Invisible Children

I watched the movie Invisible Children tonight.  I have seen bits and pieces of it, but this was the first time I had seen it all the way through.  It surprises me that I went so long without seeing it and didn’t realize until tonight that this was the case.

I’m not going to lie, there were some parts of the movie where I was thinking what in the world am I getting myself into?!?  I sat there and tried to figure out how I had agreed to be part of this crazy adventure without considering some of the logistics of what it meant for my life...which may not be the best thing since I’m the Logistics Expert, but I’m working on it.  Honestly, I think God knew what He was doing when He gave me this opportunity without giving me a lot of the details.  He knows I would have probably been too hesitant to go otherwise.  At the time all I knew was that I NEEDED to be back in Africa and that I just wanted to serve.  I’ve been working on reminding myself of this feeling everyday when I get too focused on all of the worldly details of the organization.

I was also a little intimidated by the living conditions I saw.  I know its Africa and I’m all about getting away from the American lifestyle, but it still scared me a little.  I’ve always been one of those people that can adjust to any situation and will try to make the best of it, but I started to consider the possibility of me not being able to handle all of it and ultimately failing.  I know that I’m going to have to trust in God to give me the strength and perseverance I will need and am actually really excited about being in a situation where I will have to depend on God on such a deeper level.  

God also reminded me that my life is not about my personal comfort.  It is about His glory and I know that if I’m following God’s will for my life I will be glorifying Him, no matter what happens to me.  I’ve had a lot of people question why I would want to give up everything I have here to go live in such a dangerous and impoverished area.  For me, I don’t really have an option.  I know that God is calling me to go and therefore, going is the best and only thing I can do with my life right now.

“But God doesn’t call us to be comfortable.  He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn’t come through” -Francis Chan

On the Logistics side of things, I got to meet with Alyssa Benfield last week to talk about fundraising events.  I'm so excited to have Alyssa and her marketing expertise on the team and can't wait to start planning the events.

Alison

Logistics Expert

Hey Y'all!!

Katrina Here! 
I'm the director of Hope N Doors . . . the Orphanage.  I'm currently in the process of getting ready to leave for Uganda.  I leave in exactly 33 days and 12 hours.  CRAZY!  I never realized how weird it would feel to get rid of all my belongings.  I cleaned out my stuff at my parents' house during break and now it is time to clean out my apartment . . . Weird!  Hardest part so far - accepting that fact that I have to sell my baby (my jeep).  We've been through so many drives together during hard times - She is usually where I go for some intense talks with God.  Its cool though, cause God has given me a purpose and a passion and that is all that I need in this life!
Isn't it crazy how God's purpose and plan leads us down roads full of crazy, exciting, scary, madness! Holy cow!! YAY! I've got a fundraiser next Sunday! Hopefully enough will be provided! God is faithful and I know this is His plan . . .lets see what miracles He does!

"What Joy, What Joy for those whose hope is found in the name of the Lord" - What Joy (Psalms 146) by The City Church

-Katrina

It's all starting to come together

I probably should have posted this update a couple of weeks ago, but better late than never right?  The elevator pitch for Carolina Challenge went really well, but unfortunately we did not make it to the next round.  Although I can't say I really agree with all of the judges choices, we still learned a lot from the experience.  The judges all said we were really passionate about what we were doing, but Africa was so far off their radar they had a hard time comprehending why we would ever want to leave our comfortable homes here to go serve over there.  It was frustrating, but I realized that we are probably going to be running into this situation a lot.  I'm hoping that I'll know how to approach the situation differently in the future.
I've had a really hard time recently accepting the fact that I'm not going to be in Africa this summer (honestly, I probably wouldn't have left Africa this past August if I knew that it would be 2 years before I was able to go back), but God has been so faithful throughout all of it.  Last week, I was offered a job working in the administrative department for Youth Conference Ministries for the summer. (ycmhome.org)  YCM puts on huge one week Christian conferences for middle and high school students all over the country.  I'm going to spend the first six weeks of my summer helping with all of the preparation for the events and then will spend the rest of my summer going to each of the conferences.  Throughout the summer I'm going to get to work with Chuck Neder, the CEO, and several other key members and absorb everything they know about running a non-profit, fundraising, large scale event planning, missions, and pretty much everything else that would fall under the administrative category.  I feel so under-qualified for the position, but I feel that God really wants to push me out of my comfort zone this summer and stretch me as much as possible.  I think this opportunity would give me so much experience and knowledge, as well as some great contacts that will be able to help establish Love for the Sake of Love in the future.
I've spent a lot of time reflecting on the bible verses Andrew put in the last post.  It really fits the core of what we are trying to do and I'm praying that God will continue to mold us into that image.

-Alison
Logistics Expert

Coffee Shop.

Today i'm cranking down on the video once again... its coming along. But its a process, i'm pumped to get to see how it turns out but what is done so far is what i was hoping for so that good. I know a lot of people have been asking about it and i'm super excited to hear that keep looking out for it.

Yesterday Alison and i got together and worked on some update support letters that i sent out so if you see one of those feel free to drop me an email. Id love to hear from everyone!

Loving other, i have been focusing a lot on what it means to love EVERYONE. Because even at best my human nature has a tendency to be selective like duck duck lovegoose. I am constantly reminded that if thats how Gods love worked i probably wouldn't have made the cut. I do like talking to people that are different from me and learning to show them that i do care about them. Alison and i were talking about this passage the other day.

Romans 12:9-16
"Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When Gods people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!" -NLT


I think this passage pretty much sums what ive been working on up. I challenge you to join me in the battle against mediocre love, and pursue a stronger love for those around us, the kind of love that only comes from God.

Andrew-
Founder

Here we go...

     I was finally able to sit down with Andrew and discuss all the things I needed to be addressing, including but not limited to vaccinations, sponsor money, gear, clothes, and packing. Basically, I will need to buy all things rain-proof, cram it into a rain-proof backpack, and release any expectation of comfort or convenience.....


.....and I couldn't be more excited.

   After discussing these things and talking about Andrew's last trip to Africa, we decided that a camping trip is necessary for us all to bond and get acquainted. That should be interesting. Haha. I also got Stakwell's contact information and actually heard back from him a couple of days ago! Looks like I will be living at the camp where Ben and Andrew will be helping out but I'll be spending most of my time at the school where Stakwell's wife teaches. It seems that there are a few students with disabilities at that school so maybe I can offer my assistance there.

   Sponsor letters have been sent out and I will be getting my vaccinations over Spring Break. Meanwhile, I am letting God prepare my heart for this summer, as well as what is beginning to look like many future trips to Kenya:)

Erin's letter got me thinking..

     So I just read Erins support letter and I really liked the 1 Timothy 6:7 passage-"For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."  This concept is so simple yet so profound.  I think it goes right to the roots of "Love for the Sake of Love."  I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 13 where the entire chapter describes love and how it is deeper than everything else (including faith and hope).  When it is all said and done, when we throw in the towel at the end of our lives, that is what it comes down to.  Our faith and hope in Jesus and the love he asks us to show to others as was shown to us by him.  Not what job we had.  Or our bank statement.  Or how smart we are. 
      As i sit here trying to study for a test I think back to that 1 corinthians passage where it says "knowledge will pass away"  and "for now we know in part" and it reminds me that no matter how much I study or think I know, I will never come even come close to knowing everything in this imperfect world.  Often times its easy to make knowledge or sucess in business or money and end.  Thats what our society teaches us.  But these things, when they ultimately become the end we are pursuing, are just a slippery slope.  When used correctly, they are simply a means by which to exhibit what truly matters-love.  Those of us who have been blessed with these things have a responsibilty.  I certainly dont want to be the servant who recieved his tenants and buried them in the ground.  "For whom much has been given, much will be demanded."
    Anyway, I often find myself getting enticed by worldly thinking, and when I see what the Bible says about love, it really hits home hard.  Love never fails, and it goes deeper than the material possesions that will remain on this earth when we leave. 

                                                                          -Ben Kern

I DRAFTED MY LETTER TODAY:)

Yay! I was putting off the writing of my sponsor letter because I wanted the words to come from a humbled heart. Hopefully, all will approve of my letter and I can get them sent out this weekend. Next stop, vaccinations. EEK.

PS-I have decided to write in this pretty purple color EVERY time I post. So if you see this beautiful shade of my Alma Mater's school colors, you can safely assume you are reading the rantings of Erin Leigh Gamble:)

Carolina Challenge Update

We have officially submitted all of our preliminary information for our elevator pitch on Tuesday.  We have a few final touches to make on the powerpoint, but we're really close to being done with all of our final preparations.  I'm meeting with Maryann Feldman, a professor at UNC who has agreed to advise us, on Tuesday to give us some final tips before our presentation.

Although we were struggling with sleep deprivation and ADD last night (when I say we, it was really more me than Andrew) we were actually able to get a lot done.  We're making a lot of progress of building the foundations of the organization and really defining who we are and what we're doing.  It seems like it should be a pretty simple task, but there's a lot more that goes into it than I originally realized.  We also know that having a strong foundation is really important, so we're trying to be intentional with our time and ensure the quality of everything we do, even if it means going a little slower.  I couldn't be happier about the organization Love for the Sake of Love is becoming.  I love getting to work on various stuff for the organization each day and can't wait to see where God leads us next. 

We are also continuing to work on the website and will publish it as soon as we possibly can.  I hope you're getting excited to see the video, because Andrew has already done a lot with it and its going to be amazing once its done.

Thanks for taking the time to see what we're working on right now.  We'll do our best to keep you updated with everything that goes on with the organization.

-Alison

Carolina Challenge

Tonight Alison and Myself worked on the powerpoint and completing some more of who we are the actual framework of it all. It was a little hung up with some writers block but two oranges and some cough drops later and it turned out really good.


The Carolina Challenge is a competition at UNC for new ideas/organizations the offers grants and scholarships for the winners. We are going mostly to learn, we would love to win but we want more to get info on how to do what we are trying to do. It is also a great way to make good contacts with those that know this better than we do. In all its a great opportunity.


Now its 1 AM and i am going to bed until tomorrow when im going to sketch up some new designs. and keep working on the project. but things are moving foreward!


Thanks for checking in on us!
Andrew-
Founder

Introductions and such...

Hello friends:)


       Erin Gamble here. I have been putting off posting, in spite of the rather demanding e-mails for me to update from Andrew Vanover (:-]). I am one of the three from our team that will actually travel to Africa this summer. I have avoided posting because I have no idea what to expect, how to prepare, or how my financial needs will be met. BUT I can tell you this:


1.)  The Lord is already working to expel any need I have to be in control.  2.)  The fact that my previously planned sponsor is no longer able to support me financially ensures me that the first of many obstacles are strategically in place and I am eager to see how God will meet my un-meetable needs  3.)  God has empowered my prayer life and perspective so that I can turn from my human, selfish, closed-minded ways and focus on the individuals around me and how I can love them by meeting needs.

Trust in God with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Proverbs 3:5-6

Praise God for uncertainty in our lives!

Back in The Lab.

Friday is all too sweet,


I'm just hanging out in the Media Studio working on some editing, just me and the Mac Pro, cutting things up today working on the final timeline before I throw together the final green screen tweak. 
Alison is working on the Carolina Challenge meeting with some professionals asking them what will give us the edge to have a chance at these grants. 


How are things going with you?
Feel free to say hey or stop by!
Andrew-
Founder

Under Construction

Here we are at another Thursday and at work once again,


We are soo pumped to be at work for L4L and getting to see things progress, its funny to see the progress and feel like we are in something so much larger than life, but its happening and fast. We are comfortable with the speed things are moving, considering we are looking for perfection rather than completion. We are focusing on how to do things right, and that takes time. But don't be fooled there isn't much dilly dallying going on, things are in full speed. 


Today Alison and I are meeting with Caleb Durham to discuss the construction of the website that should be up soon, so keep your eyes out for that.  Also Eric Sholz the media mix mastermind is getting a sneak preview of the video to get a feel for how he is going to finish the track for the Intro film. We are so happy to have him on board the team for the creation of this video and everyone else that has helped out in so many different ways. Thank you for all of your help!


If you have anything that you think you can be helping out with or are interested in, shoot us an email or question and well be more than happy to get in touch with you.
LovefortheSakeofLove@gmail.com
Apples and Oranges well keep you posted. 


Andrew-
Founder

Like Andrew said in the last post, I'm Alison Gamble, the Logistics Expert for Love for the Sake of Love.  I oversee a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff that goes on with the organization and help to execute our team's plans and make our ideas a reality.

This week I'm working on some material for the Carolina Challenge.  The Carolina Challenge is a competition at UNC-CH for entrepreneurs who have good ideas about possible business plans.  We have some tough competition, but even if we don't win, we should make a lot of good contacts and get the chance to tell more people about the organization.  We have our elevator pitch next week and should know soon after if we have made it to the semifinals.  I'm meeting with several professors and business professionals over the next few days to get some advice and guidance for our business model.  

Right now I'm really excited to see how the video turns out and am looking forward to getting to know some of our team members and potential team members a little better.

-Alison

What is going on here.

Hey everyone, 
This is our new blog where we will be keeping you up to date on the organization and its growth. It will also be a place where you can contact us with your ideas and help, we will have a website up soon that will also be a great resource for you to check out.


We are Love For the Sake of Love, people that want to serve as a community, devoting our lives to loving others without expecting anything in return. As you get to know us i hope that you will be inspired to join us in the journey to care for others and work along side us. 


Im Andrew Vanover, the founder, alongside Alison Gamble the Logistics Expert and backbone to everything that goes on within L4L. 


Today: Im working on the video that we shot at NCSU a few weeks ago that will hopefully explain who we are in a creative and entertaining yet inspirational way. I also met with Wes Latta the genius being a lot of the camera stuff, and Alyssa Benfield the Marketing expert we are talking to looking into the options of her joining the team.


Thanks for Reading feel free to ask questions
Andrew-