I am not a morning person.  But there is one morning (in addition to Sundays, of course!)  that I catapult out of bed because I know that it will be the most encouraging and meaningful day of my week.  So, what is that day and why am I so excited to bolt out the door and head to a crack of dawn meeting?  It is Monday and I am heading out to my weekly Emmaus reunion group.

For over a year now, I have met weekly with a group of women who have quickly become some of the most meaningful people in my life.  Our reunion group, the HUGS (Humbly Undertaking God's Service) is based on 3 Cs - Christ, commitment and confidentiality. We laugh together, cry together and pray together.  We share honestly about our victories and struggles. We know that we can be real and genuine because whatever is spoken in that room will never be repeated.

Alice Hall gave a wonderful 4th day talk at one of our gatherings and referred to her reunion group ladies as her "wise women." What an apt description of what a reunion group should be and what mine represents to me.  I believe that just as the Lord placed us at the very right tables when we were on our Walk, He has done the same thing with reunion groups. My reunion group buddies encourage me when I need it and lovingly speak the truth of God's word into situations where I am in need of guidance. Every person knows that whatever words are spoken to them is conveyed with love and a deep and genuine concern.

We participate in making table agape as a group and enjoy finding any excuse to get together. Recently, when one of our members was in the hospital undergoing cardiac testing,  one of our HUGS buddies was at the hospital praying her through while the others put together our table agape and prayed from the home where they were gathered.  Of course there was lots of texting and phone calls to share prayer concerns and the great test results that our buddy received.

If you are not in a reunion group, I would strongly encourage you to join one.  If there is not one that you think you can join, start one. It is not difficult and there are people who will assist you. Gary McCorkle was very helpful in sending me the info that was needed to get our group started.  I e-mailed Kate Keith and asked her to send out a communication letting people know that we were starting a new group.  I did receive several responses. While the composition of the group has changed and we pray that some who could not continue at that time will return, we now have 6 regular attendees.  Each of these dear ladies is deeply committed to the Lord and to each other.

My reunion group has enabled me to continue to feel that special exuberance that I experienced on my Walk.  It allows me to be very connected to the Emmaus community and to support the efforts to share the love of Christ with others.  My prayer is that you will find a reunion group so that you too can continue to be blessed with that incredible agape love that you experienced on your Walk.

De Colores,

Linda Carlson

Dayspring Walk to Emmaus #63

Table of Sarah

lcarlson48@yahoo.com

Psalms 84:3  "Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God."

With spring all around us, we observe the beauty of each day. Nature is a wonderful gift from our heavenly Father. As we observe nature, we are still and quiet. During that time our minds are at rest and we are able to listen to our hearts --hearts prepared by God and freely given to His people. When we are with nature, birds are usually visible to us. In early spring, excitement enters our sight as we see our first female painted bunting! We wonder if we will see the beautiful male, or if they will build a nest nearby. Will they come to the feeder for white millet? You know they are not aggressive or pushy. They are rather shy and leave their "spot" when too many aggressive birds come their way. They seem to enjoy their "quiet time."  I am thankful God made them and allows us to enjoy their presence. As birds are observed, we see a lesson in perseverance. God provides nature for us to enjoy and learn. The songs they bring help us to persevere with our difficult situations that just come in our living upon this earth.

Have you ever observed the behavior of birds in the face of adversity? For days and days they make their nest, sometimes gathering materials brought from far away. When they have completed the nest and are ready to lay eggs, the weather, or the work of humans, or some animal comes along and destroys it. Do they stop? Confused, bewildered, and puzzled, do they leave their work? No way! They must regroup and start over building the nest again and again until they have eggs in the nest. Sometimes, and very often before the eggs are hatched, the weather, humans or some animal destroys the nest once again, but this time with its valuable eggs. They may think- "oh my eggs are gone!" It hurts to go back and begin again. Even so, the birds do not ever stop. They continue to sing and build, and keep singing and building! The fact of this observation is that other parts of our body grow when one part is injured!

Do you sometimes get the feeling that your life, your work, or your family is not what you had dreamed? Do you sometimes want to say "I have had enough! I have been betrayed. My goals have not been met or my efforts are not worthwhile. It is all too much for me. I have disappointments."

Life strikes you down sometimes, but do you go on, say a prayer, place your faith in hope, not darkness? Do not be concerned if you get injured in the process - that is to be expected. Gather yourself together and look to Jesus. He is the author and finisher of your faith. He will help you rebuild your life so that you can run and not faint. He will give you grace and glory in your adjustment. God brings His songs to our heart to help us to be stronger.

Psalms 84:11 tells us, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."

No matter what happens we are to remember God is our comforter. He is there to help us move forward.  Life is a constant challenge. Rebuilding is necessary. Do not shrink back, but move forward and never stop singing. Remember how God cares for the little birds of the air. He has given His creation a plan. No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.  Blessed is the man who puts his trust in Thee.

I wish you many wonderful 4^th days. Enjoy the quietness of nature and take pleasure in God's handiwork!  Remember His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me! Praise God for His love to us.

A prayer for you: Thank you Lord, for rising from the tomb to live in our hearts. May the innocence of each child remind us of the joy in sharing your love. May the caroling of each bird remind us to sing your praises. May the majesty of each sunrise remind us to shine in your light. May the beauty of each flower remind us that Jesus lives and is Lord of our life. Thank you, Holy Father, for Jesus, and for all of Your goodness. Stay with us this day and always. In Jesus name, we thank You!  Amen

De Colores!

Jane Cason

Dayspring Walk to Emmaus # 53

Table of Hannah

janecason@gmail.com

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is John 10:10.  Jesus said "I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest." (CEV)  I have often thought of how Chrysalis works to fulfill, in part, this awesome statement.  Many Christians, myself included, sometimes only experience just a small part of the deep, fulfilling, unwavering love that an intimate, growing relationship with Christ offers.  Busy schedules and commitments crowd out quality time with Christ and dampen our spiritual fires, leaving us in need of a spiritual recharging.  This is where Chrysalis comes in.  Throughout the weekend, the caterpillars are inundated with the love of our Savior.  They experience a real connection with Christ and other Christians.  The 15 talks are all designed to bring them closer to Christ as they nail to the cross (literally!) any hindrance to a real and vital relationship with Someone who loves them more than any of us can really understand.   The surprises, acts of agape, letters, and, above all, prayers that occur show them exactly what Jesus meant by a life in its fullest.  The expert spiritual guidance that the spiritual team pours into them through practical, Biblical lessons can make a huge difference in their lives. 

In the community where I live, there was recently a tragedy wherein a young lady took her own life.  It is certainly the most horrible thing that our high school, including all of its children, teachers, and parents, has ever experienced.  During a full week of mourning and candle light vigils, the entire community seemed to come together.  Steadfast Christians, many of them teenagers, really reached out to their hurting friends.  I know that through this tragedy, God was glorified as His love was shown--His agape love.  Emmaus Community, we have hurting teenagers all around us that desperately need to experience the love of our awesome Savior.  Not only are Chrysalis caterpillars immersed in this love in ways that are sometimes hard to describe, but they also go out into their school, church, and community better prepared to tell others about Christ.  They can better minister to those who so need to hear that there is a loving God that very much wants to care for them and give them an abundant life totally protected by an amazing Savior.  Please, pray about and consider what teenagers you can sponsor in this June's Dayspring Chrysalis. 

Russ Carpenter

Coastal Georgia Walk to Emmaus #64

Table of Paul

In 1993, I was given one of the greatest gifts that I have ever received.  I was offered an opportunity to attend a weekend spiritual "experience" called the Walk to Emmaus.  This truly was a "life-changing" experience.  Although I had grown up in the church, I had never experienced anything as moving and fulfilling as this.  I returned home Sunday night a totally "new creation."  I am still trying to share this special gift which was given to me by sharing my experience with others.

As all  of you know, the Emmaus experience is powerful and life-changing.  All of you who have attended the Walk know the mixture of feelings that you experience during the Walk and the euphoria which follows you for weeks afterward.  Almost everyone's first thought after attending the Walk is that they want to share this experience with everyone.  Sponsoring a young man or woman on the Chrysalis Flight is a way to fulfill this desire.

As you remember your Walk to Emmaus experience, I would like for you to imagine how your life might have been if you had experienced the Walk when you were a teenager.  Although you would have still faced the trials and temptations that all young people face, you would have had a dedication to your Lord and you would have truly known that He was with you.   The way you responded to these trials and temptations would have been changed because of your Walk experience.  Our children today face many more trials and temptations than we ever had to face.  We must equip our young people with all of the "armor of God" that we can to help them face life today.

You truly have an opportunity to share your Emmaus experience with our youth.  Part of the Emmaus family is the Chrysalis.  This is the Walk to Emmaus for our youth ages 15 through 18.  They have an opportunity to experience the same Emmaus experience that you experienced but it is in format which allows for their age.  The same 15 talks are shared, but many of these talks are given by other youth who have already experienced the Chrysalis.  The young people see and hear other young people who are truly "walking the walk" and they stop and listen.   Just as many of you have returned home from your Emmaus Walk as a changed person and a "new creation," these young people return home as new, beautiful "butterflies"--Flying for Christ.

The Dayspring Chrysalis/Journey serves the Dayspring community, the Coastal community, and the Golden Isles community.  You would think that we would have a full house for every flight and a long waiting list.  However, this is not the truth.  For some strange reason, we, the adults, are NOT sponsoring our youth and offering them the life changing experience of the Walk to Emmaus.  Everyone who is reading this Chatter Matters knows a youth between the ages of 15 and 18 who deserve an opportunity to experience the agape love which comes from these Flights.  We are not answering our call to be "God's hands and feet."  We should be sponsoring these youth and giving them this opportunity.  Again, just think what your life might have been had you had the Emmaus experience when you were young.

The next Dayspring Chrysalis Flight will be held at Tattnall Campground in June.  The girls Flight will be June 16 thru 19 and the boys will follow June 23 thru 26.  We need your help.  Will you please prayerfully consider sponsoring a young man or woman between the ages of 15 and 18 for this great experience.  You will not be disappointed and you will truly be blessed beyond your greatest expectations.  Applications can by found by visiting the Dayspring Walk to Emmaus website and clicking on the Chrysalis link. 

There is no excuse for these summer Flights not being full of young people seeking a closer experience with God.  You have the opportunity of giving this special gift to that child that sits next to you in your church pew; the young man who plays football on your local high school team; the young lady who baby sits your children while you go to a Gathering or the child living next door.   All of us know someone, let us put aside our excuses for not sponsoring that child and seize the opportunity to truly make a difference in his or her life.

Please join with us and help "reclaim" our youth.  Look around you and find that young man or young woman who YOU can help make a difference in their life.  Offer them this opportunity for the "greatest" experience of their life--an experience which may truly change the course of their lives!  Please, stop and take the time to truly Make-a-Difference in a child's life.

Fly With Christ,

Carroll E Gay

South Georgia Walk to Emmaus # 22

Table of Paul

cgay@gsba.com 

Greetings to all in the name of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ,

I apologize for not sending a newsletter in the month of February. As most of you already know, my father passed away the 5th of March and much of my time was spent at his bedside before his passing. I will always cherish the time spent with him during such a difficult time. You think after seeing someone so sick it would be easy to let them go. You think you will be ready to say "Goodbye" but the words do not come.  I want you all to know, my earthly father's love for all of us was a true example of my heavenly father's love for all of us. He unselfishly sacrificed so much for us. He worked diligently on the farm day after day slaving to make ends meet. He was able to provide education for all 5 of us on a meager farmer's pay. We never had all of the finest material possessions,  but we had an enormous amount of love in our home. Daddy greeted each of us daily with a huge grin and a positive attitude. He loved life and family. God was always present and foremost in our home. I remember asking him when my grandmother passed away "Why is it when we know someone has suffered so much and we know they are going to heaven, is it so hard for us to let them go? Why do we mourn so much?" His reply was "That is what LOVE is all about."

There are times when we feel the presence of God so powerfully in our lives. During this time, I had great difficulty feeling God. I do not know if it was my blindness during my grief or just a broken heart. I know most of you have read the poem "Footprints in the Sand".

I believe each time we feel broken, God uses it as a opportunity to move in our lives. It is during these times our faith is tested. Scripture says in 2 Corinthians 12: 8-10,"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me, That is why for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG."

I will never forget my Daddy or the influence he has had on my life. I am just a simple, country girl who grew up knowing she was loved by a wonderful earthly and heavenly father. I will remember Daddy's smile, his joyfulness, his joking ways, his hands, his hugs, and his words of encouragement. I will remember riding the tractor beside him with the windy blowing in my hair, the smell of freshly picked cotton and the roar of the cotton picker in the fields, the softness of freshly plowed dirt and the excitement of turning the corner and seeing home just down the dirt road knowing he would be standing on the porch when I arrived.

I imagine heaven this way, our heavenly father standing there waiting on us to come in to hold us and welcome us home.

God has truly humbled John and our family on this journey for him to the Dominican Republic. I will be forever grateful for the experience. John leaves next week for the Dominican for two weeks  to begin repairs on the house in Bani. We have 6 teams who have agreed to come and assist us with the reconstruction of the home. We secured an agreement with Missionary Flights International to transport our materials to Barahona where Pastor Pedro and Jorge will store them for us until we arrive. I will be traveling with two other teams the first of May to continue the repairs. Pray these repairs go smoothly and timely. God continues to weave lives of others into assisting with the repair needs at the home in Bani.

We are grateful to those who have generously agreed to let Hannah stay in their home in Statesboro to finish school. 

We need your continued support of this ministry. If you have not agreed to continue your monthly support, please prayerfully consider your gift. The money you pledge is not to John and Donna but to God and His ministry in the Dominican Republic. If you have not sent in your monthly pledge card please do so at this time. We need this to continue to keep current records of pledged amounts.

Urgent needs:

generator

vehicle

Abeca curriculum

special gift monies for supplies and shipment costs

Quicken books-computer program

De Colores

In Christ,

Donna  Bearden

Dayspring Walk to Emmaus #75

Table of Deborah

Jdhmbear@aol.com

We are implementing a few changes in the organizational structure of the Dayspring Community.  In an effort to insure smooth transitions and fewer hiccups over time, we have created a gmail (email) account for the Dayspring community. No longer will Dayspring communications be tied to my personal email account after Friday (tomorrow).  This way, no matter who has the communications or prayer coordinator jobs, the email account will remain the same.  Therefore, it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you go ahead and add the following email address to your list of personal contacts.  If you don't add it to your list of contacts, you may miss important communications from the community because it could be filtered as spam/junk.

New email address:  dayspringwalktoemmaus@gmail.com

We do ask that you refrain from sending any forwards or inspirational messages to this account.  It is a working email address that will handle prayer concerns, praises, and any board communications.  If you have any praises or prayer concerns, please begin sending it to this address immediately.

Chairman Chap Cromley requested that each Board member prepare a statement outlining their Vision for the Dayspring Walk to Emmaus Community and present the same in writing.  The following represents a few of the written statements from the Board Members as presented at the 07 April 2011 Board Meeting of the Dayspring Walk to Emmaus.  We will share a few of the visions with you over the next few months.  We feel it is important for you to know the perspective of your Dayspring Walk to Emmaus Community leadership.

My vision for Dayspring Walk to Emmaus is that our community will continue to foster an environment that expresses the love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  And that this love will be all-encompassing.  "All means all."  Also, that prayer will be the power that binds us together and will unify us in purpose and that through the power of prayer the forces that would divide us will be defeated.  Also, that a servant's heart will be exhibited by all, especially by those in leadership positions and that we may seek to know Jesus Christ our Lord in addition to knowing Him as our Savior.  May we all remember as the great missionary to China Hudson Taylor once said, "God's will, done in God's way, in God's time, will not lack for God's provision."

Chap Cromley, Chairman

Dayspring Walk to Emmaus #7

Table of Mark

ccromley@bulloch.net

I went back and read the statements on "All Means All" from Centenary Church I quote: "There is a sacred space for everyone.  We are expecting you. We are ready....All means All."  May we extend our hands of hospitality as the hands of Jesus and receive all of our brothers and sisters into the Dayspring Walk to Emmaus Community.  In the words of the Centenary Church:  Love God.  Love Others.  Love Ourselves.  Serve.

The statement "sacred space for everyone" resonates with me. I have handicapped people in my "own" family that will "never" be able to go on a Walk to Emmaus. You may see them at events, but their handicap prevents them from sharing at the table with others. However, Christ doesn't see them as handicapped, and some day they "will" be perfect.

Real vision to me is exemplified by my friend David Jacobs, whom I have worked several tables with at Emmaus. David lost his physical vision with his eyes about 20 years ago. However, he is one of the most loving and humble man I have ever known. His eyes don't work, so today, he must instead, see with his heart.

Every person, every issue, every situation is different. But if we serve Jesus Christ, and see with our hearts, our Vision for Dayspring Emmaus will be just fine.

Gary McCorkle, Reunion Group Coordinator

Dayspring Walk to Emmaus #56

Table of Peter

garymccorkle@bulloch.net  

First and foremost, the Dayspring Walk to Emmaus stands on the Judeo-Christian principle that all individuals are created equally and are children of our God.  For this reason, there are no distinctions or differences in the individuals and families that are a part of the Emmaus Community.  The goal of the Community is to serve God, serve others, and grow in our service through love.  The Community is intended to extend the opportunity to any individual of any faith without consideration to the denomination or sect that the individual may be a part of otherwise.  The Community should strive to extend participation in these efforts to all individuals, without consideration of any factor other than the fact that the individual is seeking to be a servant in the name of Jesus Christ.  Because of the beliefs that the Emmaus Community has, the Community should promote the offer of participation to all who seek to be involved in the service of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Becky Livingston, Secretary

Dayspring Walk to Emmaus #67

Table of Elizabeth

blivingston1@frontiernet.net

My vision for the Dayspring Walk to Emmaus community is that it would share the love of Christ and further the Kingdom of God throughout the world.  May the Walk to Emmaus ultimately foster inspiration, revival, and evangelism in the lives of all who attend.   May each person obtain a renewed sense of purpose to "follow Christ and become fishers of men."  May we remember that, as members of the Dayspring community, we are connected-bolstering and encouraging one another through this Life Journey-discovering and maximizing the unique gifts that God selected for each of us to glorify His majestic and most Holy name.

Kate Keith, Communications

Dayspring Walk to Emmaus #10

Table of Elizabeth

katekeith@nctv.com

May 1, 2011              Servant Applications Due for Fall Walks

May 5, 2011             6:30pm         Dayspring Walk to Emmaus Board Meeting

          (Statesboro First United Methodist Church, Statesboro)

May 21, 2011           6:00pm         Dayspring Emmaus Gathering

          (Nevils United Methodist Church, Statesboro)

June 2, 2011            6:30pm         Dayspring Walk to Emmaus Board Meeting

          (Statesboro First United Methodist Church, Statesboro)

Note:  All Chrysalis Activities are Held at Tattnall Campground

June 16, 2011          8:00pm         Girls' Chrysalis Send-Off

                                                Followed by Sponsors' Hour

June 19, 2011          4:00pm         Closing of the Girls' Chrysalis

June 23, 2011          8:00pm         Boys' Chrysalis Send-Off

                                                Followed by Sponsors' Hour

June 26, 2011          4:00pm         Closing of the Boys' Chrysalis

June 18 & 25, 2011   8:00pm          Community Gathers for Candlelight Service

June 25, 2011          6:00pm         Dayspring Emmaus Gathering

          (Reidsville United Methodist Church, Reidsville)

July 1, 2011               Pilgrim Applications are Due for Fall Walks

July 7, 2011             6:30pm         Dayspring Walk to Emmaus Board Meeting

          (Statesboro First United Methodist Church, Statesboro)

July 23, 2011           6:00pm         Dayspring Emmaus Gathering

          (Metter United Methodist Church, Metter)

August 4, 2011         6:30pm         Dayspring Walk to Emmaus Board Meeting

          (Statesboro First United Methodist Church, Statesboro)

August 27, 2011       6:00pm         Dayspring Emmaus Gathering

(Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Sylvania)

September 1, 2011    6:30pm         Dayspring Walk to Emmaus Board Meeting

          (Statesboro First United Methodist Church, Statesboro)

September 3-5, 2011Emmaus/Chrysalis-by-the-Sea Weekend

          (Epworth-by-the-Sea, St. Simons, Georgia)

Note:  All Walk Activities are Held at Tattnall Campground

September 15, 2011  6:45pm         Men's Walk #76 Send-Off

                                                Followed by Sponsors' Hour

September 18, 2011  4:00pm         Closing of Men's Walk #76

September 22, 2011  6:45pm         Women's Walk #77 Send-Off

                                                Followed by Sponsors' Hour

September 25, 2011  4:00pm         Closing of Women's Walk #77

September 17 & 24, 2011     8:00pm         Community Gathers for Candlelight Service

FRIDAY, September 30, 2011        7:00pm          PIO PARTY Gathering

            (Tattnall Campground)

October 4, 2011       6:30pm         Sustaining the Spirit

          (Statesboro First United Methodist Church, Statesboro)

October 6, 2011       6:30pm         Dayspring Walk to Emmaus Board Meeting

          (Statesboro First United Methodist Church, Statesboro)

October 22, 2011      6:00pm         Dayspring Emmaus Gathering

(Brooklet United Methodist Church, Brooklet)

November 1, 2011   Servant Applications Due for Spring Walks

November 3, 2011     6:30pm         Dayspring Walk to Emmaus Board Meeting

          (Statesboro First United Methodist Church, Statesboro)

December 1, 2011     6:30pm         Dayspring Walk to Emmaus Board Meeting

          (Statesboro First United Methodist Church, Statesboro)

December 3, 2011     6:00pm         Dayspring Emmaus Christmas Gathering

          (Emit Grove Baptist Church, Statesboro)