Riding for Jesus...to Vietnam???

Every once in a great while, an opportunity presents itself that has the potential of impacting your life and the lives of others on behalf of Christ. Just a few weeks ago, a Christian Biker brother made me aware of a once-in-a-lifetime mission trip to Vietnam...to travel the historic country, to see the amazing sights, to visit Vietnamese people from all walks of life...to travel over 733 miles from coast to highlands, from countryside villages to thriving humanity-packed cities...all on a motorcycle!

This trip is designed to see the United Methodist Church and our ministry in Vietnam first-hand, to experience Vietnamese culture, to teach and witness the "Good News" of Jesus Christ, to worship with brothers and sisters from the other side of the world and to witness baptisms and renew my own baptism, to engage in ministry with people of villages and emerging United Methodist churches, to be renewed spiritually, and to meet former Vietnamese soldiers and Viet Cong who have given their lives to Christ.

I will be traveling to Vietnam with the Shawnee Valley Mission team of southern Ohio from April 7-21, 2010. We will fly via Cincinnati to Chicago to Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Once we arrive, we will purchase motorbikes there, and spend 6 days riding from village to village, meeting and worshiping with Vietnamese pastors and lay people, witnessing and sharing the Gospel of Christ, and experiencing the landscape, culture, and people of Vietnam. The motorbikes we purchase will be donated to Vietnamese United Methodist pastors when we return home, the bikes to be used in their ministry in Vietnam.

I don't mind telling you that I am excited about this adventure. What an amazing opportunity to be part of the missionary work of the Church, and to join other Christian Bikers traveling to such a historic land to be a witness for Christ.

I would ask for your support in helping this mission become a reality. First and foremost, I would ask for your prayers...for me, for the members of the mission team, for the Vietnamese brothers and sisters we encounter, for the United Methodist Mission in Vietnam, and for God to change and renew the hearts and minds of all who are involved in this endeavor.

Second, I would ask for your support (if possible)...in raising $4,000 ($2,500 for airfare, hotels, meals, and misc. transportation...and $1,500 to cover the cost of a motorbike that will be donated to a Vietnamese United Methodist pastor). My church, St. John's UMC will be the collection point for all funds donated to this trip. Checks can be made out to: St. John's UMC - Vietnam Mission and sent to the following address:

St. John's UMC
205 North High Street
PO Box 8
Columbus Grove, OH 45830

Jesus said, "Go and make disciples of all nations..." This is our mission, my mission, and the mission of the church. Help us make this dream mission a reality. Thanks you for your prayers and support.

In His Service....
Gary Ginter

A Chat With God

A couple weeks ago, our weekly Bible study group got into a lengthy discussion about prayer. While we all agreed that we believe that prayer should be a two-way communication with God that involves both talking to and listening to God, we also came to the conclusion that many feel that prayer is a one-way street. I have a hunch that more often than not, individuals only approach God when they feel they have no one else to turn to...sort of a last resort. Others see God as a kind of Genie in a bottle that exists only to grant our wishes and desires.

My personal belief is that God is no different than anyone else we would comminicate with. His desire is that we approach Him in all situations and at all times. In 1st Thessalonians, Paul advises us, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Since I spend a lot of time driving, I often "talk" to God as the miles drift by. Further, I have found my motorcycle time to be an excellent time to spend with God...after all, with no radio on my bike, my conversations with God reverberate inside of my helmet as I ride.

One other thing... in Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." What child doesn't desire to spend time with and talk to their parent? We are to place our trust and faith in God...to be obedient to His Will. That requires communication.

And so, in the spirit of communicating with God, I offer this poem for your consideration. It is entitled, "A Chat With God..."

A Chat With God

I had a chat with God last night, a talk long overdue.
About my needs and wants and thoughts; some things I thought He knew.

My presentation eloquent, my list short and concise.
Some things I’d thought He’d overlooked; I gave Him this advice.

I lamented ‘ore my schedule, my precious time so fleet,
And asked if He could meet my needs, then started to my feet.

He listened to me patiently, never said a word;
Then gently, softly, cleared His throat, and this is what I heard.

“My child,” he said, “I’ve given you much more than you can use;
Food and shelter, warmth and life, and things for you to choose.

But two things that I gave you, most important these…
A heart to love, and be loved back, and choice of will, you see.

It’s not my fault you love so wrong, the things that I detest.
Your will is yours to pick and choose; you’ve simply failed the test.

Don’t feel so bad, you’re not alone, for Mankind’s by your side.
I love you child, and I’ll be here, whenever you decide.

I promise I will give you the things I know you need.
So have no fear, I’ll be right here; My Son your case will plead.

He died for you, His choice, you see, because He loves you so.
And I love you too, even more, you see, because I let Him go.

No greater love hath any man, these words should comfort give
My choice, my will, for you, my child is eternal life to live.


Talk to God today. Spend some quality time in conversation with Jesus. But be prepared to listen. He has all the time in the world to listen to you...give Him the same courtesy and be willing to listen to Him. It just might change your life! :-)