"Everything You See Here Is A Miracle"

This morning we visited and toured a ministry located within the city limits of Pretoria called Pop-Up (which stands for people upliftment programme). Pastor Vincent and Allan had set up the meeting to begin to build with the CEO Marlene Freislich and the Pastor Alistair Westcott of Pop-Up to discuss future partnerships and to learn from one another. Pop-Up is connected with Doxa Deo church, which is an Afrikans mega-church with 6 campuses throughout the greater Pretoria metropolitan area. It is a Christ-centered, holistic outreach ministry that equips and empowers unemployed people from Pretoria and the surrounding area. One of the unique elements of the program is that the first week is a "life-transformation" class during which the gospel is presented and instructors walk participants through what a new identity in Christ means. This sets the tone for these one to 3 month vocational training/life skill classes that they offer. They shared that 60% of students who go through the courses give their life to Christ! They offer training in home management, computer skills, entrepreneurship, child care, home care, fork lift driving, catering, and probably a few others which I am forgetting. One thing that really struck me as Marlene and Pastor Alistair shared was how they celebrated what God was doing in and through Pop-Up in their lives, the instructors lives, and the lives of the students. As we toured the building and went into the various vocational training areas, Pastor Alistair commented several times that "everything you see is a miracle." Their enthusiasm for the Lord, people, and the work of the Lord was contagious, and all glory was given to God.

*Their Christ-exalting enthusiasm made think about how I give tours of Sunshine when groups come for a day or for a week. Do I(we) celebrate what GOD is doing? Hmm...

They have been able to secure corporate funding even though they are a faith-based non-profit. They can receive government and corporate funding as long as they don't discriminate in who participates, YET they can still remain be outspoken about their faith with all who come through their doors and who receive their training. Praise God for that!

Another thing that struck me today and yesterday is this. It is evident here that the black and coloured (that is the term here used for people of mixed race heritage) churches located in the townships need the white church (Afrikaans and British) often located in the city and suburbs here. However, what I don't think is as often recognized is that the white church here NEEDS the black and coloured church as well. The same is true in the states. We often talk about how the urban church needs the suburban church, but don't as often discuss how the suburban church needs the urban church. BOTH statements are true, but both statements aren't always recognized. The body of Christ is racially and culturally diverse and it is global, and we NEED each other. We are a powerful force when we partner through authentic, two-way relationships and collective efforts. I think this is one of the major challenges that the Church faces in the US and globally.

In the picture above L to R: Annie Grieg (Allan's wife), Pastor Alistair, Rebeccah (one of the AR interns), and Pastor Vincent.

Images From South Africa

My dad and I arrived in South Africa on Monday afternoon at around 3:30pm local time. Alan took us to the house we were to stay at and we had dinner with he and his wife, and Nate & Rebeccah (the couple who is interning with Africa Revolution). This morning, after spending some time in the Word together, we headed to Mamelodi for the day. Mamelodi is a black township located just outside of the city of Pretoria. It is a community home to roughly 2 million people. You can check out more about Mamelodi at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamelodi.

Let me explain the four pictures that I have displayed above.

The picture on the top is a picture I took in a local cemetery that we drove through today. It is a picture of a mass grave. During apartheid the government would do mass hangings in the capital city of Pretoria, then transport the bodies in plastic bags in the back of trucks, and then finally dump the bodies in these mass graves. You could be hung for leading, organizing, or even participating in a demonstration/protest that fought for the liberation of the people under the apartheid regime. These hangings took place from the 50s to the 80s. It was very sobering to think about this very painful element of South African history. It is almost unbelievable to think that apartheid only ended in 1994. This particular cemetery (according to Pastor Vincent) is at or near capacity, with grave upon grave. Some people are now being buried on top of other's graves. Pastor Solomon and Pastor Vincent both made mention of the incredible numbers of funerals they are now performing as a result of the AIDs crisis.

The second picture is a picture of a group of senior citizens that gathers in the local YMCA in Mamelodi for a time of recreation and praise and worship together. Many of the women are grandmothers or "go-go's" as they are called here. There are 51 men and women in the group all together. There were just 15 or so women and 1 man there today due to the cooler weather. They hosted us there for a meal and sang several of their songs for us (they had a beautiful sound). They are preparing to travel to Johannesburg and Cape Town for various competitions for seniors. It was a precious picture.

The third picture is of Pastor Solomon (Solly) Mathibela. He works for the city government doing HIV/Aids Awareness & Prevention workshops/seminars in local schools, local churches, local health clinics, prisons, etc. He is also a pastor in the community. His passion for the people of the community and especially for those infected with HIV/Aids flowed out of him as he shared with us. He loves the Lord and loves people. He has been given favor to not only teach and raise awareness but to also share Christ in all of these various contexts. He has the opportunity to preach at a lot of funerals during which he shares the hope we can have in Christ as well as correcting peoples misconceptions in order to help eradicate the stigma attached to HIV/Aids. He encourages and educates those who are HIV positive - reminding them of the hope that they can live with in spite of their condition. I (and all of those with me) were very blessed by our time with Pastor Solomon. Hope oozed out of him in spite of what I'm sure often feels like a hopeless circumstance. I was reminded of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.

The final picture is my dad standing with Pastor Vincent Nyathi. Pastor Vincent pastors the Powerhouse Church (and/or Empowerment Center) in Mamelodi. He grew up in the community and felt called to start a church roughly 5 years ago. I have heard stories about what a "pastor of the community" Pastor Vincent was, but I experienced it first hand today. He knows his community and he loves his community. His church began a technology/computer center a few years ago. It has been invaluable in equipping people with skills and empowering people to get jobs. He wants each ministry of the church to be Christ centered. Many of the people who have come through the computer classes were not part of the church when they began taking classes, but have begun coming to the church before they graduate. Pastor Vincent is a great man of faith. He has trusted God to provide for he and his family's needs and has served the Lord faithfully in the work that he has called them to.

I am praising and thanking God for a great first day! I am still processing all that we saw and experienced today. Stay tuned for future updates...

Montana 2008 In Pictures

Quick Warrior & Montana Update

After a VERY long day behind the wheel yesterday I made it home in the late evening last night. (Side note: for future van rentals, rent from Midway if at all possible!:)) It was a great trip. The guys did extremely well. We had some very interactive devotional times together focused on the concept of faith – Hebrews 11. All of the guys made it to the top of Mt. Sacajawea – overcoming fears and thoughts of “this is crazy!” They had great attitudes about camping in Yellowstone and even better attitudes about doing a 6 mile hike to Fairy Falls and Victory Geyser – both very beautiful sights. One of the most stretching aspects for some of the guys was the relational one – meeting so many new people. Justin and Jason both testified how this was stretching but how they really enjoyed it. All of our guys (and me) loved our host (Scot Smith - of Bridge Builder fame), and were all sure to get his phone number and address. He was very moved by the week as well as he shared with tears in his eyes and a lump in his throat on Sunday morning. I will blog more about this trip, as it was very impactful to me as well.

Quick Warrior update: After we “shocked the world” with our first victory 37-35 on Tuesday July 22nd, we entered the tournament on Saturday (July 26th) as a “dark horse favorite.” In other words, nobody wanted to play the “buzzsaw” also known as the Sunshine Warriors. Due to some family travel and other circumstances we entered Saturday mornings tournament with only 6 players – 5 sophomores and 1 senior – all under 5’11”. However, we overcame our limited numbers and limited size with tenacious, ball-swarming defense and fast-paced, “basket attacking” offense. We outplayed Judson Baptist the entire game. Unfortunately, we ended up tied at the end of regulation. In overtime, we seemed to run out of gas and Judson pulled away. Next up…Uptown Baptist – a team we should have defeated during the regular season. I wanted this one bad, and so did the guys. We again outplayed them and out hustled them the entire game. We ended up pulling out a 6 point victory. Next up…South Shore United Methodist. After playing two Baptist teams earlier in the day it was nice to go head to head with “the Methodists from South Shore.” It was evident in the early minutes in this our third game of the morning, that the Warriors were running on fumes. We played sloppily and just couldn’t get anything going. We kept the game close, but they pulled away in the closing minutes. The guys felt good about their effort in the tournament and so did their coach. After the game we had our annual trip to Bacci’s Pizza for Chicago’s biggest pizza slice. We talked about competing in Breakthrough’s spring league. The Warriors will be back. Please keep praying with me that the guys on the team that don’t know Christ would come to know Him.

I Do What I Am

A local pastor and friend posted this on another blog, and I thought it was worth passing on. It is a very insightful observation.

"I preached a sermon a month or so ago on Ephesians 2:10, being God's workmanship created for good works. It encourages me that I'm not just called to be a gardener, planting and tending to this broken place which is being reshaped and destined for Edenic (and beyond) proportions, but I am the garden (rather, we are, corporate church), I/we are the planting of God's hand. I'm not just to build the new city now/coming, but I/we are the City, the New Jerusalem, as the Bride. So what I'm doing and what I am are inseparable. I'm compelled to do the work of ministry, tending, building, because I am God's work of ministry, tending, and building. I do what I am."

Bridge Builders Rise Up

During this presidential election, more so than in any other election that I can remember, race is being talked about. This no doubt is due to the fact that for the first time in our nation's history one of our presidential candidates is African-American. For the first time ever, there is a very real chance that the president elect will be someone other than a white male. So because of this whether you turn to CNN or Fox News, whether you read the USA Today, New York Times, or Washington Post - race is being discussed. I think this can either be an exciting opportunity for the church here in the US to unify as a body or (and I am praying against this) it will further divide the church along racial and political lines.

Now before I go any further let me just state the fact that I realize that Biblically speaking there is only one race - the human race. Cultures, ethnic groups, and nations can be found in the Bible, but the Bible does not specifically mention race. Race is a sociological term or a social construct if you will. However, stating that "race" is not Biblical does not negate the reality that race to our detriment has played a significant role in the history of this nation and in present day realities of this nation. I don't think I need to go into detail of the atrocities and injustices done to Native Americans, African Americans, Chinese Americans, Japanese Americans, Mexican Americans (and the list could go on), etc. during our nation's brief existence. It is with this in mind that I think that this election could be an exciting opportunity for the body to unify.

Secondly, this is not a "vote for Barack Obama because he's black" blog entry. I state this because when you start to discuss the significance of race in this election some people's knee jerk reaction is, "well, I'm not racist if I don't vote for Obama" or "well, you shouldn't vote for Obama just because he is black you know?" or "I have a black friend that told me that he/she isn't voting for Obama." This opportunity for the church that I am talking about is all inclusive for both Republicans and Democrats and those who are torn. It is for blacks and whites and every other hue in between. It is for Obama backers and McCain backers. The opportunity I think is this...

While race is being discussed in secular venues through polls, forums, interviews, articles, and blogs the church MUST NOT be silent. Can we as the church (and when I say church I am referring to the multi-colored, multi-cultural blood bought followers of Christ Jesus) speak up to acknowledge that....

1) We have historically (AND currently) blown it when it comes to race in this country. The fact that Biblically there is only one race makes this even more tragic. We have allowed this social construct to polarize us as a church, to destroy relationships, and to infiltrate social systems (systemic injustice) to the benefit of the majority and the detriment of the minority(ies). And for the most part we have been slow to acknowledge this, to repent, and to speak up and fight for justice TOGETHER.

2) God has not chosen either the democratic party or the republican party as HIS party. There are Bible-believing Christ followers who vote primarily for democratic candidates and can back up their decision with Scripture. There are also Bible-believing Christ followers who vote primarily for republican candidates and can back up their decision with Scripture. So how does race factor into this? Well, in general (statistically speaking) most Black Christians vote democratic and most white Christians vote republican. I KNOW that there are black republicans and white democrats who are Christians, and those of both racial backgrounds who are independent (I am just saying statistically). This rift then flows into the church, and I believe that it grieves the heart of God.

3) Economic disparity/inequality often times flows along racial lines. There is a web site that you can look at that will show any metropolitan area, and that will show where wealth is concentrated and where poverty is concentrated, and how this correlates with racial divisions. (Gus & Pete, help me out with the web site.) This web site soberingly illustrates the fact that most wealthy areas are white and most poverty stricken areas are black and brown. Now, I know there are areas such as Appalachia and others where there is significant white poverty - however, we must not allow limited examples such as this detract us from the more obvious issue. So the question/challenge to the church is can we unite across racial and political lines to construct a Kingdom agenda that is committed to justice, compassion, and a burden for souls regardless of race or economic background?

If you are concerned as a bridge builder and you want to see the Church step up to be a more prophetic voice and a more Biblical witness when it comes to eliminating the divide, what should we be doing collectively? Please share....

Praying but Not Believing

I read this devotional in my "Experiencing God" devotional and thought I would pass it on...

Praying but Not Believing

Acts 12:14-15

When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. But they said to her, "You are beside yourself!" Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, "It is his angel."

You can say prayers in your mind but doubt in your heart. At times God will answer such prayer as He did when Peter was in prison, scheduled for execution. The believers in Jerusalem were powerless to free him, so they prayed. When God released Peter, their reaction revealed doubt in their hearts. They argued that Peter could not possibly be free, even as he stood outside knocking on the door!

Is it possible to be a "person of prayer" and yet not have faith? Is it possible to fool yourself into believing that because you ask God for help, you have faith in His ability to meet your needs? Is your faith so weak that you are surprised when God answers your prayer? As a child of God, you ought to expect God to answer your prayers. Do you ask God to do something without adjusting your life to what you are praying? If you are praying for revival, how are you preparing for its coming? If you are praying for forgiveness, are you still living with guilt? If you have asked God to provide for your needs, do you remain worried and anxious?

Ask God to increase your faith and then begin living a life that reflects absolute trust in Him. Out of His grace, God may choose to respond to your requests despite your lack of faith, but you will miss the joy of praying in faith.

I am reminded of the father in Mark who cried out to Christ and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!"

What are you reading this summer?

Monday was the first full day that Chicago Public School students were out of school. So summer is definitely here. The pace has picked up, and the days are long. In the midst of it I hope to carve out time over the course of the summer to do some reading. There are three books that I am hoping to finish this summer. They are...

1) "Disciplines of a Godly Man" by Kent Hughes

I was actually supposed to have finished this one by the end of May with my learning community, but I didn't quite make it through. I have about four chapters to go. This has been a very challenging book, and has caused me to do much self-examination. Each chapter title starts with "Discipline Of" - including: purity, marriage, fatherhood, devotion, prayer, work, perseverance, church, leadership, etc. You can check this book out at Amazon.com at...

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Disciplines+of+a+Godly+Man

2) "Taking A City By Prayer: What Happens When Churches Unite For Renewal"

by Mac Pier and Katie Sweeting

I have only read the introduction thus far, but I am excited to get into this one. I really want to become an intercessor. You can check this book out on Amazon.com at...

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Taking+A+City+By+Prayer+

3) "Toward A Prophetic Youth Ministry" by Fernando Arzola

I have only read the first chapter of this book. In a nutshell, the author defines a prophetic youth ministry as a Christ-centered youth ministry that is concerned about the wholisitic needs of young people, and desires to see whole life transformation. The first chapter seems to be setting the stage for a deeper discussion. You can check this book out on Amazon.com at...

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Toward+A+Prophetic+Youth+Ministry

What are you reading this summer?

Prayer Is The Work!?!

Below is a devotional that I did for the Africa Revolution board meeting this past Monday. I am hesitant even to write much or talk much about prayer, because I feel like I too often give lip service to the importance of prayer that is not backed up with a lifestyle of continuous & earnest prayer. Nonetheless, I was challenged as I shared this with the board on Monday, and the power and priority of prayer very much resonates with me.

The following excerpts from “Prayer And Missions” by E.M. Bounds within The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds and are slightly adapted…

“Prayer has a great deal to do with missions. The success of all real missionary effort is dependent on prayer. The life and spirit of missions are the life and spirit of prayer. Both prayer and missions were born in the divine mind. Prayer and missions are bosom companions. Prayer creates and makes missions successful, while missions leans heavily on prayer (p. 142)”

“The key of all missionary success is prayer. The Africa Revolution board on her knees fasting and praying (alongside of both African and American churches in prayer), is the great base of spiritual supplies, the sinews of war, and the pledge of victory in this great work of the Lord. Financial resources are not the real sinews of war in this fight. Machinery itself carries no power to break down walls, open effectual doors, and win hearts to Christ (nor can it bring about holistic redemption). Prayer alone can spark a revolution! (p. 143)”

“The Africa Revolution board has done a paltry thing when she furnished the money to establish missions and support her missionaries. Money is important, but money without prayer is powerless. Prayerless giving breeds barrenness and death. Poor praying at home is the solution of poor results in the field. Prayerless giving is the secret of all crises in the missionary movements of the day, and is the occasion of the accumulation of debts in missionary boards (p. 143).”

“It is truly wonderful how great a part money plays in the modern religious movements, and how little prayer plays in them. In striking contrast with that statement, it is marvelous how little a part money played in primitive Christianity as a factor in spreading the gospel, and how wonderful a part prayer played in it (p. 144).”

“The grace of giving is nowhere cultured to a richer growth than in the closet. If all our missionary boards were turned into praying bands, until the agony of real prayer and travail with Christ for a perishing world came on them, real estate, bank stocks, bonds would be in the market for the spreading of Christ’s gospel among men. If the spirit of prayer prevailed, missionary boards who individual members are worth millions (or maybe thousands in our case), would not be staggering under a load of debt and great churches would not have a yearly deficit and a yearly grumbling, grudging, and pressure to pay a beggarly assessment to support a mere handful of missionaries, with the additional humiliation of debating the question of recalling some of them. The ongoing of Christ’s Kingdom is locked up in the closet of prayer by Christ himself, and not in the contribution box (p. 144).”

“Is the harvest great? Are the laborers few? Then, “pray ye the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into his harvest.” Oh that a great wave of prayer would sweep over the Africa Revolution board asking God to send out a great army of laborers into the harvest fields of the earth (Africa)! No danger of the Lord of the harvest sending out too many laborers and crowding the fields. He who calls will most certainly provide the means for supporting those whom he calls and sends forth (p. 148).”

“The one great need in the modern missionary movement is intercessors (p. 148).”

Mark 1:35
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
Luke 5:16 (NIV)
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray.

Acts 1:14
All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

Acts 4:31
And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Acts 12:5
So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
Acts 12:12
…he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.

Acts 15:3
Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them (Paul and Barnabas) and sent them off.

Acts 16:25
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…

Matthew 9:36-37
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

Thinking About Legacy

The week before last (May 15-17) I attended the Urban Youth Worker's Institute (UYWI) national conference in Azusa, CA. The theme for this year's conference was "Living The Legacy." Each general session focused on a different element of legacy: legacy of faith, legacy people, legacy at-risk, legacy of love, and legacy unwritten. All of the messages were very inspiring. During the first two messages we were reminded of the hall of faith found in Hebrews Chapter 11, which Hebrews 12:1 refers to as the "great cloud of witnesses." We were exhorted to take the baton from the saints that have "ran the race" before us - both from the saints of the OT mentioned in Hebrews 11 and from historical figures such as Billy Graham, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa. The emphasis was on us as the next generation of leaders to run with endurance, but we were also challenged to think about who we were passing the baton to. We were asked the question, "what legacy are you writing?" or "what legacy are you passing on?"

Part of my trip to California also involved spending time with my grandpa and grandma Clark. My grandpa is 91 years old. I discovered on this trip that he accepted Christ when he was 23 years old. His parents were not believers to my knowledge. So he was the first to carry the baton on my dad's side of the family. He has been running for Jesus ever since. He pastored 4-5 different churches over the span of many years, and he is still a man of God's Word. He has run well for many years. Spending time with him, and then attending the conference, made me think about the fact that he passed the baton of fatih on to my dad. My dad has been running for Jesus ever since he came to know Christ. My dad, in turn, passed the baton of faith onto me. I began running for Jesus at the age of 19, and I have sought to follow Him ever since.

During my visit, and since returning I have been thinking about who I am passing the baton to. Lord willing, one day it is my desire to pass the baton of faith onto my biological sons. In addition to any biological children that I may have in the future, it is also the desire of my heart and a huge part of my calling to pass the baton of faith on to spiritual sons. During the closing session of the conference we were instructed to make a list of those whom we were seeking to pass the legacy of faith onto. I have been thinking about that ever since.

In 2 Timothy 2:1-2 Paul writes to Timothy, "You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." Within these two verses, Paul refers to a legacy of faith that passes through 4 generations:

Paul > Timothy > faithful men > others.

I am reminded then that as a follower of Christ I must have a "legacy mindset." It is not optional. It is a mandate - "Go and make disciples of all nations..." I have been thinking much about running with endurance and passing the baton. In the midst of this, God has spoken powerfully to me through Hebrews 12:2, and reminded me that in order to run or pass that my focus must be on Christ.

Hebrews 12:2

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

California Love

I spent Sunday May 11th through Sunday May 18th in southern California. I was able to spend part of the time with family and the other part of the time at UYWI (Urban Youth Worker's Institute). It was a great trip - very refreshing. I will write more later, but here are the picture highlights from the trip...

National Day Of Prayer

Today is the national day of prayer. There are many things that need to be lifted up in prayer. I could write several entries and not come up with an exhaustive list. However, I would like to encourage everyone to lift up Chicago in your prayers today. Specifically, I ask that you would pray against the violence that has been occurring recently in the city. This school year alone approximately 25 Chicago Public School students have been killed as a result of violence (they weren't necessarily killed "at school" but they are all students within the school system). This number is possibly even higher than this because not all incidents get the same amount of news coverage. Two weekends ago there were 30 shootings in Chicago over the course of the weekend.

All of this violence has hit close to home this year (and in recent years) because it effects the young people that I work with - it effects my kids. In September a 14 year old young man was shot across the street from my building. When I cam walking home on that Friday evening, there was yellow tape marking off the scene of the crime. The student that was killed that night was a part of the 8th grade classroom that I volunteer in. The teacher has intentionally left his desk as it was. His name tag is still on the desk. No one moves his chair. Everyone in the classroom was effected in some way by the incident. Recently, as the violence in the city has picked up the most consistent prayer requests from our tutoring kids (2nd through 5th graders) is for safety for them and for their families and for their friends. Whether a young person is 7 or 16, they are very much aware of the violence and of what seems an ever-present sense of the threat of violence.

Here is a video that was on the Chicago Tribune's web site today that highlights the effects that violence has on kids.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-violence-health-28-apr28,0,5019883.story

In future blog entries, I am going to highlight what ministries and community organizations around the city and in my neighborhood (Woodlawn) are doing to combat this violence. But in this entry, I am asking that you join with me in prayer. Pray that peace would reign in the streets of our city. Pray that the young people and their families would be protected. Pray also for those that are caught up in the violence - those who see limited other alternatives and possibilities outside of the streets. Pray that a sense of hope and love would overwhelm them. Pray for God's people in the city. Pray that we would not retreat, but that we would raise up and have a real presence (Real ministry happens within the context of real relationships). Pray that God would move and that Christ would be lifted up.

A More Accurate Perspective...Hmmm

A month or so ago the media began airing a few different clips of some of Reverend Jeremiah Wright's previous sermons. However, each time they were shown, the context of the sermons was not given, but rather sound bites from them were looped over and over. The purpose of flooding the airwaves with these soundbites was obvious given Barack Obama's relationship with Reverend Wright. Shortly after these clips were brought to the forefront, Obama gave a very powerful speech on race in American. I said in a previous post (and I still feel this way) that although the timing of the speech was dictated by political circumstances, the speech was nonetheless powerful and profound.

As the weeks went by, I grew tired of the media constantly referring to Rev. Wright. However, I admit that I wasn't intentional about learning more about Rev. Wright until recently when I learned that he had recently spoken at three different events: 1) an NAACP address in Detroit 2) a PBS interview with Bill Moyer and 3) a session with the National Press Club in Washington DC. I just finished watching the NAACP address and the PBS interview online (thanks Greg & Joel for the encouragement). I plan on watching the third event tomorrow. After watching these, I am grieved at how the media has portrayed this man. He has been portrayed as a racist, as un-American, and as a leader of some type of cult. I would like to submit that he is none of these. The problem is that too many of us (myself included), too often swallow what the media feeds us. In this case, if we have done this we have done Reverend Wright (& Barack Obama) a huge injustice.

I would encourage my blog readership (which I'm sure numbers in the hundreds:)) to watch these clips and to see if your perspective on Rev. Wright changes especially compared to the slant that we have been given on the news programs and on youtube. Here are the links...

NAACP Address

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=Rev+Wright+NAACP+address&sitesearch

PBS Interview

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/04252008/watch.html

A few thinks stick out that I am still chewing on...

Different does not mean deficient. (I love this phrase)

In the interview he shares that not only do most people not understand the black church, they lack a clear understanding of the history of why the black church came about. (I would argue that the black church will always be misunderstood if disconnected from the historical context in which it was birthed. This misunderstanding only accentuates the division between the white and black church here in this country, and I believe this grieves the heart of God.)

He also had some good insights on the historical mis-use of culture in missions ie - to be Christian means you should dress, talk, and worship the "normal" way - with the "normal" way being the dominant cultural (again different does not mean deficient).

Some questions...

(1) What has been the white church's response to all of this? Have you seen anything on web sites - ie Christianity Today? Have you heard it talked about on Moody radio?

(2) How should we as Christ-ones or Christ followers respond (regardless of our skin tone)?

(3) How do you think God views the American church which to this day (especially in this day) is so clearly divided along racial and political lines? Remember, "Christ died for a diverse bride" - Revelation 5.

(4) What things did you glean from the videos?

(There will be more blogs coming as right now I am full processing the fact that 25 young people have been killed this school year and last weekend there were 30 shootings in Chicago!!)

I'm Reading...What Are You Reading?...

The purpose of this post will be to share what I'm reading, and to hear from my "readership" (which I am sure numbers in the hundreds:)) what they/you are reading. I am going to try and do this every couple of months or so in hopes of learning of new books. Let's just say this is a online book swap.

So here goes...right now I am reading three different books:

1) Jesus For President by Shane Claiborne & Chris Haw

I am not very far in to this one yet. About a year ago I read "Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Claiborne, and it challenged me as much as any book ever has. So I have been looking forward to this one. Shane always pushes me "out of the box" so to speak.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/105-7412997-6857224?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Jesus+For+President

2) Parting The Waters: America In The King Years: 1954-1963 by Taylor Branch

This books is 700 plus pages, and I think I am about 200 pages in or so. It is a fascinating read. The focus of the books is the life of Martin Luther King Jr. However, I have never read a book on him that gives so much historical context to his life. I highly recommend this book.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/105-7412997-6857224?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Parting+The+Waters

3) With Christ In The School Of Prayer by Andrew Murray

I am reading this book along with the learning community (small group) that I am a part of. I have been reading a chapter each day to kick off my devotional time. Each chapter is a different lesson on prayer from the teachings on prayer of Christ. It is a very convicting read, as it has highlighted my lack of faith.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/105-7412997-6857224?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=With+Christ+In+The+School+Of+Prayer

What are you reading?

What are you reading? Please share...

The Passion of The Christ (through the expression of hip hop)

The Passion of the Christ (through the expression of hip hop)

I am spending some time today looking at the Scriptures that take us to the account of the cross. It is a sobering read every time - and a cause for self-reflection, humility, fresh repentance, and gratefulness. Today I also revisited Hazakim's (www.hazakim.com) Passion video and listened to a few tracks off of shai linne's newest album "The Atonement" (www.lyricaltheology.blogspot.com).

Here is the Link to the Hazakim video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpvWTNKXh9Q


Here are the lyrics to "The Cross (3 Hours)" off of shai's album...

The Cross (3hours)
written by shai linne
Verse 1
There’s something you gotta see, journey with me
It’s approximately 30 A.D.
In the land of Israel- the city of Jerusalem
But on the outside there’s screams and loud cries
Through faith, this scene can be seen without eyes
The mean shout lies and seem to sound wise
As we inch through the crowd, we need to be cautious
A Roman execution, men on three crosses
But all the focus is on the one in the center
The gate closes behind you- no one can enter
The sight you behold is so odd, you’re stunned
The man hanging on the cross is God the Son
12 noon, it’s pitch-black because the sunshine’s lacking
Your minds can’t fathom this divine transaction
As slowly the sound becomes mostly drowned
You realize that you’re standing on holy ground
Bridge

So forever will I tell
In three hours, Christ suffered more than any sinner ever will in hell (4x)
Chorus
It’s where we see Your holiness- at the cross
We see that You’re controlling this- at the cross
We see how You feel about sin- at the cross
Your unfathomable love for men- at the cross
It’s where we see Your sovereignty- at the cross
We see our idolatry- at the cross
We know that there’s a judgment day- from the cross
May we never take our eyes away- from the cross
Verse 2
We’re now in the realm of the sublime and profound
With God at the helm it’s about to go down
The Father’s wrath precise will blast and slice
The priceless Master Christ as a sacrifice
Willingly, He’s under the curse
To be treated as if the Son was the worst scum of the earth
The scene is the craziest
Jesus being treated as if He is the shadiest atheist
How is it the Messiah is in the fiery pit
As if He was a wicked liar with twisted desires?
The One who’s sinless and just
Punished as if He was promiscuous and mischievous with vicious lust
The source of all godly pleasure
Tormented as if He was a foul investor or child molester
How could He be bruised like He was a goodie two-shoes
who doesn’t think that she needs the good news?
He’s perfect in love and wisdom
But He’s suffering as if He constructed the corrupt justice system
We should mourn at the backdrop
Jesus torn like He’s on the corner with crack rock with porn on His laptop
What is this, kid? His gifts are infinite
But He’s hit with licks for religious hypocrites
He’s the Light, but being treated like
He’s the seedy type who likes to beat His wife
He’s treated like a rapist, treated like a slanderer
Treated like a racist or maybe a philanderer
Jesus being penalized like He had sin inside
Filled with inner pride while committing genocide
I could write for a billion years and still can’t name
All of the sins placed on the Lamb slain
But know this: the main thing the cross demonstrated
The glory and the holiness of God vindicated

Obama on Race in America

Many of you are aware of all of the media attention that Barack Obama's pastor's sermons have been getting lately. I think the media has blown things way out of proportion (that's a whole 'nother blog), and few have responded with honest race dialogue and understanding that Obama calls us all to in the speech he gave today. I am still digesting his words from earlier today. Here is a link to both a video of the speech, and a script of the speech.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hisownwords

Regardless of your political persuasion, I encourage you to read/listen/watch this speech.

Thoughts?

The How, What, Why, & Who of Wealth

Last Sunday, I was given the opportunity to preach at my home church, the Lawton Evangelical Mennonite Church. I was humbled by the opportunity, and challenged by the text I was given to preach. It didn't take long into my sermon preparation time to realize that God wanted me to internalize and be messed up by James 5:1-6 before I stepped into the pulpit and attempted to unpack it for others. You see I used to deflect "warnings to the rich" passages onto other people. After, I would read them I would think "so and so should read this." Or if I didn't deflect the passage onto someone else, I would use them as "spiritual pats on the back" for my commitment to incarnational ministry. Rich passages fueled righteous anger within me towards injustice. However, as I continue to read this passage and spend time in prayer over this passage I realized that this text was talking to me. I realized this text was a warning to me. I needed to do a self-check, I needed to repent, and I needed to change.

I wanted to share the outline, and in future blogs I will continue to unpack what God challenged me with over the last few weeks. Here is the outline...

The How, What, Why & Who of Wealth

James 5:1-6
1 Now listen you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.
2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.
3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.
4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.
5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.
6 You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.

Starting Points:
(1) We are all wealthy.
(2) It is all His.
(3) It’s not just the wealth.

“It is not the wealth itself that is condemned, but the greedy attitude toward it and the grisly actions with which it was obtained (W&Z).”

Opening Statement: Our wealth will bring judgment
(v. 1 & 3b)

We will be judged according to:
(1) HOW we have attained our wealth (v. 4)
Leviticus 19:13
Deuteronomy 24:14-15
Amos 8:4-6
Malachi 3:5
Proverbs 3:27-28

(2) WHAT we have done with our wealth (v. 2-3b, 5)
Luke 12:13-21

(3) WHAT our wealth has done to us (v. 6)

Questions to ponder…
(1) WHY do we have wealth?

“We have money to use it in such a way that we show that money is not our God, but God is our God. That money is not our treasure but Christ is our treasure. I have resources for one purpose to magnify the worth of God in the world.”
- John Piper

(2) WHO is our treasure?
Matthew 6:19-24


Recommended Reading:
“Rich Christians In An Age Of Hunger” by Ron Sider

I AM I Have & I Will

I AM and I Have and I Will

As I reflect on my spiritual journey - both historically and currently - if I am honest with myself, I sometimes tend to be a "runner." What I mean is that in the past, and sometimes currently, I try to run from the direction God is taking me or from the task God has called me to do. I love the stories of Moses, Gideon, Jonah, and others because I can relate to those guys. What I have come to realize through those stories is that although we can benefit and gain encouragement and perspective from their lives, ultimately those stories are about God. They magnify who He is and what He can do in and through us - in spite of us.

I have been reading through Exodus during my quiet times and was struck by God's words to Mosese to encourage and exhort him. In the preceding verses and chapters Moses had responded to God's calling and instructions with several "but's" - but they won't listen to me, but I'm not a good speaker, etc. In this passage God was shifting Moses perspepctive off of himself and onto His God. Notice I AM, I Have and I Will.

Exodus 6:1-8
1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country."
2 God also said to Moses, "I am the LORD. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, [a] but by my name the LORD [b] I did not make myself known to them. [c] 4 I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, where they lived as aliens. 5 Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant.
6 "Therefore, say to the Israelites: 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. 7 I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD.' "

Puttng Things In Perspective

I am in a Starbucks digging into the book of James. My guy Allan encouraged me to take a look at the Miniature Earth video, and possibly using it to give some perspective on James 5:1-6. I just watched it (and realized I had seen it before), and was sobered by it. I need to watch it a few more times and chew on the numbers and insights a little bit. I just finished reading "Rich Christians In An Age Of Hunger" by Ron Sider (You can check it out at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/104-2450380-8086318?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Rich+Christians+In+An+Age+Of+Hunger .) It is a sobering read, and it sheds light on some of the same realities that this video does. After you take a look at the video, give me some feedback if you want.

http://www.miniature-earth.com/me_english.htm

What hit you the most?
What are we too often blind of?
How should we respond as Christ-ones?


Let's be some World Changers for the Kingdom!

The Legacy Conference

The Legacy Conference will be hosted in Chicago this August. It will once again be a three day conference August 14-16. We are still trying to lock down the location, however many of the same speakers/teachers have already committed for this year: Paul Washer, Shai Linne, Lecrae, Flame, Tedashi, Trip Lee, Azriel, and more.

Check out this promotional video for this year's conference...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=GU7y1-dSv2s

You can also check out the web site at http://www.legacy-conference.org/

Snapshots of Our Father

Over the last month or so I have seen two different scenarios that really touched me when I saw them, and that made me think about my Heavenly Father.


The first scenario happened during my road trip to Richmond (see earlier post). That Sunday morning when I arrived at the church, the man (Dan) who's family had hosted me the night before, was in the basement of the church getting a cup of coffee ready for a "return visitor" to the church. That in itself does not sound all that spectacular. However, this church visitor was special. He was handicapped in some way - possibly having cerebal palzy. He seemed to be mentally sharp, but due to his condition, his speech was at times hard to understand. I ended up sitting at his table after the service for the fellowship meal. What happened next is what impacted me. Dan went through the food line and fixed the man a plate. He then sat next to him, made a bib out of a napkin for him, and then proceeded to feed him patiently for the next fifteen to twenty minutes. He wasn't doing this to "be seen." He was just loving his brother who couldn't feed himself. What an amazing picture of our Heavenly Father who is full of compassion, patient with us, and meets needs for us that we could never meet ourselves.

The second scenario happend this past weekend. I went over to my friends Brian & Becky's apartment for the Super Bowl game. A month or so ago their 17 month old daughter's brain began to swell. She was rushed to the ER, where they performed an emergency surgery to remove the top of her skull. Days later the swelling in her brain began to go down. However, the long road to recovery had just begun. The doctors are still not sure if her brain will ever fully recover. Brian and Becky are prayin for God's miraculous intervention. They now take her to physcial therapy appointments multiple days each week. They also have to do daily exercises with her. I sat and observed Brian on Sunday as he took Felicity through a series of exercises - moving her hands, arms, legs, feet, etc. I watched him encourage her and praise her efforts. I also watched him accidentally push her a bit too hard in one of the stretches, and then hold her in his arms as she seemed to cry out and wonder why she had to keep doing the exercises. Again, what an amazing picture of our Heavenly Father who loves us no matter what, who never gives up on us, and who leads us through multiple "rehabilitations" throughout our lives. He is also there to wrap His arms around us when we need to feel His touch.


Next time you pray the Lord's prayer, stop and pause after the first line. "Our Father in heaven" - What an amazing statement? When we stop and think on that it alters our entire perspective as we approach the throne of grace.

A World Changer Named King...

I'm not sure at what age I first learned about Martin Luther King Jr. I suspect that it was during my elementary years during a U.S. History unit. However, I know that ever since junior high he has been a role model of mine. His speeches have always given me goose bumps and his life has inspired me to be a world changer.


In the last few years I have begun reading books on his life, and copies of his speeches and sermons. I have also listened to audio clips of his various speeches and sermons. I recently discovered video clips of his speeches and sermons on youtube.com Since today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I thought I would share some of the resources that I have found.


Books
I have read a few different books on King:
1) The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr. by Clayborne Carson
2) Martin & Malcolm & American by James Cone
3) A Knock At Midnight - edited by Clayborne Carson & Peter Holloran
All three of these books are powerful in their own unique ways. Have any of you read other books on King that you would recommend?


Key Speeches
"I Have A Dream"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbUtL_0vAJk&eurl=http://www.mlkonline.net/video-i-have-a-dream-speech.html

His final speech..."I've been to the mountaintop..."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0FiCxZKuv8&eurl=http://www.mlkonline.net/video-martin-luther-king-last-speech.html


Songs of Tribute
Here is the music video for a song that Common and Will.I.Am did...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBa55sDTIiA


Web Sites
This is one of the best web sites that I have found on MLK. It is a "hub."
http://www.mlkonline.net/

Road Trip To Richmond

On Thursday January 3rd, Aaron Roy, Vince McCaskill, and I departed Chicago at 11am-ish to embark on a cross-country road trip of epic proportions. Our purpose was to help Aaron (and his family) move from Chicago to Richmond, CA where they will be re-launching a church. The three of us are all burly guys - meaning that we are all "barrel chested" or "wide shouldered" or "thick." Some might even say that we are carrying a few extra pounds, but we all like to say that we "wear it well." I even like to say that I have "filled out nicely." Anyways, the three of us had to fit in a U-Haul truck. It was crazy. We tried to keep a driving rotation, where each guy drove for 4 hours and then rested for 8. For the most part it worked really well. However, the person stuck in the middle seat could count on being very uncomfortable (sore knees, back, and butt). We took a GPS device with us that the Hamernicks let us borrow. We affectionately named her (the GPS device) Fuquanda. She talked a lot, and although sometimes we questioned her guidance, in the end we found that she was always right. We traveled through 6 states - Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and California. We left on Thursday morning, and arrived (after a short night's stay in Barstow, CA) late Saturday afternoon. Here are a few of our traveling pictures.

My Cloud of Witnesses

(Pictured to left: L to R - Aaron, Vince, me)

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.


This verse, found at the beginning of the 12th chapter of Hebrews, points back (It begins with, "Therefore.") to Hebrews chapter 11 when it references the "great cloud of witnesses." Hebrews 11 is what many people call the "Hall of Faith." It highlights men and women found throughout Scripture (Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Moses, Rahab, etc.) who followed the Lord "by faith." The author of Hebrews then charges the reader to run with endurance in light of the example and legacy of the faithful men and women found throughout scripture. I have been thinking about this passage recently as I reflect on the "great cloud of witnesses" that God has surrounded me with. God has placed people within my life that challenge me to "lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely" and "run with endurance the race that is set before" me. Some times they exhort me verbally. However, usually the exhortation and inspiration that I receive from them comes from my observation of the way that they follow Christ. I want to highlight a few of those people.


Aaron Roy

I have known Aaron now for roughly 6 years. We worked at the ministry together over a good portion of those six years, and in many ways we "grew up" in the ministry together. I have observed Aaron's walk with God over the last few years as God has "shifted" his calling, from a youth ministry calling, to a burden to minister to whole families, to a pastoral calling that he couldn't shake or run from even if he tried to. I have also watched as he and his wife have collectively sought the Lord as to where God would have them to serve. They truly lived out Isaiah's heart cry to the Lord (Isaiah 6:8) of "Here am I! Send me," and were open to wherever God might lead them. God led them to Richmond, CA a place literally across the country, and a place where neither of them have any family or friends. I have had the privilege of seeing them throughout this process as they have walked by faith each step of the way. I helped them move to Richmond (last weekend) and watched their excitement as they were welcomed by their new church family, and as they moved into their new house. Re-launching a church is not an easy task, but they are moving forward by faith.

Vince McCaskill
I have learned much of what it means to be a godly husband and father from Vince, by observing his life. I have seen him wrestle with the Lord in prayer over things that concern his family. He truly strives to be a godly husband and father in the midst of the challenges that life brings. I have witnessed him praying with his wife on the phone. I have seen him search the Scriptures and seek out godly counsel on how to love and lead his kids. Recently, I have seen him "be there" for his wife and his wife's family during the passing of his father-in-law. In addition to being an example of a husband and father, I know that I can go to Vince when I need godly counsel and wisdom.

Allan Greig
Allan and I were roommates at Moody during the 2002-2003 school year. I have always appreciated Allan for the authenticity and realness of his faith. Over the years since we departed Moody, I have observed how God has "fine-tuned" Allan's calling, ultimately leading him to start a ministry called Africa Revolution. His obedience has included much sacrifice and risk, and I have watched he and his wife Annie joyfully endure and "follow close" to the Father. Allan and Annie are committed to "living the Kingdom" like few people I know. In the midst of an American Christian culture that often times elevates family comfort and financial security above the things of the Kingdom, their counter-cultural example speaks loudly to me.