Newsletter March 2014

Making a Difference.

With Bp. Philip of Belize, at St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Belize City, Belize, Lent 2014.

We are making a difference in our mission work. It has taken quite a few years to get to this point, perhaps 39+. All that preparation work was methodically and gradually working to this point, to the glory of God.

This recent trip to Belize was spectacular. As I mentioned in my prayer mails, it was awesome. People's lives changed. The spiritual atmosphere changed in several settings even as I was preaching or speaking. God is moving in Belize.

I felt like the Apostle Peter. About everywhere I went, whether at a planned event or in a passing conversation, people's lives were changed.

One person said I moved to the top of their favorite person list simply because of a casual conversation that started with a simple question that I asked; that conversation helped them move forward with their plans for job creation.

After preaching at the Cathedral, a matriarch of the congregation said "you can come back to Belize, anytime."

I could visibly see patients in a hospital change as I prayed for them.

Quoting from my prayer mails:

The mission trips over the past few months have been excellent, and this trip has been totally awesome. Ordination processes are bearing fruit. The Lord is blessing what we are doing, and I praise God for those who have been coming alongside to help. Every day is a new adventure. Every day is a walk of faith, and we are making a difference.

Made a transforming presentation on "leaders as stewards", at the diocesan Stewardship Commission commissioning.... The Bishop added me to the Stewardship Commission....

Created the Diocese of Belize Web site, and by doing so, solved a major communications problem that had been plaguing the diocese for about two months or so. Bishop Philip has asked me to become more continually involved in the diocesan Web site development....

A clergyman of a prominent parish requested that I write a summary article of the trip for the Diocesan Newspaper. In talking with Bishop Philip about the request, he reiterated that he would like me to write bulletin inserts for each Sunday of Vocation Month (May) for all the parishes in the Diocese, and added that he would like me to write a regular newsletter article for each issue of the Diocesan newspaper on "vocation and ministry".

In Jesus' Name and God bless you,

Shaw+, and on behalf of Julie+

SAMS missionaries,

making a difference for the Kingdom of God. 

Support.

Pray, please continue to make checks out to: "SAMS", and put "Mudge" in the memo.

Mailing address:

SAMS, P. O. Box 399,

Ambridge, PA 15003-0399.

Or on-line, at http://goo.gl/nll8ut  

Prayer Mail

Dear partners in prayer,

This is a public prayer mail for March 29. 

The awesome mission trip, part 2. I am attaching a summary of the trip in a newsletter format.

With the exception of my next mission trip in the second half of May, I am available up through July for missionary presentations, missionary clerical supply, and making a difference parish visits, on a first come, first served, basis. Holy Week has already been claimed.

Either contact me by phone or email. And for Diocese of Albany clergy, Julie and I will be at the clergy and spouses retreat this week, so you can contact us there. 

We will have a booth at the Diocese of Albany convention in June, and you can contact us there. 

This week's selective overview: 

Regarding the Belizean mission trip highlights:

Preached twice at the Cathedral, and in doing so, addressed a pastoral concern in my sermon for which I was uniquely the right person at the right time, an issue that had been hovering in the background for a long time. I believe the Holy Spirit was actually lifting an air of inertia from the congregation while I spoke. The congregation seemed to come alive. As a matriarch of the congregation said: "you can come back to Belize, anytime." God is moving in Belize.

This being healing Sunday, Bishop Philip and I anointed many for healing at both morning services at the Cathedral. That was a moving experience. At the second service, at a separate time, we also blessed the many children who came forward at the altar rail as a group. God is good.

Strategy planning session with Bishop Philip as to the next phase of ministry. Very awesome. 

Hospital visitations with Bishop Philip. Very moving. Very important. Made a difference in the lives of the people we visited.

Gave a brief devotional talk during the daily Morning Prayer service for teachers at the Anglican Cathedral College (elementary school). It was well received. May the Holy Spirit use the comments to his glory.

A clergyman of a prominent parish requested that I write a summary article of the trip for the Diocesan Newspaper. In talking with the Bishop about the request, he reiterated that he would like me to write bulletin inserts for each Sunday of Vocation Month (May) for all the parishes in the Diocese, and he added that he would like me to write a regular newsletter article for each issue of the Diocesan newspaper on "vocation and ministry".

Is what we are doing making a difference? Absolutely. Thank you, everyone, for making it possible.

Your prayers and continued support are very important for what we do to make a difference. 

Prayer requests:

1) Pray that our parish and presentation visitation schedule, and our making a difference work that we do for Belize in the U.S. be the Holy Spirit's schedule and blessing.  

2) Pray for making a difference on the next mission trip and on what we do in the meantime.  

In Christ,

Shaw+ and on behalf of Julie

Scripture Prayer

Psalm 52: 8-9

 

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.

I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.

I will thank you forever, because you have done it.

I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the

 godly.

 

Note about this Scripture (from The Quest Study Bible):  Ancient Hebrews honored the olive tree as the king of trees and considered it as a symbol of beauty, virility, prosperity and divine blessing.  By comparing himself to this splendid tree, David was acknowledging God as the source of his strength and fullness.

 

Father God, like David, Shaw Mudge acknowledges You as the source of his strength and the fullness of his work.  We praise You for all that You have done in his life and particularly in this latest trip to Belize.  We trust in your steadfast love forever.  We will thank You forever, because You are the author of all good things.  Your name is good in the presence of the godly.

 

We pray for the balance of Father Shaw’s trip and for safe travel back to the U.S.  We pray that your Holy Spirit continues to guide him as he makes long term plans and that this same Holy Spirit guides and supplies the needs of faculty, family, finances, plans, programs, diocesan plans, and parish visits.

 

Amen.

Prayer Mail

Dear partners in prayer,

 

This is a public prayer mail for March 17, and I am sending this out instead of our usual monthly newsletter, as it is a bit of both. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day.

 

The mission trips over the past few months have been excellent, and this trip has been totally awesome. Ordination processes are bearing fruit. The Lord is blessing what we are doing, and I praise God for those who have been coming alongside to help. Every day is a new adventure. Every day is a walk of faith, and we are making a difference.

 

This week's selective overview: 

 

A summary of my current Belizean mission trip highlights as of the time of this writing:

Made two transforming presentations at the diocesan clergy retreat relating to the second and third temptations of Jesus and our antidotes to the same temptations (Matthew 4).

Made helpful comments during the teaching at the diocesan Anglican elementary school principals' retreat. Bishop Philip and the participants appreciated the comments. Poignant. On target. 

Mingled at a holiday party I was invited to, after just getting off the plane (by then, it was about 18 hours since I had first left home to begin my trip), and got to know several new people, two of whom said that they "had to meet me". In separate conversations, they launched into deep theological and philosophical topics and pastoral issues of importance to them, and wanted me to share with them. We had a great time. This was important for each person. And, at this point, because of what we were discussing, I simply assumed they knew who I was, but then, in the separate conversations, each person asked me, "so what do YOU do?"....  

At a televised conference about the emotional health of fractured families, the Holy Spirit nudged me to ask a question that produced very helpful immediate concrete suggestions for people in those situations, among the viewing and listening audience. It was an awesome and electric moment. The panelists came alive, focused, enthused, and the program moved.

Led a parish Bible study on knowing Christ and reaching out with him, including on-target applications for a parish in the midst of clergy transition. The clergy and lay people found this really helpful.

Made a transforming presentation on "leaders as stewards", at the diocesan Stewardship Commission commissioning, connecting our stewardship of money in the family, with stewardship of money in the parish, and with stewardship at the diocesan level. It really touched people's lives, and the wind of the Holy Spirit really moved people. They felt liberated to serve the Lord and make a difference. The Bishop added me to the Stewardship Commission....

Created the Diocese of Belize Web site, found HERE, and by doing so, solved a major communications problem that had been plaguing the diocese for about two months or so. Bishop Philip has asked me to become more continually involved in the diocesan Web site development....

Made unscheduled hospital visitations with Bishop Philip; it is always a blessing to touch people's lives and pray for them; there was an appreciable difference in several patients when I prayed and/or counseled them. It can be overwhelming, but it is an important ministry.

Helped a small business owner plan a potentially important next step for the growth of that business, a step which could help the person provide more jobs for people and benefit the economy in Belize. My being there for that encounter was called an answer to prayer by the business owner; I was the right person at the right time. It all started when Bishop Philip and I simply planned to enter the establishment briefly and then move on. And while waiting there, I simply asked a question of the owner.... Praise God. May the venture turn out well.

Several people have sought me for advice or just to be a person who would listen, at all levels of the diocese.

Enjoyed the fellowship of quite a few folks in Belize, some of which I had never met before or only in passing. And for those who I have been continuing to have relationships with, as I keep coming back with each successive trip, we go deeper into each other's lives. It is like a spiritual wind that blows through.

 

Is this trip making a difference? Absolutely. Thank you, everyone, for making it possible.

 

Prayer requests:

 

1) For the balance of my trip to Belize this week, and for longer range plans. Your prayers and support are very important for making such a difference. 

 

2) Pray that our parish and presentation visitation schedule in the U.S. be the Holy Spirit's schedule.  

 

3) Pray that the Holy Spirit would guide and supply the needs of: faculty, family, finances, plans, programs, diocesan plans, and parish visits.  

 

In Christ,

 

Shaw+, and on behalf of Julie+ 

I pray for you, everyday.

 

Scripture Prayer March 15

1Corinthians 2: 12-13

 

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.  And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

 

Father we thank You for your Holy Spirit and the way that He worked in the apostle Paul and the way that He inspires Father Shaw Mudge today.  May Father Shaw continue to understand the things freely given by You and to impart the words given by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to his students.

 

We pray for safety and travel mercies for Father Shaw as he returns home from his latest visit to Belize.  We pray that your Holy Spirit may guide him in plans under consideration.  May his parish visitation schedule be your schedule.  And may all the needs of faculty, family, and finances be met.

 

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ Our Savior. Amen.

Prayer Mail

Dear partners in prayer,

 

This is a public prayer mail. 

We hope you are having a blessed Lent.

This week's selective overview: 

1) Course design work continues. Interest continues to grow in our online program. I have added a "mission" section to our Google library links.

2) Have been preparing for my upcoming trip to Belize, and by the time some of you read this, I may be on my way.

 

3) How are we doing, numbers-wise? Since the beginning of Advent, 125 individual people have been exploring our Google Library links site (open to the public world-wide), 7 new people since I last mentioned it: http://goo.gl/XXF0Ti.  

Prayer requests:

 

1) For my trip to Belize this week.  

2) Pray for plans under consideration. Your prayers are very helpful. 

 

3) Pray that our parish and presentation visitation schedule be the Holy Spirit's schedule.  

 

4) Pray that the Holy Spirit would guide and supply the needs of: faculty, family, finances, plans, programs, diocesan plans, and parish visits.  

 

In Christ,

 

Shaw+, and on behalf of Julie+ 

I pray for you, everyday.

Scripture Prayer

Philippians 4: 11b-13

I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance,I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

We thank You Lord that Father Shaw Mudge, like Paul, can do all things that You want him to do through You who strengthens him.  We pray especially for extra blessings as he gets ready to take another trip to Belize.  We pray for safe travel and for guidance from your Holy Spirit as he does the bishop's bidding and interacts with lots of clergy and potential clergy and people who want to increase their faith and their relationships with You.

We thank You Lord that he can be content in any situation, but we pray that more situations are abounding ones rather than low points.  We ask for blessings for his finances and his family and that all have that abundant life which You promised in John 10:10.

Amen!

Prayer Mail March 5

Dear partners in prayer,

This is a public prayer mail. 

This coming Sunday, daylight savings time emerges. For students in Belize, that means that we move you from our Chicago time to our Mountain time on Sunday. So, beginning Sunday at 2 am, there will be 2 hour time difference between Belize and New York.

This week's selective overview: 

1) One course ended. Helped get a new course launched; worked on course updates.

2) Have been submitting updated assessments concerning some people in the ordination process, to the Bishop of Belize.

3) Julie and I had good missionary presentations at the Diocese of Connecticut Missions Conference on Saturday. We represented SAMS admirably. Several people were interested in what we are doing, and my illustrations of missionary life were eye opening.  

4) Sunday, I preached as part of World Mission Sunday at a parish in upstate New York. Very well received. The message application was timely for the parish. That seems to be happening rather frequently, lately: I deliver my remarks prayerfully, that (unbeknownst to me) turn out to be relevant to particular questions that people had been raising, just a day or so before. Both in Belize and the U.S. The Holy Spirit is at work. Thank you for praying.

5) How are we doing, numbers-wise? Since the beginning of Advent, 118 individual people have been exploring our Google Library links site (open to the public world-wide), 9 new people since I last mentioned it: http://goo.gl/XXF0Ti. The Moodle course site is up to 29 participants (courses are open to those with passwords). That is a very good number, up 5 more from the last time that I mentioned it.

Prayer requests:

1) For my next trip to Belize, beginning in about half a week. Whether I will have Internet access is always an interesting question. I will be on the Bishop's timetable and agenda: T.B.A. and when the time is right.

2) Pray for plans under consideration. Julie and I sense the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit through it all. Your prayers are very helpful. 

3) Pray that our parish and presentation visitation schedule be the Holy Spirit's schedule.  

4) Pray that the Holy Spirit would guide and supply the needs of: faculty, family, finances, plans, programs, diocesan plans, and parish visits.  

In Christ,

Shaw+, and on behalf of Julie+ 

I pray for you, everyday

Scripture Prayer Feb 28

Psalm 109: 26-27

 

Help me, O Lord my God!

Save me according to your steadfast love!

Let them know that that this is your hand;

You, O Lord have done it!

 

“God now, more than ever.”  In his latest prayer mail, Father Shaw used this phrase.  We thank You Lord that You are always there to help, both on the macro level and the micro.  We thank You that You help us deflect the slings of the evil one.  We pray that all the glitches which Father Shaw mentioned have been solved and that his path is a little easier this week.  Help him, Lord God!  Save him according to your steadfast love!  Let all know that Father Shaw is in your hands, and You are doing a marvelous work in him.

 

Lord we particularly lift up the mission conference in Connecticut and the parish visit in the Diocese of Albany.  May Your Holy Spirit be with Father Shaw and Mother Julie Mudge during these events and always. Amen.

Prayer Mail Feb 25

Dear partners in prayer,

 

This is a public prayer mail. 

"God now more than ever." 

There has been a lot of spiritual static lately, or things just not going well. I am thinking on a macro level (world-wide), as well as micro level (every day glitches). As I prayed about this, I think the following slogan is timely for society as a whole. We need God now, more than ever.

This week's selective overview: 

1) Vocational counseling.

2) Registering new students. Planning ahead through the summer.

3) Technical support for students and faculty, and course work.  

 

4) How are we doing, numbers-wise? Since the beginning of Advent, 109 individual people explored our Google Web links site (open to the public world-wide),13 new people since I last mentioned it: http://goo.gl/XXF0Ti.  

Prayer requests:

 

1) Julie and I are making presentations on different topics at the Diocese of Connecticut Mission Conference this weekend, as well as being the SAMS representatives there, with a display. And we are also visiting a parish in the Diocese of Albany. Pray that all would be done to the glory of God.

2) Pray for plans under consideration. Julie and I sense the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit through it all. Your prayers are very helpful. 

 

3) Pray that our parish visitation schedule be His schedule.  

 

4) Pray for my upcoming visit to Belize in mid-March.

 

5) Pray that the Holy Spirit would guide and supply the needs of: faculty, family, finances, plans, programs, diocesan plans, and parish visits.  

 

In Christ,

 

Shaw+, and on behalf of Julie+ 

I pray for you, everyday.