…hard to watch, but a story that shows how value every human being is and what two people who love deeply can do to rescue Sam & Esther

Part One

Part Two - The Recovery

Love this video…so powerful

I started reading from Ashes to Africa at 11:00 a.m. this morning, and now it’s 6:45 pm. I’ve almost finished the book; however, I’m not sure I can finish the book. I know that doesn’t make sense, but I’m at page 156 and it’s about all I can handle without tears.

I’m always asking myself, what does the gospel look like in today’s world?

This story may embody the physical redemptive narrative of the gospel better than anything I’ve read in a very long time. Some may think this book is about their adoption experience, and to some extent they are right. However, in my opinion, what they have found through their experience has transcended into the redemption story of all creation.

What does it mean to enter into the story of redemption and restoration that is the nature of God? I think Josh and Amy Bottomly have a pretty good head start in this journey, and I think we could all benefit greatly to sit and listen to their experience. Frankly, I dare you to read their story because I don’t think anyone can return to “life as we know it” afterwards.

At Q this past week Tim Keel made the statement, “If you think Jesus died only for you and I to go to heaven, your God is too small. Heaven is the outcome; it’s not the purpose.” Unfortunately, too many times too many people settle for less than the full gospel as proclaimed in the message of Jesus. When someone moves from “believing to belonging” as the Bottomly’s state, life takes on a new mission and a new purpose.

Corrie finished their book some weeks ago…can’t wait to discuss it with her. I think I have a new understanding of where her heart is right now.

I am so encouraged to read their story, and I hope that I have the honor of meeting them someday. I know the gospel story is alive and well in their lives…now I’m going to go finish the book, if I can.

If you’re adopting and waiting right now, this song by Aaron Ivey may both bring comfort, hope and some tears.

Here are a few comments from the ABBA fund blog on the story behind the song…

The most powerful song for me is “Amos Story” – about their son they
are adopting in Haiti. If you know Haiti you know that not many
adoptions are happening. Their son is there waiting for them. They are
able to go visit but they are waiting on the government to process
paperwork. It has been a long and incredibly difficult process. I know
only a small taste of that as we wait to bring our son home from
Uganda. I love these lines:

AMOS STORY
Aaron Ivey. ©2009 IVEYMUSIC. (ASCAP)

Another photograph to wrestle in my head
Another sleepless night on concrete featherbed
These thoughts of you like bullets to my soul
We’ve got to find a way to get you home

I’ll find a way to get you here
If it takes my fleeting breath
Another sunrise hits the ground
And it’s a dark lonely sight
Lightyears away I hope you know
There is somebody searching
For the way to get you here
dog days of summer movie
I will get you here

Throw the clocks away and run out to the street
We’ll fly to distant clouds where it’s just you and me
A day will come when all of this is gone
You’ve got to find a way to believe

I’ll find a way to get you here
If it takes my fleeting breath
Another sunrise hits the ground
And it’s a dark lonely sight
Lightyears away I hope you know
There is somebody searching
For the way to get you here
I will get you here

Close your eyes and dream of a better day with me
As angels hold you tight, may you sleep in peace tonight
So dream, dream, dream my child
Hear the whisperings of hope
It’s a song that you can sing, as you sleep in peace tonight

———-

You can listen to Amos Story on Aaron Ivey’s MySpace page or download it from the Between The Beauty & Chaos Album on iTunes

Crazy next few days ahead, but I’m really looking forward to it.

We’re lucky enough to be hosting Mark Horvath, the creator of InvisiblePeople.tv, here in NW Arkansas as he makes his way across the US to Washington, D.C. to speak at The Idea Camp.  A small group of us just signed up to attend, so tell us if you want to go along.

I don’t formally know Mark yet, but I’m anxious to get to spend a few days with him…listening. He has an incredible story of going from affluence to homelessness and how his passion for showing the real faces of homelessness in an effort “to get us mad enough to do something.” KLRC did a two part interview with him that aired on Wednesday, and you can listen to a small portion of Mark’s work by downloading it from KLRC (link to Mark Horvath interview).

We have a busy few days starting early tomorrow morning with some time at
Seven Hills Homeless Center, media interviews, time at NW Arkansas Women’s Shelter and Samaritan Community Center. Then the main event…1,287.

We rest a little Saturday and then we are visiting some homeless camps in South Fayetteville on Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon we have a special surprise for Mark. A University of Arkansas Art Professor (Bethany Springer) has some of her work to share. And, then he is off on Monday.

I’ll be posting twitter updates along the way (http://www.twitter.com/mikerusch), so listen in for some behind the scenes updates, pictures, etc.

Okay…here we go.