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Archive for the ‘Missions’ Category

Thank a Hero

Posted in Community, Hope, Missions on June 16, 2011| Leave a Comment »

As I drove to work this morning, Skillet was on the radio singing about needing a hero.  As I listened to that song, I thought about heros.  The first ones that came to mind were all the volunteers that helped us out with Vacation Bible School this week.  We had over 50 people donate their time and energy to be involved in the evenings this week, working with kids from pre-K to 5th grade.  We were over run with kids and all the volunteers just stepped in and made it work.

This week, all of you are my heros!  I believe every child had a lot of fun and I know they heard about Jesus, but more importantly, I know beyond a shadow of any possible doubt that they saw Jesus this week in you!

Whether you live here in Littlefield or somewhere else around the world, when you see a volunteer who serves out of compassion and love this week – tell them thanks – they are all heros!

 

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Redemption Partners

Posted in Church, Hope, Missions on June 6, 2011| 2 Comments »

Yesterday, I preached on the fact that when we think about the mission of our church, we need to see the bigger picture.  We really need to think more along the lines of God’s mission having a church rather than our church having a mission.  The reason for the very existence of a church is to fulfill God’s mission.  And that mission is the redemption of humankind.

We live in a messed up world.  I don’t know if you have noticed that lately.  We do a pretty good job of insulating ourselves from it much of the time, but the reality is, the world in which we live has taken what God intended for good and has twisted it into something else – self-serving, corrupt, sinful – messed up.

But regardless of what the world did to Jesus – rejection, torture and execution – God’s plan has not changed.  God still wants all people to be redeemed.  That is God’s mission.  God’s strategy and plan for that mission to be accomplished is the church.

Scary isn’t it?  What a challenge!  What an adventure!  God has called us to join in with the work of redemption!  We are to be redemption partners with God!

As you think about this adventure today – let me leave you with two thoughts.  First, we are not alone.  As believers, we have been given everything we need to carry out God’s call on us.  Jesus said he would never leave us nor forsake us.  We aren’t alone!

The second thought I would leave you is that this work, this adventure, is a call to be faithful – a mandate to be available.  the apostle Paul realized that in some instances, he planted the seeds and others watered them and still others witnessed the results.  We may not see the fruits of our labors on this side of eternity.  Our call is not to see results as much is it is to do all we can to live in such a way that we impact the eternity of others.

Be faithful and available today – and take heart, you aren’t alone!

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Part of Something Bigger

Posted in Community, Hope, Missions on May 25, 2011| Leave a Comment »

You know how you hear a song time and time again, and then one day you actually listen to the words.  I did that yesterday on my commute home.  I had the radio on and the volume pretty low – which according to my wife,  is not normal.  But I caught myself singing along and so I turned up the volume and all of the sudden, I heard the words.

The song was Something Holy by Stellar Kart, and the chorus caught my attention.  Here is what the words say, “We were born to be, a part of something holy.  All of us are restless until we find.”  Then the chorus finishes with “bigger than you and I.  Bigger than all our lives.”

We have been focusing on this idea on Sunday mornings for the last few weeks.  This sums up what we have been talking about – being part of something bigger than ourselves.

It is so easy to focus only on ourselves.  In fact, that is what our culture forces upon us.  We live in a “me first” society and we have all, regardless of how holy we try to be, fallen into this trap to some degree.  Even in the church, it is not uncommon to experience the attitude of “I want it my way.”

But following Jesus means focusing our lives and our love outside ourselves.  It means striving to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.  It means longing to be part of something holy.

Is that your desire today?

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Flexible Availability

Posted in Formation, Missions on May 18, 2011| Leave a Comment »

I was reminded yesterday (and am living that reminder today) that when we allow ourselves to be pulled from our comfort zones, we need to remember to be flexible.  My plan had been to wrap up our mission project in Fabens by noon or so and then get the group started on the next project, collect my things and hit the road for home.  Instead, we finished at about 4:30 and then drove to the next project, looked it over and then headed for the dorm around 6.

I knew that by the time I got cleaned up and ate dinner, it would be 8 pm MST before I could begin the 6 hour drive.  I decided to stay one more night and make the drive today.  As much as I wanted to be home last night, I know that the work we accomplished is pleasing to God.  So, the inconvenience is worth it.

This is a common issue on mission trips.  In fact, I never lead a group on a trip like this without a discussion about being flexible.

But how about the rest of the time.  How flexible am I during a normal work week?  When I have an extensive To Do list, do I get frustrated when interruptions keep me from being able check things off my list?  I am reminded that God would have us be available.

Will you make yourself available for God to use today – remaining flexible?  Or will you get frustrated when an opportunity arises?

Your choice.

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Existing to Serve

Posted in Missions on May 17, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Today I have a wonderful privilege before me.  My work crew, made up of 8 students and a couple of Baptist Student Ministries assistant directors, began work yesterday in Fabens, Texas, on a dorm facility.  We scraped and painted most of the exterior of the building.  Today we will return to finish what we started.  The facility is owned by First Baptist Church of Fabens and has been there for over 30 years.  It’s purpose is to house groups who come to the border to do mission work.  A number of years ago, one of the groups I lead actually stayed in the facility.  Over the years, countless thousands of people have stayed in the dorm, while ministering to the people in the area – on both sides of the border.

But there is another amazing ministry that operates in Fabens out of First Baptist Church.  It is called Crossing the Border Ministries.  Joan and Elfie run this effort.  It is a ministry that provides food for people on the Mexican side of the border.  Each and every Tuesday, pastors cross the border and enter Fabens.  They make their way to the church where they pick up food and other supplies and then return to Mexico to distribute the items to people in need in the villages along the border.  It is a wonderful and vital ministry.

It is one thing to give up a few days out of a busy schedule to come to El Paso and serve.  It is important and in many ways and just a couple of days can make a huge impact.  But it is quite another to make this kind of service a way of life and a daily existence.  That is what Joan and Elfie, and many others like them, have done.  What examples of commitment and dedication to God’s Kingdom!  They are reminders that God calls each and every one of us as followers in the Way, to make service to others a part of who we are – to make it a lifestyle.

I have heard about Crossing the Border Ministries for years, but today, I get to see it in action!  I’m pumped!  It is going to be a blessing.

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Show Us the Father

Posted in Community, Hope, Missions, Motivational on March 24, 2011| Leave a Comment »

With all the things going on in the world today, people are looking for answers.  They are looking for direction and guidance.

Things weren’t so different 2000 years ago.  Jesus’ disciples were looking for guidance too.  In John 14, Jesus was trying to reassure his followers by telling them that he was paving the way for them so that some day, they could be together again.  Thomas replied, “We don’t know the way – how can we get to where you are going?”  Jesus answered him by saying:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

Then Philip jumped in with, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

I think many people I run into on a daily basis would second Philip’s request.  And that is where you and I come in.  As believers, we may be the only Jesus someone sees today.

Will the Jesus you present in your life today be enough?

 

 

 

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Daylight At The Doi Ponei

Posted in Community, Formation, Missions on February 9, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Sinaia is a resort area in northern Romania.  It is nestled in a deep-cut, narrow valley that runs north and south with rugged mountains jutting up on both sides for a breathtaking setting.  The Doi Ponei (Two Ponies) sits up on the mountain on the east side of the valley.  On top of the mountain just across the valley from the lodge there is a cross.  In the early morning, the first visible light from the lodge is on that cross (a fitting setting for a winter retreat).

On the last day of Winter Retreat, little was stirring before the sun came up.  I had gone down to the dining area to read in the quiet before the students began to wake up and get ready.  But as the sun hit the top of that cross on the other side of the valley, I began to hear movement.  In the next few minutes, an entire small group began to trickle into the dining hall.  They had decided to get one more session in before the end of the retreat so they all agreed to meet at 7:00 am.

I was amazed at their dedication (especially when I learned that many of them had stayed up until 5:30 am the night before playing games and hanging out).  There they were, Bibles opened and carrying on a discussion with Kimberely, their group leader, about worship.

In that moment, I had a serious reality check on my own dedication.  There are days when I can’t even seem to get motivated to set aside time to read scripture – and that is after a good night’s rest.  They hungered for time together and time with God.

How about you?  How’s your dedication today?

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What To Do, What To Do?

Posted in Community, Hope, Missions on February 8, 2011| 2 Comments »

I realize that part of it may be jet lag, but this began last Thursday, long before the trip home from Romania.  For the past several days, I have woken up between 4 and 4:30, and been unable to go back to sleep.  For those of you who follow my ramblings, you have heard me say that it seems God wakes me from time to time just to talk.  And of course, I am really perceptive – normally it only takes 3 or 4 days in a row before I begin to pick up on the fact that maybe I should spend the time in prayer.  Well, maybe not 3 or 4 days, but I am not always the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to this area.

I am not sure I have pinpointed exactly what I need to be learning from my early morning encounters but I do know this: God allowed me to be a part of an amazing Red Page Ministries team serving in Romania this past week and I am forever different because of the experience.  I was humbled to work with students who are truly hungry for the Gospel.  Here in the states, our students hunger as well, but it is rare to find a group of so many students, gathered together at one time and place, who are all seeking God with a passion for a real and meaningful relationship.

 

My mind has been racing since we left Sinaia wondering what comes next?  What would God have me do?  Where is God leading in relation to what our team has just experienced in Romania?

I have to be honest, I have been home less than 24 hours and my head is still spinning from it all.  So it is going to take me some time to process the experience and begin to work through who I have become because of it.  I will continue to work through my thoughts and emotions and continue to seek God in this.  As clarity comes, I will be sharing here.

But until that time, here is something I do know that affects today – this moment: God does not call the equipped, he equips the called.  You and I are called to make a difference in our world – not some day, this day.  How are you going to make a difference in the life of another today?

I would love to hear what God does through you today!

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Raul Is The Man

Posted in Missions on February 7, 2011| Leave a Comment »

I have several new friends from my time in Romania last week.  One in particular is on my mind this morning.  Raul is 14.  He is a happy guy – always smiling and laughing, and wow, can that kid eat!  The first afternoon, the group went sledding during their free time.  I am not sure exactly what happened but Raul and his sled parted ways at some point on the run and he stopped himself with his left cheek.  For the rest of the week, he looked like he had carpet burn just under his eye.  But that did not slow him down!  He continued to laugh and have a great time.

Someone had brought an old guitar that would not stay in tune.  Raul was always on that thing, picking out tunes.  The last night, he and Joe (one of our amazing team members) sat around for a couple of hours, passing that guitar back and forth.  Joe would show Raul a new chord or rift and Raul would pick it up right away.  Before long, several of us were gathered around singing praise songs while Raul played.  He may not have hit every chord just right, but for what he lacked in musical accomplishment, he more than made up for in passion and enthusiasm.  It was a picture of what heaven will look like I think.  People gathered around from different ages and different races, worshipping together.

Raul, during the course of the week, committed his life to follow Jesus in full-time professional ministry.  He decided that God is calling him to preach.  Even after knowing Raul for only a short few days, I believe he is right.  And he didn’t waste any time getting started.  The day after returning home, Ovidiu asked Raul to lead the Bible study at his church.  I haven’t heard how that turned out, but I am confident that Raul was himself – and if that is the case, then the love of God flowed from him like a flood.

Continue to pray for the students of the Winter Camp Romania 2011.  Today marks the first day back into school or work or whatever their daily routine entails.  It is easy to worship God with all you have when among family on a retreat.  Its much more difficult back in the daily grind.

 

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Humbled By Prayer

Posted in Missions on February 4, 2011| Leave a Comment »

In my last post, I shared about the moving experience two nights ago, of having students pray for Jeff’s sister-in-law as she was being rushed in for an emergency C-section.  The baby – Jacob – and mom are doing fine.  It was an answer to prayer and I was privileged to be present as Romanian students lifted the family up in prayer.

As moving as that was, last night I experienced something like never before.  I have never been more humbled as I was last night just before getting up to preach.  We sang a song in preparation for the teaching time.  Then Ovidiu stood and asked us all to stand.  He led in prayer in Romanian and then began a season of prayer in which students all over the room took turns praying out loud – each in Romanian.  I could not tell what any of them were saying, but there was one word that I had no trouble picking out – my name!  They were praying for me and asking God to use me to bring His word to them.

Now I have been prayed for by people before, and it is always a touching experience but never have I felt so humbled as I did last night.  God moved last night.  I would like to be able to say it was because of my eloquent speaking or my ability to connect with the students – but that would be a far cry from the truth.  God was moving long before I stood to speak.  The hearts of the students were open and hungry.  Honestly, I could have stood and simply read from scripture and not preached a word and the response would have been the same.  Why?  Because we, as the American team, had the unique opportunity to join in where God is already at work.

God is at work here in Romania – the people are hungry.  As Jesus said, “the fields are white and ready for harvest” – all that is needed is laborers!  Are you interested in joining in with what God is already doing?  Red Page Ministries is ready to connect you to where God is working.  Will you take that step?  You won’t regret it!

 

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