Yesterday, I wept when speaking on radio. I received a couple of calls from friends in France hungry to hear the show. (The broadcast is in French.) Memories of eternal weight. Sweet memories of pouring out to precious people in a dark land.
The broadcast was based on an exciting Bible study, but I won't divulge the content because--guess what--it didn't record for the archives. For some unknown reason, the video didn't kick in and you can't find the teaching out there. So, unless you heard it live at exactly 10am So Cal time (or 7pm in France),you'll have to wait until next eek when I'll redo the same teaching. Same time, same channel, on RestoreTV.com.
More news. Orphans First moves forward with its new office in Florida. See www.orphansfirst.com
I have a new article in Youth Walk this month--Bringing Heaven to Haiti. I believe this story could inspire many young people to go and do likewise in following the call of Christ to help the poor children.
Other than that, I want to thank those who voted Huckabee. Let's see what happens...
blessings,
Janey
Janey L. DeMeo M.A.
Copyright©February 2008
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
REVEIL with Janey DeMeo
Bonjour les français. Today my new French Radio Broadcast, Reveil was videoed (sorta – except I didn’t know really where to look. I’ll get that down better next week.) It went well except we still have to figure how to get the music to broadcast as well and my voice comes across a little slow. (No, I was not taking drugs and I did sleep last night so no excuses.) But other than that, it sounded good. And several Frenchy friends listened and appreciated. So that’s good enough for me. I’m just trying to be faithful to the small things God asks me to do. The results are in His hands.
For those interested in seeing the broadcast on “how God takes our nothing and makes it into something”, here it is:
Janey L. DeMeo
Copyright©January 2008
For those interested in seeing the broadcast on “how God takes our nothing and makes it into something”, here it is:
Janey L. DeMeo
Copyright©January 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
New RADIO BROADCAST for the Frenchies, Bible studies etc.
When I first began blogging, I hadn’t decided how often to blog. At this present time, since I have several blogs to update, I’m keeping a sorta once-a-week post. I know. It’s not much compared to some. Some post daily. Maybe I’ll upstep it in time, but for now, I’d rather be faithful to a more reasonable commitment than fail my commitment by over-committing. Does this make sense?
This past week I’ve found myself teaching in several contexts. Today we broadcasted our first FRENCH RADIO SHOW —REVEIL -- to ladies (& men if they want to listen) across the Internet on RestoreTV.com. Because it’s on the Internet, the program has the potential to reach people in any country. My heart is to especially reach -- & teach – the ladies in France, French Africa (which is half the continent) & Canada. The broadcast will begin with teaching – a sort of Bible study. Then for the second half, folks can call in with questions, comments etc.
Anyway, this was my first show, and it went well (in spite of weeks of being technologically challenged trying to get it to work). I don’t know how many listened but “peu importe” as we say in French (no matter), I’ll be on again next week, same time same channel.
So, check out RestoreTV.com at 10 am PT (So Cal time) every Wed. morning for my show. And if you want, call in and say Hi (in French of course).
Last week, I had the joy of teaching the women of Christian Surfers Newport Beach (in Costa Mesa). Amazing group of gals. I had a wonderful time sharing on Praying on Empty – something I plan to write about in the future. But the most interesting thing about the evening was how the Spirit lead, and how the women’s hunger directed.
Because these gals have met my husband and my son, they’d heard of me and were eager to hear a little about what I do (a question I often ask myself: What do I do anyway?) So, I began sharing about Orphans First, how it began, stories about children we’ve helped. Needless to say, I cried. And so did some of the other gals. I mean, how can you hear stories of real children who live in such poverty and not weep?
It seems to me – more and more really – that there are too many children out there needing help, especially in the foster system. And it seems to me we should do more for them. Exactly what, I’m not sure. But please pray with me as to how we can better reach out to these children. There shouldn’t be such a thing as a child without a home in such a place as America.
This past week I’ve found myself teaching in several contexts. Today we broadcasted our first FRENCH RADIO SHOW —REVEIL -- to ladies (& men if they want to listen) across the Internet on RestoreTV.com. Because it’s on the Internet, the program has the potential to reach people in any country. My heart is to especially reach -- & teach – the ladies in France, French Africa (which is half the continent) & Canada. The broadcast will begin with teaching – a sort of Bible study. Then for the second half, folks can call in with questions, comments etc.
Anyway, this was my first show, and it went well (in spite of weeks of being technologically challenged trying to get it to work). I don’t know how many listened but “peu importe” as we say in French (no matter), I’ll be on again next week, same time same channel.
So, check out RestoreTV.com at 10 am PT (So Cal time) every Wed. morning for my show. And if you want, call in and say Hi (in French of course).
Last week, I had the joy of teaching the women of Christian Surfers Newport Beach (in Costa Mesa). Amazing group of gals. I had a wonderful time sharing on Praying on Empty – something I plan to write about in the future. But the most interesting thing about the evening was how the Spirit lead, and how the women’s hunger directed.
Because these gals have met my husband and my son, they’d heard of me and were eager to hear a little about what I do (a question I often ask myself: What do I do anyway?) So, I began sharing about Orphans First, how it began, stories about children we’ve helped. Needless to say, I cried. And so did some of the other gals. I mean, how can you hear stories of real children who live in such poverty and not weep?
It seems to me – more and more really – that there are too many children out there needing help, especially in the foster system. And it seems to me we should do more for them. Exactly what, I’m not sure. But please pray with me as to how we can better reach out to these children. There shouldn’t be such a thing as a child without a home in such a place as America.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Legalism, Liberalism or Liberty
I love the Scripture which says a false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just balance is His delight (Prov.11:1). The NKJV translation of the same verse refers to “dishonest scales.” Isn’t dishonest the same as lacking integrity—or even authenticity? And when we throw away our core values – the things our gut tells us are right – isn’t that throwing away our authenticity? Maybe. Or maybe not. Maybe it’s just that some people no longer know who they are. They’ve been so wounded by false concepts, they don’t really know what they believe any more. Legalism can do that.
There’s something really tragic about what legalism does to people. I have many friends who’ve suffered under the heavy hand of legalistic teaching. They spent their time—lives even—trying to fit into the mold of ministry. And instead of conforming to Christ and His Word, the buckled under people’s impositions. It’s a very human thing. The so-called powerful – especially when in the guise of the spiritual – take advantage of the weaker. The saddest of all are those who thought they were following God when they were actually following a movement.
But the danger that presents itself to people with this kind of bad experience is that when they wake up -- when it dawns on them that they’re being duped by men wanting to control rather than knowing the true freedom found in Christ – then they tend to swing the pendulum in the totally opposite direction. They tend to reject everything they ever learned in the Bible – well, it’s more that they don’t know what’s true anymore -- and out goes the baby with the bathwater. Ouch!
The danger here is that instead of finding liberty, they embrace liberalism. Suddenly anything goes. But what really goes is their soul. It becomes empty. They question everything (which can be a good thing- and can’t believe anything anymore (that’s not a good thing. It leads to an empty soul, sad and confused).
So what’s the answer. Honestly, I don’t know. I believe the Bible is God’s Word so maybe we just need to get back into it. Deeply. Read it, meditate on it. Grab hold of the truths within the pages as if our life depended on it. Because it really does.
Janey L. DeMeo
Copyright©January 2008
Janey L. DeMeo --- www.JaneyDeMeo.com
Founder/director of Orphans First - www.orphansfirst.org
freelance writer, author of Heaven Help Me Raise These Children!
Biblical Direction for Practical Parenting Issues.
http://www.myspace.com/orphansfirst
http://www.myspace.com/janeydemeo
There’s something really tragic about what legalism does to people. I have many friends who’ve suffered under the heavy hand of legalistic teaching. They spent their time—lives even—trying to fit into the mold of ministry. And instead of conforming to Christ and His Word, the buckled under people’s impositions. It’s a very human thing. The so-called powerful – especially when in the guise of the spiritual – take advantage of the weaker. The saddest of all are those who thought they were following God when they were actually following a movement.
But the danger that presents itself to people with this kind of bad experience is that when they wake up -- when it dawns on them that they’re being duped by men wanting to control rather than knowing the true freedom found in Christ – then they tend to swing the pendulum in the totally opposite direction. They tend to reject everything they ever learned in the Bible – well, it’s more that they don’t know what’s true anymore -- and out goes the baby with the bathwater. Ouch!
The danger here is that instead of finding liberty, they embrace liberalism. Suddenly anything goes. But what really goes is their soul. It becomes empty. They question everything (which can be a good thing- and can’t believe anything anymore (that’s not a good thing. It leads to an empty soul, sad and confused).
So what’s the answer. Honestly, I don’t know. I believe the Bible is God’s Word so maybe we just need to get back into it. Deeply. Read it, meditate on it. Grab hold of the truths within the pages as if our life depended on it. Because it really does.
Janey L. DeMeo
Copyright©January 2008
Janey L. DeMeo --- www.JaneyDeMeo.com
Founder/director of Orphans First - www.orphansfirst.org
freelance writer, author of Heaven Help Me Raise These Children!
Biblical Direction for Practical Parenting Issues.
http://www.myspace.com/orphansfirst
http://www.myspace.com/janeydemeo
Friday, January 04, 2008
Xtra, Xtra - read this year's NEW news!
I'm running-again! There goes my New Year's wish. (I don't make resolutions, only wishes and prayers.) Doesn't look as if my life's gonna be any less busy or buzzy in 2008. Too many deadlines. Too many changes. Too many commitments. Some things never change. Ah, but some things do.One reason I'm extra busy at this time is that I'm revamping Orphans First. I'm moving the main office to Florida. Check the Orphans First website for details: www.orphansfirst.org.
The new addy is: Orphans First447 South Nova Rd.Ormond Beach, Fl 32174. Before Christmas, my husband and I gave out gifts to poor people in Mexico. The poverty, although not as acute as India, is nonetheless staggering. People living in shacks, undernourished, cold at night. Children dirty, unhealthy. And dogs so thin, you feel the wind could crack their bones. I gave them my tamales, and then went into the car to weep in privacy.I pray Orphans First can make a long-term impact into Mexico-somehow. I also pray we can do something for America's foster children. Please pray with me.Oh, and if you want an exciting read and fun pics of what God is doing in several countries in Africa-crazy adventures, medical missions, helping poor children and pastoral ministry-- read my recent article here:http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2008/s08010021.htm(If the link doesn't work, go here & look for Max Missions in Africa include medical missions http://www.assistnews.net/).In mid-January I'll begin a French radio broadcast-a sort of women's Bible Study on air by Internet and folks can call in live to ask questions. I'm hoping to connect with friends in Africa, France, Canada, Switzerland, even Italy. I'll post details on that soon. Right now, I'm running - off to Las Vagas to teach a women's group.So, while 2008 looks to be as busy and buzzy as ever, I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store.Janey L. DeMeoCopyright©January 2008
The new addy is: Orphans First447 South Nova Rd.Ormond Beach, Fl 32174. Before Christmas, my husband and I gave out gifts to poor people in Mexico. The poverty, although not as acute as India, is nonetheless staggering. People living in shacks, undernourished, cold at night. Children dirty, unhealthy. And dogs so thin, you feel the wind could crack their bones. I gave them my tamales, and then went into the car to weep in privacy.I pray Orphans First can make a long-term impact into Mexico-somehow. I also pray we can do something for America's foster children. Please pray with me.Oh, and if you want an exciting read and fun pics of what God is doing in several countries in Africa-crazy adventures, medical missions, helping poor children and pastoral ministry-- read my recent article here:http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2008/s08010021.htm(If the link doesn't work, go here & look for Max Missions in Africa include medical missions http://www.assistnews.net/).In mid-January I'll begin a French radio broadcast-a sort of women's Bible Study on air by Internet and folks can call in live to ask questions. I'm hoping to connect with friends in Africa, France, Canada, Switzerland, even Italy. I'll post details on that soon. Right now, I'm running - off to Las Vagas to teach a women's group.So, while 2008 looks to be as busy and buzzy as ever, I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store.Janey L. DeMeoCopyright©January 2008
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Something's wrong here -- but we can change it.
Something's wrong with this picture -- but we can change it.
No time to explain why I’ve not been blogging. (If I had time to explain, I would have had time to blog.) Briefly, I’ve been working on the Orphans First Christmas Project, trying to provide gifts for many poor children. For more info, see the O.F. website – www.orphansfirst.org where you can also download the Christmas Project flyer.
Meanwhile, while we try to help children all over the world, there are thousands of orphans and foster children here in America. Our prisons and homeless shelters are filled with foster children who’ve aged out of the system—and never connected with a good family. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can change that—one by one!
Please—I know you’re busy at Christmas—but please read this and pass on to other. True CHRISTmas is to help those who are needy (James 1:27). Read on.
--------------------
The following is posted by permission.
In a message dated 12/18/07 9:10:35 PM, writes:
Hi,
As God's people, we are called to care for orphans, and we are also
called to seek the prosperity of the City in which God has placed
us. If we take care of the children living in foster care, we have
the opportunity to do both.
For those of you who are not familiar with Project 1.27, the church
and the state of Colorado are working closely together in getting the
kids in the Colorado foster system adopted into Christian homes.
What is happening there is unprecedented and can be read about here:
www.project127.com .
A lot of folks wonder if what is happening there can happen
elsewhere. I'm happy to say that yes, it can, and it will. The
Project 1.27 model is being replicated elsewhere and now, at a mini-
Conference coming up in January, others can learn firsthand how
they've done what they've done.
There are many churches in Southern California that are starting to
ask what they can do to serve orphans overseas and in our nation's
foster care system. This conference might answer some of those
answers (at least in relation to the children in foster care).
To all of you, I'm asking you to dream for a moment what could happen
if we, as God's people, began to really work together to help the
nearly 1000 children waiting for homes in L.A. County (not to mention
those in neighboring counties) find permanent, loving homes in
Christian families?
There is an incredible opportunity here...to not just impact the
lives of 1000 kids, but to impact society for the glory of God. Los
Angeles County is home to the largest foster system in the world.
What kind of an impact would it have on other foster care systems if
the church here worked together to find adoptive homes for all of our
waiting children? What kind of an impact would it have on those 1000
kids? Their natural families? Their children one day? Their
grandchildren? What kind of an impact would it have on society, in
light of statistics that paint a grim picture of the lives of foster
youth who age out without permanent families? Two stark statistics
tell the story: 45% of the homeless in California are ex-foster
kids; and about 3/4 of the inmates at San Quentin are ex-foster kids. Indeed, ex-foster kids fill our prisons, our homeless shelters, our skid rows, our abortion clinics, our rehab clinics, and even our cemeteries. Taking care of our foster youth today and getting them into loving, Christian homes where they will meet God and find love, acceptance and healing, will substantially help to empty our prisons, homeless shelters, skid rows, abortion clinics, rehab clinics,
etc... tomorrow. Yes, it's that simple. And...besides it being
simple, it is a matter of obedience to God's will for us to care for
the least among us.
I am attaching an invitation to the Project 1.27 Conference. Please
consider joining other church leaders for three days in Colorado, to
begin exploring how God might use us to meet the needs of foster kids
in our city.
God bless...
Johnston Moore
johmo@earthlink.net
562.595.6209
www.orphansandthechurch.blogspot.com/
www.myccm.org/tarheelincali
Let’s join this endeavor. Janey DeMeo
No time to explain why I’ve not been blogging. (If I had time to explain, I would have had time to blog.) Briefly, I’ve been working on the Orphans First Christmas Project, trying to provide gifts for many poor children. For more info, see the O.F. website – www.orphansfirst.org where you can also download the Christmas Project flyer.
Meanwhile, while we try to help children all over the world, there are thousands of orphans and foster children here in America. Our prisons and homeless shelters are filled with foster children who’ve aged out of the system—and never connected with a good family. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can change that—one by one!
Please—I know you’re busy at Christmas—but please read this and pass on to other. True CHRISTmas is to help those who are needy (James 1:27). Read on.
--------------------
The following is posted by permission.
In a message dated 12/18/07 9:10:35 PM, writes:
Hi,
As God's people, we are called to care for orphans, and we are also
called to seek the prosperity of the City in which God has placed
us. If we take care of the children living in foster care, we have
the opportunity to do both.
For those of you who are not familiar with Project 1.27, the church
and the state of Colorado are working closely together in getting the
kids in the Colorado foster system adopted into Christian homes.
What is happening there is unprecedented and can be read about here:
www.project127.com .
A lot of folks wonder if what is happening there can happen
elsewhere. I'm happy to say that yes, it can, and it will. The
Project 1.27 model is being replicated elsewhere and now, at a mini-
Conference coming up in January, others can learn firsthand how
they've done what they've done.
There are many churches in Southern California that are starting to
ask what they can do to serve orphans overseas and in our nation's
foster care system. This conference might answer some of those
answers (at least in relation to the children in foster care).
To all of you, I'm asking you to dream for a moment what could happen
if we, as God's people, began to really work together to help the
nearly 1000 children waiting for homes in L.A. County (not to mention
those in neighboring counties) find permanent, loving homes in
Christian families?
There is an incredible opportunity here...to not just impact the
lives of 1000 kids, but to impact society for the glory of God. Los
Angeles County is home to the largest foster system in the world.
What kind of an impact would it have on other foster care systems if
the church here worked together to find adoptive homes for all of our
waiting children? What kind of an impact would it have on those 1000
kids? Their natural families? Their children one day? Their
grandchildren? What kind of an impact would it have on society, in
light of statistics that paint a grim picture of the lives of foster
youth who age out without permanent families? Two stark statistics
tell the story: 45% of the homeless in California are ex-foster
kids; and about 3/4 of the inmates at San Quentin are ex-foster kids. Indeed, ex-foster kids fill our prisons, our homeless shelters, our skid rows, our abortion clinics, our rehab clinics, and even our cemeteries. Taking care of our foster youth today and getting them into loving, Christian homes where they will meet God and find love, acceptance and healing, will substantially help to empty our prisons, homeless shelters, skid rows, abortion clinics, rehab clinics,
etc... tomorrow. Yes, it's that simple. And...besides it being
simple, it is a matter of obedience to God's will for us to care for
the least among us.
I am attaching an invitation to the Project 1.27 Conference. Please
consider joining other church leaders for three days in Colorado, to
begin exploring how God might use us to meet the needs of foster kids
in our city.
God bless...
Johnston Moore
johmo@earthlink.net
562.595.6209
www.orphansandthechurch.blogspot.com/
www.myccm.org/tarheelincali
Let’s join this endeavor. Janey DeMeo
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Midnight Clear & having a clear conscience
Hey, I dunno ‘bout you, but I’m sick of trying to find decent movies to watch. There’s so much cr*p out there, it’s sickening. So, now that it’s nearly Christmas, and we’re looking to bless people with something special, please check out Midnight Clear by my friend Dallas Jenkins. Here’s what Dallas says of this movie:
“Midnight Clear, the feature film we worked on over the last year and a half or so, is finally available on DVD from Lionsgate. You can get it anywhere, for the most part, including Walmart and most retail stores. You can also order it online, of course, at places such as amazon.com (http://tinyurl.com/37ge6n). If you're interested in it, please purchase a copy (makes a great Christmas gift, since it's set on Christmas Eve!), as we need good sales to show Lionsgate that our movies can succeed, so they'll make more! And if you like it, please say so at places such as netflix, imdb.com, amazon.com, etc. I hate to sound like such a car salesman, but these are the kinds of things that help build support and interest in Hollywood to make more films like it.
You can see the trailer at our website, as well as http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enjG_qbng5Y.
The movie is PG-13 for "mature thematic elements," so it's not a kids movie, but there's no language or sex. The film tells the story of five strangers spread out across a small Southwestern town who are in various stages of loneliness and depression on the day before Christmas. Throughout the day and night, they randomly cross paths, and in subtle but unique ways, affect each other's lives forever. If you check out our website, it's got links to some really good reviews, pictures from the film, updated info, etc.. It's got a good message of hope without being overly sentimental or cheesy.”
One more “Christmassy” thought on this blog. Amidst the Christmas madness, let's have a clear conscience about how we give. How ‘bout we all go out of our way to bless foster children, orphans, homeless and poor people anywhere and everywhere this Christmas? I’ve got lots of ideas how to do this so if you lack any, contact me. Or read this blog again. Or see www.orphansfirst.org
Let’s make this Christmas count like never before for the needy.
Blessings,
Janey -- www.JaneyDeMeo.com
“Midnight Clear, the feature film we worked on over the last year and a half or so, is finally available on DVD from Lionsgate. You can get it anywhere, for the most part, including Walmart and most retail stores. You can also order it online, of course, at places such as amazon.com (http://tinyurl.com/37ge6n). If you're interested in it, please purchase a copy (makes a great Christmas gift, since it's set on Christmas Eve!), as we need good sales to show Lionsgate that our movies can succeed, so they'll make more! And if you like it, please say so at places such as netflix, imdb.com, amazon.com, etc. I hate to sound like such a car salesman, but these are the kinds of things that help build support and interest in Hollywood to make more films like it.
You can see the trailer at our website, as well as http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enjG_qbng5Y.
The movie is PG-13 for "mature thematic elements," so it's not a kids movie, but there's no language or sex. The film tells the story of five strangers spread out across a small Southwestern town who are in various stages of loneliness and depression on the day before Christmas. Throughout the day and night, they randomly cross paths, and in subtle but unique ways, affect each other's lives forever. If you check out our website, it's got links to some really good reviews, pictures from the film, updated info, etc.. It's got a good message of hope without being overly sentimental or cheesy.”
One more “Christmassy” thought on this blog. Amidst the Christmas madness, let's have a clear conscience about how we give. How ‘bout we all go out of our way to bless foster children, orphans, homeless and poor people anywhere and everywhere this Christmas? I’ve got lots of ideas how to do this so if you lack any, contact me. Or read this blog again. Or see www.orphansfirst.org
Let’s make this Christmas count like never before for the needy.
Blessings,
Janey -- www.JaneyDeMeo.com
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