Thursday, October 27, 2005
And they assembled...
All the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in Mattoon gathered this morning for a Red Ribbon week assembly. (A Drugs/Alcohol, and Tobacco deal.) Their speaker: yours truly. It actually went really well. A lot of excitement in the air. Lots of crowd participation, and they got serious and listened during the moments they needed to.
I guess all that mixed together means the school assembly went well. In Christian evangelical circles, we don't know how to judge effectiveness unless a bunch of hands go up in the air at the end of a sermon.
Today, no hands...just a bunch of listening ears.
It seems weird to stand in front of close to a thousand students and not share "the Gospel." But the message was about healthy choices, consequences of bad decisions, helping others who are in need, and knowing you were made with a purpose...and not to mess your life up in the process. I guess that is a great starter for pointing people in the right direction.
I think we (typical Christians) feel like we haven't done our "Great Commission" duty unless we've shared the "Roman's Road to Salvation"verses with everyone. But in today's culture, I believe the Road to Romans begins with trust, love, respect, care and friendship. After you travel down those streets, then you can turn right onto Romans.
Anyway, a lot of students heard about making good choices and were encouraged not to get involved in bad ones. And now they know my face and can come talk to me when they get a chance.
Did I preach today at the Middle School, nope. Did I communicate God's message? I think so. It just gets packaged in a little different vehicle. And sometimes that vehicle takes a little while to grab the heart and soul of the listener.
So, today...no hands, just ears. Tomorrow....we'll see what happens. I simply ask God to stir curiosity of Him in their hearts.
...and then we better be ready to talk when the questions start coming.
I guess all that mixed together means the school assembly went well. In Christian evangelical circles, we don't know how to judge effectiveness unless a bunch of hands go up in the air at the end of a sermon.
Today, no hands...just a bunch of listening ears.
It seems weird to stand in front of close to a thousand students and not share "the Gospel." But the message was about healthy choices, consequences of bad decisions, helping others who are in need, and knowing you were made with a purpose...and not to mess your life up in the process. I guess that is a great starter for pointing people in the right direction.
I think we (typical Christians) feel like we haven't done our "Great Commission" duty unless we've shared the "Roman's Road to Salvation"verses with everyone. But in today's culture, I believe the Road to Romans begins with trust, love, respect, care and friendship. After you travel down those streets, then you can turn right onto Romans.
Anyway, a lot of students heard about making good choices and were encouraged not to get involved in bad ones. And now they know my face and can come talk to me when they get a chance.
Did I preach today at the Middle School, nope. Did I communicate God's message? I think so. It just gets packaged in a little different vehicle. And sometimes that vehicle takes a little while to grab the heart and soul of the listener.
So, today...no hands, just ears. Tomorrow....we'll see what happens. I simply ask God to stir curiosity of Him in their hearts.
...and then we better be ready to talk when the questions start coming.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Random thoughts from a meeting...
I'm sitting in a IYCM youth pastor leadership meeting. We just watched a Donald Miller DVD on some thoughts on Christianity. A lot of stuff to plow through, but here are some thoughts...
- No one will listen to you until they know how much you care about them.
- Ask a non-Christian..."Is there any way the church has hurt you in the past?" Apologize to them and begin a journey of healing through friendship and discussion.
- Why have we politicized abortion, but not poverty? What will help reach more people? What helps show the love of Jesus?
- It’s time to repent for NOT CARING about people who are not like you.
- How do you look at people? Do you have compassion for ALL people?
- Do I think life is a “a movie” about me?
- Does the no-name people you pass by everyday have any value to you?
- Miller suggests Evangelical Christians are the most fear people in the country behind serial killers.
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Got comments?
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Cup o' Jehovah
Religious coffee drinkers...pour yourself a cup of the good stuff and read this.
Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life guy) has done it again. This time his writings won't be sold in mega-bookstores, they'll be sold at Starbucks...on the cups.
(I guess you can find those in bookstores, too.)
By Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY
Coffee drinkers could get a spiritual jolt with their java in the spring when Starbucks begins putting a God-filled quote from the Rev. Rick Warren, author of the mega-selling The Purpose-Driven Life, on its cups. It will be the first mention of God in the company's provocative quote campaign, The Way I See It. In 2005, Starbucks is printing 63 quotes from writers, scientists, musicians, athletes, politicians and cultural critics on cups for company-run and licensed locations to carry on the coffeehouse tradition of conversation and debate.
The Warren quote about God having a purpose in your life will be one of 63 other quotes that will vary from pro-homosexuality, extremist political views, and other "thought provoking" stuff. So I wouldn't say Starbucks is on a mission to evangelize the world. Their mission through this campaign is to get conversations started.
Hopefully good conversations will be birthed after reading a Starbucks cup. If God can use donkeys, he can use coffee cups.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Hands and Feet
Head Biker gets Lawn Cleaned Up
My church small group met this Saturday. We didn't study a book, nor did we sing songs. We didn't even pray. --We cleaned up people's yards...and one place is worthy of telling a story.
About 11 of us gathered at a closed down Harley Davison Bike shop. Weeds had grown up around the building, bushes were thick, and the back "patio area" was an overgrown mess. It had been left alone for sometime.
Who lived there? Well, the head guy of a local biker gang did. His apartment was above the bike shop. But the situation for his family had gone downhill. His wife died about a year ago. He got in a horrible motorcycle accident months ago, and their place has sat empty since all this has happened. A family in our church knew of the situation, and we made arrangements to go over and clean up their place.
The daughter of the dad (who is now in a nursing home) came to unlock the back gate. She was in tears as she remembered all the parties and friends who visited this place every night. Although she was extremely sad of her dad's condition and loss of her mother, she couldn't believe a church would come help clean up the place.
That's why we do it. We want people to know God's love reaches out past the walls of the church. It was a complete privilege to clean up the yard of a local biker gang member. It was rewarding to just be a window of light and love to a hurting family.
Now that the weeds are gone, the beer cans are picked up, and the grass is cut, it's time for God's love to sink in. My prayer is that the family will continue to wonder why a church helped them out. And then I hope their search continues...
My church small group met this Saturday. We didn't study a book, nor did we sing songs. We didn't even pray. --We cleaned up people's yards...and one place is worthy of telling a story.
About 11 of us gathered at a closed down Harley Davison Bike shop. Weeds had grown up around the building, bushes were thick, and the back "patio area" was an overgrown mess. It had been left alone for sometime.
Who lived there? Well, the head guy of a local biker gang did. His apartment was above the bike shop. But the situation for his family had gone downhill. His wife died about a year ago. He got in a horrible motorcycle accident months ago, and their place has sat empty since all this has happened. A family in our church knew of the situation, and we made arrangements to go over and clean up their place.
The daughter of the dad (who is now in a nursing home) came to unlock the back gate. She was in tears as she remembered all the parties and friends who visited this place every night. Although she was extremely sad of her dad's condition and loss of her mother, she couldn't believe a church would come help clean up the place.
That's why we do it. We want people to know God's love reaches out past the walls of the church. It was a complete privilege to clean up the yard of a local biker gang member. It was rewarding to just be a window of light and love to a hurting family.
Now that the weeds are gone, the beer cans are picked up, and the grass is cut, it's time for God's love to sink in. My prayer is that the family will continue to wonder why a church helped them out. And then I hope their search continues...
Thursday, October 13, 2005
A Needed Word
Psalm 117:1-2
1 Praise the LORD, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth. 2 For he loves us with unfailing love; the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!
Sometimes we just need some encouragement from God. Today was that day for me. It's nice...and very comforting...to know that God is faithful. His love and faithfulness is a refuge during stormy weather.
Do you need shelter? His arms are open to all...
1 Praise the LORD, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth. 2 For he loves us with unfailing love; the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!
Sometimes we just need some encouragement from God. Today was that day for me. It's nice...and very comforting...to know that God is faithful. His love and faithfulness is a refuge during stormy weather.
Do you need shelter? His arms are open to all...
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Politicians Rocked U2 in $$$raiser
This just in...
NEWS--Rock giants U2 have expressed outrage that US politicians from both main parties, including Hillary Clinton, are using their concerts to fill campaign coffers.
"The U2 concerts are categorically not fundraisers for any politician. They are rock concerts for U2 fans," a statement from the group's publicist said. Here's the full story
---
However, U2...especially Bono...loves to get involved with politics and social policy. But he doesn't like when politics get involved in U2 shows. Interesting.
Personally, it sounds like white-collar, corporate ticket scalping to me. But hey, I bought an over-priced ticket on eBay and landed 10 feet away from Bono in Chicago.
Anyway.....it's interesting to watch pop culture and politics collide.
BTW: still reading the new Bono book. Love it. As a Christian, it is very challenging. There's a few things...and words....I'd rather not see in his vocabulary...but I would love to have his love and passion for people and justice. I love to see how he brings God into many conversations he has with this journalist. You may want to check it out, even if you care very little about their music.
NEWS--Rock giants U2 have expressed outrage that US politicians from both main parties, including Hillary Clinton, are using their concerts to fill campaign coffers.
"The U2 concerts are categorically not fundraisers for any politician. They are rock concerts for U2 fans," a statement from the group's publicist said. Here's the full story
---
However, U2...especially Bono...loves to get involved with politics and social policy. But he doesn't like when politics get involved in U2 shows. Interesting.
Personally, it sounds like white-collar, corporate ticket scalping to me. But hey, I bought an over-priced ticket on eBay and landed 10 feet away from Bono in Chicago.
Anyway.....it's interesting to watch pop culture and politics collide.
BTW: still reading the new Bono book. Love it. As a Christian, it is very challenging. There's a few things...and words....I'd rather not see in his vocabulary...but I would love to have his love and passion for people and justice. I love to see how he brings God into many conversations he has with this journalist. You may want to check it out, even if you care very little about their music.
Monday, October 10, 2005
What's inside?
Some things in life look a little odd on the outside. And beyond odd, they look ugly, disturbing, scary, or unattractive.This is the case with the lichi or lychee. It's a wild fruit found in Honduras. It reminds me of an ugly red piney ball. Or some sort of space alien I've killed in video games. Nevertheless, it's not the first thing I would put in my mouth.
But a Honduras national pulled our car over and bought a bag of these from a child on the side of the road. He gave it to me and said, "Eat it." I just looked at him...
Then he took his thumbnail and split the fruit open. He pulled out a sweet, white-colored fruit that reminded me of a grape with a large seed.
I ate it...and i liked it. And I had a few more.
Some people are like Lichis. They may seem rough, unkind, dirty, mean, unpopular, different, and ugly on the outside. But on the inside...if you give them a chance...you will find a sweet person who is simply wanting friendship, acceptance, and some form of love.
I'm thankful a man from Honduras taught me to look inside before making my final judgment on Lichis. Today I'm learning to look inside people before I make that final judgment.
There is something sweet and redeeming in everyone...sometimes you just have to get through the outer surface and peel back the ugly spiney things.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Where is daddy?
I assume my son Dakota has asked for me a few times while I have been gone in Honduras. I deeply miss my wife, Dakota and Riley. Being away is difficult...and fun at the same time. But it is never meant to be for too long...or everything would fall apart. And in some cases it is happening as I type. The absence of daddy is slowly draining life out of many familes.
Honduras youth are not deeply troubled with drugs and alcohol. Their biggest challenge is their involvement in gangs. Unlike in the States, they are not in gangs for money or drugs. In this case, they simply need acceptance.
About 700,000 people live in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. And most of the kids...MOST OF THE KIDS...have lost their fathers to work in another country. Yes they are making money and sending it back to the families, but their presence is deeply missed at home. It is a mixed tragedy. A deceptive tool of the enemy. It is family cancer disguised in meeting economic needs. It is harming families, while at the same time helping them through financial troubles.
Youth and children in this city are reaching out to gangs because their fathers are gone making money in another country. Youth and children are living with grandparents or older siblings because work ethic and family financial survival has taken precident. Kids are coping in single-parent...or no-parent homes because of the lack of an economic base in Honduras. More money comes into the financial flow of Honduras from men working out of country and sending money home, than the entire country of Panama gets through its Panama Canal income. Its the LARGEST resource of money in Honduras...yet at the same time, it's a silent serial killer to families.
Honduras is no exception to the missing-dad syndrome. In the States, dads may still be in the country, but they are still gone from the home so often they are not truly raising their own kids. Dads are working long hours--making ends meet--but then get home late and still don't spend quality time with their kids.
I have opened my eyes today to the need to spend quality family time with my boys. They need me. And God has placed me here on Earth to take care of them in more ways than just financial.
Let Family Time become an important part of the day in every home. Maybe as a church we should campaign for this stronger than any other cause.
Think of it...FAMILY TIME CAMPAIGN...an awareness campaign that promotes one hour of quality family time each day. It could change the world. ...one family at a time.
But before I call the media, I better make plans with my family. I need this campaign just like your family, just like America's family...just like Honduras' family.
Daddy....where are you? Son...I'll be home soon.
Honduras youth are not deeply troubled with drugs and alcohol. Their biggest challenge is their involvement in gangs. Unlike in the States, they are not in gangs for money or drugs. In this case, they simply need acceptance.
About 700,000 people live in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. And most of the kids...MOST OF THE KIDS...have lost their fathers to work in another country. Yes they are making money and sending it back to the families, but their presence is deeply missed at home. It is a mixed tragedy. A deceptive tool of the enemy. It is family cancer disguised in meeting economic needs. It is harming families, while at the same time helping them through financial troubles.
Youth and children in this city are reaching out to gangs because their fathers are gone making money in another country. Youth and children are living with grandparents or older siblings because work ethic and family financial survival has taken precident. Kids are coping in single-parent...or no-parent homes because of the lack of an economic base in Honduras. More money comes into the financial flow of Honduras from men working out of country and sending money home, than the entire country of Panama gets through its Panama Canal income. Its the LARGEST resource of money in Honduras...yet at the same time, it's a silent serial killer to families.
Honduras is no exception to the missing-dad syndrome. In the States, dads may still be in the country, but they are still gone from the home so often they are not truly raising their own kids. Dads are working long hours--making ends meet--but then get home late and still don't spend quality time with their kids.
I have opened my eyes today to the need to spend quality family time with my boys. They need me. And God has placed me here on Earth to take care of them in more ways than just financial.
Let Family Time become an important part of the day in every home. Maybe as a church we should campaign for this stronger than any other cause.
Think of it...FAMILY TIME CAMPAIGN...an awareness campaign that promotes one hour of quality family time each day. It could change the world. ...one family at a time.
But before I call the media, I better make plans with my family. I need this campaign just like your family, just like America's family...just like Honduras' family.
Daddy....where are you? Son...I'll be home soon.
Notes from San Pedro Sula
I´ve made it to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. It was not easy getting here.
I got up at 2 am on Wednesday, headed to St. Louis at 3 am for a flight. Arrived at the airport at 5 a.m. Boarded the plan at 6 a.m. Landed in Miami at 10 a.m. (Miami time) Sat in the airport until noon for next flight. Found a horrible Chinese fast food place in the mean time. Got on the plant at 12.30 and waited for departure. The captain came on 30 mins later and told us the plane was not working right and we would all have to get off the plane and wait for another plane for our flight. We waited an hour and then boarded our second plane. We got on and waited 30 mins...until the captain came on and told us there was another problem and we would have to get off this plane, as well. (American Airlines....if you are wondering) They gave us a food voucher and told us to check back in an hour and see what was happeneing. I got some good Cuban food with Kathryn and Natasha from Book of Hope (who was on my flight). Then at 6.30 p.m. our third plane in Miami loaded and we headed to Honduras. It was a long day of travel.
Thoughts...
I got up at 2 am on Wednesday, headed to St. Louis at 3 am for a flight. Arrived at the airport at 5 a.m. Boarded the plan at 6 a.m. Landed in Miami at 10 a.m. (Miami time) Sat in the airport until noon for next flight. Found a horrible Chinese fast food place in the mean time. Got on the plant at 12.30 and waited for departure. The captain came on 30 mins later and told us the plane was not working right and we would all have to get off the plane and wait for another plane for our flight. We waited an hour and then boarded our second plane. We got on and waited 30 mins...until the captain came on and told us there was another problem and we would have to get off this plane, as well. (American Airlines....if you are wondering) They gave us a food voucher and told us to check back in an hour and see what was happeneing. I got some good Cuban food with Kathryn and Natasha from Book of Hope (who was on my flight). Then at 6.30 p.m. our third plane in Miami loaded and we headed to Honduras. It was a long day of travel.
Thoughts...
- All Latin American countries and big cities look alike.
- There are wonderful people here.
- I silently wept as I watched young children sleeping on cardboard mats in the downtown area late last night.
- I had tacos late last night with some sort of chocalate sauce on them??? It was not dessert either...just a taco plate off the menu. It was ok. Nothing to write home about....although i am.
- We visted the hotel we will be staying at in June for our Illinois BOH trip. I was excited to see the rooms have electric water heaters attached to the shower heads. ...It will be a great place for our team.
- I am rooming with Dennis, the national BOH coordinator for this country, as well as Belize, Panama, Costa Rica...maybe others? He is a great man....soft spoken, but passionate about Book of Hope ministries. AND...pretty good at English...better than he would give himself credit.
Today (Thursday) we visit a few schools, vist more downtown areas for video footage and pictures, visit a place on the beach for a possible day off on the trip, and eat some good authentic Honduras food.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Honduras on Wednesday
I'll be traveling to Honduras on Wednesday to help set up a Book of Hope trip for the Summer. All Illinois teens are invited to check out this trip. All the final details will be announced at Momentum convention in November.
I'll only be in Honduras for 2 days. It's a quick trip, but I'm looking forward to seeing and experiencing the land we will be distributing God's Word and showing the animated God Man video in. It will be a great trip in June 2006.
I believe short-term mission trips for students is crucial in helping them realize how big and diverse God's Kingdom is. I know there has been a lot of controversy in ministry circles whether or not short-term trips are beneficial. Here's my opinion:
It all depends of the trip, the organization leading the trip, and philosophy of ministry behind the trip. There are damaging short-term trip out there for people to go on....Damaging to the field, as well as damaging to the individual on the trip.
Then again, like Book of Hope, there are incredible opportunities. Trips like the one we will be offering in June 2006 will help American students see a side of life they have never experienced, will allow them to work with the national church and indigenous church. God's Word will be individually distributed to thousands of students, the Gospel message will be presented in a relevant way, AND the local church will be planning, spearheading, organizing all the efforts and doing all follow-up. It's a win-win for American kids and the churches in Honduras. This is a model of an effective short-term trip.
Let's not be discouraged by all the nightmare stories we've heard from other missionaries and youth pastors about bad trips. Do your homework, chose trips based on personal recommendation from trusted sources, and equip and prepare your team for a life-changing experience.
I love missions...especially short-term missions where I get to see God do miracles in American students' lives, as well as work in people's lives who live in a different land than I do.
Listen to Nancy...
I've spent all day at the local middle school video taping 7th and 8th graders in health class performing anti-drug and alcohol skits. It's amazing to me how involved these guys got in their skits. Although at first they were nervous...and some didn't really care...but for the most part many of them enjoyed being in them.
If most of the kids enjoyed the skits, why will at least half of them (if stats will continue at the same rate) get involved in the very thing they encouraged others not to do? Interesting.
My gut feeling is that some teens enjoy skits more than they enjoy standing firm in their convictions. Again, interesting.
To think positive, I believe it does help to continue to beat the anti-drug/alcohol drum. I do believe, however, the drum beat needs to change, though, to keep up with culture; and not become static noise in the background of teenage life.
I'm thankful to be a part of this experience at the middle school. I'll be doing a complete anti-drug/alcohol assembly for the students at the end of October.
So in the meantime, if you get offered some drugs....yes Nancy....Just Say No!
If most of the kids enjoyed the skits, why will at least half of them (if stats will continue at the same rate) get involved in the very thing they encouraged others not to do? Interesting.
My gut feeling is that some teens enjoy skits more than they enjoy standing firm in their convictions. Again, interesting.
To think positive, I believe it does help to continue to beat the anti-drug/alcohol drum. I do believe, however, the drum beat needs to change, though, to keep up with culture; and not become static noise in the background of teenage life.
I'm thankful to be a part of this experience at the middle school. I'll be doing a complete anti-drug/alcohol assembly for the students at the end of October.
So in the meantime, if you get offered some drugs....yes Nancy....Just Say No!
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Sunday Morning prep
It's early Sunday morning, and I'm at church getting ready for the service. Pastor Van is out of town at a class reunion. So I'll be preaching today. (And playing drums....so I'll be hot and sweaty...o great)
It's funny what you end up doing early in the morning at a church. Even though I came early to get my head in the game, other things/thoughts race through my mind.
It's funny what you end up doing early in the morning at a church. Even though I came early to get my head in the game, other things/thoughts race through my mind.
- I had to feed Lucky, my fish. He/she just stares at me until I feed it. It's weird, yet nice at the same time. I feel needed. (It's sad to get emotional gratitude form a fish.)
- I checked my email.
- I checked my blog.
- I checked others' blogs.
- I walked into the sanctuary...for a quick moment....just to see if everything was alright. I'm not sure what I was checking....I guess I wanted to make sure it was still there.
- I printed off the Order of Service for the service today.
- Now I'm posting random thoughts.
- And now I'm going to go over my material for this morning.
- Starting up Itunes....
- ...publishing post (without spellcheck)
