a time to pray

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

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...

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

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?

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?

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

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.