Just keep swimming

This time of year is always seems to involve worry and hand wringing for those involved in student ministries (all ministries?). Typically the stress revolves around:

* Volunteer staffing needs for core programs
* Ministry Fairs that introuce the programs to students/parents
* Getting students excited about coming to "programs" in the midst of school starting and
all that it entails
* Equipping leaders, curriculum, communicating with parents/students,

The list goes on and on.....

Of course, looking back over the past 5 years or so and my growing involvement with ministries at EPPC - God ALWAYS provides and/or guides. Why do I worry? My job is to keep showing up, keep walking forward, keep listening to the Holy Spirit and ACT when moved to......and God's blessings pour out in abundance.

I've had some amazing conversations this past week with individuals that have lead to cool possiblities for "youth stuff" this coming year.

God has got it under control........

"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. " (Matthew 25-34)

Bamboo flute music is evil

Help me! My wife put on some "Bamboo flute" music last night just before some friends were coming over for dinner. We forgot to turn it off so it has been drifting through the house all night. I'm starting to like it. So mournful, peaceful, contemplative, and full of space.

From the dark side it is.

Where is my Count Basie jazz CD when I need it!

Billy Graham

I found this article from Newsweek to be an interesting read about Billy Graham.

Finally...

I know what to do with that treadmill in my bedroom!

(ht to marko)

Going deep part 2

A few more reflections on how I kept seeing (hearing?) the word "deep" as I read through Philippians.....

(Part 1 is here)

"If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends." Phil 2:1-2

Deep-spirited friends. Love. Life. Community. Spirit. Heart. Care. Agree. Love. Deep-spirited friends. Do I nurture deep-spirited friendships?

"Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God." Phil 2:12

I love this verse as it speaks to living out your salvation here and now - energetically, reverently, and sensitively. Lots to ponder there but it is about living deeply in God.

"Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God." Phil 2:15

Start with just a glimpse. God is so deep, so inviting, so abundant, so full of grace that a life can be changed with just a glimpse. Will I walk across the room and engage in a conversation and provide just a glimpse of the living God?

"I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God's righteousness." Phil 3:9

Keeping only rules in my heart......petty, inferior living. Trusting Christ with the depth of my life and relationships......robust, deep righteousness.

"Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!" Phil 4:4

Celebrate, revel in Him. Live deeply in Him each and every moment of each and every day. Revel in Him and allow him to be revealed more and more deeply.

"Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves." Phil 4:23

Allow God to enter in......through the amazing grace of His son Jesus........deep, deep within.

Go deep.

Going deep

I've been reading through Philippians the past couple of weeks. Man, what a great book to read if you are feeling a little low. It is one great cheerleading and encouraging letter. Over the next couple of days, thought I'd share some of the verses and phrases that have "shimmered" as I have been reading.

The word "deep" has been rising to the top of my thoughts as I've been reading.

(All of these quotes are from "The Message")

"Paul and Timothy, both of us committed servants of Christ Jesus, write this letter to all the followers of Jesus in Philippi, pastors and ministers included." Phil 1:1

I find it interesting that he singles out "pastors and ministers" - just one of those things that makes me go, "Hmmmm." The message is to pierce beyond the congregation - and land deep within ALL of them....leaders included.

"There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears." Phil 1:6

God started His work IN me......He is working deep.....from the inside-out.

"So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well." Phil 1:9

Ah, but to love well. What does that look like? Loving well....not just much. To me that also speaks of depth - to allow my love not to just meander along the surface of relationships but to look for cracks and crevices to pour Christ's love, through me, deeply into my relationship with God, self, others, and the world....as He has started a great work in me.

"Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul,...making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God." Phil 1:10-11

A life of depth thru Jesus Christ......bountiful in fruits from the soul. I love that phrase. fruits from the soul....as Jesus works deep in me, my very soul will become bountiful and reveal more and more of the attractiveness of Christ.

"Through your faithful prayers and the generous response of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, everything he wants to do in and through me will be done." Phil 1:19

Faithful prayers and generous Spirit - not only do I need to go deep in my prayers with God but I need to let myself marinate deeply in the prayers of others. To humbly ask for and graciously receive prayer - so that I am deeply immersed - and that everything he wants to do in/through me will be done as I respond to the Spirit.

"So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues." Phil 1:25

Depth in relationships through perseverance in love. Depth by committing time. Depth in walking along side and encouraging depth in another person's journey with Jesus. This is a theme that has resonated with me greatly in looking at how we minister to youth - and how we need to better walk with them rather than challenge and abandon them.

Go deep.

Happy Birthday....

to me!

That's right. I turned the magical 44 this past week. Here is a smattering of quotes from the various cards I received from friends and family:

"Yay! Happy Shiny Head Dave."

"Thanks for teaching me sooooo much."

"Thanks for being like my second dad to me."

"You're a great farter....oops....I mean father!"

"I love you, dad. Thanks for everything you do for me!"

"Another birthday for a wonderful son."

"You are the one that makes me smile, that knows everything I'm thinking, and who I crave to spend time with!"

Wow - am I a blessed husband, father, and son. Is it cool being a child of God or what? No birthday blues here......now where is that cake!

Doing the right thing....

is more important than doing things right.

This phrase was listed as one of the "core values" that give direction to youth ministry at a conference I attended last fall. It is one of those phrases that sounds cool and generally makes people nod their heads in agreement.

Doing the right thing is more important than doing things right.

But I was having a hard time trying to come up with a concrete example of what this might look like in real life and in youth ministry specifically. And then I watched my son's soccer team completely destroy an opponent. They played the game right - they watched their spacing, they marked their men, they had good first touches, they used their support, they shot at the far post, they talked, they played aggressive, they scored goal after goal after goal after goal after goal. I honestly don't remember the score at halftime. It was at least 6 to 0.

Doing the right thing is more important than doing things right.

I have a lot of respect for my son's coach. I believe him to be the best coach my son has had since playing "travel" soccer. He has developed a great team concept. He has demonstrated great balance and patience with the boys involvement in other activities that conflict with soccer. He has been up front with the parents that yelling at the refs is plain wrong and he doesn't ever want to hear it. I thought the team would come out and lay off some after the half. I was wrong. They continued to score at will. The score ballooned to something greater than 12 - 0. I literally lost track. I felt embarrassed.

Doing the right thing is more important than doing things right.

To be fair the coach on the other team was not helping. He apparently had a point to make about something. He took kids out of the game and made his team play shorthanded by 2 players. His team has not won any games this year and has scored only two goals. It would have been great to see the kids out playing the last game of the year and have fun - but he tried to turn it into some kind of personal message or control thing. I felt sad for the players on his team.

Doing the right thing is more important than doing things right.

From my perspective the right thing would have been to lay back. Require all goals in the second half to be from headers. Or any shots taken have to be with your weak leg. Or set it up so that the team has to make 6 passes before shooting. Or all shots have to be taken outside goalie box. It just seems pounding the ball in wasn't the right thing....even though they were playing the game right. There are things that are bigger than the game. The balance between competition and compassion, destruction vs. dignity, goals vs. grace.

Doing the right thing is more important than doing things right.

Maybe I'm completely off base here. Maybe I don't understand the level of competition in "travel soccer". Maybe I don't know what the coach was trying to accomplish. Maybe I don't understand all the subtleties of the game. What I do know is how the players on the other team looked walking off the field. How the parents looked at their children - as though their child had been beat up by a bully in front of them and they were helpless to intervene. In the end, I apologized to the parents of the other team. They were very gracious and said things like "It's not your fault" or "It's travel soccer, what would we expect", etc.

Doing the right thing is more important than doing things right.

Of course, I can't be free from my own rant. Other than wish for it to stop and apologize for our teams unrelenting play, I did nothing. I didn't walk over to the coach and ask him to have his team pull back. I just watched - as one group of children destroyed another group. I didn't do the right thing..........I did what the culture says is doing things right.....stay quiet, don't rock the boat, don't cause a scene, don't embarrass your child......

I wish I hadn't needed an example of what "Doing the right thing is more important than doing things right" may mean in real life. It came at the expense of a group of children. And I am ashamed. Lord, help me not sit idly by the next time, know that I have seen that ......

Doing the right thing is more important than doing things right.

Kickball dangers I never thought of!

We played kickball this past Sunday at our 2nd annual "bike to Lake Riley from church" event (you can read details about it here). It was a great day - 20 minute bike to the lake, swimming, BBQ hotdogs for lunch, and then the mandatory kickball game.

Sometime during the third inning or so of kickball, I fielded a hot grounder. The ball had skidded across the grass and took a hop that caught me on the side of the face after which I fielded the ball for the last out of the inning.

As both teams were passing one another to change offense/defense, one of the kids in the group looked at me and said, "Hey, Dave! What's that yellowish brown stuff on your face?" I stopped and noticed a strange odor about me which lead me to say, "I think it's dog poop!" That pretty much put a stop to the game - as kids were laughing, looking, pointing, running, giggling - and I made a quick exit to the lake to wash off! Ahh.....the joys of youth ministry!

At least part of the answer is.....

play and conversation in community.

I've been pondering the value of summer youth group gatherings here and also some ideas about doing things differently here.

This past Sunday, we had our 2nd annual youth group bike ride to Lake Riley. It was hot - the temps would eventually reach about 98 degrees. There was much concern expressed about the trip from the parents. But we pressed on - here is a short summary of "the event" and some ponderings on what I saw/learned about the value of these events.

The low down on the trip - the kids bring their bikes to church. After worship (and after collecting permission slips, calming parent's fears for their children's safety and coordinating some of the adult volunteers) we leave for Riley Lake park. It's only about a 20 minute ride and we had a water break half way there. At the park we swim, have a cookout, play kickball, and then swim/hangout some more. This year we had 13 students and 10 volunteers....along with two 7 y.o.'s!

Ponderings and reflections on what I saw/learned:

These trips pump me up! Okay, I admit that I absolutely hate the planning. But on the day of the event and throughout the event itself - I am super psyched. I look forward so much to hanging out with our students as well as the adult volunteers. I love being able to just watch how kids interact (or don't).

God has blessed us with a very cool community of adults. You may have noticed that we had almost a 1:1 ratio of students to adults. Sometimes this could be stifling to a youth gathering. But our adult volunteers have such hearts for the kids - looking for chances to interact but also just letting the kids hang out and play. A truly intergenerational event.

Community forming - This day I saw our incoming 7th graders being folded into our tribe of kids at EPPC. They were welcomed and included....by other students as well as adults. It is so cool to see "the church" - from 7 y.o.'s to those of us over forty - having moments of "union with God and communion with each other" to borrow a phrase from Scot McKnight.

Play is an important part of a passionate ministry - biking, swimming, kick ball, water fights. I bet that Adam and Eve played hide and seek in the garden, even before they ate the apple. How can one not want to just play when immersed in God's creation and living in community with each other?

My biggest take-away of the day is that we as "the church", not just as a youth group, need to have opportunities for play and conversation - in community - allowing us to be real with one another and develop "deep spiritual friends" (Phil 2:2 Msg)

As I look at my ponderings over the past week - I have a new appreciation for creating events over the summer that nurture play/conversation. But I also believe it to be a prime opportunity to have volunteers and kids build relationships as well. Really is a both/and rather than an either/or. I'll keep pondering.....and keep listening......and keep watching.....as God is present and beckoning.....

Summer youth group ponderings.....what if.....

As i think about how I view summer youth group activities the following pops into my head:

What if......

* Every one of our kids was invited to breakfast by one of our leaders twice over the summer
* Our leaders went to one sporting event, recital, practice, etc each month
* A phone call was made to just say "hi, how's your summer going" to each of our kids
* Our summer "program" consisted of a mission trip and a camping trip - the rest of the time was left unscheduled
* We made the time to sit down with the parents of our kids over the summer and asked them what their hopes and dreams were for their children - spiritually, relationally, school, career, etc.

How would this effect the spiritual growth of our kids? Would it be different than what we are doing now? Is it either/or......both/and? How would it impact our leaders? More burnout or less?

What is the wise way?

Kid's quote...

The following quote was heard as two "almost eight" y.o.'s exit the movie theater to use the bathroom - during the AMC music previews portion of the show.

"If we didn't have to go to the bathroom we could be dancing right now!"

I'm convinced that part of having a childlike faith is dancing with God - and not caring if anyone else is watching.

Summer youth group activities - what's the value?

Trips to the amusement park, gatherings for swimming/BBQ's, movies, bowling, paint ball, "the mission trip", bike trips, etc....

These are some of the types of activities that I have tried to schedule this summer for our youth. Our regular "programming" stops over the summer and we do 3-5 special events along with a mission trip.

At times, I wonder, what impact having these events has. Now I must say I can't imagine not doing a mission trip over the summer, especially having just returned from Mexico and the cool things I saw happen there to me and the youth that went along. But the other events i struggle with.

What are your thoughts?

If a parent - do you think there is value in these gatherings or is it "just another thing." If there is value - what is it? How does that value compare to the value of a sports practice, play practice, band practice, etc? What is your hope for your child in attending these events?

If a youth worker - what is your purpose in having these events? Do you think that purpose is accomplished? Do you think your group would be negatively affected if you didn't schedule these outings?

If a student - do you see these gatherings different than other outings you go on during the summer? If so, how so? What are the factors that help you decide whether to go to a "youth group" event or not?

Do you think there is a better way for achieving what you feel God's plan is for the kids He has entrusted you with over the summer?

I'd love to hear your thoughts......(both of you!)

Converging quotes...

I ran into this quote from Mark Galli, editor at Christianity Today, and author of Jesus Mean and Wild while reading Scot McKnight's blog.

"God loves you and has a difficult plan for your life."

I was also reading this passage from Phillipians 1 this morning:

"There's far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There's also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting. You're involved in the same kind of struggle you saw me go through, on which you are now getting an updated report in this letter. "

Knowing that the journey is difficult increases my trust in Christ - knowing that He is persevering through the adventure with me. But running into these quotes on the same day is a little unnerving....

Adventures in a "girlie" jeep.....

My wife and I recently returned from a wonderful trip visiting our daughter, Kate, who is working at the 4UR guest ranch in Creede, CO.

We flew into Denver then rented a Jeep Liberty to drive to Creede. When our kids at home heard we were renting a Jeep Liberty they began referring to it as a "girlie" jeep.

"Seriously, Dad, do you know anyone who owns that car that isn't a girl?" was the question they posed.

Here are some stories of adventure while driving our "girlie" jeep.....

"How does the 4wd gear shift work?" While playing around on some gravel roads in the rain, we (I?) decided to try out the 4wd. I wasn't sure how to work it other than pulling up on the little gear shift next to the big one. I pulled it up and it worked fine.....low gear 4wd. We tooled around for a few minutes then decided to head back into town. The problem arose when I was unable to push the lever back down.....it wouldn't go back into 2wd! Katie thought it was funny. My wife however had visions of us driving back to Denver in low gear and didn't look to amused. After struggling with it for a few minutes it did go back into gear.....and all was right with the world.

"Flash floods and avalanches" That same night that we tried the 4wd, there was a torrential rain storm. It lasted a good 2 hours with an amazing lightning display across the mountains. We were taking Kate back to the ranch after having seen a play in Creede. It was dark, raining, and we were on a two lane paved road. I thought the two cars in front of us were going WAY to slow for conditions - yeah, a little hard to see with the weather, but 15 MPH?! Then the cars in front of me started to swerve. Just as I'm wondering "what are they doing?" I see some soccer ball size rocks on the road! We were driving along a sheer cliff and the rain had washed rocks onto the road. YIKES. We came upon two or three more areas where rocks had ended up on the road...from gravel to rocks about the size of a large watermelon. That will get your adrenaline pumping!

We eventually found the road to the ranch - a packed gravel road that runs along Goose Creek, an off shoot of the Rio Grande river. We turn onto the road and cross the bridge over the Rio Grande. As we do, we can see that there is water covering up the road ahead....and there are logs and stuff floating in the water......and the water is moving......and the road is quickly dissappearing in front of us! As Kimpa would later say.....my "man genes" kicked in - gotta save the family! I am freaked out. Kimpa and Katie are laughing as I execute a three point turn on a narrow road, in the dark, missing and confusing drive/neutral/reverse many times. By the time I get turned around the water is at the car.......we bolt back across the bridge and I endure the combination of relief, laughter, and comments by my wife and daughter. We decide to head back to Creede (driving thru the avalanches again!) and spend the night there - but not before Kate and Kimpa have me take their picture on the bridge as a flash flood is happening! *Sheesh!*

Good adventures.....driving around with the girls in the "girlie" jeep!

Just a Pane

Just a pane separated us from him.

We were on the inside and he was on the outside. I’m not even sure why I noticed him. In the midst of enjoying lunch with Kelsey and Drew at HardRock Cafe, something about the form on the other side of the window drew my attention. It wasn’t his face as his back was turned toward us. It was something about his posture. A posture that seemed to say, “I’m beat down, I’m tired, I don’t have a place to be.”

Just a pane separated us from him.

I don’t think he was aware of us. His back was to us and he seemed to be staring straight ahead – out at the street from where he had just come. He was sitting at a table by himself, slowly sipping a drink through a straw – something that looked like Mountain Dew. Through the glass and the slats in the blinds I could see a few days growth of a beard. He sat with his head held slightly to the left. A slight slump defined his spine. It seemed he was trying to make his drink last as long as possible.

Just a pane separated us from him.

I never saw him served. I don’t know how he got his drink. I did see him get up and leave. He left no money and just walked into the street as if this was part of his normal routine. He wandered a ½ block, looked in a couple windows, then paused outside the entrance to a building. It seemed as if he was trying to decide if it was worth it to go in. As if some choice was being made. I don’t know if the other side of the door held the possibility for good or evil. For the hope of a kindness shared or the lure of an addiction. He made a choice and entered.

Just a pane separated us from him.

Lives so different. My life of being on “the inside” – a life of comfort, family and friends. His life on “the outside” – relying on resources to be provided, alone, tired. My life of hope….his life of despair. Separated by just a pane of glass.

Lord, forgive me for just looking through the glass and accepting that as normal. Help me look for opportunities and ways to shatter the glass – and then look into the eyes of the person on the other side, reach out, and spend time with them and serve them. Help me be more like Jesus…..and less like myself.

Isn't it ironic.....

that I spilled food on my 30 hour famine T-shirt today at lunch.

Hangin' out with 7 y.o.'s

I spent the majority of the day hangin' out with my son, Alexey, and his best friend Peter. I decided early in the day not to worry about "to do" lists, house chores, planning ahead, or youth ministry stuff. Just to hang out and be available - it was a fabulous day.

Started with Subway sandwiches we took to the park. Playing tag/chase/run around the play structure. Sitting and eating and speaking on topics that fascinate 7 y.o.'s - bodily functions/noises, sports, video games, what's cool.....

Then hangin' at the house - okay, I admit it, I napped while they played some Harry Potter computer games.

Then off to a lake for some fishing - everyone caught a fish! Gentle exploring and story telling of other fishing adventures.

Back home for a bonfire, hotdogs, pasta salad - and then watching "Treasure Hunter" while wrestling, playing indoor soccer, etc. Time for smores and watching the fire...then finally showers and bed.

What a cool day.

Mexico Day 4 - Vision

Another day covered in dust begins. Again I awake for a morning walk. I notice a horse in a nearby field. The roosters are crowing as always. I notice the “watchers”. People that stay up all night to watch the camp and keep us safe. I don’t speak to them but thank them in my prayers. Again – I spend time listening for God as I hear my footsteps on the gravel/dirt. I am aware of Him…a good start to the day.

Once again the morning routine of waking up the family, breakfast, packing lunches, and filling water bottles. The “youth” sleeping around the campfire is growing – up to about 9 now.

Off to the worksites. I am SO glad we don’t have to mix concrete today! On the way to the sites we pass many dead dogs along side the road. One of the groups starts calling them “piñatas”.

We arrive and the foundation we poured yesterday is almost dry. Today we will be putting up the frame of the house and the roof. WooHoo. We have three walls already done so we start putting together the other 4 or so. It seems to be going quickly – lots of hammering, sawing, nailing. The kids are playing soccer in the street, helping with holding down the tape measure, playing with spare wood blocks, and not complaining.

We start putting up the walls – and suddenly it feels like we are accomplishing something. Maybe it is because I can start to see what the home will look like. Yesterday seemed like a lot of work and little to show for it. Now, with a firm foundation and a couple of walls I can see the vision of what the house will look like when it is finished.

We finish the framing with few problems. Our structure is square and level, the walls almost perfectly horizontal, and we hang a door without too much difficulty. The day is cruising along. Some things I notice along the way – Eric asks me how he can help, can he saw, where should he nail? Eric is going into 7th grade. His perseverance and servant heart humbles me. When he asks me if he can saw a board, my first thought is “it is going to take longer than I want it too!” *sigh* But grace and patience win out – and he makes a fine cut on a two by four – and his smile is well worth the wait. I see my own family members – Kelsey, Kimpa, Alexey, and Drew – working so hard and not complaining. I love my family so much and have found over the years that we are always stronger together than individually. It is a very cool gift that we are here together, serving within this family of faith, in this place, during these days. They have all made sacrifices to be here (from soccer, work, social stuff) – and my prayer is that they are each encountering God in His time and mysterious ways during this trip – and they are moved to becoming more like Him.

We finish putting the plywood on the roof and get some bailing wire around the house. It is about 6:30 and it has been a good day. Back at camp the usual – dinner, showers, worship with sharing of “God sightings”, some conversation around the campfire and off too bed. From foundation to vision – there is something to learn from this day…but I’m a little too tired to put it all together….but God will work it out in my dreams – because He never sleeps.

Mexico Day 3 - I am not alone

I wake up early, again. The night was actually very cool and there is still a chill in the air. I walk around the camp. Having been removed from most of my normal routine and comforts of home I notice that I have quickly developed “camp equipment envy”. From lighting, to nicer tents, and in particular nicer camp chairs (we have some plastic chairs, many of which collapse under my weight….is it the chair or me…..and lots of benches) I find much to be envious of. *sigh* Not a great way to start the day…..I take some comfort in the fact that at least I recognize it for what it is – sin. I take some time to just sit, pray, ask God to continue to strip me of all that I have brought that isn’t of Him – envy and all the other sins that strive to cling to my heart and mind. Sitting and listening I hear – roosters crowing and am reminded of Peter’s denial of Christ (but there is so much crowing I chuckle that it must not have taken long for the roosters to crow three times!) I also hear moments of quiet (how one actually “hears” a moment of quiet I’m not sure, but that is what comes to mind)……..moments that I listen closely for God. And I do feel His presence and am hopeful of what the day ahead will bring.

Our camp starts to stir. There are seven Jr./Sr. High youth that slept around the fire outside….how cool is that? I help get Alexey up and going. Packing up the sleeping bags so there is room to move in the tent, digging for clothes, locating toothbrushes, and finding shoes. Kimpa is in a good mood as is Alexey. We walk to breakfast and have scrambled eggs, bacon, cereal, etc. Then we pack a lunch, load up the water bottles, put on the sun screen, check that we all have hats and…….wait. While we wait Alexey and his buddy Peter run around and play various games. My parent instinct wants to tell him to stop, he is going to get dirty. But everything is dirty here – and luckily I remain silent. I wonder if Alexey has noticed how different his surroundings are – or is he just glad to have his best friend here and be playing a game. I think there is much less that needs to be stripped away from children and they are much closer to being the image of God (Eikons) that he originally created us in than most adults. What changes….what has changed in me?

Eventually we load up and take the crazy 45 minute drive to our worksite. Driving in Mexico is a story unto itself. We meet the family at our worksite. Mom/Dad and 4 kids – the oldest a 12 y.o. girl and youngest is a 3 y.o. boy. Kels, Michelle, and Katie are our best Spanish speakers so they do their best to greet/intro all of us and then talk to the family about where they would like their new home, the placement of the two windows and the door. They have a previous Amor built home but it is about 2 feet below the level of the space where the home we will build goes. We decide to pour a 24 foot slab so that the homes have a cement breezeway of sorts between them. We are anxious to get started.

As the “work” begins I start to notice that I am not alone. It seems strange to type that sentence even. Up until this point, most of my thoughts and observations have been about me. My experience, my perspective, how things are effecting me and my relationship with God….pretty much at the exclusion of others. But as the work begins, I see that I am in a community. I am just one piece of the puzzle and a part of the story that God is unfolding over the next four days. My gifts are limited, finite but essential……just as everyone else’s are. And as I see my limits, and there are many, I see the gifts of others blossom.

The goal for the day is to get the foundation poured. Sounds simple. But the sight has to be clear of debris, level, a frame made, and then….there is the mixing, pouring, smoothing of the cement. YIKES! Having virtually no construction experience I didn’t know what was coming. Around 2 in the afternoon we start mixing pouring cement. The first “tub” we mix and pour fills about a 1X2 foot square and seeing the small space it covers in our frame…..I am depressed. It is obvious we are in for a long afternoon. We struggle with the process for about 90 minutes but then we start to hit our rhythm as a team – somehow we have been sifted and sorted using our talents to maximum ability and we really start to have a nice flow of mixing, pouring, smoothing. Most of the team is involved in this process but a few of them are working on walls for the next day. Things are clicking – a hint of what I think living in rhythm with God must be like. Using your gifts to the max, working/living in community, serving others, and in the process somehow reconciling yourself, your relationship with God, others and the world all at the same time. Awesome!

By 6:30 the foundation is poured, we have 2-3 walls built, and we are tired….but content.
The best part of the day is as we leave the sight, the mom of the family peaks out, sees the foundation, her face is glowing, she is smiling, and she is clapping. Building a strong foundation leads to joy…….

Back at camp we eat, shower (such as it is), gather for worship and sharing, and then go to bed. It’s been a very long day, a day that deserves some reflection, but I am too tired to think and am just content at having finished the day well, knowing that God is listening, He is still stripping away baggage, that I am surrounded by others who will help carry me through and glad to be in this community of faith – not perfect – but accepted, growing, and transforming.

Did my son just say Iowa?

Alexey: "Can we go to Iowa for spring break this year?"
Family: "Why would we go to Iowa for spring break? (Said with GREAT dismay!)
Alexey: "Because they have really big corn there!"


Where have I gone wrong........I immediately started singing the Univ of Illinois fight song to help get rid of the evil Iowa spirits that had taken over my son.

Mexico Day 2 - Strip Searched

I got almost no sleep last night. Between listening to the voices outside my window (and in my head?) and the anticipation of crossing into Mexico there wasn’t much rest. About 5:30 a.m. I hear “Dave, are you up?” My buddy Mitch and I knew neither of us would sleep so we agreed to get up early and take a hike. Of we go…..

Some of the highlights of the hike – Lush green colors, palm trees, ocean views, a sculpture of Jesus calling Peter, a baseball field on the ocean, trails/crevasses that lead to the beach, surfers, ocean “flies”, watching the surf, exploring a “homeless” cave, the smell of the ocean, a mountain bike path……..time, space, and conversation. Among the beauty we also see lots of trash, garbage, and a porn magazine……..a mix of beauty and ugliness that reminds me of our nature of being cracked Eikons.

The day begins as we return to the dorms – getting everyone up, the last real shower for awhile, walking to breakfast, packing up the vans, cleaning the rooms, getting footballs off of the roofs (twice!) and then gathering for worship.

Worship – in an outdoor amphitheater, with a community I love, and I feel alone. We took time to write down what our expectations for the coming days were. I am at a loss really – I put down generic stuff – to see God working, building of relationships, blah, blah, blah…..i don’t feel very engaged at the moment. Highlights of the morning was a very cool “Father’s Day” gift – a couple of the mom’s had put together a special song to the tune of “Day’s of Elijah” that the kid’s sang to us dad’s….how fun! And communion was a good start – even tho I feel separated at the moment, I am reminded that God is present and is inviting me to take note of His presence in the moments of the day.

Then – a final search for a pop machine that has diet coke, a final trip to a “real” bathroom, and off to the border.

We cross without incident. One van is pulled over but is soon allowed to continue – and then we are in Mexico. The change is almost instant and dramatic. A difference of 40 miles means the difference between wealth and poverty, lush greens and packed dirt, nice homes and shacks made of whatever a person can find, paved roads and rutted dirt paths, structure and chaos, English and Spanish, hope and ??. A question comes to my mind. Is there hope here in Mexico? What do the people hope for? I know we feel like we are bringing hope – but it has to be here already doesn’t it? Do the people see it? Do I see it? Will we be cultivating it, discovering it, sowing it, leaving it, or is it not really here? It has to be here – dust covered and dirty – but present….right?


We arrive at our camp. How quickly our accommodations have changed. We move into a tent city – five people and their luggage crammed into a “five person tent” which of course means there is comfortable room for three. Dust everywhere and it is hot. We unpack the vans (I’m looking forward to not having to pack/unpack the vans for a few days!) and move to our tents. There is excitement and tension in the group. We have arrived but most of us don’t know what to do. Of course the men start to organize the tools. Lots of the kids start to run around, explore, play in the dirt. I wander between tasks of getting our luggage to the tent, some basic set up (with Kimpa’s approval!), help with the tools some, get some water, make sure Alexey is safe, wonder how we are going to ever get to sleep tonight in this tent…….and what tomorrow holds.

The phrase “strip searched” enters my mind. I remember at the airport making the usual jokes about security and the chance (hope?) that someone in our group may be strip searched. I remember Kimpa commenting at some point that nothing is routine, or that there is no normal in the schedule. That all starts to simmer……and I start to feel like I am being “strip searched” by God. That all of the things I have grown dependent upon and used to are being taken away: air conditioning, flush toilets, microwaves, my own transportation, solid walls, a nice bed, my own space, an independent schedule, knowing what is happening next, a skill set that matches up with what I do, control…..basically all of the “me” I have spent so long creating isn’t very useful and has no control over my situation. I realize that over the next few days I am going to be dependent upon God and the people around me to get through whatever is going to happen. And because of that – I will discover if I really am relying upon God for my strength. Do I love God with all of my heart, soul, mind, strength……because I am about to be stripped to the very core and find out. I am scared, not because I don’t know the answer, but because I do.

The evening progresses with dinner - burgers and dogs, worship, hanging around the campfire, and then trying to get to sleep. But sleep will be hard to find - as God listens, searches, and strips away.

Mexico Day 1 - God is listening

70 people ranging in age from 7 to 70. I was told it was going to be “hurry up and wait” and it is true. We arrive at MSP airport and “wait” – for everyone to gather, to unload luggage, to check-in, to go thru security, and then to board the plane. There are a few soccer fanatics, my 14 y.o. son Drew being one of them, and they start watching world cup soccer in the local bar. The younger kids and a few of their “80’s” parents are in the arcade playing Galaga and various racing games.

During this waiting I start wondering what the days ahead will be like. My first “fear” is how my body will hold up physically. My back bugs me pretty bad at night and I haven’t worked really hard in……way too long.

Other questions swirl in the milieu of my mind. What will the people at our worksite be like? What will their community look like? How will we talk as I don’t know a bit of Spanish? Do you really have to check your shoes for scorpions in the morning?

Our flight is good. Gotta love soggy grilled cheese sandwiches at 30,000 feet. Everyone is excited to arrive – I believe there was applause on the landing….kids are too much fun!

More hurry up and wait – pile all the luggage, wait for the vans to arrive, notice people starting to sort themselves and worry who is going to ride with whom. Jody teaches the younger kids some basic games you can play with a few coins and a wall outside the airport. Adults worry about organizing and is everyone safe. Teens worry about where they are going to sit on the vans. Grade school kids just run around and play – interrupting everyone else’s worrying……

We load up – I get to co-pilot a van. Of course that means we take a wrong turn but eventually end up at Point Loma Nazarene College. More waiting – unloading luggage, room assignments, making sure I know where my kids rooms are and what room my wife is in. I was in a room with Alexey but he ditches me to sleep with his buddy Peter so I have a room to myself – perfect for the introvert that I am!

Pizza for dinner, some time to wander – you can see the ocean but we can’t get down to it from where we are. We spend time in worship – Steve leads us in songs….he has grown in being a worship leader so much this past year. We pray and John shares some with us.

Expectations start to surface and more questions……what is about to happen, how will it effect me, will I remain unchanged – do I want to change, am I hoping something in me changes?

I’m tired. As I lay down to go to sleep in my dorm room I have the window open. It opens into the courtyard where all of our rooms are. I can hear a student moving outside to sleep. I hear others talking – I love listening to students talk, especially when they don’t know you are listening. They say such amazing things and the way they relate to each other is always fascinating. As I lie there, listening, it fills me with joy. I don’t sleep much…..it is too much fun listening to the voices, the ocean, the sounds outside my window.

I have to think that God gets even more pleasure as He is watching and listening over His creation and we are behaving as if God isn’t listening, looking, yearning for us. (For the moment I’m going to ignore the fact that so much of what we say and do breaks God’s heart – and focus on the joy He must get when we are in relationship with each other…..created in Hi image…..and the joy he gets in listening/loving on His creation.) I can picture Him in some way – smiling over us as we talk and finally drift off to sleep. And I am comforted knowing that He is there – whether I am awake, asleep, tired, rested, scared, joyful – he is always with me, and I know I will need to rely on Him in the days ahead. But for now – I go to sleep……taking joy in the voices I hear…..and thinking now that I am hearing God through them.

Mexico Musings

I was part of a mission team from our church that built homes for people in need. I am going to try to process some of what I experienced over the next few days. I thought I'd start with a general overview of the experience.


Our church in Minnesota sent a team of 70 people (almost a quarter of our congregation!) to Mexico to work with Amor Ministries and built 4 homes for families in need inTijuana. Our team was a combination of families, youth, and singles. The youngest participant was my son Alexey - age 7 - and the oldest participant was over 70. We had 21 Jr/Sr high youth from our youth group that partici

pated either with their family or as individuals.

Our itinerary:

Left Saturday afternoon and arrived in San Diego. Stayed at Point Loma Nazerene College.
Sunday - packed up and crossed the border into Mexico.
Monday - Hit the work site, met our family, poured the foundation for the home we will build.
Tuesday - Framing and put on the roof.
Wednesday - Tar/Shingle the roof. Wire, paper, chicken wire the walls, and first coat of stucco.
Thursday - Final coat of stucco and then do a blessing of the home/family as we present the house to them!
Friday - Return to San Diego, Point Loma College and hang out.
Saturday - Play day in San Diego and then head to the airport....arriving in Minneapolis at Midnight.
Arrive home........1 am.

The homes we built were approximately 11X22 ft. Two rooms, two windows, a door and a cement floor. Not as big as the garage on my home......

General observations - the trip defied expectations. The descriptions of the trip from people that had gone before were good - but didn't come close to what it is like to go in person. I have never worked harder and been challenged physically, emotionally, and spiritually this much in my life.

Over the next few days I hope to describe and share some of what I experienced.....and encourage you to explore serving in this way at some point in your future. It was amazing.

You can tell Mom's out of town.....

because Alexey asked me today, "How do babies get out of a mom's stomach?"

It seems that I get asked all these great questions when Mom is unavailable for consult!

Of course since Mom isn't available, it lets me use that great "think of it as a bowling ball growing up inside a balloon and then having to push it out" analogy.....*smile*

Gentle Moments

Sometimes, I love not being a youth leader.

Less than a week ago I was in Mexico. I was just one of 70 people whom God called to go and build homes for people in need. In preparing for the trip, I decided that my main responsibility should be to my family - and not as a “youth leader”. So my buddy Steve offered to take on the main job of being “the guy” who was responsible for being available to the 21 students that participated in the trip. First, let me say Steve did an incredible job. Not only did he build homes but he led worship, helped with devotionals and messages in the evenings, and graciously shared his shower bag with me. Thanks, Steve!

Because of Steve’s presence, I was able to just observe our awesome youth. I wasn’t distracted by worrying about what’s happening next or taking a head count. I was able to sit back and had the privilege of seeing what I eventually called “gentle moments”. I’d like to share a few of them with you.

· 7 students sleeping outside around the campfire the first night.
· Jr./Sr. high students sharing with everyone their “God sightings”.
· An 11th grader teaming up with a 7 y.o. in a card game.
· A 7th grader inviting a 6th grader to join “the gang” sleeping outside around the campfire.
· Sr. High students helping teach the 6th graders the motions to some of the worship songs we sang at night.
· Jr./Sr. high students holding Mexican children in their arms, playing games, hugging them, and sharing Christ’s love in amazing ways.
· 11 students sleeping outside around the campfire the third night.
· Students hammering, sawing, and working harder than I could ever imagine – while smiling and encouraging one another.
· Students inviting the children of the families we are serving to join them during lunch.
· 22 students sleeping outside around the campfire the third night.
· The list goes on and on and on……

The trip was rich in experiences and challenging in ways I could not have imagined. I still have a lot of processing to do about my own personal experience. But for now, I am just grateful for not being a youth leader on the trip – and being allowed to see God’s fingerprints all over our students and the impressions they left on my heart and the hearts of others…….in so many gentle moments.

Enjoy the Silence

Not that I keep this thing that current anyway - but for the 2 of you that do happen by here....

I will be traveling to Mexico with about 70 other people - building four homes for people in need. So I will be out of the blogosphere for about a week. Looking forward to sharing my adventure upon my return.

Until then - Enjoy the Silence.

Contrast and Conviction

I spent last weekend helping my parents move into their new home. They are living in Daniel Island, SC just outside of Charleston. It is a community that has been built in the last 10 years.
It is amazing. Million dollar homes, private golf community, world class tennis stadium, walking/biking trails, wonderful restaurants, a large Catholic High School, amazing parks, etc.

As I walked along the streets and paths my thoughts turned to the fact that in one week I would be in Mexico - working along side 70 other people from our church building 4 homes for families that have almost nothing. Other than the website for Amor ministries, I really don't know what to expect. Shelters with dirt floors, no running water or electricity - I have not actually been there before so I'm sure even my "expectations" of the conditions aren't close to accurate.

Traveling from such abundance to a place that struggles with just existing will be hard.

The contrast is going to be beyond my ability to express it.

Both communities are filled with people in need of restoration with God, self, others, and the world.

Of course, I don't have to look too far to remember that I live in abundance/luxury......

I pray that I am using my resources wisely - financial, personal, time, energy - to God's glory.

Speak to me, God. And use next week to open my eyes to whatever you want me to see.....

Over exposure

My parents just moved to Charleston, SC. I sure hope this guy wasn't part of the "welcome wagon" team.

This of course would never happen in MN as it is either way to cold or there are way to many mosquito's - one wouldn't want to "expose" oneself to the environment!

(ht marko)

Embracing Grace

I just finished reading Scot McKnight's book Embracing Grace. Other than the Bible, it may be the most formative book for me regarding how I look at "the Gospel". It resonated strongly with me - providing insight into many of the questions and frustrations I have had with how I percieve my relationship with God, myself, others and the world.

Having just finished the book it is still simmering. I can hardly wait to read it again. I am not going to try to present it in summary here. But here are some of the phrases that are rolling around in my head.

Eikons of God
A story interuppted
Cracked Eikons
Restoration with God, myself, others, and world
Exclusion vs. embrace
looking, listening, learning, linking
A missional Gospel
Individualism vs. community

Great stuff.....God stuff.....I encourage you to read it, ponder it, and I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Thouhgt expansion

Have you ever read a book and in the process actually felt your thoughts and ideas being expanded and stretched? It happens rarely for me. Not because I’m brilliant and have it all figured out – as if no one can add to my thoughts. No, rather it is because at heart I’m a “lazy” reader. I read too fast and don’t ponder or pursue ideas that are presented. Also, I know that within a few days most of what I have read will be forgotten. This needs to change. My laziness is keeping me from really soaking up the bible (and other great stories and people) – letting it simmer in my mind, heart, and soul. Thus keeping me from loving God with all of my strength.

Lectio Divina, centering prayer, fasting…….just a few of the disciplines I am finding more and more intriguing. And at first glance – all have to do with creating space in the day God has given me. Space for quiet solitude with Him. Opportunities to take note of His plan for me. Taking time to listen, look, learn, and link up with Him and His process of restoring my relationship with Him, myself, others and the world. (thanks to Scot McKnight, author of “Embracing Grace”, for those four “L’s” and the expansion of my thoughts on restoration.)

I need to share this with a person (whoever is reading this, I am grateful, but I need someone to ask me how I’m doing in taking the time to work on restoring my relationship with God, myself, others and the world – you are welcome to do this thru comments tho!). I need to enter into some serious truth telling…...and it should start now.

Daniel Island

I'm off to Daniel Island, SC for a few days. I'll be helping my Dad and his wife unpack as they move into their new home. (Don't we all wish we could retire here?) Looking forward to a few days of just working hard and not thinking too much.......

What are your weekend adventures going to be?

Boy toys

To any of my family members - here is what I want for Father's Day!

It's a bird....it's a plane....no it's ?????

Cheap Motel

Phone conversations you don't think you will have with your daughter.....

"Hey, Mom. Is Kelsey there?"
"No"
"I wanted her to google something for me"
"I can do that"
"Ummm, okay - I'm in Durango with some friends and we're looking for a cheap motel to spend the night."

NOT the conversation you are expecting when you haven't heard from your 20 y.o. daughter for a week or so.....while she is away working at a dude ranch!

(They ended up sleeping on some boulders that night....even better! *AAAHHH*

A graduation blessing....

Just an adapted verse that I shared with our graduates this last Sunday....

But you, Kathryn, Alex, Brittany, Libby, Makenna, and Abby, children of God....Pursue a righteous life - a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses

.....Go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage - do good, be rich in helping others, be extravagantly generous. If you do that, you'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.May overwhelming grace keep you! (1 Timothy 6:11-21 - personalized and edited for the occasion)

Celebrating Seniors

Disconnected, sporadic attendance, missing, too busy, not committed......Words and phrases that I have heard (and thought myself at times *sigh*) when describing the class of seniors we have that are part of our tribe at church.

Typical, traditional, Presbyterian, just another thing......Words and phrased I have heard (and thought myself at times *sigh*) when describing how we recognize our graduating seniors.

Yeah, I know it is statistically "normal" for 11-12th grade kids to "fade" in their involvement in youth stuff. I believe that will change as we change our church culture but that is for another post. Anyway - we had our Sr. High recognition this past Sunday - and it was truly a blessing.

My good friend Lois put together an extravagent spread - very cool poster board of pictures and plans the young people have, awesome treats....homemade creampuffs and chocolate covered strawberries just to name a few....balloons, confetti - just over the top WOOHOO.

Then, at the beginning of the service the kids came up and shared a little about their plans. We presented them with a gift and then had the kids and their parents move to the center of the sanctuary where we laid hands upon them and prayed. The service was full so we had them surrounded with about 250+ people.....all connected physically....spiritually.....lifting them up in prayer. I love that our church does this. What a blessing to give as well as be a part of.

We had a very small class of graduates - only seven. And yes, for the past year, really only two have been somewhat connected to our "program". But, we have continued to e-mail, encourage, ask about, send the occasional card to and pray for each of them. I think that is why 5 of them showed up on Sunday to be a part of the service. They may not darken the door of the youth room very often - but they know they are loved, cared for, and that there are people here that will continue to pray for and seek them out.

Yea, God.

Convergence

Over the past few months I have been pondering what Family Based Youth Ministry is and is it something to pursue in our student ministry. Book after book that I have read, blogs I have visited, and conversations that have occurred have demonstrated a cool "convergence" of themes. Here are some of the highlights......

"But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Luke 18:16 (NIV)

"Do you as members of the church of Jesus Christ promise to guide and nurture these children by word and deed, with love and prayer encouraging them to know and follow Christ and to be faithful members of Christ’s church?" Baptismal question of the congregation of EPPC

"Family based youth ministry is accessing and incorporating the incomparable power of the nuclear family and connecting students to an extended family of Christian adults to the end that those students grow toward maturity in Christ." Family Based Youth Ministry – Mark DeVries (pg 176)

“No matter how earnest our desire is to pray and be present to youth, our ministries will be short-lived if they aren’t grounded in relationships with other Christians. It takes a greenhouse to nurture the souls of young people – a greenhouse formed by adults who want to know God. A young person’s faith is best tended by a variety of relationships within a Christian community. Yet sadly, youth ministry is one of the most isolated ministries in the church. If we seek to form a contemplative youth ministry, the participation of the wider church community is essential.” Contemplative Youth Ministry - Mark Yaconelli, pg 141

"Don't forget anything of what you've seen. Don't let your heart wander off. Stay vigilant as long as you live. Teach what you've seen and heard to your children and grandchildren." Deut 4:9 (Msg)

"But young people, like young birds, require wise adults who can show them the way and teach them the practices Jesus uses to draw their passions into his. Without memories of those who have traveled before them, the migratory route is lost, and young people journey aimlessly, mired in self-fulfilling passions that obscure the steadfastness, ecstasy, and intimacy of God.” Practicing Passion, Youth and the Quest for a Passionate Church - Kenda Creasy Dean, pg. 175

“If we take the yearnings of young people seriously, then we can admit to ourselves that youth aren’t interested in our answers (often given in response to questions they’re not asking). They’re not looking for safe activities. What they’re seeking is the companionship of adults who embody a different way of being……who can guide them toward a different way of being, of living in the world. They are looking for adults who know how to live lives of love.” Contemplative Youth Ministry - Mark Yaconelli, pg 68

“What became clearer as I grew older was not the strength of my commitment to the church, but the strength and identity I had received because of the church’s commitment to me. I stayed in the church not because of my resolve and commitment, but because adults in the church continued to claim me even when I was an embarrassment to them.” FBYM – Mark DeVries (pg 166)

"Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got! Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates." Duet 6:5-9 (Msg)

“Young people are not looking for adults who have more poetic or more reasoned beliefs than they have. They’re looking for adults who have experienced something, who trust something larger than themselves.” Contemplative Youth Ministry - Mark Yaconelli, pg 92

“Because the adult guarantor plays such a critical role in fostering a Christian identity, it is easy to assign the task of “being there” to a few “designated hitters” in the congregation, an assignment doomed to disappoint everyone involved……The mandate to “be there” for young people belongs to the Christian community, not to any individual or group of individuals.” Practicing Passion, Youth and the Quest for a Passionate Church - Kenda Creasy Dean, pg. 91

I guess now all that is left is figuring out how God wants us to join him in this pursuit of His children! I'll just keep reading, experimenting, failing, succeeding, and trusting.....

Puzzling the Pieces - Part 2

Here is the follow up to part 1 (duh!)...written for our church newsletter

I love God. I love the mystery of God. I love how he revealed himself through Jesus and continues to do so through the Holy Spirit. It is so cool to know that He indeed has a plan for us – individually as well as communally.

Back in February, I shared with you that the Youth Ministry Team was reading through the book “Family Based Youth Ministry” by Mark DeVries. We asked for prayers from the EPPC family – for guidance, clarity, and perseverance – as we pondered how God wants us to better minister to the students he has entrusted to us. Around that same time a youth intern search team was formed and began the process of searching for a part-time youth ministry intern – to work with our youth beginning in June and continuing through the end of the year. Two separate teams – faithfully persevering through their missions– entering in without expectations and trusting God with the outcome.

As a result of the work of both of these teams, I am pleased to announce that we won’t be hiring a youth ministry intern at this time! That might sound like a strange announcement. But let me share with you a little bit of the path both teams have been on……

The youth intern search team, after prayerfully considering how best to incorporate a youth intern into our ministry and developing a job description, posted ads at various colleges, churches, and on our church website in early April. To date we have had zero response. The team believes God is revealing to us that this is not the time for the addition of a youth intern.

The conversations we had as a Youth Ministry Team lead us to the following question: How can we best allow God to work through us to transform students into Christ-centered, relational, passionate disciples that will succeed in making the transition from maturing Christian student to maturing Christian adult? In looking at this question we have discovered that at least part of the answer is in surrounding our students with maturing Christian adults that can be on the journey with them for the long haul as much as possible. The position of a part-time, short term youth ministry intern does not seem in line with this vision.

So with both teams arriving at the same place – through different processes- I truly am pleased to announce we won’t be hiring a part-time youth ministry intern. What does that mean for the future? Honestly, I don’t know. But our team will continue to ponder, persevere, and pray – entering in without expectations – and watch expectantly as God moves so that we remain in Him, as He reveals His plans, in His time, and in His mysterious ways. Praise God!

Just show up....

If you ever doubt that just showing up for some kid's event has an impact - you should have seen the face of my son, Alexey, when his first grade teacher made it to his soccer game last night. (See "24" post!) I have no doubt that Jr/Sr high kids are impacted the same way....they are just trying to be too cool to let their face show what their heart is experiencing when we share our gift of presence. I'm so glad 7 y.o.'s are so transparent......wish we all were.....

P.S. Thanks Mr. T for taking the time to be more than just a teacher......but truly investing in my son.

24

Okay, I admit it. I've never seen 24. But I'd like to see Jack Bauer get through all of this in the last 24 hours!

- 7 y.o. son's soccer game with the teacher present.
- 16 y.o. daughter's H.S. Lacrosse State Championship game (and they win!)
- arranging transportation for 14 y.o. son to youth group
- 14 y.o. son's "Awards Breakfast" (very cool!)
- Helping in 7 y.o. son's classroom - 24 kids putting their handprint on 24 pillow cases!
- Lunch with a friend
- Pick up cookie dough fund raiser stuff
- Watch 16 y.o. daughter's soccer game.
- Watch 14 y.o. son's band concert

Can't wait for the next 24......

Proud Dad!

WooHoo! I'm the proud father of a member of the winning State Championhip Girl's LaCrosse Team!

Okay - I just have to say - my daughter rocks! She is passionate, energetic, and demonstrates a love of life and adventure that is so cool.

It is such a joy to be her Dad! (And in case any of my other kids are reading this - yes, it is a joy to be YOUR Dad also!)

Congrats Kels, well done!

New vocabulary words....

Alexey's vocab is growing. After asking his Mom how babies get out of a mommy's tummy he got to learn the words "womb" and "birth canal".

Too bad I wasn't home for THAT conversation......

(I'm sure he is teaching his friends these new words now as well!)

BBQ with the Tribe

I absolutely love our tribe of students at church.

We had an end of the year BBQ last Sunday evening. Invited the kids, parents, volunteers, session - and had about 80 people show up. (The amazing thing is that they almost ALL RSVP'd - that NEVER happens for a youth event!)

Three grills going, volleyball, frisbee, great conversations.....close to perfect weather. (My wife says it could have been 10 degrees warmer)

Then ended with a time of worship - 4 different leaders involved in praying (Lois/Dave), sharing a message (Anne rocked!), reflections on the year (Go Steve!), and singing together (who says you can't worship with congas!). To see the kids and parents and others all praising God, reflecting on His blessings this past year, and knowing He has our future planned.....very cool!

An awesome way to close the chapter on the past year and open the door to what He will reveal in the next....

Sunday Download - Remain in Him

Last Sunday was just way cool. I had actually read the lesson ahead of time *sigh* so it had been simmering for awhile in my head. The lesson was on John 15 - The Vine and the Branches. I was looking for ways to make it "experiential" and thought of turning the youth room into a vineyard. So I ran yarn all around and across the ceiling to represent the vine and then hung clumps of grapes from them. Very fun. I also copied devotionals out of a book and "hung" them from the vine as well.

We had a great discussion about the verse. Talked about where it might be taking place - inside or out. What was going on - eating around a table, walking along a vineyard, etc. Where the disciples were - sitting/standing, walking ahead/behind, etc. Just a great conversation and the kids were engaged.

Then we had an object lesson about what it looks like to have Christ in us vs. remaining in Christ and being filled to overflowing. Cups, water, sponges, spraying kids with water.....woohoo!

Then we decided to have the kids "remain in Him" instead of just talking about it. We had the leaders take a sponge and squeeze out water over the kids head and pray that they would remain in Christ - then they all "picked" a devotion from the vine and spent time reading a verse and thinking about what God might be saying to them.

Afterwards I asked them if anyone wanted to share - not really expecting anyone to say anything. But, one young lady said "I just have to share this - it is such a God thing!" She had been having trouble with some friends. They had been telling her that she was changing and not as much fun as she used to be. The verse she had gotten was about God being the potter and us being the clay - and spoke about how as Christians we WILL change. She found this to be very affirming in her decisions and felt that God was speaking to her thru this time.

What a great "seal" to the lesson.......Remain in Him.......and He will remain in you.

I am so thankful how God spoke to this young lady....and thru her.....to all of us.

Yea, God!

Puzzling the pieces of Youth Ministry

Here is part of an article I wrote for our church newsletter - just thought I'd share.....

“I can’t do it.” “It’s so big.” “There are so many white flowers.” “I finished a butterfly!” These were the thoughts my 7 y.o. son, Alexey, shared with me this morning as he started working on a new puzzle. Each sentence reminded me of thoughts that I have had this year as our youth ministry team has puzzled over the pieces needed to better minister to students.

“I can’t do it; It’s so big.” Weekly messages, lock-ins, retreats, calendar planning, finding volunteers, communicating with parents, casting a vision…..and then there are all those students! How do we set our priorities and what resources do we need to minister to students and their families?

“There are so many white flowers.” We have over 60 students – each a precious piece of our church family puzzle that we have been entrusted to nurture and love. Some regularly attend our programming, some don’t. How do we allow God to work through us to reach each student where they are – so that our picture is complete?

“I finished a butterfly.” Watching God transform lives, students claiming their faith in Jesus, sharing their hurts, reaching out to others, worshipping, praying …..Halleluiah! How do we create an even better environment for God to work through relationships that transform lives and then invite others into community with them?

Good questions and no simple answers.

Chocolate fondue....sort of!

If you are running short on time but want to have a chocolate fondue experience (you know, melted chocolate that you can dip various fruits in!) try mixing Cocoa Puffs and Fruit Loops for breakfast! It's not nearly as bad as it sounds......

+ = yummy


You gotta love breakfast with 7 y.o.'s!

Tired of sickness and death

Recently, I have been struck by how so many of my friends are dealing with serious illnesses, cancer, or the loss of loved ones.

I am tired.

And I'm not even the one dealing directly with these situations.

I can hardly wait for heaven.

"He'll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good--tears gone, crying gone, pain gone--all the first order of things gone." Rev 21:4 (Msg)

How do people without faith persevere through.....where is their hope?

Should I Join 'The Stuffed Animal Club'?

So my 7 y.o. tells me he is part of the stuffed animal club in his first grade class and we have the following conversation.

Me: "What does it mean to be part of the stuffed animal club?"

A: "We all bring our stuffed animals and play with them at recess. Mostly we push them on the swings or throw them in the air or they play tag."

Me: "What do you have to do to be a member of the club?"

A: "Just bring a stuffed animal."

Me: "Are there any rules?"

A: "You have to bring a stuffed animal, hello! And if you don't bring a stuffed animal for two weeks you are out of the club. If you bring a stuffed animal next time you come to lunch you can join the club, papa!"

Me: "Ummm, I'll think about it....."

You gotta love first grade.......

Compilation Creed

This past few months our youth group has been going thru "confirmation". I have some personal biases with that word but regardless of that - it was an awesome experience! We did Youth Alpha and then a New Members Class thing and it was pretty sweet. In the process our youth wrote out their own personal creeds........below is a compilation of what they wrote. Very cool.......

I believe in God….creator of heaven and earth. I believe that God’s being, his nature, is too great for human comprehension. I believe God knows and understands me better than I will ever know and understand myself. I believe God has a plan for my life. I believe that even though I know I am not far in my journey of faith and even though I have doubts I know that God is real. In God – all things are possible!

I believe that Jesus is God’s only son. He is a passionate leader, courageous, and brave. I believe that Jesus has been on the earth because of his teachings in the church and the everyday miracles to his people. He proclaimed God’s gospel….and died completely without sin. I believe that Jesus died for our sins. He was sent to die on the cross for me and rose again so that I can be forgiven. Since He died for my sins, my slate can be wiped clean. I believe that Jesus is my friend and he never leaves you like an orphan but comes to you like a parent. Jesus loves me, this I know, for the bible tells me so.

The Holy Spirit is sent by Christ to help guide us through everyday life. I believe that the Holy Spirit entered my body the day that I gave my heart to Jesus. The Holy Spirit works through me and in me. He is the voice in my head and the song in my heart revealing the truth in all tough situations. He helps me open my eyes each day to see something new or God’s work in my life. When I pray, the Holy Spirit seems to put the right words in my mouth and gives me strength when I am weak. He is a protector, comforter, and a connection between me and God.

The Bible is inspired by God and God is infallible – so the Bible is perfect just like Him…. Though God is extremely complex, we can also learn even more of his nature through reading his word, the Bible. The Bible is true.

I believe the church is a gathering of community. The church is a place where one can explore their faith. It is a place where brothers and sisters in Christ can come and learn, share, and develop their faith in God. It is a fellowship of believers, a place for prayers and praise. It is a place to talk to God when you need Him most. I believe that the church is here to help us serve others, to get guidance and support, to go and teach others about God. The church is a celebration place!

Seeing Jesus in a food court

I admit it. I'm a Pot Belly Sandwich addict. I think the secret is in the bread, combined with the perfect combination of hot peppers they put on their sandwiches. At least once a week I find myself at the EP Mall food court eating "The Wreck" with a bowl of chili and an Arizona Ice Tea. Yummm.

Usually during this time, I'll have a book to read or the newspaper. Just sort of disengage from everything and focus on......nothing. Yesterday was different though. Yesterday, as I sat down, I had this tremendous burden of what it would be like if Jesus was sitting in the food court. How he would be viewing and engaging the people. The people in the food court suddenly weren't a distraction but rather an attraction. Knowing that under all of the hurry and busyness - there is so much hurt, so much sin, so much aching for purpose and meaning and.....God.

I wish I could say that these thoughts lead me to have a great interaction with someone and share the story of Jesus with them....but it didn't. But it did move me closer to being more like Jesus - even in the food court. A very small step - but I don't think an insignificant one.

Where have you seen Jesus that surprised you?

Meeting God in a bathroom

Okay, so I don't usually look for God analogies in the bathroom. Anyway - as I was, let's say, finishing up the other day in a local eatery's facility - I noticed how it is all set up to "limit" what I can use.

The toilet paper dispenser is one of those annoying ones that tears off after you pull with the force of a gnat - leaving you with 4 completely useless pieces of see thru paper. Of course, this forces you to repeat this procedure numerous times - adding to the joy of the experience.

The water faucet is one of those types that automatically shuts off just after you get soap on your hands (hey, at least I washed...right, guys!) forcing you to push the button, move your hands quickly to the water, and repeat - adding to the joy of course.

And speaking of the soap dispenser - I really hate those foam jobs - the foam tends to cling to the dispenser and just at the last minute (usually when you briefly move your hands from under the dispenser to push that stupid water faucet button) it releases and lands in the growing pile of greenish, white goop growing on the floor. Again...adding to the joy.

Finally, you come to the wonderful paper towel dispenser. This one happened to be one of those that distributes one towel at a time - about the size of an envelope. Again, forcing you to repeat the process over and over and over - adding to the joy.

I'm so glad God hasn't given me his "least"....

"I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." John 10:10 (Msg)

And He wants to grow my joy.....

"I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature." John 15:11 (Msg)

Confirmation Class *shudder*

Confirmation - that word still sends shudders thru me (in a bad way!). I'm not even sure why. I didn't go thru "confirmation" class as a kid. (My only childhood memory of church is making a turkey out of indian corn for Thanksgiving.) So I don't know why I have this bias toward the word as it relates to attending a class to confirm one's faith. All that being said.....

We just finished our first "confirmation" class at our church - and it was very cool. We combined Youth Alpha (YA) with our New Members (NM) class. Did Youth Alpha last fall and just finished the New Members piece last night. Here is what I loved about it.....

* Relationships, relationships, relationships - so many of the messages and discussion focused around our relationship with God and then with each other.
* Surrounding the students with adults of all ages from 22-70+! Adults serving youth by cooking dinners, small group leaders, giving talks, helping with faith statements, playing spider ball, worshipping together, eating together. "Church family" indeed!
* This process served as a great opportunity to talk with PARENTS! I haven't talked with so many parents ever until we did this. Their concerns about what the expectations are for their child's faith statements, about attendance, about expectations, etc. Wow - I learned so much about the hopes that parents have and the struggles and insecurities they have in talking about their faith with their kids. What a great time to come along side and encourage them.
* A different crowd - many of the youth came because their parents heard this was out "confirmation" class and they really encouraged their kids to be there. Opened some doors to engaging students we hadn't seen before and showing them Christ's love.
* Faith Statements - some of the stuff they wrote down blows me away.....maybe for another post I'll share some it.

Good stuff. God stuff. Who knew? (God did....)

Kid quote

"Mainly grandparents should play Monopoly 'cause they don't have anything to do all day anyway.....except sleep."

Lenten ponderings....

Lent - such a season of "in-betweens" for me. More often than not, Lent feels like I'm swimming around without direction more so than the typical increased focused time on Jesus. Maybe it's because I feel like I don't spend enough quiet and reflective time with God anyway...then Lent comes around....and I increase my guilt quotia rather than my hope/joy thoughts.

Our family has given up TV for the past couple of years. This year we all seem to be doing our own thing - for some it's TV, others a "limit" on TV, others certain food. I was asking our youth group the other day if they chose to give up things for Lent - about half of them were. I still hadn't decided if I was going to or not and since we were already 3 days in my choices were becoming limited to that which I hadn't already taken part of or in.....rule based guy that I am. *YIKES*

Well - after pondering a little today I have decided the following:

I am choosing to give up not eating together as a family. I am going to try to gather us more often during this season to sit down and eat together. Of course without the buy in of everyone else this may be a problem but it is where my heart is.

I am also choosing to give up TV and look for opportunities to play more family games with my kids/wife/neighbors - whomever.

I am also going to try to read thru the Gospels - already behind on that plan but I did start today.

So - there you have it. I really feel like I need to focus on relationships - family/friends and thru these will be more connected to God....because God is ALL about relationships, and going deeper with us. So in the midst of all the people He has surrounded me with...I am going to try to search for Him there - in the people - and see what happens.

Lent......it's not about rules.....start something today.....don't beat yourself up....just start.

30 Hour Famine Poem

One of our leaders wrote the following poem as he reflected on our 30 hour famine experience.......it's very cool! (Thanks for sharing Mitch!)

30 Hour Famine

Students checking in tonight
The mood is fun and spirits light
Excitement fills this sacred space
While tummies rumble on.

Leaders working at their post
“I haven’t eaten” students boast
Drew looks grumpy, he’d like to eat
While tummies rumble on.

Laughing, singing, making folders
While feeding the hungry rests on their shoulders
Just being together is part of the fun
While tummies rumble on.

Large group activity, no one can hear
The kids are obnoxious, but I have no fear
Time for a juice break, more hugging and laughing
While tummies rumble on.

Spider Ball, Spider Ball, that great active game
While the older girls choose something quiet and tame
Spirits are good, surprisingly high
While tummies rumble on.

Jacob sits out, he’s not feeling well
Is it hunger or illness, it’s too hard to tell
Drew is now happy, he so loves to play
While tummies rumble on.

They’d play all night, if we would allow
But tomorrow they’ll work, so it’s time for bed now
They need to rest and save their strength
While tummies rumble on.

An early start with blankets to make
They’ve sprung into work, make no mistake
They have joy in their hearts and wear headbands of scraps
While tummies rumble on.

“David’s amazing; he can tie, like so fast”
I wonder though, will the energy last?
Count ‘em up Dave, forty-nine…and fifty
While tummies rumble on.

“You guys are awesome,” our goals are a blur.
Four grand and fifty blankets we’ve past them for sure.
Gather ‘round to bless the blankets
While tummies rumble on.

These kids just keep going; I’m amazed with their drive
Earning money, making blankets, to help others survive
It’s time to deliver and spend time with the homeless
While tummies rumble on.

Back from our visits, the kids just don’t look their best
Twenty-six hours of fasting puts a kid to the test
Sharing experiences with love and compassion
While tummies rumble on.

“I’m not even hungry.” It seems, nor am I.
“I guess I’m just tired,” one says with a sigh
“I’m so sick of juice.” “How long ‘til we eat?”
While tummies rumble on.

It’s time to work and they make the transition
Twenty-eight hours of famine, yet so much ambition
I’m feeling mellow, and the kids so impress me
While tummies rumble on.

We’re on the home stretch just a little ahead
Some prayer and worship, and “Yeah, we get bread!”
Such a great weekend, I’m so proud of these kids
While tummies rumble on.

You must hear the benediction before you can run
And a big “Amen” Yeah, they really had fun.
Get out of the way, “It’s time to eat!”
While tummies rumble on.
~Mitch

Kid quotes....

"This magazine smells like grandma!"

(In grandma's defense....it was a scratch and sniff ad for perfume in a magazine.)

Sunday download

We had a new teacher this Sunday for SMYG. Mitch did an amazing job. The lesson was on how God provides for all of our needs and the scripture passage was the account of the feeding of the 5000. He brought in some pita bread and a smoked whitefish (loaves and fishes) and during the telling / reading of the stories we all sampled some....as least those that had courage! (When he ripped the skin off of the fish, we were all a little take aback!)

Then we discussed how God can use that which we have to bless others and provide for our needs and the needs of others....just like the boy who shared his loaves and fishes and Jesus expanded it to feed all and still have left-overs.

Mitch's teaching skill was obvious (should not have surprised me, he teaches 6th graders all day long for a living) but how he took to heart the passage, made it come to life, and made it real/experiential was awesome. That and his obvious love for the kids and Jesus!

I'm sure some of the kids will only remember seeing "a really gross fish".....but some will walk away with the truth that God provides for our needs......and we are called to be those hands and feet that reach out to start that in motion sometimes.....