eden's dust

ramadan- do you hear the call?

2011-08-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

It's Ramadan.

Most of us have heard this Arabic term, a reference to a special time for the Muslim world. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the month in which the Qur'an was revealed. It is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, a time for fasting, prayer and devotion to God.

Throughout the month (August 1-30 this year), Muslims will refrain from food and drink during the daylight hours, and will attend services in the evenings, along with eating together throughout the nights. Their aim is to draw closer to God, finding favor with him through these disciplines, and using introspection and devotion to become more consecrated. They recognize fasting as a means to develop greater self-control, as well as a way for greater recognition of the needs of the poor throughout the world. Ramadan is a time for the Muslim community to draw closer to God and to each other.

As the Muslim world prays, what will Christians do in response? My hope is that the community of Christ-followers worldwide will lift their Muslims neighbors before God's throne, asking Him to indeed reveal himself in power and in truth to those who are seeking his face. Unfortunately, the sad reality is that too many Christians find little impetus to pray for Muslims. We too often view them with suspicion, fear, or from a safe distance. After all, it's easy to not really care about those you don't really know. But a recent comment from a friend put it all in perspective. He told me, "I have a friend who's a Muslim and he's a great guy. I sure don't want him to go to hell." That's the key isn't it? To change your heart, your attitude, your outlook, you must enlarge or change your circle of friends. Because you gain a completely different perspective when someone you never knew, maybe never cared to know, becomes connected to your life.

Why not use the month of August to pray for followers of Islam, to pray that they may find the truth and hope for life in Jesus? Pray that God may reveal himself in dreams and visions to Muslims who are looking for a closer spiritual connection. Pray that walls of separation that exist between Muslims and Christians may begin to crumble. Pray for your own life and your opportunities to share the love of God with Muslims around you, that God will bring you into meaningful contact with someone from Islam, that you will learn to see these people as God does.

Because it's Ramadan...and it's time to pray.

australia's aboriginality

2011-07-09T07:06:00.000-07:00

As we round the final turn and begin our run toward the finish, our Australia team has been blessed and sometimes overwhelmed with all God has shown us here in Queensland. A good portion of our last two days has been spent with the indigenous (aboriginal) community- observing, interacting with and learning from them as they live out lives straining toward a greater recognition and equality in this setting.

"Deadly" is a good term here!

We spent the better part of Friday at NAIDOC(National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) which celebrates the indigenous cultures of the aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a festive, carnival-like atmosphere with much joy and thankfulness for the heritages presented. We watched dances, heard singers and speakers, and interacted with organizations and vendors providing social services information for those in attendance.

This afternoon we learned to throw boomerangs (some learned better than others) with Goma Conlon, an indigenous pastor and good friend. He also demonstrated the playing of the didgeridoo (way cool) and talked about what it mans to be a follower of Christ in the aboriginal setting. Following this, we hopped over to the church at which he and another indigenous pastor are working an shared evening service with them. It was a great blessing to gather and worship with them. Josh drummed for their worship team, Don and Alexis shared testimonies and Alexis sang. What a rich history of stories and struggle were present among those members!

I thought you might like to share one more collection of photos of this great team:

NAIDOC festivities in downtown Brisbane

Josh and Luke made a new friend

Papa Fresh in da house!

Time for chocolate fondue at Max Brenners

Don sharing testimony at Saturday night service

Remember these guys?! They were the bomb!

Josh and Alexis with Saturday night worship team

Please pray for our last hours here. I'll preach Sunday morning at Ann Street, and Josh will speak for their Youth Church in the evening. We want more chances to share the hope that's within us before we leave these shores. Will you ask God to provide them, and for us to boldly speak of what He's done with our lives and what He wants to do for all who come to Him? Thanks!

We'll see youse soon- good on ya!

eidsvold doesn't sound australian

2011-07-07T08:38:00.000-07:00

Our 2011 Australia GO! Team has had an incredible experience so far! We just returned from 4 days in Eidsvold, a small community about six hours from Brisbane. Our goal was to serve the Christian Center there, along with its new pastor, Mark, and his wife, Alex. We had such a great time with kids and adults alike, playing sports, working through Bible lessons and crafts, singing, eating and running around together. We also got better acquainted with different adults in town, learning much about the issues and circumstances surrounding this small community of both white and aboriginal residents.

It's tough to quantify our take-aways from this experience, or the impact we were able to have. One local businessman did tell me that he appreciated our group being there, even for a few days each year, because he saw positive influence in kids' lives from our interaction with them. He told me that our presence is a reminder of normality (imagine someone referring to us as normal!), that the world is bigger and more functional than what is seen only through the local lens of the town. He thanked us for coming again, and offered his encouragement for our return next year.

The following are some more snaps of our last couple of days. I'll write more about Eidsvold and other good stuff a bit later:

Pastor Mark and his wife, Alex

Prayer circle before leaving Eidsvold

Captain Luke, superhero of the crafts debris!

Lianna mixing it with kids during crafts

Craft Woman Leslee and her monkey

Beautiful Eidsvold kids

Josh and Clinton

Which way back to Brisbane?!

Alexis singing to an appreciative audience

Don (aka Papa Fresh) and the girls, Leslee and Daun

Please keep us in prayers as we head into our final weekend here. Pray that we'll finish well and will take every opportunity to share the most important message on our hearts. Pray that we will remain focused on the task at hand and not too distracted by thoughts of getting back to our "regular" way of life. And pray that God will speak to us, even as He speaks through us, concerning lessons He's been showing us while serving here. We just can't afford to be the same people when we return as we were before we left.

And those around us can't afford that either.

2011-07-02T06:45:00.000-07:00

GO! Australia in Fine Fashion

Wow! it's been a whirlwind first week here in Brisbane for our team. We've tried to update our activities via Facebook, but our long days/evening schedule has hindered blogging up to this point.

Ann Street Church

We made it here with no worries, surprising our missionary (Daun) with her father (Don)! It was great to see her stunned expression at the airport as he came out the ramp! More than anything throughout this week, we've been impressed with the need and opportunity for relationships. The young people of the Ann Street Church are so open for friendships, and those connections matter to them. People with whom we've come into contact are also open to finding more about us and connecting with us on some level. These opportunities are abundant and fairly easy to negotiate- something all of us are able to do!

Community BBQ

We've been to an island off Brisbane's shore with the church, visited a zoo, cleaned and begun repainting Ann Street's Fellowship Hall, eaten kangaroo, served a Community BBQ (like our Community Supper), dined at the Pancake House in the city at midnite, attended a farewell service for Ron Tatum (visiting for a month from Southside Christian Church in Inglewood), and prayer walked in the city...just to mention a few things. Tomorrow (Sunday), Mike will preach a combined service (Ann St. regulars and their Korean church), then we'll pack up and head to Eidsvold, a small, predominantly aboriginal community 6 hours from here. Chances are there'll be no way to blog there, so we'll catch you up on our return next Thursday. Meanwhile, thank you for your prayers and love (keep 'em coming!), and enjoy a few recent snaps:

Daddy Don

Luke the artist

Josh and St. John

Alexis and the Ann St. mob

Work crew gettin' it done

In 'N' Out training pays off

Beach bunnies!

Mike keeping an eye out

We've experienced a lot in a short time, and there's more to come! Pray for opportunity and boldness as we represent our God here. We love you all
!

up close and personal

2011-06-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

I had lunch recently with Mike from Mustard Seed Global Fellowship, a church-planting team working in Japan. We caught up on the progress of the young urban church in Nagoya with which he's working, and the new church project that they're planning for early next year in Osaka. And we talked about what's been going on since the horrific earthquake and tsunami that impacted the country recently.

As he told me about the destruction and its aftermath, of MSGF's relief efforts, and of the feelings that now touch everyone there, I thought of a scene I'd watched on TV following the disaster. Some international Christian missions organizations whose workers had come to labor alongside the Japanese people and to point them to a greater hope were now being evacuated in this new face of danger. Those who had counted the cost and had heard God's voice to go, now heard a voice telling them to leave. My heart was saddened by the thought that not only had these people relinquished their voice among those they once believed they were called to serve, but they may have actually broadcast a message of discouragement and abandonment.

Please understand, I'm not trying to be unfairly critical or judgmental about anyone's decision to remain in a place when circumstances go awry. After many years living with my own family overseas, and surviving a bucketful of issues like disease, military unrest, natural disasters and the like, I know that no one can tell anyone else how long they should stay somewhere. I get that. But I also understand that if we truly believe that we heard God's voice at some point telling us to go, don't we believe that He knew what uncertainties were going to befall us even before they happened...and yet He called us anyway? Are we too quick to assume that if things suddenly go south, it's the cue for us to leave? After all, most of those people to whom we've gone won't board a plane and get out of town. They'll suffer through the aftermath of untoward circumstances. But what about us?

I thanked Mike and his team for their willingness to remain in Japan and deal with whatever comes, just as those they're serving must do. I thanked him for making the tough decision to stay, when common sense, logic and maybe friends would tell him to go. And I thanked him for being like Jesus to the Japanese people, because it's in John 1 that we read that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. I appreciate the translation of The Message here, because it phrases these words like this: And the Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. Moved into the neighborhood. When Jesus left the glories of heaven, he chose to hang with us for awhile. He walked with us, lived with us, struggled with us, dealt with our issues, survived the calamities we did...and in so doing showed us the purpose and presence of God's love.

That's the beauty, the power of incarnation. And perhaps more than anything else, I believe that's the message God wants to give through us, as we choose to "move into the neighborhood" of those he calls us to reach. A friend of mine who, with his wife, has chosen to take up residence for awhile in a local motel so they might more effectively reach out to those living there, put it succinctly: You may impact lives from a distance, but you truly influence them when you are up close.

Up close. Thanks, MSGF, for staying up close with the Japanese people. And thanks, God, for coming up close to us. May we come and remain up close to those around us we're called to serve, regardless of circumstances.

Because it's being up close that makes the difference.

what's in a name?

2011-04-08T22:21:00.000-07:00

   I don't know if you heard, but Compass Bible Church in Orange County made the news recently in a special way. They produced a 30-second trailer to run in a local theater. They wanted to advertise upcoming Easter services and paid the theater's management $5,000 to show the ad before coming attractions. Much to their surprise, the corporation informed them that the spots couldn't run. Told them that the piece was too controversial. Why? Because it mentioned the name of Jesus!
   Really? The church was told that people might be offended at the name of Jesus. Imagine that! I bet they didn't fret about being offensive as they raked in money with movies like "The Passion of the Christ." And you know that if certain other groups were denied advertising if they wanted to promote a spot involving their religion's founder, there would be public uproar and cries of discrimination. And come to think of it, most theaters give no thought to showing material that a great many of us find offensive. C'mon, really?
   Some are crying foul on behalf of the church, calling the action prejudicial and unfair. And I think they're right. Some are calling for letters to be written and boycotts to be executed. And I think they should act according to their convictions. But you know what I really think, deep within my heart? That we ought to expect this kind of response. Really. I think we've fooled ourselves into believing that our faith could peacefully co-exist with the attitudes and feelings of the world, assuming that we could live side-by-side with those whose values are (supposed to be) diametrically opposed to ours. We've thought this so long that we've allowed a spirit of détente to infiltrate our own lifestyles, hoping that we all might just get along. But really?
   Then something happens to jar us out of our little bubble, a reminder that we're actually living in hostile territory and serving a kingdom designed to be at odds with our very culture. Someone takes exception to us and we're taken aback. How dare they? Don't they know who we are? Sure they do. They absolutely do and that's why they take exception.
   What did we expect? Didn't Jesus tell us that if they hated him, they would hate us as well? That he came not to bring peace, but a sword? And Paul says in 2 Corinthians that we're the aroma of life to some and the stench of death to others. So why do we keep trying to cozy up to those who are repelled by the person to whom we claim to pledge our allegiance? Are we trying to have the best of both worlds without really choosing sides?
   It's time, past time, to live what we believe and understand that there's going to be pushback. Peter reminds us to not be surprised at the fiery trials we encounter, as if they were something strange. Expect them. Live with a distinctiveness (don't just be weird) that stands out and causes people to choose sides. Decide that you'll never let yourself be squeezed into this world's mold. And if people find you offensive because of the name you wear, well, you can take that as a compliment.

Really.

feel the burn (the qur'an aflame)

2011-04-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

You've probably heard the news by now. Terry Jones, the Florida pastor who threatened to burn the Qur'an (Islam's holy book) last September but changed his mind (check my previous post, http://edensdust.blogspot.com/2010/09/burn-baby-burn.html), changed his mind again and followed through with his threat earlier this week. Unfortunately, his decision triggered a response from Muslims in Afghanistan. A NATO base was attacked and three rebels were killed. This came after a U.N. compound was besieged by hundreds protesting the burning by Jones. The storming of the facility left at least 11 people, seven of them foreigners, dead. And two of those foreigners were beheaded in the attack.

Jones says he bears no responsibility for the actions of Muslims on the other side of the world. That he's sorry and he regrets their response, but that he was simply speaking truth as he understands it and was exercising his freedom of speech. And, at least according to many sentiments, there are many who either agree with his actions, or defend what he did in the face of the repressive nature of Islam.

Jones, and those like him, have the right to speak as they feel led. That's protected in our country- something not afforded to all people in our world. But just because Jones can do something like he did, should he?

Jones may not see himself responsible for what overzealous people in another country did, but that doesn't absolve him. He may see himself free to say and do as he pleases, but that doesn't mean he has no boundaries or limits. With freedom comes responsibility, understanding that our actions have the power to impact people for good or for bad. Therefore, we must weigh carefully what we say and do, because we really do influence those around us (and even those around the world).

The passage of Scripture that kept rolling around in my head last night regarding all this is 1 Corinthians 10:23,24- "Everything is permissible"- but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"- but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

Paul's words tell us that just because we can does NOT mean we should. That we've got to consider the power of our lives because they really do matter. Jones may not see himself as part of the Afghan situation, but he does share responsibility and culpability in the deaths of those U.N. workers- his actions touched off a firestorm that consumed far more than paper and ink.

As long as we keep acting the way people around us act, they won't see Jesus in us, but only reflection of themselves. And that's just not good enough. As long as we burn books, lash out and condemn, we look remarkably like our adversaries. So why would they join our ranks if there's no measurable difference between our actions and theirs? I'm not saying that we never make a stand for what's right; but that we make sure our words, our attitudes, our actions tell those opposed to us that we're guided and motivated by a God who loved them so much he chose to offer his son as a sacrifice for their sins. That he craves a relationship with them. And that his concern for them can be seen, felt and understood...through us. It's hard to burn someone's holy book if you really care about the people of that book.

Hmm, come to think of it, maybe that's why it's so easy for some to strike a match.

the brisbane floods- aftermath

2011-01-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

I wanted to provide one more update about the situation in Brisbane following the torrential floods of last week (for some amazing photos, click on http://www.abc.net.au/news/infographics/qld-floods/beforeafter.htm ). The rains have subsided for the moment and the waters have receded, but they've cut a defining swath of calamity and disaster for thousands of people. The following is a post we received Sunday from Daun Slauson, our missionary there:

...the water is going down...the river is pretty well back to its normal level, though certainly not its normal colour. It is brown and ugly. But what remains is a path of destruction. It is just so sad. The Premiere, Anna Bleigh, referred to Brisbane (what it looks like) as a war zone...and now I understand what she means.

On Saturday, a group of us Ann Streeters set out to help with the clean up. We went into to Goodna, an area hit very hard- the Bremmer River that runs through there peaked at 19 meters- so you can imagine the destruction. We went there because that is, of course, where we have families living as well (though they were all untouched by the waters). It was absolutely amazing to see so many people out helping with the clean-up. (Lena told me that she rang Volunteer Queensland yesterday and they said that they have had 60,000 people register in the last week.- Now that is what I call Community Spirit). So on Sat. we drove around Goodna just looking for the right place..we had prayed that God would lead us to a house that there weren't too many people helping.

After driving around for some time- seeing the sad, sad result of the flood, we finally ended up at a house of an older (not elderly) woman...she had her son and daughter there helping her, and a few friends, but there was so much work that needed to be done...they excitedly welcomed our help...so into the house we came- 5 guys and 2 girls...with clean rags (which made a huge difference, as all they had were brooms to clean the walls/ceiling- and one high pressure hose running on a generator). Within about 3 hours we had the entire inside of the house clean and mostly mud free. They will still have to do major drying out and disinfecting, but her son told us that earlier in the morning, as he looked around at all that needed to be done, he was sure that he would be there well into this week...but, with our help, it was complete that day, along with some other jobs. It may have only been one house, but the impact that it had on that family was worth the time. Before we left, I asked if we could pray with them, and they willingly took us up on that offer...

I am heading out again today with Lena and her sisters to help more with the clean up... it will be an ongoing process for some time... and I hope to do all that I can. Please pray that as we are out there, meeting people and hearing their stories, that we will have and take the opportunities to share Christ in any way that we can. There is so much talk of the 'Aussie Spirit" and it is true- there is a great Aussie Spirit..but I want people to see more than just that in me...I want them to see Christ's Spirit...

Please continue to pray for Daun and the crew at Ann Street as they seek normalcy even while ministering to the needs of others. Pray that people recognize their need for the Lord, especially at a time like this. Pray that the spirit of Christ would shine through the selflessness of those who serve in his name to so many who need to know him. And that rains of destruction will become rains of mercy and grace as his love floods the lives of those who have been in spiritual drought for far too long. Keep praying.

high tide in brisbane (the floods, part 2)

2011-01-13T15:17:00.001-08:00

I wrote a couple of days ago, asking you to pray about the massive flooding in Queensland, Australia, and especially as the focus was turning to the city of Brisbane. The Brisbane River was supposed to crest yesterday morning at 10:00 (Anaheim time) at more than 5 meters (that's over 15 feet). It had already breached its banks and was threatening to turn the heart of Brisbane into a complete waterway.

We received the following update yesterday from Daun Slauson, one of our church members working there with the Ann Street Church of Christ:

well, today we have better news.... the river peaked about 1 metre lower than expected. That may seem like a small amount, but it means that many, many homes were spared. They have now estimated that 'only' 7,500 properties were affected by flooding (others may still have water damage, but not complete flooding). This is a huge answer to prayer!! The waters have already begun to recede, ever so slowly... they say it will be mid week next week before we see the river back to its normal size. As far as I know, no one from Ann St. or the church itself have been hit. But as you can imagine, there is a major clean up that now must begin.

At this point, the Brisbane drinking water supply is still ok, so we pray that it stays that way. As for getting food and other supplies in, it may take some time, as many of the roads are cut out...

Thanks to those of you who have been praying about this matter. Please keep praying for safety, for encouragement in the long rebuilding process, for the Church to be a positive force, and for people to turn their hearts to the Lord.

Here are some pictures that tell a grim story:

Pray on!

and the rains came down...(brisbane floods)

2011-01-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

"He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." And oh, the rain is falling. And falling. And falling.

The Brisbane area of northeast Australia is currently facing torrential rains and flooding at an unprecedented level. Areas throughout the northeast have been inundated by monsoonal rains that have continued for weeks, and have sent water levels to new highs. Many cities and communities have been ravaged by raging floodwaters, with much loss of life and property. As I write, the waters are now bearing down on the city of Brisbane (http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8194723/instant-inland-tsunami-kills-four). The water catchment dam built outside the city in 1974 (following massive flooding then) is at 140% of capacity, and if rains don't subside quickly, disaster will continue to escalate.

This is the part of Australia with which we have a partnership, both through our missionary (Daun Slauson) and our Global Outreach (GO!) Teams that have been going there since 2003. The Ann Street Church of Christ with whom we work is in the downtown area and may be in the path of the floodwaters, should they come. Many our friends are being directly impacted by these events, and need our prayers. Will you pray for their safety, and for the rains to abate? But will you also pray for a spirit of brokenness to sweep over the Australian people, and that they will turn their hearts to God? This is a country that has been spiritually dry for many years and needs to understand its need for the Lord. Ask God to reveal his mercy and grace in the midst of great suffering and sorrow. And that the rain of his love will fall upon a wonderful people in a fresh way.

Note: here is part of our latest update from Daun, received 01/11: I have spoken to Tim (Ann Street Church elder)...they evacuated everyone out of Brisbane City at about midday today...and told people not to come back unless they absolutely need to. He spoke with his dad re: Ann St (his parents have been around Ann St. for many years) and he feels that we will be safe from the flooding. Though the church is not too far from the river, it is higher up. Let's hope he is right.

So, the reason for the higher amount of flooding tomorrow is because they have had to open the gates to the Wivenho Dam, and now that water, along with the rain and flood waters from other areas is coming down river... and tomorrow at 3pm there will be a King Tide... so water rising from the sea and coming in mixed with all the water coming down... all suburbs near the river have been warned to evacuate. They are estimating that a minimum of 7,000 properties will be wiped out.. with another 16,000 affected.

a golden voice, a golden chance

2011-01-10T22:39:00.000-08:00

Last week we heard the story of Ted Williams, the homeless man with the golden voice, "discovered" outside Columbus, Ohio (http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/40944077/ns/today-today_people/). It was a great story of redemption. Of second chances. Of extended grace.

I loved hearing the tale and the way it played out: a local newscaster decided to shoot a video of Williams, a beggar on the side of the road with a sign saying he had a golden voice for radio but needed another chance. The newscaster's hope was that someone would see the video and respond. And respond they did. The vid went viral, being seen by millions, and job offers came pouring in. Overnight Ted went from nothing to over-the-top possibilities...and a new start.

There were a few things that stood out to me as I read and watched the stories that unfolded. I was impressed with the motivation of the man who made the video. He had nothing to gain from this act, except the knowledge that he did something good for someone in need. And I thought how much better our world would be if more of us determined to do good to those in need, not for personal profit, but simply because it's the right thing to do.

Then there was the remark Williams made to Matt Lauer, when asked what he would tell us about the homeless. He told him that we shouldn't assume the worst about the homeless, but should discover their stories, because everyone has a story and it needs to be told. And we need to listen.

Finally, in the outpouring of support people offered, many claimed that Williams deserved a second chance. Evidently, the fact that he had a gifted voice made people think he was entitled to another shot. Truth is, he deserved to be exactly where he was. Williams was an alcoholic and drug addict, had run afoul of the law, was a public nuisance, and was estranged from his family. His lifestyle and poor choices had run his life aground, and he ended up where he deserved. Did he deserve more than the next guy because he had a great set of pipes? What if he had no special gift, but was simply "ordinary?" Would he deserve less? No, the story isn't about being deserving, but rather about giving grace. And grace is a gift given freely, not to the deserving, but to those who don't deserve. That's life's story for us, as we stand before God, isn't it? What He gives us is a gift- His grace. And that grace- favor granted to those who don't deserve it- is the difference-maker in our lives.

Does Ted Williams deserve another chance? Hardly, since deserving is what you get for what you do. But should he be given the grace to have another opportunity do right, to be right? Absolutely. Our culture is built on that kind of thinking. More importantly, that's the way God chose to deal with us, granting us grace for another chance even though we deserved less. Much, much less.

I'm happy for Ted. Happy for us. Because with grace, everyone wins. And that sounds great, doesn't it?

a tank full of thankful

2010-11-20T19:57:00.000-08:00

I'm reeling today...with thankfulness. Yesterday was filled with events that allowed me to see again the hand of God working through people, touching lives in some special ways.

The first event took place (actually, it culminated) during the afternoon. The local 7-11 down the street from the church had been conducting a canned food drive for our Pantry ministry the last couple of weeks. It was one of those "Bring a can, get a free hot dog" kind of thing. And they got rid of a lot of dogs! The owner, a gracious man named Ranji (on left, wearing turban), asked if I could come to receive the cans and join in the festivities. Ranji is generous and wanted to give back to the community. He decided to hook up with us because he knew that we provide food regularly to people in need.

When I got to the 7-11 parking lot, people were everywhere, and plastic tubs of food were piled high. A DJ spun music at an extremely high decibel level, a jumper consumed small children, and free food and soft drinks were being devoured everywhere. Ranji hugged me as he excitedly showed me the food that had been collected. Kids kept arriving with more cans, and the inside of the store was as full of people as the outside.

Ranji told me that his dream was to see the community helping its own, and that he wanted to develop an ongoing partnership with us. As I mingled with people, I was reminded that there really is only one race on earth, the human race. That we have the ability to lift each other, strengthen each other and make a difference in each other's lives. And I saw again the great value of a church that is connected with those around it. Our involvement with people at basic life levels helps them understand God's concern for them, and gives us a platform to continue sharing life with them.

A short while later we gathered at the church for our monthly Community Supper. November's Supper is special, as we serve a full Thanksgiving dinner, thanks to the generous donations of our congregation. The evening was outstanding as more than 200 from the community arrived to a special set-up in the main auditorium. Scrumptious dinners were served by almost 100 volunteers from the church. Lots of sharing, lots of interaction, lots of connection. And everyone was thankful. Very thankful. One woman told me upon her arrival that she was so lonely. At the end of the evening she assured me that loneliness was no longer an immediate concern.

My heart's full. People giving their possessions for strangers. People giving their time in service. People giving their lives for others. And I'm thankful as I see so many blessings around me. It's easy to become cynical in my world, and much of what I see and experience has the capability to color it with some pretty ugly hues. But Friday reminded me that good blossoms in even the grayest of situations, and that people have the ability to do good when need presents itself. And why not? It goes back to image in which we were made, doesn't it? That image is a good one, always initiating, always giving, always blessing, always connecting. And that gives me hope.

And it makes me thankful.

the urban jungle

2010-11-13T22:56:00.001-08:00

I visited a neighborhood not long ago where crime is rampant. Several houses in the community were boarded up, some of them burned out, and most tagged with graffiti. No one is on the streets after dark because the possibility of trouble with local gangs is so likely. Tennis shoes and blue or red bandannas adorn telephone wires throughout. The two primary gangs vying for control? Crips and Bloods, of course. Alcohol and drugs are a staple for adults and kids alike. Abuse of all kinds is a regular part of life, especially among the youth. Unemployment is far too high, most residents exist in survival mode, and the concept of hope is almost nonexistent.

If you were to guess where I visited, you might have thought of Detroit, Chicago, or New York. The urban issues I witnessed are common in cities like Atlanta, St. Louis or Dallas. But I was close to home than these places...and not nearly as urban. My destination was the San Carlos Apache Reservation (via Arizona Reservation Ministry) outside the town of Globe in eastern Arizona. I've been to this place many times, and each visit overwhelms my sensibilities. So much despair, so much struggle, and so much destruction of human life and possibility. And the other factor that never ceases to astound me is the existence of the complex urban issues that seem so out of place here.

All this makes ministry here doubly difficult. Not only do workers need to understand Native American (and Apache, specifically) culture well, but they must also know how to deal with urban culture, and all the facets associated with it. Either one of these is a full-time undertaking, but this is one place that both must be carefully considered.

In all this challenge, our team witnessed hope. Many of the kids with whom ARM works were different than they used to be. They were responsive, positive, polite and expressive. They interacted with us more deeply than they would have a couple of years ago. They were smiling, laughing, enjoying. As simple as these things are to us, they can be major accomplishments for those of San Carlos. And we were encouraged.

So the next time you think about urban ministry, see tagging along a wall, or shoes dangling from a wire, remember that urban doesn't just happen in cities anymore. That there are kids struggling to survive mean rural streets that are teeming with urban challenges. And that we need people willing to commit their lives to understanding multiple cultures all wrapped up in the same neighborhood. It's a crazy world.

And it's getting crazier all the time.

mock the vote?

2010-11-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

Early this morning I made my way to the location allocated to receive my vote. I considered it a landmark occasion, not because there are so many important people and issues up for consideration, but because I'm afforded the right, the responsibility of the vote.

I grumbled under my breath at what I considered to be poor marking to find the voting area, thinking how it might have been made better. I then discovered that I was listed as a mail-in ballot person, which would have been fine except that I never received any ballot by mail. There was a provision for that, but it was quickly obvious that the workers were unfamiliar with the process. Heck, it was early and they were volunteers, and I grumbled a little more.

I cast my ballot (computerized now- cool), turned in some paperwork (part of that special provision), pasted my sticker proudly on my chest and beat a hasty retreat to the rest of my day. Pretty simple, pretty straightforward, pretty easy. But then I thought of people in countries like the Philippines who are willing to risk their lives for the vote. During our years there, school teachers were usually required to stand guard over local ballot boxes. Often, because of violence and corruption, those teachers gave their lives to protect the votes. In some countries, goons wait outside voting areas, seeking to intimidate, injure or even kill those who come to vote. And in far too many countries voting is not even an option. Hmmm, why had I been grumbling again?

I'm concerned that we too easily assume that our vote means nothing, or that the hassle somehow isn't worth our time or effort. I can't believe that those who risk or give their lives for this privilege would find our excuses compelling. I hope you made time to exercise your responsibility. And if you didn't (for whatever reason) that you'll commit now to do it next time. Really. If not for your voice to be heard, then because you'll remember that someone somewhere in this world wishes he had it as good as you when he steps into that voting booth. Or that she's willing to take a chance with her life because the ability to vote is as precious as life itself.

And she probably doesn't even grumble.

what makes a church look good?

2010-10-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

I had lunch yesterday with Kevin Haah, lead pastor of New Life Christian Church (www.newcitychurchla.com) in downtown Los Angeles. Kevin is the church planter of this multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-socio-economic congregation that's grown to about 250 in just a few years. New Life is a breath of fresh air on the streets of LA, and is a significant expression of hope in a culture that is in such great need.

Kevin and I talked about a new plan to involve churches in a church planting network (CPN) that would dream, plan, fund and encourage a collection of new church plants in the Los Angeles area. We also talked about the urban church, and God's design and plan for it. We talked about examples from the book of Acts, from Jerusalem to Antioch and beyond. And we marveled at the ability of that first church to transcend class and cultural boundaries to demonstrate a community unlike anything the world had seen.

We talked about Acts 16 and the first "members" of the church in the city of Philippi. The first person mentioned was Lydia, a seller of purple (Kevin called her a fashion executive!) who opened her small group of Jews to Paul in a gathering by the river (there was no synagogue in the city where the Jews could meet). Lydia was a businesswoman, a woman of influence and position and a Jew. And she found new direction and hope in the message Paul offered.

The second person impacted was a slave girl with a demonic spirit that allowed her foretell the future. Her owners made their living from her abilities...until Paul cast that evil spirit from her and gave her the chance to be what God had designed her to be. This girl was homeless, bottom-of-the-barrel, even less than human in the eyes of those around her. Yet in Christ she now found her meaning value.

For all their work with this girl, Paul and Silas got tossed into prison, where their willingness to remain intact following the earthquake that freed all the inmates, gave them opportunity to share good news with their jailer and bring him and his family to salvation in Christ. That man was a blue-collar company man, part of the dominant class, a man who managed the violence of life. But he found his peace through the Prince of Peace.

A female Jewish entrepreneur. A demonized riff-raff slave. A government enforcer. As different from each other as possible. Yet they were cornerstone pieces of what was to become the Philippian church. God never intended for his people to have to look like each other on the outside. To have life experiences in common. To have to come from the same race, culture, class or life direction. In fact, his power and glory are much more powerfully demonstrated when those of us from vastly varied backgrounds find unity and oneness through what he's done for us. Through his sacrifice. His death. His gift of life for the world that he loves so much.

And when we gather around what we do have in common- a Savior who has called us, redeemed us and commissioned us- we create a community unlike anything the world understands. A community where "natural" barriers (e.g. race, culture, class, education, income) mean increasingly less and where love, acceptance, partnership and mutual edification take center stage. Urban churches...and maybe more and more churches everywhere...must reflect this kind of look, because in so doing we reflect our immediate community. And in so doing, we also reflect the bigger picture that will one day envelope all those who claim allegiance to Jesus. That's heaven, of course.

And if you don't feel comfortable with what I've described now, you're really gonna be disappointed on that Day.

a church without God? (another Kenya update!)

2010-10-25T18:14:00.000-07:00

Every time we embark on a GO! Team adventure, God provides special people and opportunities for us to find. Our time in Kenya was no exception. While in Masii, we met Laura, a young French woman who was finishing an internship with a local NGO located in the same building where Tumaini had its offices.

Laura became close friends with many Tumaini people including William, the pastor of Masii Christian Chapel. What made the friendship even more interesting was that Laura was a devout atheist. Not only did she not believe in God, it made no logical sense to her how or why others would profess such a belief. Laura was not shy about her views, and she and William had countless conversations about the plausibility of Christianity.

We had the pleasure of meeting Laura shortly before her return to France, and we discovered some impressive dynamics about her relationship with the Christians in Masii. She attended church services regularly, sang, contributed and fellowshiped in a personal and powerful way. The church didn't convince her about the existence of God (yet) but it showed her something she'd never seen before- the unconditional love and caring of community. And though she could deny the reality of God, she couldn't (nor did she want to) deny the reality of the love that a group of people from another culture showered upon her, even though they were on different pages when it came to faith!

The one thing Laura told us she wanted to do upon her return to France was to begin a church that had all the same fellowship components as those in Masii, but a church that didn't have to believe in God! We chuckled as we talked about how that would ultimately look, since the love she'd found represented God himself. And though it may sound strange to you that she wanted a church without God, I understood her sentiment as a tribute of the highest order to the believers there. She has perhaps never experienced such community in her life in France. Yet people in another country, because of their faith took her in, accepted her, and by loving her made her hungry for more. She may not understand this as God's love (yet), but I believe she will. And we're praying that this love will cause her to search until she finds it somewhere among God's people in her own culture.

I love the fact that the church in one small town made an international impact on one unbeliever simply by loving her the way Christ told them to. She promised us that she'd keep her mind and heart open to the possibility of God, and we told her that we would pray for her. Even though she's an insistent atheist. Even though she doesn't understand what she can't see. Even though she doesn't believe.

Yet.

there's no place like home (kenya update)

2010-10-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

There’s no mistaking being here in Africa. The moment I step off the plane, the sights, the sounds, the smells and the atmosphere bombard my senses and scream to me that I’m not in Kansas anymore. I look around each day and remind myself, “I’m in Africa!”

There are so much that’s so different from what I’m accustomed to. Of course, Kenya is filled with…well, Kenyans. That’s obviously different. The driving, on the left-hand side of the road and, in Nairobi just about anywhere a driver chooses, is different. The warmth and kindness of friends and strangers here alike is pleasantly different. Foods, sights, conveniences, homes and much more- different.

But let me tell you a bit about last Tuesday. Pastor William of the Masii Christian Chapel, took Pastor Josh and me to make calls around town. We walked a distance from the primary part of town to a community known as “Kosovo.” It’s an alcohol brewing area, and most inhabitants are social outcasts. We got there before 10 a.m. and everyone had already been drinking for some time. We were invited to sit and as we conversed, the elder of the group, Peter, asked us if we believed they were misguided to drink as much as they did.

A conversation quickly blossomed. A conversation about what ought to control us, and deeper lordship issues. About Jesus making wine (OK, they said it was beer) and about making God happy. About the shame and self- contempt they felt because church people usually preached at and condemned them. About feeling unwelcome, uncomfortable and unloved in church. And about who Jesus might hang out with if he came to Masii. Suddenly, Africa felt a little more like home than it had.

We stood talking with a friend of William’s on a main street. A young man, obviously drunk approached us (is there a sign on me or something?!) and introduced himself as Abdullah. He insisted we buy him lunch, which William declined. He then asked us to follow him- actually, I think he dragged us- into what we thought was a restaurant to pray for him. Sitting with him in a booth of sorts, we realized we were in a bar and the half-empty glass of beer between us all was his. He poured out his heart, lamenting of his addiction to drink and the destruction it had caused. How he spent whatever money he earned on beer, even if it meant he didn’t eat. How he was tired and wanted change. He begged us to pray that he would be delivered. With tears in his eyes we prayed. And then we bought him lunch. Hmm, sure seems a lot like what I do at home.

William took most of our group to a corner of town where 15-20 young men gather daily to sell drugs. As we met these men, I had the opportunity to present the gospel to them. I spoke as William translated, and we found ourselves quickly surrounded by even more men, coming over to see what was happening with the wazungu (whites). A car pulled up behind us, something was removed from the trunk , something from within our midst replaced it, and it sped off with its newfound treasure. As we prayed with these guys, I saw the hollowness, the hopelessness, the longing for something better in their eyes. And somehow, I felt pretty much like I was at home.

I realize again how alike we are. That although customs and externals may not be the same, we’re not so far apart. Our very essence cries out for value, for freedom, for meaning and purpose, for love. From others and from God. We may dress ourselves in contextual uniqueness, but at the heart we’re very much alike. Don’t be fooled by what you see on the outside. It’s about the inside. It’s about people and our need to be right. With others and with God. In Kenya, in Africa, in America.

It’s good to be home.

a voice in kenya

2010-10-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

I heard God's voice today.

Our devotional booklet has focused on learning to hear the voice of God, and I've been working on that during the trip. Before leaving for home visits this morning, I asked God specifically to help me hear his voice today. Our visitations to Tumaini kids and their families took us to a number of homes, some of them with very little. But one was different than the others.

Louise is a grandmother raising her two grandchildren, Rachel and Wambua, because their mom died several years ago through HIV AIDS. Dad's still around, but is sickly and probably has the disease as well. In addition to this loss, Louise has lost other children, one who died giving birth and others to AIDS. She is a faithful believer, a widow, and probably more than 70 years old. She struggles just to make sure her family is taken care of. And Tumaini helps.

Her home consists of a few brick and mud structures that appear little more than small storage sheds. But she and the kids have used them for shelter since last April. It was during heavy rains then that another small brick and mud structure in which they were sleeping began to collapse. Some of the walls gave way in the downpour as the children began screaming, "We're dead! We're dead!" Somehow, walls that should have fallen on them didn't and they were spared.

As Louise shared her story and we surveyed the half-collapsed home, Stanley said quietly to me, "Tumaini doesn't typically involve itself in building homes, but I believe God wants us to rebuild this one." It was then God spoke to my heart and said, "You- you and people you know- make sure this home is redone and this family is safe." I stood there quietly considering the situation. How could we not? I acknowledged what I believed I heard, told Stanley what God had laid on my heart, and asked how much it would cost. He said he would have estimates and a man ready to begin in a couple of days, but he thought it should be about $700. I calmly thought, "Our missions budget can probably afford that."

Then I heard God's voice again. "No," he clearly told me, "Not just from your budget. I want greater awareness and ownership from others. I want you to ask and involve people."

Really. That's what he told me.

So there it is. I believe with all my heart God heard my prayer this morning and spoke to me. It's not exactly what I was expecting (I'm not sure just what I was expecting), but he spoke. And I'm kinda excited, because he's either spoken, speaking, or going to speak to someone else about his or her part in this. If you think God might be speaking to you, let me know. Soon. More rains are on the way and this family needs assistance before something else falls.

It's not about the money. It's about listening. And responding. I'm trying to hear him and follow what I believe he's saying to me. It's not always easy. Too many voices, too many distractions, too much talking on my part. But I know something for sure tonight.

I heard God's voice today.

a hard road home

2010-10-04T15:17:00.000-07:00

Being back in Kenya brings me back to the face of reality. I mean real reality. As difficult as our lives can be at times (and for some of us, life has slapped us hard in the face. Maybe more than once), when I spend time with people here, I'm reminded of the way the majority of people in the world live each day. Poverty like you may have never witnessed, living conditions that cause you to shake your head, disease and death that are far too familiar, opportunities to "make it out" resting at slim and none, tomorrows that look too much like todays for too many.

Yet in the midst of odds that honestly baffle my mind, I find people who are genuinely happy. People who smile each day and press on. People who are not unmindful of their situations but are determined to make the best of them. People who are thankful for what they have and not bitter at what they don't. Our corner on the challenges market, as we serve with Tumaini, is the impact that HIV AIDS has had on more than 2 million children in the country, leaving them without parents. Yet our Tumaini kids demonstrate some of the greatest determination and resilience imaginable. And the guardians who take them in, usually grandparents without adequate finances or health, do so gladly, as they believe (and discover anew) the providing grace of God.

I don't think my life is particularly rough, especially on a global comparison. But I can still find myself whining, venting, seeing what I don't have more quickly than what I possess. My much needed punch in the gut comes when I sit with my friends here and consider how they live. In spite of circumstances they've made a choice to serve God, to look for his hand and to believe that he's going to see them through their challenges. I heard it from them again this morning as we sat in their homes listening to their stories. No bitterness, no complaining, no resentment. And if anyone could justify such feelings, some of these could.

Jesus never said the road would be easy. His yoke may be light but the path we travel is full of struggle, challenge and too often, pain. Yet he did promise to be there with us, to shoulder that yoke with us, to provide rest for us in the journey. Some of my Kenyan friends have learned that. It's why I'm glad I'm back, so I might learn more of it from them.

Again.

first report from kenya...good news!

2010-10-02T14:07:00.001-07:00

I apologize for taking this long to post a blog about the team. The first week here has been extremely eventful in so many ways. Not only did it take us an extra 11 hours and an extra city to reach Nairobi (a saga in itself!), but we lost Stanley Mutunga as we boarded our flight in NYC. Seems someone for Delta decided he needed more pages in his passport and removed him from the flight until he could get more added. We landed Thursday morning instead of Wednesday evening, and Stanley arrived Friday night!

Nairobi was a quick but eye-opening experience. We journied into Mathare, a slum of about 800,000 (and only the second largest in the city!). There we visited two ministries- WEEP (Women's Equality and Empowerment Project), and Community Transformers. WEEP trains women with HIVAIDS with tailoring skills. These new abilities allow them to provide for their families, and provides value for them in their communities. It gives them a reason to live and a hope for their futures. Community Transformers was started by a group of HIV+ young people who, upon their conversions to Christ, banded together, to remain in Mathare, and now minister to others who may not have the hope of Christ. Both works challenged and encouraged us as we saw the impact of Christ in the most serious of situations.

We moved on to Masii (a couple hours south) Friday and set up shop at the Tumaini Center. Dr. Ron saw and treated a handful of patients as we settled in. Then today (Saturday) we shared in a program put on by and for our nearby Tumaini children. There were familiar faces throughout the crowd, as Ron briefly examined each child and then took care of a small number of them who needed care.

Today (Saturday) we shared in a program for those Tumaini kids who live close by. There was singing, praying, testimonies food and laughter as we caught up with kids whom some of us have known for years, as well as met new children. Ron examined each child briefly, then treated a small number who needed his help.

We are already sensing God's hand upon us as He opens our eyes to a world so much bigger than what we know. Hearing stories of faith in impossible circumstances, seeing hope in the eyes of those most would have forgotten, discovering our oneness in spite of ovbious differences makes an indelible imprint upon our spirits. The stories and lives they represent remind us of a great and powerful God who is working in the most impossible of situations to show people His great compassion and care. We are blessed to be part of it.

Tomorrow will be worship and celebration together as God's people, and we can hardly wait to experience them with our Kenyan family. One thing's for sure: for all the ways we're different, we sure have a lot of the same needs, hopes and desires. And that common bond in Christ takes us beyond our surface issues and differnces, straight to the heart of God.

Can you think of a better place to be?

tumaini...it's all about hope

2010-09-28T03:05:00.000-07:00

It's 2:30 a.m. and I'm awake. Preparing for our early morning flight that will take us (eventually) to Kenya. That's where we'll spend the next couple of weeks working with Tumaini International Ministries. Tumaini, founded by Stanley and Rose Mutunga, is a Kiswahili word that means hope. Their focus is to come alongside AIDS orphans, through sponsorship, education and encouragement, and walk with them in their journeys toward adulthood. These kids have lost one or both parents to AIDS, and usually live with grandparents, other relatives or friends. Life is hard at best, and sponsorship ($35 monthly) makes the difference between failure and success for hundreds of children, both young and old.

We'll leave LAX at 8:00 today and touch down in Nairobi about 7:30 Wednesday night (11 hours ahead of LA time). All Thursday and Friday morning will be in this capital city of 4+ million, as we will visit different ministry sites in one of the largest slums in Africa. Then Friday we'll travel 2-3 hours south and east, to the small community of Masii, where Tumaini has its offices. Doctor Ron Jurgensen (my favorite dentist!) is with us again and we'll pull teeth for a week for those who'll walk for hours just to sit in his chair and find the relief his skills can bring. We'll also visit some of the children that our church sponsors, as well as meet with the new church there as they are designing strategies for planting a church in the nearby city of Machakos. It promises to be a great couple of weeks.

Our team of seven includes KACC and Parkcrest Christian Church (7th St. campus, Long Beach), and our desire is to continue to partner with Parkcrest in this ministry of compassion and church planting. Please pray for us as we travel, adjust, connect and serve. Pray for divine appointments with those who need to hear good news, and for boldness to share. Pray for unity within our team a life-changing experience...for Kenyans and Americans alike.

I recently read some words in Psalms that spoke to me in a fresh way about Tumaini:

He [God] raises the poor out of the dust,

And lifts the needy out of the ash heap,

That He may seat them with princes-

With the princes of His people.

Psalm 113:7,8

Tumaini's work has lifted hundreds of children and adults alike from the dust, from life's ash heap, and is even now preparing a new generation to sit with leaders and movers of their land. Because they're giving an opportunity to those who needed it. Because they're giving compassion and care to many for whom no one else cares. Because they're giving a vision to many who had lost sight of their futures.

Because they're giving hope.

bush league (reggie and the heisman)

2010-09-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a tough ride recently for those of us who count ourselves as University of Southern California football fans. The team has been penalized because of rules infractions dating back to the 2005 season, the firestorm centering around star running back Reggie Bush. Reggie won the Heisman Trophy that year, given to the outstanding college player of the season, but was recently found guilty of rules infractions, namely accepting money and gifts from potential agents during that season. These violations not only meant he'd been ineligible, but cost the team victories in which he played, their '05 national championship title and now, scholarships and the ability to play in post-season games the next two years. As I watched, read and reflected on the debacle this week, I found perspective that I hadn't initially considered.

What Reggie did was wrong. Flat out. But he chose to participate anyway. Maybe he justified it, thought he deserved it. Maybe he figured that no one would be the wiser, or be hurt by it. Maybe he was overwhelmed with the amounts being flashed before him. Maybe he became so consumed with what was right in front of him that he lost perspective of the bigger picture. No excuses, just maybes.

And as much as this riles me, I realize that my attitudes with sin usually run parallel. When I sin, I typically know that it's wrong but I choose to participate anyway. I can justify my actions, thinking I may even deserve whatever it is before me. Usually I figure no will know or be hurt by what I do. And I usually lose sight of the bigger picture and cost at stake. No excuses, just realizations.

But Reggie is discovering some deeper truths. Choices always have consequences. Always. They may come immediately, they may take awhile, but they will come. And it doesn't matter how you spin it to yourself, how you may convince yourself that it's OK. Wrong will still be wrong. Always. And there really is a bigger picture, along with collateral damage- those (often innocent) who will be impacted by what you choose. Always.

Scripture validates these truths. There's a story in the Old Testament book of 2 Kings about the servant of Elisha named Gehazi. Following the healing of Naaman, a man with leprosy, Gehazi set out to claim material goods that his master had turned down as a thank-you for the healing. Gehazi justified his actions to himself, lied to Naaman, and allowed the bling to distort his perspective. It was all about the moment. He hid his new-found spoil, assuming no one would be the wiser. He even lied to Elisha, who knew what he'd just done (c'mon, man, he was a prophet of God, after all). And when Elisha confronted him, Gehazi's punishment was to be Naaman's leprosy upon him for the rest of his life...and upon the lives of his descendants! Talk about your least-favorite relative at a family reunion!

Reggie has said that he made mistakes and that he returned the trophy because it was the right thing to do. That's good start. But he's not admitting guilt, not saying that he did wrong. Not apologizing to those he hurt by his actions. Without that kind of admission there is no repentance, no change of heart. And I'm afraid he'll continue to deny, justify and hide. I know, because I know the difference between a mistake and a sin in my own life. Between "oops" and violating a rule of God. And I know the difference in dealing with them...and what happens when I don't.

I want to be mad at Reggie, and I probably am a little, because what he did tainted a program and damaged possibilities of others. But my anger is tempered when I recognize the same tendencies within myself, and my struggle to do what's right. So for now, I'll keep my throwing stones tucked away until I'm sure I've got it all together. And I'll hope for Reggie, that he'll listen to the right voices, recognize the bigger picture and do, not just what's expected, and not just what's good, but what's best. Who knows? Maybe there will be an award waiting for him...given by the only Judge who's going to matter.

Fight on.

burn notice

2010-09-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

Some more thoughts from this whole Qur'an-burning fiasco...

I noticed an article in today's news about a rally in Amarillo, in which a leader of a group called Repent Amarillo had announced that he was going to burn a copy of the Qur'an. A large group turned out to protest, a mixture of all stripes and spiritual tenets. They found unity in their protest of destroying anyone's sacred literature, but it fell on deaf ears of Repent's leadership. The man soaked the book in kerosene and was preparing to ignite it. But as something distracted him from his mission, a young man with a skateboard stepped up, snatched the intended kindling and ran off shouting, "Dude, you have NO Qur'an!" He then returned the book to an imam there in the park while the burner reportedly wandered off.

Now it's enough to know that there are more fire-starters out there besides that Floridian pastor. What's worse (to me, at least) is to see the way this group, Repent Amarillo, is characterized. The NY Daily News describes them as a group that crusades against promiscuity, homosexuality and non-Christians. Don't get me wrong, I'm no fan of those first two practices (although being against non-Christians escapes me), but as someone who wears the name of Christ, I'm so frustrated seeing others who claim the same name being known for what they're they're against, rather than what they're for. Isn't this how the world has categorized us for far too long? People too often stereotype Christians as spoil-sport, lemon-puckered, hypocritical downers, who live almost exclusively by the mantra, thou shalt not. While we know that's not the case (it's not the case, is it?) for most of us, there's just enough evidence of such thinking to reinforce the perception. And, believe me, in something like this, perceived reality IS reality.

When I read the Gospels, I don't see Jesus as a "thou shalt not" kind of guy...except, maybe, when he engaged self-sufficient, smug religious leaders. Otherwise, Jesus was inclusive- he welcomed people from different backgrounds, activities, philosophies, and castes. He never condoned sin, but opened his arms to sinners; never compromised a principle, but always made room for those trying to figure out the bigger picture. He understood the value of showing people what he wanted them to be and how he wanted them to live, and didn't simply scold them about what they shouldn't do or be.

Oh, that people would see us as those who bring good news, whose lives are like salt, and not pepper in our influence and impact in this world. Those who may take stands unpopular with culture, but who are engaging and inviting toward those who need to understand why such stands are made. It's not enough for me to want to be disassociated with people like Terry Jones or Repent Amarillo; it's my challenge to interact with my culture in such a way that people will see something- and Someone- different in me.

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

-Mahatma Ghandi

burn, baby, burn

2010-09-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

One of the mantras I remember from the '60s (besides the title of this blog) was the encouragement to "do what comes naturally." That advice seemed to fit the counter-culture revolution of its day. But it also appears to follow us today.Take the situation in Florida, in which a church pastor planned to have a Qur'an-burning day on 9/11. By now we've all heard the story, the debate, the outrage and the ridicule surrounding the event. At this point, the bonfire has been called off. That's good...but I'm bothered by the attitudes connected with the whole thing, especially among those who claim to be Christ-followers.

To begin with, I sense an overblown confusion among many between nationalism and faith. Added to that is a "natural" feeling of fairness, justice and rightness. I hear many (including voices within me) proclaim that Muslims have no compunction over burning our holy book, mistreating our people, or disrespecting our beliefs. Therefore, it's right (natural) to return the same attitude and action to them. I read a story about Bibles belonging to servicemen meant for distribution in Iraq that were confiscated and burned by the US military last year. A representative from a Christian defense organization was quoted as saying that to be fair and just, we should count up the number of Bibles destroyed, collect that many Qur'ans and burn them. Then we'd be even.

Now, that's a normal response. That's doing what comes naturally. Problem is, those of us who claim to walk in the steps of Jesus are NOT called to walk naturally. If we burn Qur'ans for Bibles, we' re living eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Not only would we all end up blind and toothless, but Jesus told us that we're expected to respond differently (Matt. 5:39). Not naturally. And if we refuse to love Muslims because we see them as the enemy (here's where being American and being Christian becomes conflicted for some), then we're no different than anyone else acting naturally. Jesus told us that we must love those opposed to us, and pray for them (Matt. 5:44-49).

It's easy (it's natural) to stand against anyone we see as a threat. I understand that. To resist them, to resent them, to oppose them. I get that. But how many Muslims (or anyone else, for that matter) are we praying for? How many have we made the effort to share with, to get to know, to serve...to love? If that idea grates against you, that's OK- it's natural. To be able to embrace such a concept is something far beyond natural. It's supernatural. And it takes to power of One within us to make it happen.

I don't expect those not following Christ to walk such a path. It's far too unnatural for most. But those of us who say that our allegiance is beyond this world are bound to back it up by our example. Are we to be concerned for our people? Sure. Stand up for injustice? Absolutely. Protect freedom? In a heartbeat. Love those who don't love us?

Only if you want to do what comes supernaturally.

a time to pray

2010-09-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago, we launched an experiment. We set up a place for people to stop and pray with us, in front of the church's property along the busy thoroughfare. One of our men had seen this at another church and he thought it would be worth trying. We set up a tent of sorts, signs, a table and chairs and a few volunteers...and waited. It didn't take long for some to stop to find out what was going on. One woman asked about the cost for the prayers. Another made an illegal u-turn in the middle of the street in order to pull in and talk to us. A gangbanger came down the street to request prayer for the upcoming birth of his son. By the end of that first afternoon, five people sat, shared and prayed with us.

Since that day, each Wednesday afternoon the tent has gone up, signs set in place, and people wait to pray. Some days one or two arrive, some days more. Today, as Robert (my assistant and cohort in mischief) was preparing, we wondered if there was enough value in this experiment to keep it going. Early on, there had been excitement, and several indicated interest in helping. A couple months later, that expression of involvement had been supplanted with the busyness of life and schedule for many. Was this activity worth the time it took to prepare and operate?

Before today's session was complete, Robert had shared with a man who had been walking down the sidewalk when he saw the signs. He sat and talked about the pain of his current broken marriage, about infidelity and poor choices, and he asked for direction, wisdom and prayer. Robert told him that there were no magic words to change the situation, but that regardless of the outcome he needed to make his relationship with Christ. They prayed and he went on, thankful that someone had taken time to listen to his story and pray with him about it.

Robert came in to relate this encounter, and as we looked at each other we agreed that even without a lot of helpers, this kind of ministry needs to continue. There are far too many around us crying out for someone to care for them, someone to listen to them, someone to share guidance, wisdom and love with them. But they usually don't break down our doors asking for it, do they? That man, in all likelihood, was not going to walk into the church and request counsel and prayer. But having someone within his reach made such a connection easier and possible. And we each need to make ourselves available in as many ways as we can so people can make that connection with those who care...and with God Himself.

So the Prayer Tent will continue to stand on Wednesdays (for now, at least), and people will be able to find someone who cares in a more direct, more accessible way. And why not? Isn't that what God did in sending His Son to connect with us?

there's a hole in the world tonight

2010-07-08T04:56:00.000-07:00

The words to the Eagles' song (title of this blog) swirled in my head as we sat in Lena's home waiting for dinner last week. Des had been her husband for almost ten years. He was young, athletic, vibrant and spiritually strong. A chaplain in a local public school and an elder at the Ann St. Church. An impish smile, a penchant for mischief. Known as Peter Pan because he refused to grow up. Definitely the right man in a lot of right places.

As I looked around the room, it resembled a shrine just a little. Pictures, great pictures of Des, Des and Lena, Des and friends on virtually every wall. And with good reason. For a reason that still makes no sense, Des's time with us was forever altered. Changed in the twinkling of an eye.

It was mid-April that he was at home in the afternoon. An unwelcome intruder somehow breached the safety of that home. Not a flesh and blood thief- that kind is easier to see and deal with. No, this was Death himself, there to cut short the years of a seemingly healthy husband, friend, counselor, servant. Des found himself looking into the face of eternity, and it was into its fullness he moved that afternoon. Unknown to everyone, he had an enlarged heart and suffered cardiomyopathy. His life was taken, but not his spirit.

I read a tribute book dedicated to Des. Thoughts, prayers, questions and condolences from friends, church members, students. Many penned by hand, many delivered via Internet. Different stories, different memories, but a common thread- an almost other-worldly kind of love and acceptance from a crazy kind of guy obsessed with gum and peoples' well-being.

The more I read, the more I understood this man whose hair had taken many shapes and colors throughout the years, who took his dog to work with him the first day as a chaplain (just to see what people would say!), and who always seemed to have someone under his wing, learning, growing, or finding refuge.

It became increasingly difficult for me to read because my eyes were watering, my heart breaking. It didn't (and doesn't) seem fair to have someone like Des ripped from us this soon, this quickly. Not fair to his friends and family, not fair to the students who looked to him for guidance, and certainly not fair to Lena. One student wrote, "You always told me life wasn't about fair. I just didn't think it would be this unfair." Those words seemed to sum up my feelings better than any. There's certainly a hole in our world right now.

When it comes down to it, there's much we don't and can't know. But we do know that, despite question and confusion (and yes, unfairness), God loves us and is present. He never said tragedy would bypass us, but that He would walk us through such times, and would work them for good (Romans 8:28). For His purposes, for His glory. For good. But we must decide if we'll believe and trust Him to do that.

We sat and ate that night, the six of us. Chatter, stories, banter and laughter. Later we prayed, and the hurt and tears that are never far away quickly surfaced. It was good, as there's much to work through, and it'll take time. And with all I don't know, there's something that I do. Des would want us to be about his Father's business, to not lose heart and to continue to fight hard. After all, we'll all face this same thief someday, and when that time comes, we want to do it in triumph, in victory, and in assurance of where we're going. Des did, and he'd expect no less from us.

That's how kids who never grow up tend to think.

Location: brisbane, au

reach out and touch...

2010-06-30T09:51:00.001-07:00

Our team is settling in to life and ministry in Brisbane. We arrived yesterday a little bleary-eyed, but excited about the opportunities before us. Following a good night's rest, we spent today in the city. Much of it was at an animal sanctuary where we were sufficiently introduced to the unique wildlife of this country (see "www.kaccgoteams.blogspot.com" for a more detailed look).

But the real fun was tonight, when we met at the Ann Street Church for an evening of connection with international students. This weekly gathering draws those desiring stronger English skills, as well as those wanting friendships. We spent our time talking to and interacting with young people from Korea, Japan, China, France, Taiwan (at least!) whose English conversation skills covered a spectrum of ability. The common bond I felt among them was their desire to connect in some way to others who might strengthen them in their new life surroundings.

It's easy for me to forget at times that many around me struggle with relationships. They may feel fractured, isolated, or unable to make the kind of connections that help them cope and move forward in their world. Reasons may be obvious, as with these students from far-away places, or subtle, but they are real and can be paralyzing, crippling, devastating.

The good news that Jesus brought was not just a "get out of hell free" card
(although that's nice), but the hope for restored and restructured relationships- first vertically (with God), then horizontally (with each other). Our hope is in the fact that we don't have to try to make it on our own. That we need each other and we have each other for support, encouragement, and strength in the journey. And that if we take the time to reach out, we discover that many are eager to respond- not only to gain a friend, but to be one. And God knows we can all use a friend.

I'm glad I got to make some new connections tonight. I hope I encouraged them in some way, and I know they strengthened me a little more for what will lie ahead. Make the effort to express good news to those around you by showing the love of Jesus through your desire to connect, and not simply speaking words to that effect.

I find it's a whole lot more powerful...and more friendly, too.

- Posted far too late at night because we ran all day.

Location:Brisbane, AU

the unity of community

2010-04-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a long past few days...capped off by cancer surgery today for my wife, Liz. We had a 5:30 am appointment at our local hospital, so of course we awoke several times last night, just to make sure we didn't sleep through the alarm. And (of course!) Liz was downstairs and ready to go by 5:00- she just wanted to make sure she was gonna be on time for her big day!

Everything went according to plan today: easy, efficient and compassionate check-in and prep; surgery on schedule and a confident doctor (that's a real good quality!); encouraging post-operative report and prognosis for the days ahead. We all breathed a huge sigh of relief today, as everything seemed to dovetail together in a positive way.

But Liz and I both believe there was a huge contributing factor to all the good of the day: we were surrounded by the prayers and presence of brothers and sisters who took it upon themselves to intercede on our behalf, to stand in the gap for us, to be there for us and offer their assistance, to pray for God's healing, strength and peace over our lives.

As news went out of Liz's condition through word of mouth, Facebook, texts, etc., people began to contact us to find out more and tell us that they were praying for us. Many at church connected with us yesterday, and last night and today there were so, so many Facebook notes that indicated our family in Christ was standing firm with us. Some were fasting and praying for Liz, others offered post-op meals (and other help), still others let us know that they would be present today during surgery. And they were. Friends rose from throughout the country and (literally) the world to encourage us.

Needless to say, we're overwhelmed with such a response. As I posted on Facebook, I think Liz and I are accustomed to being providers of care and love to others in times of need, and we forget what it's like to be on the other side of the issue. We're humbled to the point of tears, and thankful for friends and family who understand the place and strength of relationships. Which brings me to the crux of things as I write tonight: this kind of love and concern is what the church is supposed to be about.

We're designed in Christ to be closely connected. Consider some pictures of the Church in Scripture- we're likened to a family, a body, a building. Such images depict an interlocking oneness, a relational intimacy, a one-for-all and all-for-one attitude. Because church

is not somewhere we go, but something we are. It's not an organization but an organism. Not a location, but a people.

And it's this relational aspect that brings and binds us together as one. We're designed to be so interwoven that the Apostle Paul could say that "if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." (1 Corinthians 12:26) Our joys and trials are not supposed to be experienced alone, but rather in conjunction with each other. We're designed to do life together, standing with each other, strengthening each other, struggling and laughing with each other.

These last few days, Liz and I have sensed this kind of relationship. Our brothers and sisters really are there for us- neighbors, co-workers, teammates, friends from high school and from last month. People with whom we share daily, and those we've not heard from in a long time. Family from throughout the US, from Canada, Mexico, Bolivia, India, Kenya, the Philippines, Australia, Korea, and a few more wonderful places. We're blessed beyond measure, and know that our part now is to pay this love forward to others who will need it like we have.

Thank you, family, for being there for us. We still have some rough patches ahead, but we're confident we'll get through them by God's grace...and your partnership. Keep sharing, praying, connecting and loving like you have- with those like us who are going through life's trials.

Because that's what you're designed to do.

why?

2010-04-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

A whirlwind of thoughts and activities recently, many of them troubling, unsettling, and without certain (immediate) conclusions or answers. We received word a few days ago that one of our good friends and leaders of the Ann Street Church of Christ in Brisbane, Australia, suddenly died. Des Mann was only 33, an energetic and athletic soul (actually, sometimes more of an oversized kid!), chairman of the church board, high school chaplain, husband, friend, and servant of Christ. He suffered a heart attack and left us far too soon. Left friends and loved ones in a state of shock and disbelief. Left a gap that will take much time to fill. Left us all with many more questions than answers...at least for the moment.

Then yesterday, I received word that Don Slauson, good friend and head of our church's custodial department, had been hospitalized with heart problems. I spent time at the hospital with him and his family, as we waited for the doctor's analysis of the situation. Fortunately, he was stabilized and was doing much better by the end of the day. One of the ironies here is that Don and Betsy's daughter, Daun, is living in Brisbane, ministering with Ann Street- so she is doubly torn and suffering.

Over all this, my wonderful wife, Liz, was diagnosed last month with endometrial cancer (stage 1) and will have surgery to remove it in a couple of days. We've been processing that and re-evaluating our lives, ministry and focus in light of such sobering news. God has been more than gracious, and we've known His peace and presence in a fresh and powerful way. Liz has been remarkable (sure, I'm a little biased, but I do see her every day and I know!) in the whole thing, and her faith has provided a serenity and assurance that has carried her, as well as those of us around her, securely to this point.

In times like these, it's easy and normal to ask, "Why me?" But I heard Liz say a couple of weeks ago, "Why not me?" Hmmm. After all, if we are the ones who claim to have hope both in this life and beyond, we claim to know Someone who carries us through such storms, and we say we want our God to work mightily through us, then why not us? That has a certain ring of authenticity and truth to it.

It's hard to know why certain events happen why and when they do. An untimely tragedy, an unforeseen disease, an unscheduled disaster. And even though there are often pat answers and standards cliches (especially from those not immediately impacted), real answers are harder to find- at least in the moment. There is so much more that I don't know than that I do. But there are some thoughts that keep coming back to mind, via God's words:

Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. (Job 1:21)
Shall we accept good from the Lord and not calamity?" (Job 2:10b)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declared the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8,9)
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith... (1 Peter 5:8,9a)
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

There's something big going on around us, something larger and more ferocious than can be seen with mortal eyes. A drama being played out in the heavenly realms. And that means that there will always be more that we don't comprehend than that we do. But we can hold on to what we do know and what God has already shown us. For surely, if He's been faithful to this point, He will continue to be faithful past this point. And He will weave life events together, be they good, difficult or even unbearable, into a tapestry that will ultimately display His goodness, His glory, and His victory in and through us.

Just keep holding on.

missionaries- pass or fail?

2010-02-16T16:59:00.000-08:00

I'm amped up, excited and can hardly wait. Next month (March 13-21) is our time of missions emphasis at Knott Avenue Church. We call it, Beyond...9 Days in March, and we use it to encourage those we support locally and globally, as well as to educate and challenge our people about missions on a worldwide scale. And what they can do to help get the job done.

Having been a missionary, I've heard much of the negative attributed to those who leave their own cultures to share life and message with those who don't know the Savior. I realize that far too often missionaries brought western culture, thinking, values and ways with them, and taught people as much about being western as about being Christians. I know that they often promoted a colonial mindset among those they went to serve, keeping converts dependent upon foreign direction, leadership and funding. That the message of Christ too often got overlaid upon a bed of indigenous beliefs, creating syncretism and Cristo-paganism. Yep, in some places, missionaries made a mess of things. We don't deny that.

But I also know that it was missionaries who went where real trouble and needs existed. They were founders and propagators of the bulk of hospitals, orphanages, schools and charities in the most challenging parts of the world. They risked (and often sacrificed) their lives because of a passion to alleviate suffering and bring healing and hope to those in dire need. They actually acted as a buffer in many places, preparing people for the inevitability of encroaching of western expansion. They brought peace among peoples who had warred for hundreds of years, changed the source of social policy for the betterment of the people, led campaigns for the rights of the oppressed and suffering. And all too often, suffered right alongside them.

I recently heard Ray Bakke (a renowned urban pastor, professor and author) speak and his reference to what missionaries have done historically gave me pause for reflection and joy. He said that in 1900, 90% of all Christians in the world were white, northern and western (European and North American). 90%! But by 1980, more than 50% of the world's Christians were non-white, non-northern and non-western. And that today, 80% of the world's active Christians are outside the West! That for the first time since the 5th century, Christianity is a non-western religion!

And he went on to ask his audience if they understood what those statistics meant. They meant that, among other things, missionaries did their job! That they were successful in getting the Gospel from here to there! And I remembered that even in weakness, in failings, and fall-short efforts, God works. He takes what is bring to His table, however little, limited or flawed, and makes of it great success, great progress, great gain. Not because of who we are, but because of who He is.

And then I reflected on our labors, both in the Philippines and here, and I was filled with joy. Because I knew that God took what we gave, and somehow fashioned it into the tool He was looking for to make a difference in lives in need. Because of who He is. And what He wants to see happen. And I remembered again that whether it's outside my front door or outside my borders, there are people to be reached, lives to be touched, needs to be met. And that sometimes I may need to support a missionary, while other times I need to be that missionary.

Join us in March, won't you, as we allow God to speak to us as people who both support and go, whether around the corner or around the world, with a message of hope for a dying world.

Give 'em heaven, missionaries.

the impact of life

2010-02-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

A life lived faithfully. Spent for the right reasons. Touching those in need and blessing those near and far. Such words describe, however minimally, our good friend Beverly "Betty" Wright, who recently left this world to be with her Lord. We celebrated her life last Sunday at Westside Christian Church (our former church), in Long Beach.

The auditorium was packed as we listened and shared together about the life of one woman who made such a difference in the lives of so many. Betty was a pillar of that congregation. Had been for years, as she served in just about any capacity necessary. Making sure the grounds were beautifully kept, contacting those in need, encouraging others around her (young and old), participating in leadership meetings, issues and decisions. Always smiling, always helpful, always positive. That's how I remember her.

Betty had a special place in our family's life. For several of the 12 years we served in the Philippines, she was our stateside representative. She took care of our banking (that couldn't have been much fun!), kept people updated about our situation, and was our link to sanity here at home. I know that more than once she went to the others in her Bible study to tell them that "Mike and Liz need more money for their lives and work." And then she would simply wait until the group provided what she thought was sufficient for the moment! Her concern for our well-being and ministry was obvious to us, and helped us feel that much more secure.

There's an apocryphal story that I know Betty liked (she told me so). It's about the Old Testament character, Enoch, of whom it's said did not taste death. Genesis 5 tells us that Enoch walked with God, and then he was no more, for God took him away. The story is told that each day Enoch went out for his walk with God. Day after day they would walk and talk about so many different things. And at the end of each day, Enoch would return home. One day, Enoch and God had walked very far together, not noticing the day getting on because their time together was so rich. At the end of that day Enoch prepared to turn around, but God said, "Enoch, it is very late and you have walked very far. Why don't you come home with me tonight?" And so they simply kept walking together.

The same could be said of Betty. She walked with God, and He with her. He encouraged and challenged her, and was her comfort and guide as they navigated life together. It seems only fitting that at some point He looked at her and said, "Betty, my precious daughter, you've walked so far with me day after day, and now it's grown late. Why don't you just come home with me now?" And so she did.

Our loss, heaven's gain. A life well-spent, graciously given, poured out for the One she loved the most. We'll miss you, Betty, but we're grateful for your time with us. Because we're better people. We've seen God through you and it's made a difference in us.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

it's good to be reminded

2010-01-30T14:34:00.000-08:00

Last night (Friday), we held our monthly Community Supper, an evening each month where we invite those around us, whether in apartments, homes, motels or on the street, to join us for an evening meal and some valuable hang time. It's my favorite night of the month (those who work this ministry hear me say that each month!) because God always shows up in some significant way. And I love the time we have with many our own society has discarded as insignificant or of no real value.

Three events took place last night that humbled me again, and reminded me of the value of these evenings. As the crowd of about 100 entered our Fellowship Hall to begin the evening, Bradford, an older man who's been on the streets for years and is usually drunk (to some degree) found me. He put his hands on my shoulders and said, "You know why I come to these meals, Mike? Not because I'm hungry, but because I'm lonely, and I just have to be around people that I know love me so I won't be so lonely."

Later, one of our homeless men, Bobby (with me here), came up and told me how much he liked listening to my messages, but that he disagreed with everything that I say (I already knew this, as we've had lots of conversations!). But he wanted to make a time to sit together and hash out this entire "Christian-thing" once for all. He said he wanted lots of time to talk, discuss and argue, but that we had to settle the issue. Finally! We've prayed for him for years. Please pray this time will be life-changing for him.

As I was welcoming the group and preparing to pray to begin our evening, one of our gals approached me with a plastic bag. I figured she was needlessly interrupting what I was doing, but she told me the bag and the card with it were for me, and that I had to open them. So standing on a chair before our roomful of people, I looked into the bag and found a rug that had been purchased for me with money raised from this crowd! And opening the envelope, I found a thank-you card sign by so many of those in attendance (click the picture)! I had no idea that this project had been taking place for no apparent reason, except to say thanks. I took that card home and looked it over, reading the signatures and notes again and again. Just sitting and reading. And thinking of so many faces, lives and stories.

And I remembered why this is my favorite night of the month.

haitian hope

2010-01-22T18:45:00.000-08:00

The Haitian people are deeply spiritual. This has been evident throughout the capitol region following the quake as groups have gathered together to pray, worship and give thanks to God. These events have not escaped the attention of the media, which has acted at times almost incredulously at the expression of faith expressed in the face of such great agony.

About 80% of the nation professes Roman Catholicism, while 16% engage in some form of Protestantism. And for many, their faith is evident in their daily lives. But voodoo, a spiritistic practice combining African cultic practices with European and indigenous elements dominates well over half the population. Voodoo focuses on connection with spirits, especially in the areas of healing and protection. Catholicism initially resisted these practices, but eventually syncretized voodoo within its own practices. Many Catholics participate in voodoo, believing the two systems actually complement, instead of contradict, each other. Protestants view voodoo as a demonic practice, and stand adamantly opposed to it, but even so, many Protestant believers maintain ties with their former practices.

When I was in Haiti almost ten years ago, our team served in with Northwest Haiti Christian Mission in Saint Louis du Nord. Several observations and impressions still stand out in my mind from that experience. We saw evidence of voodoo devotion everywhere. Objects of devotion were on and in homes we passed. We encountered a group preparing to sacrifice a cow, and even witnessed a face-to-face between one of our preachers and the voodoo priest. We heard the drums of voodoo gatherings each night just beyond the borders of our compound wall, indicating ceremonies that were taking place. One night during a church meeting, we were blessed being part of a group of 500-800 Haitian believers, praising God in song and dance for well over an hour. The level of worship and excitement in the air were electric and we were impressed with what we saw as the devotion of the local believers. But the missionary informed us that at least 70% of those believers still held voodoo fetishes (objects thought to contain great power in the spirit world) in their homes. Although they were Christians, they found it difficult to break completely with old practices, either because of fear, habit, or "just in case" they might ever need the help.

I have a deep respect for my Haitian brothers and sisters who have given their all for the cause of Christ. Such a commitment can mean great difficulty in the culture, both socially and spiritually. Those who follow Christ have a deep understanding of what it means to trust Him in all areas of their lives, whether material, emotional or spiritual. I believe that the future of this country depends upon these kinds of people, who understand what it means to walk in the light of Christ, and reject paths that run counter to God's way.

Please keep the Haitian believers in prayer, that God will speak through their lives and leadership, that they will remain faithful in the face of constant compromise, and that God will grant them victory over the evil one and all his schemes. The road was a difficult one before January 12, and it just got much, much harder. But even as the thief rejoices over the death, destruction and despair that he sees, God works. He prepares. He empowers. And He will have the glory. Because He know the plans He has for His people, and those plans include a future.

And a hope.

haiti history

2010-01-19T20:53:00.000-08:00

Haiti is one of those countries that we've heard of (especially now), yet know so little about. We know it's impoverished, has struggled with corruption, practices voodoo (along with other religions) and has needs in every area. But until last week's quake, most couldn't tell you much more, if even this much.

Here are a few more thoughts that help paint a little more of the Haitian picture. Haiti occupies the island of Hispaniola alongside the Dominican Republic. It was the first independent nation in Latin America, the first post-colonial independent black-led nation in the world, and the only nation whose independence was gained as part of a successful slave rebellion. Columbus landed on the island in 1492, the Spanish imported African slaves in the 1500's, and pirates found Haiti strategic in the 17th and 18th centuries (Jean Lafitte was born in Port-au Prince in 1782).

Encouraged by the French Revolution, Haitian military and general population led a successful quest for independence from the French, winning victory in 1804. Their political leadership has been turbulent and often problematic for much of the time since. In its last 200 years, Haiti has suffered 32 coups of its leadership, damaging its progress as a nation. From 1957-1986, the country was ruled, by dictators- first, Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier, then his son, Jean-Claude, aka "Baby Doc." Their regimes created a private army and terrorist death squads that terrorized the masses and allowed them to maintain their grip on the country.

Some other significant items:

98% of the forested land has been cut down for cooking fuel, destroying farmlands and creating a desert environment in many areas;
Only 40% of the population (pre-quake) has access to basic health care;
90% of Haitian children suffer with waterborne diseases and parasites;
TB is 10 times higher than in other Latin American countries;
Haiti is considered among the the poorest, if not the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere;
Most Haitians live on $2 a day, and at least 1/3 of the population is illiterate;
50% of the country's 9.8 million people is under the age of 20;
Cite Soleil, a slum of Port-au-Prince, is the largest slum (200,000-500,000), and is considered the most dangerous place in the Western Hemisphere. (Thanks, Wikipedia, for all the info)

Grim? You bet. Impossible? Maybe for us, but not for God. In the midst of this agony and struggle, He's active and working. Because with much trouble comes much opportunity. God's response in all this can be seen in the lives of His people on the ground. But what about our response?

It's easy for many to look at the Haiti and other nations like it, and dismiss them, calling them to be accountable for their own situation. While valid to a point, this cannot be the only response or solution. And turning our back on, or ignoring peoples such as these will not make things better, or make them go away. I realize the answers are complex, and maybe even

unfixable (at least in our thinking), but I also know that we must care. We must demonstrate tangible, measurable love. Beyond the natural disasters. Beyond the catastrophes. Beyond that small window of opportunity when its chic and sexy to show our concern. Because when it comes down to it, it's a matter of investing ourselves somewhere, with someone, in some way that makes a difference. Maybe not to a nation, but to a person. That's where it always begins.

Where have you begun?

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

1 John 3:18

Haitian Horror

2010-01-16T21:35:00.000-08:00

By now you've seen the pictures. You've heard the stories. You've shaken your head in disbelief. I know you have, if you're human at all.

The horrific scenario now developing in Haiti following the earthquake has left the world in a state of incredulity. It's beyond my comprehension (and maybe yours, too) to try to envision the kind of devastation that would leave as many as 100,000 dead, and a city (and nation) virtually wiped out...in a matter of seconds.

Now we're viewing the ongoing despair in near real-time. And there's report after report, video after video, gut-wrenching photos and stories every hour. While we, as a church, have planned our initial response (and are praying about what else we might do), I'm painfully aware of a subtle danger already creeping into my heart: tragedy overload.

There's only so much imagery I can ingest without beginning to sense a numbness to what I'm viewing. Only so much sorrow I want to allow to pierce my heart. Only so much room within me to feel for people far enough removed that I feel helpless to make much of a difference. Then this afternoon it hit me- what if God suffered tragedy overload? What if He said, "There's just too much sorrow. I gotta shut it down, because I don't have anywhere else to put this stuff that makes me so sad."?

I know God is bigger than this. That's why He's God. But as His servant and ambassador, I'm convicted again to continue to extend myself, my heart, and my hand, and push back hard against the numbness that can shut me down. My role is not to turn off, but to pray harder, think longer, give more, and rally others for the benefit of these victims. Because it's tough to be God's hands and feet if I allow my shut-down switch to flip when people need his presence the most.

The next time you feel like tuning out because it's just too painful, because you've seen so much you have nowhere to put any more, remember that God never looks away, never shuts it down. And if He's going to demonstrate His compassion in the midst of tragedy, He's going to want to do it through us.

But only if we're looking.

PS- check out Northwest Haiti Christian Mission (www.nwhcm.org). These are the people through whom we'll send our assistance at this time.

who's praying for whom?

2009-09-23T19:36:00.000-07:00

I realize that it's been too long since I last wrote. Life has moved quickly lately and I've been holding on as much as actually being in control! I began teaching a class at Hope International University (my alma mater) called, Ministry in the Urban Setting. I'll talk more about that in another post.

I did receive an email this week asking me my thoughts on the upcoming Muslim day of prayer in Washington DC, on Capitol Hill, scheduled for this Friday. According to the report, Muslims want to show the world that they love America too, that they're concerned for its direction and welfare, and that they want people to see how they pray. They're expecting 50,000 to attend the event, which will run from 4:00 am to 7:00 pm., as they try to help change the face of Islam in America, letting us see that many Muslims do not consider the US "the Great Satan." I was asked if I saw this as a threat or an opportunity.

My response was (in part) as follows:
Thanks for the note. I love the way you phrased your question: you asked if this might be threat or opportunity. That’s a great perspective, for I believe it might be (or become) whatever we choose to make it! I remember Joseph telling his brothers, “You meant this for evil, but God meant it for good.” It obviously concerns me to see something of this nature before us, legitimizing its claim to souls here in America. But at the same time, so many Muslims do see themselves as Americans and are grateful for their freedoms here. And if their young people tour our capitol with its shrines to freedom, democracy, and Christian foundation, perhaps something will rub off that will tell them that this country is even greater than they’ve been led to believe. AND…should this entire event not convict us to be on our knees in prayer- prayer for our country, our leaders, our direction and our neighbors living beside us who so desperately need to know the Savior?

So let’s be praying this Friday (and beyond!), and let’s challenge our brothers and sisters to do likewise. Surely that's the greatest spiritual weapon at our disposal. Let’s not keep it sheathed at such a critical time in our nation’s history.

God's randomness

2009-08-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

My wife, Liz, teaches kindergarten in the city of Long Beach. Has for the last 13 years. She loves it and is gifted at it. This year she had a team partner who battled cancer the entire term. She was out much of the time as her cancer was stage 4. We knew she was married, with two gorgeous little girls, but not a whole lot about her personal situation beyond that. A couple of weeks ago, Liz received word that her team partner had passed away. She had been given only three months to live last August, but fought bravely for nearly a year before finally succumbing to the ravages of the disease.

Coincidentally, in the last month or so, there's been a young man who has come to the church a couple of times for assistance. And also coincidentally, his wife was ill with cancer and they had two children he was trying to take care of. Unfortunately, they seemed to have little and he was in need of basic necessities, with which we were able to help him.

Last Sunday, this young father came over to talk to me following our last service. He had his kids with him as he stood quietly, waiting for me to finish a conversation with someone else. Liz, standing next to me, told me that he looked familiar to her. She told him as he approached that he looked a lot like the husband of a woman she worked with who had recently passed away from cancer. A startled look came over him as he replied that his wife had also just died the same way. They continued to compare notes and quickly realized that his wife had been Liz's team partner!

Two seemingly disconnected people...in seemingly disconnected situations...in two different counties...over the course of a year. Their paths now melding before us in a random way. But is it really? I don't know where this path with dad and these beautiful girls may take us, or what part we might play in the days ahead. But I do believe that the randomness of God has a certainty and purpose to it beyond our vision. That what may appear to be chance or happenstance is often much, much more in the hands of the One who weaves things together for His purposes. And our job? Maybe it's to find intentionality in the randomness of life, and to respond accordingly.

At least that's our intention with a dad and his daughters.

what God has joined together...

2009-07-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

How can one guy be so blessed? I just finished an almost indescribable time in the South Pacific, meeting new friends in New Zealand and reuniting with great friends in Brisbane. But God's blessings didn't stop with that trip. No sooner did I get back than we prepared for our son, Jon's, wedding. He and his fiance, Amy Smith, became husband and wife last Saturday in a beautiful front yard wedding in nearby Downey. Amy's dad, Dave, is also a pastor (and longtime friend), so we both officiated the ceremony. We even made the pronouncement that they were husband and wife in unison!

I just can't adequately express the joy that is in my heart in the wake of this wedding. My wife Liz and I have three great sons (Jon's the middle one, dancing here with Mom) and we're proud of them all, as you might imagine. But there's an extra amount of pride when you see one of your children walking a good path and then being able to see God's blessing in the midst of it all. Laying awake the night before the wedding, I wondered if I ought to be more nervous about everything, but I wasn't...because it seemed like this was the next, logical, and right step in Jon's life. My greatest concern was (and still is) how adequately I'd done my job as his father in preparing him for adulthood. OK, now that makes me nervous.

Bride and groom were stunning that afternoon (take a look!), just dazzling. And as they repeated their vows to each other, I realized that that all we had worked and sacrificed for, all the hours, joys, heartbreaks, prayers, and time spent were investments culminating in this grand and sacred moment. And it both excited and humbled me to realize that some kind of baton was being passed to those who would carry our values and vision to another place, another level.

You know, I actually made it through the ceremony without crying (even though some thought that would be impossible!). But as I think of Jon and Amy and the new life they're beginning together, I get choked up...and I thank God for the privilege of His hand on our kids. I know I so often missed the mark through the years, but His grace covered an awful lot. That's obvious. And I think of the Apostle John's words in 3 John 4, in a literal way:

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Walk well, kids. We love you.

one last look

2009-07-06T00:09:00.000-07:00

And as quickly as it came, so it's nearly finished (for me, at least- one final Aussie sunset for me on right). The team is now in Eidsvold, having left yesterday (Sunday) afternoon. I, on the other hand, am winging my way back to sunny SoCal, as our son, Jon, is making plans to get married Saturday. Currently sitting in the Auckland airport, I've been reflecting on some of the events, meetings, reunions, introductions, lessons, and laughter of the last two weeks.

I began in Christchurch, New Zealand, meeting a church planting team with which KACC has begun a partnership. From there I arrived in Brisbane a few days ahead of the team. Time to catch up with friends there, including our missionary Daun Slauson. The Ann Street Church has been going through a rough patch the last 6 months of so, and as they emerge the better for it, I was able to share with them over some of the issues and upcoming direction.

You'd be proud of the team and the job they're doing connecting with people around them. They've had many meaningful conversations and opportunities to talk about the good news of Jesus, and they've stepped up each time (that's Sarah Bishop sharing in church). They've been wholehearted into everything they've done (and they've done a lot already!), and have not shrunk back from any challenge set before them. Pray for their time in Eidsvold (they'll be there until Thursday) as they continue to deepen relationships with many (especially youth) who need to know so much about God's love and desire for them.

And as usual, I take my leave with the usual tearing inside, excited to head home (I miss my family tons!), but having to leave brothers, sisters and opportunities in this place of ministry. When I got to the airport here in NZ, I did something different, for me anyway. I stopped inside the chapel for awhile. One thing I was counting on- and I wasn't disappointed- I was by myself!

I was able to read Scripture and pray aloud, and even sing some praises aloud (but quietly!). I can't express to you just how valuable that time was for my spirit. I was able to begin putting thoughts together from my experience and talk with God about what lies ahead. I took time to thank Him again for the last few weeks, and lift up the team as they continue on. And I was reminded how much I need to stop like this in my daily life and cry out to Him about issues on my heart, hear Him speak to me, and find the still waters from which He wants to feed me. I understand again the need for Sabbath rest, and though I'm not good at doing it, I'm making this a point for my own growth when I get back.

As I contemplated in that chapel my ministry- the "why" of what I do- I found Matthew 16 and read again the words of Jesus. He said," What would it profit a man if he gained the whole world but forfeited his own soul? What is more valuable than a human soul?" And I saw again why I do what I do. Because there's nothing of greater value than a human soul. Jesus proved it in his death, and I want to make sure my life revolves around that same value, the value of a life. That's why we're out here with brothers like John and Eugene (on right). That's why we take time to introduce people to the grace and hope of God. Because they matter so much to Him. Because they're worth more than anything in this world. Because Jesus came for them just as He did for us. Doesn't matter if they're American or Australian. Kiwi,indigenous or islander. Up-and-comers or down-and-outers. They all matter to God. And therefore they must matter to us. So we'll continue to go, share, work, weep, love, laugh and serve. Could there be any greater investment?

Not a chance.

1 night, 2 cultures, 1 message

2009-07-04T06:39:00.000-07:00

Now that's what I'm talking about. What a great evening. We helped serve Ann Street's monthly Community BBQ to their neighbors on the street, something they've been doing a couple of years now. They adapted the concept from our own Community Suppers, but with a twist. First, they barbecue the meat they serve (since they barbecue just about everything but spaghetti!). Then, because of logistics, they serve the meal on the front steps of the church, right out on the sidewalk. This has proven quite successful, as many have come simply because they were passing by at the right time.

Tonight we had about 60 men and women show up, most of them living on or nearly on the streets. Many had great stories to share and were eager to talk to a group of Yanks. I was proud of our team, as they worked tirelessly preparing the meal. We found out Ligaya (on left) is a chef from the Hilton, and she really made the presentation of the meal shine! After preparing, the group set up and served the crowd. I then looked around and found everyone sitting and sharing with those who came to eat. What a great and satisfying sight- I was blessed.

Following the dinner, we hurried over to another church hall to catch the end of celebratory dances of the Torres Strait Islander people. It's their yearly observance of the coming of the Bible to their islands in 1871, and is called The Festival of the Coming of the Light. We got to see about 30 minutes of dancing that had been going on since 2:00 p.m. today! It was a real cultural treat to sit with these people as they remember and give thanks for the Scriptures' entrance into their society.

Two cultural experiences, each different from the other. Each with an acknowledgement of God (for the most part), yet with an always-present need to know Him more fully. Each with hopes, dreams and struggles that can't be dealt with alone. Each with a desire to somehow do and be better tomorrow. Each with a story, a journey, and a destination. And tonight, each with a group from somewhere halfway around the world connecting, learning, serving and sharing the love of Jesus like it makes a difference.

Because it does.

it's a beautiful day

2009-07-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

Who knew having a good time could be so much work?! In the last few days we've ridden, bustled, interacted, learned, served, laughed, dozed, played, shared, listened, and connected (just to name a few of the verbs!) here in Brisbane. Wednesday we spent the morning with youth from Ann Street learning to play cricket (you think baseball's slow?!), then learned to throw boomerangs in the afternoon. We crowned Jamie the stud of the day, as he played some mean cricket, and threw and caught boomerangs- at least a few of them- with the ability of a local. Most of us simply threw sticks.

Yesterday we went on a bushwalk (about 3 miles, I think), again with Ann Street young people. We were in a rain forest outside the city, and we enjoyed being a part of perhaps the most beautiful creation some of us have ever seen. After lunch we went to another park (there are so many of them in this city) and played games with the kids. This bonding time is so important, as many of them will travel to Eidsvold with us next week. Today we cleaned the grounds around and indigenous Christian Center in a city of metro Brisbane. We cut trees, trimmed bushes, moved wood, disposed of cane toads (ask the boys about it- ugh!), cleaned under the church house (another ugh!) and generally shaped the place up. The afternoon saw us head to the Gold Coast where we spent the evening together.

Our time so far has allowed us to unite as a team as we've gotten to know each other. We've also been able to know better our hosts and the church with which we're partnering. And we'll travel to Eidsvold Sunday afternoon, after spending tomorrow learning about aboriginal history, working our way through downtown on foot, and helping with the church's Community BBQ. All we have done and will do has one goal- connecting us with people here, and giving us the chance to share with them the message of life we have in Jesus. It's a sorely needed message and we pray for open doors and boldness as we go out. In this great place. With these great new friends. With our great God.

Hey, it's tough work, but somebody's gotta do it.

but do you really understand?

2009-07-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

Communication is always interesting in another culture. In some countries it's obvious that we don't speak the same language at all and we have to work at basic concepts. In others, we share a common language and it's much easier (or so we think!).

I saw this sign on the streets of Brisbane (double-click pic to enlarge), and my sideways humor couldn't resist thinking, "I wonder how they actually know that they should cross at that intersection?!" Now I recognize the sign is really for the benefit of drivers, and not pedestrians, but for just a moment I saw that what was undoubtedly clear in the mind of the signmaker might not necessarily be understood as clearly in the mind of the reader. Ahhh, communication- it takes two, doesn't it?

Since Australia is an English-speaking nation, communication here is relatively simple and straightforward...or so you would think. There are, however, words and phrases unique to the culture. Some examples of unique/modified words include: fair dinkum (someone or something genuine); chook (chicken); billy (metal can used to boil tea over a fire); my shout (I'll pay this time); icy pole (popsicle); off with the fairies (daydreaming); sticky beak (nosy person); tuck shop (cafeteria); snag (sausage); whinge (complain); fairy floss (cotton candy); woop woop (far away); lollies (candy); yobbo (redneck); car park (parking lot); letter box (mailbox); arvo (afternoon); brekky (breakfast); rellies (relatives); and a host of others. Not everyone uses all such words, but some are commonplace and take some getting used to, especially if we want to understand and be understood clearly.

Which makes me think again about the way we communicate the Gospel, whether in our own culture or in another. There are words, terms and phrases that are common to us but may not make sense to those around us with little or no spiritual background. Of course, "church terminology" seems pretty much out (words like justification, sanctification, washed in the blood of the Lamb, redeemed, ransomed, etc). But there are other terms that we may think people do understand which may no longer be so clear. Think about words/ideas such as repent, commit, lord, savior, faith, hope, invite Jesus into your heart, saved, and even love. The definitions and concepts of what we might consider basic terms have shifted for many. And the great mistake we make is to assume everyone understands our words without making sure we're talking about the same things. Remember, communication isn't just about what you say, but what's received by your listener as well. It really does take two.

All this to say that you need to think about what you say AND how you say it. That just as we have to think through our words when in another culture, so you and I- even in our own surroundings- must realize that we're really speaking to another culture. An unchurched and often unaware culture. Choose your words in such a way that people will really get what you're trying to tell them, because in order to receive good news, they've got to understand it first.

And when you do, the person you're talking to might even think, "Good on 'im! He's a fair dinkum and a good mate, and I think I'll have 'im over for a cuppa and bikkies this arv to chase up this talk about Jesus!" (Good job on his part! He's a genuine guy and a friend, and I'll invite him for a cup of coffee [or tea] and cookies this afternoon and follow up on what he says about Jesus!)

sunday, blessed sunday

2009-06-29T05:19:00.000-07:00

I had a Sunday in Brisbane before the arrival of our GO! Team, and it was spent with the church at Ann Street. It's a small multi-ethnic congregation in the heart of the city, doing what they can to stay alive, grow, and impact their world for the Gospel. They're a mix of white and indigenous Australia, international students, homeless, old timers and newbies. All with one overriding need and desire- to know the life and hope that Jesus offers.

I spoke in the morning service and I was blessed by being back in a small church environment, where time constraints aren't a major factor (not like a mega-church schedule, anyway) and there's an ability to simply exhale and relax before the Lord. The service operated on a more personal basis (that can be good or bad), and I think I'd forgotten how good it was to be a part of such an experience. My spirit was encouraged and strengthened, and I felt I had quality time with God. That's always good.

The afternoon was a blast. My Aussie friend (and Ann St. elder), Tim and I popped into an Islander service that meets downstairs at the church. This little group, about 25 this Sunday, is led by Pastor Graham from Papua New Guinea. We're friends, and when he saw us come in, he promptly told his people that I'd be bringing the message! I shared the account from Luke 9, when Jesus challenged three men to count the cost of following Him. I talked about the priority of lordship and the excuses we make, and even had a running conversation for a time with a homeless guy in the back. I guess some things never change!

As I sat, Pastor Graham offered an impassioned invitation based on the message, and before it was all said and done- and trust me, there was lots said!- 14 people stood before us to recommit their lives to the Lord. It was a great way to end the day, seeing God's hand move in the lives of people a world away from mine. And it reminded me of the urgency of our message wherever we go. For surely, just as people hunger to know Jesus in a real way here in Oz, so in our own neighborhoods and backyards people need the same message. Because they have the same needs. The same hurts. The same Savior.

You may never make it down here, but you've got a message and an audience wherever you are. Look around and find that person in your life now who could use some good news. Then make it your priority to get that message to him or her in some way. No airfare or passport necessary.

Just a heart that cares.

the land of oohs and oz

2009-06-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight's the night! Sunday, the 28th, our KACC GO! Team Australia boards a Quantas 747 and heads for 2 weeks in Brisbane. There are 16 total team members (some shown in this pic) and they'll have a group in the state of Queensland eagerly waiting their arrival. Since I'm already in country, I'll be able (for once) to actually meet my own team coming into their field of service- at 6:00 am on the 3oth!

Australia's a secular county that has seen declining interest and participation in Christianity for several years. And yet there's a spiritual hunger in the lives of many that is opening their hearts again to the words and path of Jesus. Our team will once again partner with Ann Street Church of Christ in the heart of Brisbane (where our own Daun Slauson serves as a missionary!), joining them in sports and evangelistic outreaches to local youth, as well as in service projects. We'll serve alongside Ann Street as they host their monthly version of our Community Supper, will spend several days in an outback community building relationships with locals there as we share our message of life with them, and will even take in an Aussie Rules football game (seen on left)!

Our goal is to serve the Australian Church in every way possible as we learn about God's work (and our part in it) in another culture. We'll continue to build on relationships begun by prior teams and leave a good base on which future teams may continue to add. Please pray for our effectiveness as servants and witnesses, opportunities and boldness, safety and new life perspectives. And for lives to be touched for eternity- theirs and ours.

And check back here for info and thoughts about this experience. Good on ya!

can't get over being down under

2009-06-25T04:29:00.001-07:00

As Willy once sang, "I'm on the road again...", my bags are packed and I left for New Zealand and Australia last Sunday (follow at http://www.kaccgoteams.blogspot.com/). The current stop in New Zealand is to get to know a church planting team we're supporting in Christchurch. I'll go on from here to meet our Global Outreach team in Brisbane as we connect again with our missionary, Daun Slauson, and our friends at Ann Street Church of Christ.

My time in NZ, short as its been, has been eye-opening and challenging. So many spiritual needs in this culture. So many similarities with our situation (and many others). Tonight I was struck by those similarities as my hosts brought in a movie, one that speaks of the life situation of the Maori people, the indigenous population of this country. It's called Once Were Warriors, and it chronicles the life of a contemporary Maori family in Auckland, complete with their struggles and challenges.

Once Were Warriors is an intense movie that showcases the futility in which many indigenous people find themselves. Life issues (employment, education, choices) create a downward spiraling cycle that catches the family in alcoholism, abuse, gangs, and violence- a far cry from the ancestry from which they came. The factors and resolve necessary to break such a cycle come at a terribly high price, and while there is forward movement by movie's end, I'm left struggling with images and situations depicted. For a couple of reasons.

First, the life circumstances in which these Maori (and certainly not all Maori face such challenges) are not unique to this culture. Hauntingly similar parallels may be drawn with the Aboriginals of Australia, highland tribal groups of the Philippines, our own Native Americans and more. I shudder to think just how many peoples throughout the world are caught in similar webs of destruction. Surely we must recognize and deal with common factors and reasons if real progress is to be made in reversing so many of these patterns.

Secondly, this movie was secular and the high price paid was the life of an individual. But the spiritual reality is that an infinitely higher price has already been paid for damaged and broken lives (and doesn't that include us all?)- the life of God's own Son. His death provides the path to break through old destructive patterns and discover life the way He intended us to live it. And it's the responsibility of those of us who've chosen to walk this path to do whatever we can to help others walk it as well. I guess I'm bothered by that inasmuch as there are so many traveling the wrong direction, and sometimes I feel that we (I?) do so little to effectively intervene in a way that makes a difference. That's what we're to be about, no matter where we go, no matter what we do. So many are dying before us- what difference do they make to us...and what difference do we make to them? That's a great reminder for me at the front end of a missions trip.

And at every point in life.

thank you, aldeana

2009-05-28T21:29:00.001-07:00

Wow! I just realized how long it's been since I last wrote. I know better than that, but then I reflect on things that have been going on around me lately. Seems I've been caught up in a lot of stuff, busy at work and at home, meaning all along to jot down items on my mind but not quite making it to the keyboard. Lots of "little" life issues tend to crowd up before my face, suddenly appearing larger and more obtrusive than they actually are. Suddenly they become disproportionally large, consuming my focus and attention.

Then the call came. The call that put things back into perspective. I received it just the other night, a friend calling to tell me that the wife of my former high school pastor (I first met them when I gave my life to Christ when I was 15), passed away last week. Her name was Aldeana Hinkle (on left in a 2006 photo with her husband, Don), and she meant every bit as much to me during my early years as a follower of Christ as Don did.

I remember countless times when I would drop by their home to talk to Don. I was going through my share of young adult issues and angst, and Don seemed to have the right word at the right moment. But sometimes he wasn't there. It was then that Aldeana would put down whatever she was doing and spend time listening to my questions, wonderings, confusion and discoveries. She welcomed me as if I belonged in her home and allowed me to safely grow up there, a little bit at a time.

Aldeana had lots to do. Two young kids (at that time) that needed her. A home and husband to take care of. Piano lessons to offer. A personal health history that was less than perfect. She could've maintained her already busy schedule, told me when Don would be back and sent me on my way...and I would've never known the difference. But she didn't. She didn't let urgent things of daily life prevent her from accomplishing what she must have figured were important things that came up. She chose to make time for a teenage kid who was trying to figure out which was was up in life. I guess because she saw something of value in him. Go figure.

I haven't seen Aldeana in years. But her impact in my life, almost 40 years later now, will never be forgotten. Neither will I forget that I must guard against allowing the urgent to crowd out the important, whatever (or whoever) that looks like at my front door.

I'm so glad she didn't.

aloha or allah?

2009-05-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

Imagine that you're stepping into your Wayback Machine (remember that great show?). Imagine that you've set the dial for 1949 New York. Now imagine that you're standing on a sidewalk in the Big Apple. You pick up a newspaper. Perusing the headlines, you read that the state legislature has just introduced a bill to recognize the cultural achievements and contributions of the nation of Japan. They've overwhelmingly approved the recognition of a "Japan Day" to be recognized throughout the state.

Just eight years after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and four years following the end of World War 2, lawmakers in New York somehow find it appropriate to honor those who so brazenly attacked our country and helped plunge our globe into a time of chaos and destruction. And you ask yourself whether or not anyone living in Hawai'i (let alone anywhere else in the US) would be excited about such a recognition or celebration.

A crazy thought? A goofy idea? A bad script for Sherman and Mr. Peabody? Apparently not. Lawmakers in Hawai'i just last week authored a bill that would create an "Islam Day" in the state, an official day to recognize and honor the contributions and achievements of Islam throughout history.

I won't launch into my diatribe about the absurdity of this proposal. Of the three dissenting voters, one pointed out that the majority of the Muslim world actually cheered the events of 9/11. Setting aside such a day is like rewarding bad behavior, isn't it? And if Hawai'i recognizes the "contributions" of Islam, will other religions, cultures, and political systems (think of Islam as actually being a political system that uses religion to enforce its rules) be recognized as well?

There are those who believe that the greatest threat to our existence is not attack from without but the kind of accommodation from within that leads to political correctness and appeasement. That's what this feels like to me. And how do you think those living in New York might feel about this proclamation?

I can only imagine.

when God shows up (part 2)

2009-05-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Finishing yesterday's story about Mike...

As Mike and I sat crying over the loss of his daughter, I turned to him and said, "You know, someday you'll have to forgive the man who killed your daughter. Because you're a Christian now, you'll need to ask God for that kind of forgiveness. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but someday..." Mike nodded in silence as we continued to sit, talk and pray together that early morning.

The next day Mike was sitting there again. Crying again, though not like the day before. As I sat with him, he told me that he'd called his wife and told her to sell his guns. He didn't need to come home because he'd forgiven the drunk driver that had hit and killed his little girl. In that moment, I knew that Mike followed Jesus. I told him that he might be more of a Christian than I, since I'm not sure I could have offered that kind of forgiveness that quickly. Mike's face reflected a peace he had only recently come to know. he was a new man, and it showed.

I think it was near the end of that week that our Community Assistance team decided that Mike needed to go home. He wasn't completely free of alcohol yet, but they felt he should be with his family. He nervously (and probably a bit reluctantly) agreed, so they purchased a ticket and placed him on a 29-hour bus ride to Green Bay. Those 29 hours became five days as Mike had to get off in Chicago and go to the hospital. But he did make it back to Green Bay, where he has called me periodically since. Here's a compilation of some things that have taken place in the years since he left (kinda chronologically, as I remember them):

- Mike was reconciled with his daughters, and they and his ex-wife forgave him;
- he turned himself in for some old outstanding warrants and did his jail time, so that he'd have no more trouble from his past;
- he found a roommate, a job and a church;
- he had people repeatedly ask him if he was high because they saw something so different in his eyes, and he would use the question as a chance to tell them how Jesus had changed him;
- he had someone help him get new front teeth (his were missing from too many fights!);
- he called to tell me that he and ex-wife had become good friends again, even though she didn't want to remarry him;
- several months later he called to let me know that he and his ex actually did get remarried!
- he got a great job managing a tire store, and they were sending throughout the region for training opportunities;
- he and his "new" wife were getting ready to buy a house!

Not every story turns out like Mike's, I know that. But I also know that if God can change a man like this, he can change anyone who's willing to come to him. And with that example emblazoned in my heart, I remain encouraged as we spend time with those around us, telling them about the hope to be found in Christ. The hope that Mike found. The same hope that's available to them. And we'll keep sharing. Because we never know just when or how God's gonna show up.

And when the next Mike will be sitting across from us.

when God shows up

2009-05-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

My last post made me think again of some of the good things that have come as we've reached out to people on our streets. I've said that this kind of work is often a low fruit-yield kind of thing, so we hold tightly to the victories God gives. We savor them, squeezing out of them every bit of encouragement, strength and lesson, so we're equipped for long days ahead. I'd like to share one such story with you now. One that took place a few years ago, but continues to inspire us today:

Mike was a middle-aged homeless man who came regularly for food, prayer and connection. He was friendly, outgoing and searching for a better life. But Mike was a stone-cold alcoholic, and couldn't escape its clutches no matter what he tried. He claimed he wanted to get sober and had family in Wisconsin who told him if he got his act together, he could come home. But there was no going home. He was trapped, enslaved, and destroying himself. He hated what he'd become, and lacked the power to make it different.

We had lots of talks about what it would mean for him to follow Christ, and how Jesus could make the change in him that he so desperately desired. How it's futile to try to get clean first then come to Jesus, but that He's more than willing to change lives given to Him. It sounded good...too good to be true. Mike struggled with Jesus' call and with his own struggle responding to it. Months passed and little looked different. But God was quietly working on Mike, and one day he told us that he was ready to give his life to Christ and to walk a new way, although he knew it would be the hardest thing he ever did.

So Mike prayed and called on Jesus to make him a new man. Little by little things changed in his life. He was baptized into his new-found faith, and habits and patterns began to turn. Not that he didn't drink any more, but he drank markedly less. His demeanor changed. He began to speak with hope and possibility for himself. His grandest dream was to be reconciled with his family and he dreamed of the time when he might return sober, ready to resume a relationship with them.

One morning I arrived at work to find Mike sitting outside, crying. Crying hard. I sat next to him and asked why. He told me that he'd just received word from his ex-wife that their 8 year-old daughter had been killed the night before in an auto accident. Hit by a drunk driver. Mike said he told his wife to get his guns out and have them ready, because he was coming home to kill the man who had killed his little girl. I cried with him for awhile. A long while. Not much to say in that kind of moment. Only hurt with him in his loss.

Mike was at a crossroads- a place where the next decisions he'd make and path he'd choose would impact the rest of his life. In my next post, I'll share just what happened and the difference it made...

a great day for a party

2009-05-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

It's warming up. The days are brighter, longer, and filled with hope. At least that's how I feel today. I'm reading through the New Testament letter to the Colossian church this morning, and I'm reminded again of the supremacy of Christ. Paul tells us (me) that Jesus is the glue that holds everything in this universe together- everything. And the shedding of his blood on the cross was the needed ingredient to bring peace and reconciliation to humankind, reconnecting us to a vital relationship with the Father. I need that word today. It helps me keep my priorities in order. Helps me remember why I do what I do. Helps me look beyond the immediate to the bigger, eternal picture.

In my last post, I talked about those at our church's door looking for help. Often it's physical relief they seek, but even that lends itself to the opportunity to talk about other, deeper issues. We get a lot of people coming by, as you might imagine. Sometimes I confess I get weary listening and helping. Sometimes the fruit yield in this kind of ministry is small, and it can be discouraging. Sometimes I forget why I'm really here.

But not yesterday. Yesterday the angels threw a party. You see, last week I spoke with a man who'd been coming off and on for food and prayer. His current situation was not good, he was looking at being on the streets, and he was at the end of his rope. We provided enough assistance to get him through the immediate crisis, and he told me he wanted to bring his daughter and talk more about Christ.

Yesterday he did just that. He returned with his 16 year-old daughter and the three of us talked at length about what it means to follow the path of Jesus. At the end of the conversation they both told me they wanted to make that commitment! We prayed together, they received Christ as Lord and Savior. I gave them Scriptures to read about baptism. Told them to come back after their lunch and we'd go from there.

Sure enough, that afternoon they were back. We talked some more, answered some questions, and then I had the privilege of baptizing them into Christ. A party in heaven broke out as two who were lost had been found! And I remembered again why I really do what I do, why I'm really here. It's because people need to know. They need to see. They need to hear. They need to feel and understand God's love for them, regardless of their situation. What Christ has done for them. How much they mean to him. How valuable they really are. Colossians 1:13 says it like this:

For he [God] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

PARTY ON!

hopelessness at my door

2009-04-28T08:21:00.001-07:00

I'm sitting in my "other office" this morning (an "It's a Grind" coffee shop), glad to be back in the land of normalcy (for me, at least). I'm thinking warm thoughts about my time in Kenya as I sip my favorite vanilla bean coffee (standard fare for me), but there is little time or place for too much contemplation. That's because the needs and cries of those around me here are loud and pressing.

I ventured back to the office yesterday, ready to face a mountain of mail, phone messages and emails that I knew accumulated during my time away. It wasn't long before there was someone at the church doors needing help. Then another. And another. The bulk of my day was spent listening, intervening, suggesting and hurting for those in the throes of life's miseries. Some issues were of their own making. In some, they were victims. In most, there was a murky mingling of the two, with long-term chain reactions initiated by poor choices. At times my heart ached, at times it pleaded. Sometimes it simply burned, either because of destructive actions on their part, or because of the response of those with whom these men had come into contact.

One young (mid-thirties) man's life and words particularly haunted me. In trouble since he was ten, this man had spent the last 14 years in prison, had absolutely nothing, and was on the streets wanting and needing to get off drugs and alcohol. He was extremely angry (a violent past) and bitter. He felt burned by everyone and helped by no one. He was so hollow that he told me he knew his life had absolutely no value whatsoever. Therefore, if people stopped to help him, he pushed them away, assuming they were doing it for their own gratification or self-serving. He knew they couldn't really care about him, since he believed he wasn't worth caring for.

It's hard to convince someone that God cares when that person has been so beaten down, so devalued, so tossed around like an old dishrag that he finds no reason to be loved. We talked about God, but my new friend keeps Him at arm's length as well. Doesn't much trust Him, although he says he believes in Him. I hope we talk more in the days and weeks ahead. I pray he finds the help he needs. And I hope he learns that there really are people- genuine people- who'll love him for who he is in God's eyes. Not because they'll feel better about themselves, but because he really does have value. To them.

But more importantly, to God.

kenya in my rearview

2009-04-21T23:15:00.000-07:00

As quickly as we got here, my time in Kenya has come to an end and I'm preparing to head back home today (Wednesday). Though our connection here was short, both Stanley and I believe it was of tremendous value, especially in the young life of our new church, Masii Christian Chapel. The opportunity for teaching and connection was rich, and will prove to be a valuable tool for this young congregation as they continue their formation and development. Please keep them and their pastor, William, in your prayers. They have a golden opportunity to bring a fresh look to the whole idea of the Church in their region...and people are already taking notice.

Tumaini Ministries continues to grow. I've been excited to meet several of the "kids" in Masii, Machakos and Nairobi. Actually, they aren't kids anymore. They've grown into young adults who are working, running businesses, finishing studies and already making their imprint on those around them. It's great to see a bit of the fruit that so many of you have invested in for the last few years. Please keep Tumaini and its leadership in prayer. They have much on their plate and God continues to open doors for them.

Finally, times like these always remind me just how good we have it. We take so much for granted, assuming that we will have things that are not always present for the rest of the world. You think our streets have potholes and need work? You should have your teeth rattled here for awhile as you get from one place to the next. Electricity is a staple, almost a right, to us. Loss of electrical current is common here, especially in outlying areas. And there's nothing you can do about it. We may have traffic and congestion, but the idea of crowded streets takes on a whole new dimension here (pic of a bit of traffic outside my hotel), especially in Nairobi. Driving (or riding!) here is not for the faint of heart. Even crossing these busy city streets is like a real-life game of Frogger! And make sure you look right and not left as you step off the curb, as traffic comes from the opposite way!

Sometime today, would you simply stop and take a few moments to thank God for the many blessings you have at your fingertips. And would you take inventory again of some of the everyday things you have and use that may seem commonplace to you? Things like hot, running water on demand, food on your table, a consistent dial tone, clean streets, somewhere certain to lay your head, stocked grocery stores and reliable transportation. Such seemingly simple things, and yet in much of the world these are the extras in life. Maybe God has blessed us with them so we might use the extra time and energy they create to invest in the lives of others in need.

Seems like more than a fair trade to me.

things I wish my mother (or pastor) would have taught me

2009-04-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

(Taking a timeout from a great Kenya trip to share a great, new book with you...)

Finally. A book that speaks to the stuff of life that Christians (and others) actually deal with. OK, I'm sure other books have been written that cover the same kinds of ideas, but I just read a new one that's fresh, timely and overdue.

Larry Osborne, pastor of North Coast Church in Vista, CA, and author of books such as Sticky Church, Leadership as a Team, and Spirituality for the Rest of Us, has another winner hitting the shelves (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, your favorite Christian bookstore) this week. It's called 10 Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe and it looks over and responds to ten common spiritual urban myths. This special sort of belief is described as "a belief, story, assumption or truism that gets passed along as a fact. In most cases the source is a friend, a Sunday School class, a Bible study, a devotional, a book, or even a sermon." (p.2,3)

Some myths in this category are minimally damaging ("God helps those who help themselves," or "Cleanliness is next to godliness" come to mind), but the ten Osborne targets have far greater ramifications for those caught up in them. Without going into detail on each (or any) of them, I can tell you that Larry takes each of these ways of thinking to task, dispelling the supposed truths surrounding them, pointing out the fallacies and dangers in each as he shares many pertinent life examples. He then provides a correct Biblical framework for each idea, complete with Scripture (in context, thankfully!) that helps to amplify and clarify.

Each chapter is a stand-alone piece of work, and the author deals with some issues more completely than others. I felt as I read the book that some of these topics have had greater life significance for Osborne, and they are probably the ones he attacks with even greater passion and depth. Although each chapter was helpful, I found his analysis surrounding the truths about forgiveness (ch.2), God's plans for our lives (ch.4), godly homes and the kids they produce (ch.5), and the meanings of life's valleys (ch.9) particularly insightful for my life and ministry.

There are valuable discussion questions for each chapter at the end of the book, which is a perfect idea, because this could make a GREAT small group study. The things tackled here are the stuff people either want or need to know, and I can easily envision a small group being a perfect venue in which to wrestle with them.

Whether you read it as a group or on your own, you need to get a copy of 10 Dumb Things... and chew on it awhile. It may surprise you, challenge you, even make you a bit angry or uncomfortable at times, but I guarantee it will strengthen your understanding of God's Word and will help you make better sense of ten "Christian" ideas that you may have wondered about (or maybe even bought into).

a weekend to remember

2009-04-20T00:37:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a weekend! Stanley and I spent Saturday and Sunday with the members (and neighbors) of Masii Christian Chapel, a new church planted because of the impact of Tumaini Ministries (www.tumainiinternational.org) in this part of the country. The congregation, begun in September, is excited and growing, looking to become a solid, Bible-based church that will plant daughter churches throughout the region (and beyond!).

Saturday's seminar drew more than 80 and we discussed basic elements of the New Testament Church, namely baptism and the Lord's Supper. There was great interaction and interest as we went from mid-morning until the end of the day. Some of the teachings and concepts that you and I may take for granted are new thoughts and practices for some of these believers, and they are finding great freedom in them.

Sunday's morning services (one in English, the other in Kikamba) drew more than 150. You would have loved the time of worship in praise! So much enthusiasm, excitement and expression. And believe me, it's infectious! We continued the seminar in the afternoon, teaching about leadership in the Church, and the place of elders and deacons. MCC does not yet have recognized leadership, aside from the pastor and a few other volunteers, but they are preparing to put leaders in place, and they want to make sure they do it well. Their ultimate goal is to grow a model congregation that they can reproduce in other places in hopes of becoming a movement of churches.

I wish you could sit with these people and hear their hearts as they share. You'd be moved and challenged in your own faith. As thankful as they were that I took time to be with them, I think I got the better end of the deal. I'm stirred and encouraged to deepen my walk as I realize what my brothers and sisters face each day here. And I'm convicted to pray more fervently for them as they live for the Lord in southeast Kenya. You'd love the people here, I know you would. And after you were here awhile, you'd try to figure out how you could return as soon and as often as possible.

I know I am.

kenya bound, kenya found!

2009-04-17T00:29:00.000-07:00

At last! We touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi yesterday afternoon (Thursday) at 2:40, and I was so thankful to be finished with flying for awhile! Arriving in Kenya is always a great experience for me, and this time was no exception. After clearing customs (always an adventure!) we were met by Paul Mutendwe from Tumaini Ministries (Paul was at our church last fall). He brought Jackson, the Tumaini chaplain, and Geoffrey, a US intern. How great to see them again!

After a much needed night's sleep, Stanley and | are in Nairobi this morning taking care of odds and ends (exchanging $$, making copies for our seminar and touching base with people). We'll head to Machakos (about 2 hours southeast) after lunch, and get ready for tomorrow's time with the new church. I'm growing more excited about this opportunity as Stanley and I talk over all the possibilities with the planting of this new congregation. People are hungry for something fresh, something challenging, something with substance and hope for their souls. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare and share what God has given us.

The weather is pleasant, we're healthy, and God is good. Those are fine ingredients for us as we launch this time of connection with our brothers and sisters. I'll post again when we're settled in Machakos. Thanks for your concern and interest in what God's doing in this part of His world. It's a blast to be connected with it, even in a small way, isn't it?!

our emirates connection

2009-04-15T22:20:00.001-07:00

I wanted to check in along the way and let you know our travel progress. We're sitting at the airport in Dubai (in the United Arab Emirates), having concluded our 12+ hour junket from NYC, and looking forward to 5 more wonderful hours in the air in order to reach Nairobi.

We're flying Emirates Airlines this trip, and I have to tell you, except for one kinda crabby flight attendant (she must have hit my shoulder 15 times either walking past or pushing the food carts), we had a tremendous experience. Service was great, everyone (sans the one) was out-of-their-way friendly, and the entertainment system for each seat was almost beyond imagination! You ADD-types would have been satisfied completely with the hundreds (that's right!) of movies offered, music, games, up-to-date news, even the ability to create our own music playlist. Additionally, each seat had the ability to connect mp3 devices, ipods, and computers with power! Needless to say, we enjoyed the longest leg of our flights and are looking forward to the final link.

We're anticipating an extremely positive response from the young church in Masii. Stanley was with them a couple of months ago, teaching about church dynamics, and they were enthusiastic, absorbing everything he shared with great excitement. They've spoken to him more than once about starting other congregations, but he's encouraging them to take a step at a time, making sure they're grounded and firm before they spread themselves out.

Thanks again for the prayers. Pray earnestly as you wrestle on our behalf, will you? And don't forget to bring your umbrellas!

on the road again

2009-04-15T07:01:00.001-07:00

As I write this, I'm sitting in JFK Airport in the Big Apple with Stanley Mutunga (that's Stanley and me feeding Jeffrey!). It's Tuesday morning, and we just arrived on the red-eye from Los Angeles on our way to Kenya (man, those seats are small!). We'll fly through Dubai this time (a first for me), a 12+ hour trip, then about 5 hours back to Nairobi. It's long, but exciting, as Stanley and I talk much about our opportunities for the next nine days. We'll teach at the new church started at the Tumaini Center. The congregation is averaging about 125 after last September's launch, and they want to know more about what it means to be a non-denominational, New Testament church. And even more exciting is the news that they already want to plant more churches like themselves throughout the area. Our teaching will be foundational to what they will teach and pass on to others as they reproduce themselves among their own people.

Quite honestly, that makes me a more nervous, knowing that what we/I say during these days of teaching and discussion will be carried on to others. My topics this trip include the place of baptism and the Lord's Supper in the Church, and the place and ministry of elders and deacons in the Church. Please pray for us as we share, that we don't simply impart knowledge, but that we pass along the lessons and insights God has given to us through our years of service to Him. Thanks!

where'd all those weeds come from?

2009-04-06T17:34:00.000-07:00

It was time. Way past time. I looked at my back yard with great horror at the mini-jungle of weeds that seemed to spring up overnight while I was busy with other things.

It happened so quietly, so subtly, so subversively. While I was looking the other way, the spring rains, warming weather and my lack of attention provided fertile ground for these nasty organic intruders. Admittedly, I'd actually seen them in earlier stages, poking their fuzzy heads just above the brickwork. Present but not menacing. Rooted but not a threat. At least not yet. No worries, I thought to myself. I'll handle their impact and curtail their spread easily. Piece of cake. I'll take care of it...tomorrow. Later. When it's more convenient. When I feel like it.

Aww, come on. Who was I kidding? It's never convenient. I never feel like it. Tomorrow is always just that. I'd failed to take care of my back yard because I'd spent so much time taking care of other issues, other items, other opportunities. And some days I'd come home and just not feel like working at it...so I didn't.

It made me think about my own life, and how easy it is to get caught up with other people and their issues, getting involved in lots of good causes, showing concern for the back yards of others. Sometimes at the expense of my own. It just seems easier to help somebody else with his or her situation, while letting my own circumstances slide, just get by, or become overgrown with life's weeds. And what good is it if I help everyone else clean up their mess, but end up caught in my own?

Last Saturday was the day of reckoning. I clothed myself with items whose appearance I knew would be forever altered, grabbed my heavy duty weed whacker (thanks, Paul D.), a shovel, trash can and Tiger Balm (OK, that came later), told my wife that if she didn't hear from me in a couple hours to bring the machete and come searching, and headed out to do what I should've been doing all along the way. I didn't finish everything on that day, but after a few minor skirmishes with the enemy and a lot of effort, I reclaimed my back yard. Now to get to the finishing touches before I have to start all over...

Helping others is what we're designed for. It's part of our privilege with each other. But make sure that as you get involved with others' needs, you keep the weeds knocked down in your own heart, your own family, your own back yard. The Apostle Paul reminded us in Galatians 6:1: "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." Help others, but take care of your own place as you do it.

Otherwise, you may end up in deep weeds.

hope for this generation

2009-04-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

This is another video worth your time. According to Pete Chagnon of OneNewsNow:

Lia is a preteen from Canada who decided to speak out against abortion in her school's speech contest, despite teachers and school officials who encouraged her to pick a different topic. Lia's mother says Lia was told by school officials that if she chose the topic of abortion, she would not be allowed to participate in the speech contest. But both were surprised when Lia's pro-choice teacher had a change of heart. Her mother continued, "Her teacher was really impressed by this speech and perhaps moved by it, and therefore her teacher kind of was a real supporter of [Lia] winning for the class, and she had to go through a couple of hoops and get clearance from a couple of other teachers before she could be declared winner of the class."

Another controversy erupted when the panel of judges had a supposed big disagreement and one stepped down. Initially Lia was disqualified, but later the panel declared her the winner. She was asked to take out this portion of her speech: "[F]etuses are definitely humans knit together in their mother's womb by their wonderful Creator who knows them all by name." After Lia was told to remove that portion of her speech, she took time to think about her decision and ultimately decided to leave it in.

I believe there are many more like Lia in our midst. And as long as they are willing to take a stand for their convictions, there is a hope and a future.

Will you stand with them?

a lost generation?

2009-04-02T09:16:00.002-07:00

I want you to watch this video. It speaks volumes about the need of our time and those who are willing to do something about it. And it was done by my assistant (and great friend), Robert Crews, and his daughter, Kathryn. I think you'll be moved.

I know I was.