January 26, 2017
Helen Keller; "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."
Helen Adams Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968) was an American author, political activist, and lecturer. She was the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. There is no better example of one, who against terrible odds was able to overcome every obstacle and rise to hero status. True, it was her grit, determination, and willingness to learn that made her into the legend she is. But if it wasn’t for a host of people who believed in her, who stood by her side, who paid for her education, she would never have achieved world famous status. What she was able to accomplish is nothing short of amazing, but it was her team that helped her to reach her complete and full potential.
In fact, without team, no individual can fully realize the God given ability and potential that exists in each one of us. This important truth is often lost in the fiercely independent and individualistic society we live in. While Helen Keller is famous, who ever heard of Anne Sullivan?
From Wikipedia, I submit the following: “Anne Sullivan arrived at the Keller's home in March, 1887, and immediately began to teach Helen to communicate by spelling words into her hand, beginning with "d-o-l-l" for the doll that she had brought Keller as a present. Keller was frustrated, at first, because she did not understand that every object had a word uniquely identifying it. In fact, when Sullivan was trying to teach Keller the word for "mug", Keller became so frustrated she broke the mug. Keller's big breakthrough in communication came the next month, when she realized that the motions her teacher was making on the palm of her hand, while running cool water over her other hand, symbolized the idea of "water"; she then nearly exhausted Sullivan, demanding the names of all the other familiar objects in her world. Helen Keller was viewed as isolated, but she was in fact, very in touch with the outside world. She was able to enjoy music by feeling the beat and she was able to have a strong connection with animals through touch. She was delayed at picking up language, but that did not stop her from having a voice.”
Every great leader, CEO, or famous bible character, had a team behind them, surrounding them and supporting them. Perhaps this may be the greatest unintended blessing of a handicap. Helen, being deaf and blind, required others so she could be all that was within her. Pride says, “I don’t need you.” Humility says, “I can’t do it without you.” Humility always wins. Jesus had a team. His twelve disciples. David had a team. His mighty men. Abraham had team. His 318 men, trained in his house.
Paul taught the value of team to the Roman church and it instructs us still. “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” Romans 12:3-6 (NIV) We complement one another and function exactly as we were intended to.
Last night was our first night of Alpha. What a team we had! From food prep, to set up, to coordinating the event, more than 10 people contributed. Result was a great first night. I leave you with a quote from the greatest basketball player of all time, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." --Michael Jordan
Here are some thoughts to meditate on. What team are you on? Who’s on your team? Are you a team builder or a team destroyer?
This Sunday, I will be on my way to Haiti. The Team at KCF will be here doing church in my absence. Doreen, my most capable team member, will be speaking on Team. I want to thank all those on our team, which gives us the ability to serve in Haiti and at the same time continue our ministry in Canada. What a great team we have! If you feel that you are not on the “team” email me and we will welcome you aboard.
Growth Groups
The start date for Growth Groups is drawing closer. On March 2nd we will have our first gathering. This is our opportunity to meet together in small groups.
Interested in knowing more or signing up? Contact the KCF Office 250.352.1722 or office@kcfoffice.com or sign up on Sunday at the Guest Table.
Alpha
The Alpha Course is underway. We have a meal together, watch a video and then have some discussion time. The group gets together Wednesday nights from 6:30 – 8pm at KCF. This is a great course if you are a new christian or have questions about God. This is a good group to invite a friend to come out with you. Contact the KCF office or reply to this email if you are interested.
Support for Haiti Mission Team
A team is leaving for Haiti this Saturday, January 28th to February 10th. We can participate as a church family with our prayers, support, finances etc. You can donate by Interac (debit or credit), cheque payable to KCF (notation for Haiti Trip), Paypal at www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com to KCF General (Notation for Haiti Trip) or cash. Please keep the team in your prayers.
International Tasting Faire
KCF is partnering with Rotary to host the International Tasting Faire. Tickets are available at KCF at $50/person (you will receive a $20 tax receipt). The money raised for this event will go towards our teacher in Haiti and towards food security in Nelson, namely Our Daily Bread.
Calendar of Events
Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, sermons, and places to donate.
Pastor Jim
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5