to go early to grab a coffee first. 

I ended up in a conversation with a kind-hearted homeless guy (a former Marine, discharged years back from a bad parachuting accident) who recognized me from a conversation we had a few years ago. He wanted to tell me why he left Christianity – I told him I'd be honored to listen to his story. It turns out he stopped believing in God because of the Church. 

Everywhere he went for help people told him he simply needed to read his Bible more. He then proceeded to quote several Scriptures to me (he really did read the Bible a lot) about God’s desire for people to live out their faith in word & deed and to have compassion on the poor. He said, “Mark, there are so many holes in their gospel. They ignore so many Scriptures, I wonder if it’s THEM that should be reading the Bible more!” 

He's completely correct. When Christians lack compassion & overlook people in the margins, they totally miss the point of Christianity and the purpose of following Jesus. 

Fast forward: I told him I had basically left the church once upon a time, but ironically came back to Christianity because I encountered Jesus -- from hanging out with homeless people on street corners & back alleys!! We laughed about the irony of our stories & how they "just so happened" to cross again, and talked about putting our Ultimate Trust in a person (Christ) over institutions. I told him he is not overlooked. He is seen, by me but more importantly by Jesus. And yes, while too many churches do push people away, there are many who do not... Eventually we wished each other the best, and parted ways again (for now).

Jesus - a homeless man - left the 99 to find me once upon a time, and I know he's beside my friend somewhere in Pasadena right now. I pray that they too have a nice chat. (After all, they have an awful lot in common.)

REFLECTION SECTION (COMMENT BELOW):

I would love to hear your thoughts about this encounter. What are some reflections, responses, ways to move forward? If you were in my situation, what would you have said? If you were in his situation, how would you feel? And what are some Scriptures and/or other readings that come to mind when you read this story?

Blessings To Zoey. Love, Africa (Part 1)

I asked a few of the friends we met in Tanzania last year if they'd like to write a blessing for Zoey, and got four wonderful responses. I'll write the others in the future, but here is the one written by our dear Kenyan friends, Faith & Renson Kimori. They are the ones we'll be working very closely with to help empower street boys and girls who have been abandoned or sex trafficked once we're living in Moshi (The girls are the ones sewing the purses we've been raving about over the past few months!)

I took this photo of Renson & the boys last summer.

Faith & the girls

Here's our first shipment of purses & macbook pro cases! Let us know if you want to buy one!

I tried to read this blessing at the baby shower a few weeks back, and was too choked up to finish so thankfully Brittany helped me (though tears were streaming down her face as well). There were very few dry eyes in the house by the end of the letter, so maybe you should grab a tissue :)

Zoey,

You will be born in the US, and most of your childhood you will spend with your parents under the stars of Tanzania in Africa, playing and enjoying each other in love, peace and the joy of the Lord. You are such a blessing, and to be born in such a moment was ordained. I know you're happy to accompany Mark & Brittany to Africa, because it's a good thing to do.

Zoey we know your living and growing up in Africa will bring sadness to many people, especially your grandpa and grandma, it's okay, for them to be sad, because they love you and want the best for you, but you will also get the best from God and from us while serving alongside your parents. We will take good care of you and we know God will open his good heaven for you and your parents to protect, provide and care for you well being. We will always be alongside you and we know one who will never leave or forsake you, his name is Jesus.

To Zoey's grandparents, family and friends, we are grateful for you all for bringing such a great joy and peace and wonderful gift to this world through your son and daughter, Mark and Brittany. We met face to face for a very short time and every second with them counted and they have changed our lives forever.

Sitting and talking and sharing with the Shermans was so powerful that it expanded our dream for the boys and girls hundredfold, one thing I know about them, they live for what they believe and are a son and daughter of God not only of word but of deeds.

Grandpa and grandma, family and friends, Mark & Brittany have started writing a book in heaven and a letter of love, peace and joy in the hearts of the girls and boys of Africa. They are changing history! Mark and his family will continue the writing you started as a family of God - when they come it's also like you coming with them to do the good work.

We have a deep friendship with your son and daughter and Christ has connected us to do a great work together and empower the boys and girls who come from very poor families, orphans and rescue them from poverty, sex trade and all the temptation of this world, and much more - to bring them to the knowledge of Christ. Please let's release them to Africa in love, in peace and in joy, helping them with all we have to see their dream come to pass. It's a Noble Purpose!!

We believe Mark & Brittany are called and ordained of God to serve the noble purpose of God in Africa. We humbly ask you to give Mark & Brittany to change lives, and remember we will only be borrowing your hands and feet, ideas and will through Mark, Brittany, and Zoey.

Thanks for saying yes.

- Renson & Faith Kimori.

If you'd like to partner with us as we partner with Faith, Renson, and the boys & girls, please visit our get involved page or give page on our website.

Please also feel free to like our Facebook page, the boys' Facebook page, or the girls' Facebook page. Let them know how awesome and loved they are :)

Our Big Baby Shower - No Pics? No Problem.

It's crazy to think that one week has gone by since our baby shower in Temecula, and Brittany & I are still reflecting on how special it was to us. In spite of 100+ degree whether that afternoon, over 50 people came out to surround us with love and support as we anticipate Zoey's arrival in just a few months!

Among our guests were friends from Temecula and other parts of California, as well as friends from Tanzania, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines. It was a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, and multi-lingual gathering - yet there was one significant theme - Christ is the author of life, and has blessed us with the most precious gift of all, a precious little girl growing big and strong in Brittany's womb! This baby shower was church in motion!

We thanked people who have known us from a few months to a few years to those who even knew us when we were still in our mother's wombs! God has blessed Brittany and I with many wonderful friendships, and has creatively led us into each other's lives. We're blown away by the cool stories each of us bring to the table, and overjoyed to see people from different circles get to know one another for the first time. It was also important for us to take a much-needed moment to acknowledge the guest of honor, the author and sustainer of life; the one who makes it possible to love and grow closer to God and each other; and the one who has blessed us with our little miracle - Jesus Christ!

After a few hours of eating, conversing, looking at photos from Tanzania, making onesies for Zoey, and more - Brittany & I brought everyone together one more time. We reminded everyone of how blessed we were to celebrate life (Zoey's name even means "life"!), and talked about how surreal it was to actually be at our very own baby shower. Moreover, we reminded everyone that this is also a difficult time especially for our families, knowing that the three of us will be moving to Tanzania next year. We're not just pregnant with a baby after all, but also pregnant with a dream and a vision to be missionaries on the other side of the planet. It's super tough, but we're grateful that it is tough because we are surrounded by so many incredible friends and a family that loves us beyond measure.

We talked about Tanzania - a land full of so much hardship and devastation due to poverty, millions of orphans, disease, corruption, crime, and marginalized peoples - yet also a land full of so much hope, beauty, and potential. God has given us an undeniable passion to move to this land and walk through life with the people, empowering them to rise out of their circumstances and find healing and restoration and a noble purpose.

We desire to make disciples and see leaders rise up to create a new narrative. We read Matthew 18:10-14 which is when Jesus talks about leaving the 99 to find the 1 who has gone missing. There are millions of precious little children like Zoey who have never known the love of a mother or father. They have been overlooked and exploited, and left in physical, mental, and spiritual poverty. It is our desire to go out to them and do what it takes to lead them back to the fold, and to find the healing, hope, and restoration that is only available at the foot of the cross. No amount of sex trafficking, hunger, abuse, or oppression is great enough to put them outside of Christ's love - in fact, it is for those whom Christ came for! It's about the one.

We talked about some of our goals and desires upon moving to Tanzania, including special project close to our hearts - a partnership with a Kenyan couple to empower street boys and neglected girls through vocational development, mentorship, and discipleship. I attempted to read a touching letter from that Kenyan couple, Pastors Renson & Faith Kimori... It was a blessing for Zoey and encouragement to our families to send us to them to continue the good work that God has started. I got too choked up while reading the letter, so Brittany picked it up and read the rest, tears streaming down her face as well. When the letter was finished, I looked up to see tears rolling from eyes all over the room - a moment I will never forget. I'll include that letter in another post next week :)

The night was too packed with fellowship and conversations to get around to taking photos, but I'm perfectly okay with that - the memories made at this glorious celebration far outweigh the photos that might have been taken. We were simply too engulfed in the moment, and too present with loved ones to turn the camera on to snap a few pics. Though I have nothing to show you, we are blessed with amazing friends and family, and stories to last a lifetime.

We're also indebted to the many people who planned the shower; to Brittany's mom coming in from Kansas and sacrificing tons of time & money to make it perfect; Britt's sister Kirsti for coming in from Colorado for the big day; my family for opening up their home and going through so much trouble to make everything just right; and to the dozens of people who came out on a 100+ degree afternoon to spend time with us, give above and beyond what we could have imagined, and celebrate Zoey Elizabeth - the most precious gift God could ever give us this side of eternity. We are simply overwhelmed.

Thank you to those who participated in this baby shower, and thank those of you who took the time to read this slightly longer reflection than normal ;)