Called to farm not save lives

To this date my journey with Christ has been over 4 years. In my walk, God has asked me to do some small duties like pick up trash, put away shopping carts and even pick up underwear.

He has later asked me to do much larger tasks like pray for complete strangers, share my testimony to a crowd and then share my dirty laundry to the whole world in my book "God Made Me Pick Up Underwear, Finding Faith In Unusual Places."

With all the above activities under my belt one may assume that I've turned many to Christ. To my knowledge I'm not really sure how many have actually changed due to my activities.

In the beginning I desired to see many lives transformed right before my eyes especially the lives of my family and friends. I wanted to see a revival because of my handy work. To my dismay I found myself very frustrated when I led someone to say the sinner's prayer without any true sign of change.

I have come to realize that my job is not to save souls but to sow seed. The seeds that I sow is my witness of a changed life, my smiles, my hellos and my prayers for others.

I've come to realize that it doesn't matter if lives change right before my eyes. It is probably better if it doesn't. If it were than I may think I did it.

I've come to realize that it is not my job to save the world because I am but a farmer. Jesus Christ saves that is why He is the Savior. I am to just continue sowing seed as it is said in Mark 4:26-27:

"The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground.... and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know."

The Bible Helped Me Lower Interest Rate

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

The other day I called my credit card company and asked if they could lower the interest rate on my credit card. I got a hold of the customer service representative and politely asked for a manager. I asked for a manager because I’ve learned that the higher you go up the ladder the more likely you can get a positive outcome.

I asked the manager if he could lower my 19.9% interest rate to a rate that would be more affordable. He put me on a brief hold and then apologized because there wasn’t a program available for me. He actually told me that I would have to miss a couple of payments before they could help me. I said, “Thank you” and hung my head in disappointment.

The very next morning I called again and asked them to lower my interest rate. And you know what? They lowered my interest rate to 9.9% for 12 months.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

One thing that I learned in my journey with God is that He wants us to be persistent. The word says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.” In Galatians 6:9 the word says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” And in Luke 18:1 Jesus tells His disciples to always pray and never give up.

God calls us to ask, seek and knock. Not once but multiple times. I can honestly say the things that I treasure most are things that I persistently pursued. So don’t lose heart, in due season you will reap if you pray without ceasing.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

I AM an Award Winning Author!

Readers Favorite Book Award

"God Made Me Pick Up Underwear" is the inspirational story of Orlando U. Javien, Jr. I have read many books written by men concerning their faith. When I read this one I knew it was written from the heart. It takes a courageous man to admit his faults. Mr. Javien is a courageous man. It is easy to admit your faults and failings to your friends, but much harder to share them with the public. He relates to us his struggles with addictions. Everyone will be able to relate to at least one of the chapters in this book. The writing style is simple and conversational. I felt as if Javien and I were sharing a cup of coffee, as he shared his story with me.

This book will benefit everyone. It would be ideal for a small group Bible study or simply for a couple to read together to strengthen their marriage and home life. I found the book to be quite inspiring and it made me look closer at my own faith and Christian life.

Upcoming Event

God Made Me Pick Up Underwear

In his book, "God Made Me Pick Up Underwear," Orlando shares his powerful journey to faith through tales from his life.

The book shares the struggles in his marriage and how a game of golf taught him how to be a better husband.

The author even illustrates that picking up underwear can be a test of faithfulness, and how his death on the television show CSI led him to live a fuller life.

"This book is meant for those who have made the confession of faith, and need a map to continue their journey with Christ," Orlando writes. "This book is also meant for the Christian who is struggling with their faith – one foot in the world, and the other foot with Jesus. Most of all, this book is meant for the Christian that wants to take their walk to the next level, beyond the ordinary."

In "God Made Me Pick Up Underwear," readers ultimately will see that faith can be found if they truly look and listen – even in unusual places.

Audio Book Available

Tate Publishing has just released the Audio version of God Made Me Pick Up Underwear. If you have already purchased a book you will now have access to the audio version. Look at the last page of the book and visit Tate Publishing and enter the access code.

Download the files and add to you IPhone, IPod or burn to a CD. This is another great way to spread the book that God birthed in me.

To God be the Glory,
Orlando Javien Jr.

I'm Podcasted!

http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/rolfc-podcast/id349389945 - June 27, 2010

On June 27, 2010 I attended River of Life Church in San Jose and had the great honor to share my testimony and sell my book. The church gave me a warm welcome and even posted my message on iTunes. That is so cool! I've always wanted to be podcasted. It was such an amazing event and I can't wait to go there again.

At the end of the day I sold 28 books and I am now 140 books away from the magic number 500. I thank the Lord for using me as His instrument and for shining His bright light upon me and the church that I call my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Borders Book Signing

The book signing at Borders was a huge success. Over 70 people showed up and 35 books were sold.  Out of the 35 books purchased 3 were from strangers that were just in the store. The numbers are Extraordinary especially since the average book signing event only sells 6 books.

I want to send my utmost thanks to Borders of El Cajon for all their help and to all my friends and family that attended. I am truly blessed to have you all in my life. To all those that couldn't attend, it's okay there will be more and I know you will be there when you can.

I GOT SHELF SPACE!

I want to share some Extraordinary news! I GOT SHELF SPACE!

“Studies show that 500,000 books a year are now being published. Of those, over 98% will sell less than 500 copies." (Terry Cordingley)

I've already sold 250 through my own distribution and with the June 19 book signing and Borders giving me prime real estate the target of 500 will be around the corner.

After leaving the bookstore I couldn't help but shedding a few tears of joy. The excitement was more than I could contain. That is why I am glad I have friends and family to share the news with.

I thank you for all your support and I look forward to seeing you at my book signing.