Author Archive

Missions Has Gone to the Dogs

Today continues Part 2 of “A Day in the Life of Proof.”  She’s the first-ever missionary dog. Read yesterday’s blog entry to catch up or visit Graffiti 2’s Web site at www.graffiti2ministries.org Also don’t forget to check out the Proof apparel that is available to order by clicking on the following link. Proof Order Form

Proof God Exists*

Proof’s day continues . . .

Proof gallops in, fiercely gyrating her whole body, greeting all of her coworkers who arrived before her. As her coworkers prepare for the day, Proof quickly finds a quiet place and relaxes into a snoring slumber.

Through the door enters a man. A man many might avoid. With many layers of clothes, any visible skin is covered in a layer of grime and sweat. To be honest, he doesn’t smell well, but that’s what one might expect when one lives with no home. Without a second-thought Proof stirs and is the first to greet. As Proof’s master brings him a cup of water, Proof sits right at his feet. The man looks down and says, “I used to have a yellow lab just like that…”  He reaches down and pats her on the head and continues to talk, telling stories of the life he once led. Many moments pass as Proof sits loyally beside until finally a prayer is shared, along with a bag of pantry food. The man stands to leave and says, “See you later Proof.”

Midday brings a walk outside. Sometimes there are other dogs walking with their masters, playing in spouting hydrants, but rarely any with a pastor. At the corner, salsa music plays, coming from a bodega. These are on every corner, the little stores of the city. One can buy chips, drinks, snack cakes or fruit. Today, four men exit carrying their lunches, hot ham and cheese. One man asks, “What’s your dog’s name?” and becomes more interested in the work of Proof’s man. After expressing great interest in joining their fellowship, the man quips, “I never would have talked to you if it wasn’t for your dog, Proof.”

Upon their return Proof quietly returns to her place, awaiting with expectation the afternoon’s guests. Every day after school, children rush through the door, of course, greeted by Proof’s ever wagging tail. They study, learn, pray, and play as Proof watches in her usual way. There are times when Proof is called over as a kid sits on the floor. With an open book across her lap she reads aloud to Proof who never talks back.

Later, Proof moves and sits next to a girl, sitting, frowning from a tough day at school and an even tougher night before. She shyly asks, “Can I get a hug?”  Proof’s master says, “Proof, hug!” and what do you know, Proof jumps in her arms. With some kisses too, Proof changed her day as she now has a smile that isn’t easily washed away.

Sitting at another table, Proof’s coworker tries to figure out the problem for a student who’s gloomy and despondent. Proof walks near the little boy who refuses to vent his struggles and woes. Proof’s coworker states, “Well since you can’t tell me, do you want to tell Proof?”  With a long pause, the young man looks down at Proof. Then with certainty in his voice says, “Yeah, I speak dog.”  Proof listens intently as he whispers in her ear. He rises from crouching with his problems now discussed; the little boy readily returns to his seat and begins his daily school work . . .

Check back tomorrow to see how Proof’s day ends. Also check out the VBS missions rotation curriculum to learn not only about the work of Graffiti 2 and Proof, but the amazing work of missionaries across the world.

*“Proof God Exists” is an original work of Andrew Mann. All Rights Reserved.

Lots of Dogs!

Hello! As the editor of the VBS Missions curriculum, I cannot tell you how excited I am for boys and girls to have an opportunity to meet Andrew Mann and his dog, Proof, in VBS this summer. Andrew will be sharing his story and how Proof is involved in his ministry on the VBS blog over the next few days! So let me just turn it over to Andrew and Proof!

In a city of 8 million people, there are hundreds of thousands of dogs: big dogs, small dogs, furry dogs, hairless dogs, mean dogs, and nice dogs. Up in the Bronx though, is one very unique dog. In fact, she is the first of her kind. Working with a ministry and church called Graffiti 2 www.graffiti2ministries.org, she is a missionary dog.

Graffiti 2 is in a borough of New York City called the Bronx, long infamous for the devastating circumstances that are faced by its residents. Graffiti 2 is sharing the love of Christ and watching as He revolutionizes not only individual lives but a neighborhood.

As kids go on the Big Apple Adventure this summer, they will have an opportunity to see how God is revolutionizing lives all over the world through missionaries. On Day 3, of the mission’s curriculum, kids in VBS will learn more about the ministry of Proof. Meanwhile, share a day in the life of Proof in three installments (beginning today and continuing in 2 subsequent postings).

Proof God Exists*

Shhh!  She’s asleep. Laying on her brown, corduroy pillow, worn from several years of use one might not think anything unique about this mild-mannered pooch, but that is often the case for the most remarkable among us. Just as many dogs do she quivers and turns during her nightly snooze. She even drools like many of you. With the sound of an alarm, her master awakes and she hears her favorite words, “Good Morning Proof.”

That’s right, her name is Proof.  It is unlikely to find another dog by the same name, but if one did it is doubtful that such a search would reveal another as skilled as Proof. Of course she can fetch, sit, lay, and roll. She can shake, crawl, jump, and even hug to warm the coldest soul.  All of that is handy as she performs her work.  Some dogs like her are trained to help smell, search, and find. While others’ duties involve helping the blind. Proof is unique, though, she is a missionary, maybe the first of her kind.

This morning is much like all the others. Proof expectantly awaits her master’s approval to devour her morning breakfast. Unlike many of her canine companions she patiently waits . . . and waits . . . and waits . . . until she hears . . .”Okay, Proof.”  The hard, dry food is gone in a flash.

Descending four flights of stairs, Proof and her master step out on the stoop of the building and head down the street. Proof steps off the curb and on another as she crosses the street trotting alongside her master’s feet. They continue past a colorful wall tagged with graffiti, that’s the art of the city.

Turning the corner reveals a long, straight street of six-story buildings. Walking below black fire escapes which hug the front of each building, they proceed past many stoops which lead to black doors. Behind each of these black doors are many more black doors, the doorways to hundreds of homes. From these stoops many watch Proof gait by, some sitting, others standing, some young, others old. Ms. Whittie and Mr. Cruz each say, “Hello, Proof!”

Continuing down the sidewalk, Proof hears her name, “Proof.”  Looking around, it comes again, “Proof up here.”  Proof’s gentle gaze looks past a power line strewn with sneakers. Who knows how they got here, but now abandoned by their owner, they become a backdrop in the city, one of much lore. Above these hanging shoes to a window on the sixth floor, a hand is waving vigorously back and forth. This is the typical morning parade.

After a friendly wave and what seems to be a smile from Proof, the two move forward past a concrete clad park where children often play. Today with the children in school, no children are afoot but two squirrels squabble over an acorn, one chasing the other to a towering elm. Turning the final corner they arrive on the block where behind the green door Proof daily works . . .

To Be Continued . . . In the meantime, visit Graffiti 2’s Web site www.graffiti2ministries.org to find out more info about the work that takes place in the South Bronx. Also, click on the following link to download an order form for your very own Proof t-shirt. Proof Order Form Proceeds benefit the ministry of Graffiti 2.

*”Proof God Exists” is an original work of Andrew Mann. All Rights Reserved.