feel the burn (the qur'an aflame)

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

 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)

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)

"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

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

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

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.