This was one of the more low-key days for me. The conference directors set-up men/women-specific workshops, which was different from the other days so far as we usually meet all together. Stuart and Dick were the speakers for the men's seminars, and Jill spoke for the women's seminars. Stuart focused on the dynamics of godly marriages and touched on the debate of "submission" of women to men. He pointed out that Paul teaches that we are to love each other as Christ loved the Church. In other words, we are to submit to one another. The question came up about how to love our wives and one another. Stuart pointed us to 1 Cor. 13, which spells out what Christ-like love looks. This passage is often read at weddings as a mission statement for the couple moving into a new chapter of life together.
Dick spoke on men and women's equality and differences between the sexes from the book of Genesis. He made the point that God created the world with distinct differences, but in perfect symmetry for His purposes.
- I think this something we forget all too often. -
The world and everything in it has been created for God's purposes. That fact in and of itself gives us as people purpose. When I think about it, if you and I weren't created, if we had come through an accidental process, or happenstance, we wouldn't have purpose. None at all that I can come with. Why do we seek purposeful lives, occupations, and existence? At some point in life, each of us asks the question "What am I here for?"
If God wasn't the creator, or if he wasn't the personal that he describes and emphasizes in Scripture, then I question whether we even care to know the answer to the question of purposeful existence. What makes us distinct from other creatures on the the earth is that we are made in God's image. At least, that's what he says in Genesis. The rest of creation is a picture of God's creativity and even love, as he gives us stewardship of what he made.
It seems to me that we often put the image humans on God, especially when misfortune and the unexpected takes place. We'll say things like, "How could a 'good' God let this happen?" I think God looks at us and says, "Because of sin, bad things happen. I am not punishing you necessarily, but come to me so you peace and new life, even in the midst of trials and misfortune. If you would allow for My image to shine through you, then this place would look much different - the way I originally intended - the way it will one day be in my timing. Trust in me. How then, do you let my image shine through you? Give your life - all of who you are, with all of your desires, passions, cares, fears - all to me, and I will renew your spirit with my Spirit. Then you will begin to see life in new ways, in ways that brings fresh life to others through a genuine heart, and in ways that brings reconciliation to a broken world, filled with broken lives... Come, follow Me!"
In the evening, our team met with Dr. Ann Thyle and her husband Sid. Ann is an anesthesiologist and obstetrician, and Sid is an eye surgeon. They studied in India and decided stay here to be missions doctors to the people here. Most of their peers left for the U.S. after med school to make the big bucks. Ann told a story about the work they are doing and some of their peers' responses to the work they do after so many years (30 in the field). She and her husband oversee hospitals in the EHA (Emmanuel Hospital Association), which is a ministry that provides medical help to the poor and respond to emergency evacuation situations. Recently a flood occurred in northern India, which has displaced more than 2 million people. They are working with teams of doctors and nurses to help with the tragedy. Outside organizations have also offered assistance with various resources.
Dr.'s Ann and Sid are models of compassion. They work for the good of people and their spiritual well-being throughout India. Ann told us about some of her friends who came back for a med. school reunion after 30 years. As she talked with some of them, they remarked with, "Well, now, why have you gone and wasted your life like that?!" Ann said she had to turn and laugh a bit. She said these people have completely missed the point - these wealthy, high-profile doctors with all of their intelligence and skill, have missed it. Their heads are in one place and their hearts a completely different one. They talked about their work being based on the premise of care and compassion - things that are missing in the Hindu community. As they have practiced these values, the culture around them is being transformed.
Following the dinner break, our team gathered on the patio of the dining hall, where we sat around a circle telling stories and laughing about humorous life experiences. Stuart and Jill had some outrageous stories from their travels around the world. It was awesome to sit in a casual environment, in a foreign country, and laugh and let loose with our team and the Briscoe's. I will never forget it.
I'm very grateful to have this opportunity to learn, observe, and serve these people and this organization on the other side of the world. It's a priceless, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
MKE Network
For those of you who don't know me, I consider myself an average 20-something in the great city of Milwaukee. I have a Bachelors degree in Psychology from UW-Milwaukee, 3 years experience in Christian ministry, am pursuing a Masters degree through Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and aspire to be doing pastoral work in the (near) future. I am currently employed with a non-profit organization in Milwaukee that works with "at-risk" boys and families. I also own and run a DJing business (Brew City DJ's) with a friend of mine.
After attending a recent get-together with some friends, and finding myself in conversation with a pastor in the local area, I left the party feeling rather disconnected from my peers in ministry and community leadership. There is a lot to learn from one another, and I want to find a way to bridge our work to be better informed, resourced, and encouraged. I know there are events in the city that already provide networking opportunities, but when thinking about it, I realized I had very little insight on what others are doing to impact those in the pews and the community.
Honestly, I would say that I am in the "dreaming phase" of this, but welcome ideas, information, and resources. Perhaps with a little more cohesion, we could see some incredible things happen in MKE in 2010!
After attending a recent get-together with some friends, and finding myself in conversation with a pastor in the local area, I left the party feeling rather disconnected from my peers in ministry and community leadership. There is a lot to learn from one another, and I want to find a way to bridge our work to be better informed, resourced, and encouraged. I know there are events in the city that already provide networking opportunities, but when thinking about it, I realized I had very little insight on what others are doing to impact those in the pews and the community.
Honestly, I would say that I am in the "dreaming phase" of this, but welcome ideas, information, and resources. Perhaps with a little more cohesion, we could see some incredible things happen in MKE in 2010!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Memoirs from India: Day 4 (continued)
After our lunch break today, we visited two slums - "The Pipe Village" and "The Stone Village" (or "Rock Quarry Village"). The people who live in these places work for either the factory that makes concrete sewer piping, or work in the rock quarry outside of Hyderabad. Some of these people have contracts with the businesses that run the workplaces, which allows them to live there. Some have been there for decades already! The reality is they are essentially enslaved to the debt they owe the business owners. It's nearly impossible for them to repay these debts, which explains why they have been living in these places for generations in some cases.
How did we find them? ...Glad you asked!
The children who live in these villages attend the Good Shepherd school on the campus we're staying on. Pastors/Admin. from the schools go to the villages and lead Sunday evening services, where the Bible is taught to them. In both villages we spent time talking with the families, shared stories from our lives, prayed with them, and gave candy and balloons to the kids... and even some of the grandparents... guess they wanted to party with the kids too! The parents had their kids sing songs to us - with the motions! - that they learned in school. We video recorded and took pictures with them. They would laugh after we showed them their "performance" in the viewfinders of our cameras. They pointed and smiled in excitement... and of course, teased each other as they watched!
Money can't buy this kind of pleasure. There are fewer things in life that bring the kind of fulfillment we experienced in bringing joy to these people. To see them smile, laugh, and hear them sing songs like "God is Good", sets the stage for an array of emotions: heartbreak, inexplicable joy, hope for their futures, humility in recognition of one's privileges vs. the lack for another - and wanting to solve the problem (as any "good" American would respond in a similar situation)...
Really, words (and pictures) can't explain it - they simply don't do justice. Only when one is really there physically, with all of the senses engaged, can they experience the life transformation taking place in that very moment in time.
We left the Stone Village in the late-afternoon to return to O.M. campus for our team's debrief. As we were leaving, the children and families followed us to our bus - yeah, I know, in full "Bono"/"Brangelina" style (we were not super thrilled about the transportation situation, however, it was decided for us) - and we said our goodbye's. They asked us if we would come back, but unfortunately, our schedule is packed tight. We had to say "No".
Maybe you could go...
I hope and pray that you find some of these opportunities. When I talk about "transformation" or "life-change", I don't mean you become someone else. Rather, your perspective and worldview is broadened. Inevitably, you start to change, or at least, you return to familiar life having experienced some kind of change. One of the characteristics of overseas missions and work is that we often don't know exactly what we're doing from day to day. I usually need a bit of structure in my life, but I have little-to-no choice when I'm abroad. It's not vacation. Vacations offer choices as to what and how and where to spend money, time, etc. Vacations are great and needed! But without so much choice, interesting things happen:
If you're ready... Pray to God and ask him for forgiveness for living life by your standards, rather than His, and put your trust in Christ. Or, maybe take this time to re-commit your life to Him. Or, take a moment to thank Him for how he has blessed you!
You won't regret getting on God's agenda and living your life for Him!
I would be honored to walk the journey with you! We're all on it, just in different places. Now, I don't have all the answers by any stretch of the imagination, but if you have questions, I'd love to talk about them. Be in touch.
Grace & Peace.
How did we find them? ...Glad you asked!
The children who live in these villages attend the Good Shepherd school on the campus we're staying on. Pastors/Admin. from the schools go to the villages and lead Sunday evening services, where the Bible is taught to them. In both villages we spent time talking with the families, shared stories from our lives, prayed with them, and gave candy and balloons to the kids... and even some of the grandparents... guess they wanted to party with the kids too! The parents had their kids sing songs to us - with the motions! - that they learned in school. We video recorded and took pictures with them. They would laugh after we showed them their "performance" in the viewfinders of our cameras. They pointed and smiled in excitement... and of course, teased each other as they watched!
Money can't buy this kind of pleasure. There are fewer things in life that bring the kind of fulfillment we experienced in bringing joy to these people. To see them smile, laugh, and hear them sing songs like "God is Good", sets the stage for an array of emotions: heartbreak, inexplicable joy, hope for their futures, humility in recognition of one's privileges vs. the lack for another - and wanting to solve the problem (as any "good" American would respond in a similar situation)...
Really, words (and pictures) can't explain it - they simply don't do justice. Only when one is really there physically, with all of the senses engaged, can they experience the life transformation taking place in that very moment in time.
We left the Stone Village in the late-afternoon to return to O.M. campus for our team's debrief. As we were leaving, the children and families followed us to our bus - yeah, I know, in full "Bono"/"Brangelina" style (we were not super thrilled about the transportation situation, however, it was decided for us) - and we said our goodbye's. They asked us if we would come back, but unfortunately, our schedule is packed tight. We had to say "No".
Maybe you could go...
I hope and pray that you find some of these opportunities. When I talk about "transformation" or "life-change", I don't mean you become someone else. Rather, your perspective and worldview is broadened. Inevitably, you start to change, or at least, you return to familiar life having experienced some kind of change. One of the characteristics of overseas missions and work is that we often don't know exactly what we're doing from day to day. I usually need a bit of structure in my life, but I have little-to-no choice when I'm abroad. It's not vacation. Vacations offer choices as to what and how and where to spend money, time, etc. Vacations are great and needed! But without so much choice, interesting things happen:
- We have time to get to know people and allow for what's happening impact us
- We're thrust into new experiences that take us out of our comfort zone, which stretch us and change us (i.e. trying new foods, cultures, and landscapes)
- The element of surprise is always present... sometimes you feel like a straight-up child!
- We can see what God is doing in the context we are visiting, and better understand what God is teaching us - individually and collectively
- We learn how we might take what we've eperienced and find ways to take action on them at home, or teach others about
- We become influencers and inspire others
- Our lives are never the same, and live with greater fulfillment - material things, monotonous lifestyles, and cheap thrills satisfy only briefly, or creates complacency
- God blesses us beyond measure!
If you're ready... Pray to God and ask him for forgiveness for living life by your standards, rather than His, and put your trust in Christ. Or, maybe take this time to re-commit your life to Him. Or, take a moment to thank Him for how he has blessed you!
You won't regret getting on God's agenda and living your life for Him!
I would be honored to walk the journey with you! We're all on it, just in different places. Now, I don't have all the answers by any stretch of the imagination, but if you have questions, I'd love to talk about them. Be in touch.
Grace & Peace.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Memoirs from India: Day 4
As I sit and begin today's reflection, considering all that we learned and experienced, honestly, I find it hard to put it into words. We spent the morning and early afternoon hours on O.M.'s campus, then visited two slum areas - the "Pipe Village" and the "Rock Quarry Village" (to be explained later). Since O.M. wanted to give our team a more holistic understanding of what they are doing - only a snapshot really - in India (by the way, O.M. India services roughly 1/3 of all O.M.'s global activity!), we missed some of the Briscoe's teaching time. Our team agreed that getting off-site would be really valuable; and it has been. Today, however, we were able to join the morning session before we departed, which opened with singing praise and worship songs, both in English and in Hindi. It's quite the experience to hear other brothers and sisters singing the same songs we sing, but in their native tongue!
Stuart gave the morning session sermon - which blew me away... He gave an overview of Ephesians 1-5 without notes! He exposited from several verses in each chapter and used the illustration of being drunk to teach it. He taught with honesty and humor, intelligence and wit. He made the point that we must be "drunk" on the Holy Spirit. He explained that alcohol does 3 things in a person...
1) The one that is fed, will live
2) The one that is not fed, will die
The sinful nature will always fight against the spirit that indwells the Christ follower, but which nature is being fed... which one isn't?
He said there are 3 kinds of people in the church:
1) Those who make things happen
2) Those who watch things happen
3) Those who say, "Huh, what happened?"
The questions I had to ask myself were:
- Who will I be? or become?
- What or who am I "drunk" on?
...Am I letting too much around me influence my life for the negative? Or, am I spending the time and energy to feed the personhood of the Spirit within me (given by God's grace through faith in Christ)?
The second portion of our day was spent touring the O.M. campus. Here is a laundry list of what they do:
- Offer undergraduate and MA degrees in Bible and Leadership (13-14,000)
- Have 80 grade schools around the country, giving under-privileged children high-quality education for extremely low costs (~ $1 per day)
- Train pastors, leaders, and volunteer leaders in the church to maximize effectiveness of ministry in their local contexts and languages
- Resource Christian books and media in 13 different languages in India - largest resourcer
- Train students and adults in trades like sewing, computer networking/programming, wood-working/carpentry, auto maintenance and mechanics
- Train teachers to lead and manage schools
- Employ 200 workers at the Hyderabad headquarters
- Empower the poor and oppressed to change the direction of their impoverished state through the tools of education and providing opportunities and jobs through O.M. in their local communities
- Export fine linens and clothing through the "LYDIA" program, where all of the proceeds are put back into training more seamstresses
- Hold Christian conferences throughout the year for leaders and Christian organizations
- Med. clinic, dentistry, and pharmacy at the O.M. headquarters (Hyderabad)
Believe it or not, the list could go on, but truthfully, there's far too much to remember! As I said before, O.M. is finding ways to meet the physical, spiritual, and social needs of the communities around them. They are empowering those who are otherwise ignored, oppressed, or simply forgotten about. India will be transformed by a new generation - one that was born into poverty, but will grow into influence.
If you have a Bible, open it to the Old Testament book of Isaiah 61. The prophet here speaks of God's call on his life, but apply this same message to O.M.'s mission and movement to paint a clearer picture of their vision.
Stuart gave the morning session sermon - which blew me away... He gave an overview of Ephesians 1-5 without notes! He exposited from several verses in each chapter and used the illustration of being drunk to teach it. He taught with honesty and humor, intelligence and wit. He made the point that we must be "drunk" on the Holy Spirit. He explained that alcohol does 3 things in a person...
- Captivates
- Motivates
- Activates
1) The one that is fed, will live
2) The one that is not fed, will die
The sinful nature will always fight against the spirit that indwells the Christ follower, but which nature is being fed... which one isn't?
He said there are 3 kinds of people in the church:
1) Those who make things happen
2) Those who watch things happen
3) Those who say, "Huh, what happened?"
The questions I had to ask myself were:
- Who will I be? or become?
- What or who am I "drunk" on?
...Am I letting too much around me influence my life for the negative? Or, am I spending the time and energy to feed the personhood of the Spirit within me (given by God's grace through faith in Christ)?
The second portion of our day was spent touring the O.M. campus. Here is a laundry list of what they do:
- Offer undergraduate and MA degrees in Bible and Leadership (13-14,000)
- Have 80 grade schools around the country, giving under-privileged children high-quality education for extremely low costs (~ $1 per day)
- Train pastors, leaders, and volunteer leaders in the church to maximize effectiveness of ministry in their local contexts and languages
- Resource Christian books and media in 13 different languages in India - largest resourcer
- Train students and adults in trades like sewing, computer networking/programming, wood-working/carpentry, auto maintenance and mechanics
- Train teachers to lead and manage schools
- Employ 200 workers at the Hyderabad headquarters
- Empower the poor and oppressed to change the direction of their impoverished state through the tools of education and providing opportunities and jobs through O.M. in their local communities
- Export fine linens and clothing through the "LYDIA" program, where all of the proceeds are put back into training more seamstresses
- Hold Christian conferences throughout the year for leaders and Christian organizations
- Med. clinic, dentistry, and pharmacy at the O.M. headquarters (Hyderabad)
Believe it or not, the list could go on, but truthfully, there's far too much to remember! As I said before, O.M. is finding ways to meet the physical, spiritual, and social needs of the communities around them. They are empowering those who are otherwise ignored, oppressed, or simply forgotten about. India will be transformed by a new generation - one that was born into poverty, but will grow into influence.
If you have a Bible, open it to the Old Testament book of Isaiah 61. The prophet here speaks of God's call on his life, but apply this same message to O.M.'s mission and movement to paint a clearer picture of their vision.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Memoirs from India: Day 3
Tuesday, September 2nd
Ahh! Finally, I got the sleep I've needed for a couple days. This morning we had to get moving right away as we were to visit two Good Shepherd schools today. O.M. has established grade schools all over India - 80 and counting! They are Christian schools that welcome all students from various backgrounds, like Hindu, Muslim, and of course, Christian. It costs the families about $1.00 per day to send their child to the school where they are taught English, Hindi, mathematics, science, grammar, reading skills, Bible memorization, Christian songs, and other subjects based on grade level.
The first school we visited was about 35km from O.M. headquarters - appx. 1hr. away... well, depending on the "adventurous" traffic in town! Along the beautiful country-side, rolling hills, winding roads, lush, wide-open spaces, and farmland, was the scenic picture painted before us as we hung our heads and cameras out of the windows of the jeep. When we arrived at the school, the children (400+) were lined up in their uniforms, separated by age and grade. The teachers and admin. brought us up on a stage in front of all the children and staff to welcome us. The kids began their daily calisthenics of reciting Bible verses they had memorized, songs they learned, and the pledge of allegiance to their country. [Each one on] our team was then given a traditional flower garland, which look like Hawaiian lays, as a welcome gift. Then each of us had the chance to share a few words of gratitude for letting us come and visit. After the opening session, our team visited each classroom - K5 through 6th grade - where we were greeted with "Good morning, Sir", "Good morning, ma'am", a song the kids had learned, a recited passage and/or chapter from a book of the Bible, and a few questions for our team - like where we were from, or what we did for work, etc.
We took pictures with them, which they LOVE... but they love even more seeing the captured picture in the viewfinder after it is taken! The children are precious. Just being able to have the opportunity to look into their eyes and see their zest for life and curiosity about everything, was a gift in and of itself. Once we had visited the classrooms, Raland (Rey-land), the school's manager and our guide for the morning, sat us in his office and further shared with us the vision O.M. has for these schools, and shared the moving, and personal story of how he got involved with the G.S. schools. Raland grew up a Dalit - an outcast of the caste system - and found himself attending a G.S. school in India. His life was changed through the teaching and was brought out of poverty because of the education he had received through O.M. - and THIS is O.M.'s hope.
It is their heartbeat to free the Dalits (and others) from physical and spiritual poverty. It's empowerment for those who would not otherwise find any. The social, political, economic, and educational infrastructures already are, and will change because of O.M.'s vision and passion.
The second school we visited was in the slums of Hyderabad. I've seen slums and extreme poverty before, and there are similar characteristics in any case - fecal matter in the open air, burning garbage, garbage heaps scattered about, and the stench of rotting trash (and often some people rummaging through it for goods and sustenance), makeshift homes of wood, concrete, metal scraps, tattered draperies - anything to provide shelter. Some homes have concrete floors, others dirt. Some are adorned with culturally-specific ornaments, and others with none at all. There are people everywhere!
The children love to have their picture taken. They will come up to you and look into your eyes with their puppy-dog eyes, and say "One photo?", while holding their little finger in the air. It's adorable, and interesting that they make such a fuss over it. The kids swarm to get in on a pic, practically tackling each other - fights almost broke out at times! Then of course, they want to see the photo after it has been taken.
It's apparent that they want to be noticed and remembered!
The school in the slums had 200 students, all of which were squeezed into a room no larger than most of our living rooms at home. They sang some songs (with the motions!) for us, and we each told them about our occupations and encouraged them to continue working hard so they could one day become the professionals many of them desire to be - doctors, engineers, policemen, teachers, business people, and so on. (Notice how they don't care much about fame, or becoming rock stars/movie stars, or even rich...) These people understand reality much differently than Americans do - we have far too many options and distractions.
The children followed us through the slums as we stopped and prayed with people, talked with them to hear their stories, and to snap a few pictures with them. I met some teenagers there, and talked with them a bit. The look in their eyes stunned me! I was taken back for two reasons:
1) They reminded me of young people back home - trying to fit-in with their friends, trying to find their place/meaning and purpose, dealing with pressures from friends and their culture - clearly, a similarity.
2) There was a hunger in their eyes. A hunger to know something, or someone, greater than themselves. I told them I was from America and all of a sudden, I was elevated to Bono-status - larger than life. They wanted pictures and to touch me just to get my attention. As I shook their hands and laughed with them - whether or not we actually understood each other - I would call them "friend". When this happened their eyes lit up and huge smiles stretched across their faces. There was an almost instant bond created between us. To them, being called friend with an American was extra-ordinary.
These young people are craving friendship, love, and attention. They are curious about Jesus. Sadly, we didn't have enough time to explain more. Hopefully, someone will meet them again who can nourish the planted seeds - maybe that's you... or me! Their situation makes them desperate enough, but there is more - something deeper. That something is to be found by God's spirit, and to grow an intimate, personal relationship with him as he offers it freely.
...but how do people find this if they are not told about it?
Yes, physical needs have to be met, but spiritual needs that are met will change and transform the hearts of those who will then go and change the world with God's power - power he promises is with those who trust in him!
Ahh! Finally, I got the sleep I've needed for a couple days. This morning we had to get moving right away as we were to visit two Good Shepherd schools today. O.M. has established grade schools all over India - 80 and counting! They are Christian schools that welcome all students from various backgrounds, like Hindu, Muslim, and of course, Christian. It costs the families about $1.00 per day to send their child to the school where they are taught English, Hindi, mathematics, science, grammar, reading skills, Bible memorization, Christian songs, and other subjects based on grade level.
The first school we visited was about 35km from O.M. headquarters - appx. 1hr. away... well, depending on the "adventurous" traffic in town! Along the beautiful country-side, rolling hills, winding roads, lush, wide-open spaces, and farmland, was the scenic picture painted before us as we hung our heads and cameras out of the windows of the jeep. When we arrived at the school, the children (400+) were lined up in their uniforms, separated by age and grade. The teachers and admin. brought us up on a stage in front of all the children and staff to welcome us. The kids began their daily calisthenics of reciting Bible verses they had memorized, songs they learned, and the pledge of allegiance to their country. [Each one on] our team was then given a traditional flower garland, which look like Hawaiian lays, as a welcome gift. Then each of us had the chance to share a few words of gratitude for letting us come and visit. After the opening session, our team visited each classroom - K5 through 6th grade - where we were greeted with "Good morning, Sir", "Good morning, ma'am", a song the kids had learned, a recited passage and/or chapter from a book of the Bible, and a few questions for our team - like where we were from, or what we did for work, etc.
We took pictures with them, which they LOVE... but they love even more seeing the captured picture in the viewfinder after it is taken! The children are precious. Just being able to have the opportunity to look into their eyes and see their zest for life and curiosity about everything, was a gift in and of itself. Once we had visited the classrooms, Raland (Rey-land), the school's manager and our guide for the morning, sat us in his office and further shared with us the vision O.M. has for these schools, and shared the moving, and personal story of how he got involved with the G.S. schools. Raland grew up a Dalit - an outcast of the caste system - and found himself attending a G.S. school in India. His life was changed through the teaching and was brought out of poverty because of the education he had received through O.M. - and THIS is O.M.'s hope.
It is their heartbeat to free the Dalits (and others) from physical and spiritual poverty. It's empowerment for those who would not otherwise find any. The social, political, economic, and educational infrastructures already are, and will change because of O.M.'s vision and passion.
The second school we visited was in the slums of Hyderabad. I've seen slums and extreme poverty before, and there are similar characteristics in any case - fecal matter in the open air, burning garbage, garbage heaps scattered about, and the stench of rotting trash (and often some people rummaging through it for goods and sustenance), makeshift homes of wood, concrete, metal scraps, tattered draperies - anything to provide shelter. Some homes have concrete floors, others dirt. Some are adorned with culturally-specific ornaments, and others with none at all. There are people everywhere!
The children love to have their picture taken. They will come up to you and look into your eyes with their puppy-dog eyes, and say "One photo?", while holding their little finger in the air. It's adorable, and interesting that they make such a fuss over it. The kids swarm to get in on a pic, practically tackling each other - fights almost broke out at times! Then of course, they want to see the photo after it has been taken.
It's apparent that they want to be noticed and remembered!
The school in the slums had 200 students, all of which were squeezed into a room no larger than most of our living rooms at home. They sang some songs (with the motions!) for us, and we each told them about our occupations and encouraged them to continue working hard so they could one day become the professionals many of them desire to be - doctors, engineers, policemen, teachers, business people, and so on. (Notice how they don't care much about fame, or becoming rock stars/movie stars, or even rich...) These people understand reality much differently than Americans do - we have far too many options and distractions.
The children followed us through the slums as we stopped and prayed with people, talked with them to hear their stories, and to snap a few pictures with them. I met some teenagers there, and talked with them a bit. The look in their eyes stunned me! I was taken back for two reasons:
1) They reminded me of young people back home - trying to fit-in with their friends, trying to find their place/meaning and purpose, dealing with pressures from friends and their culture - clearly, a similarity.
2) There was a hunger in their eyes. A hunger to know something, or someone, greater than themselves. I told them I was from America and all of a sudden, I was elevated to Bono-status - larger than life. They wanted pictures and to touch me just to get my attention. As I shook their hands and laughed with them - whether or not we actually understood each other - I would call them "friend". When this happened their eyes lit up and huge smiles stretched across their faces. There was an almost instant bond created between us. To them, being called friend with an American was extra-ordinary.
These young people are craving friendship, love, and attention. They are curious about Jesus. Sadly, we didn't have enough time to explain more. Hopefully, someone will meet them again who can nourish the planted seeds - maybe that's you... or me! Their situation makes them desperate enough, but there is more - something deeper. That something is to be found by God's spirit, and to grow an intimate, personal relationship with him as he offers it freely.
...but how do people find this if they are not told about it?
Yes, physical needs have to be met, but spiritual needs that are met will change and transform the hearts of those who will then go and change the world with God's power - power he promises is with those who trust in him!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Memoirs from India: Day 2
September 1st
"Be still and know that I am God." (Ps. 46:10)
Upon more reflection, I did take into consideration the exhaustion and jet-lag factors (we are 10.5 hrs. ahead), the heat, and adjusting to a new and foreign environment. But it [my sense about this] was deeper than that...
Our team sat in on the pastor's conference today where Stuart, Dick, and Jill each gave presentations - sermons really - to encourage, teach, and challenge the pastors (and lay leaders). It was great to sit in and hear their messages. They made it look easy! Everyone speaks english so there isn't really a language barrier, except for the deep Indian accents. What was really amazing is that neither of them [Stuart, Dick, and Jill] knew until today, what they'd be speaking on... and each of them banged it out in 1.5 hr. sermons - 1 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon (all together).
Stuart preached out of Ephesians 1, and discussed the notion of being "in Christ". He challenged that we became what we are because of Christ. In other words, we who are Christ followers are given all spiritual blessings as we are saved through faith in Jesus, which are nurtured as that relationship grows. He taught about calling and that this is two-fold:
1) We are called to relationship with Christ
2) We are to carry out the work that God has set aside for me/us to do so His story may be completed.
He reminded us that we are Christ's inheritance that he loves unconditionally. Stuart said that God's people sometimes have a lack of confidence, or hope, because they forget who they've become in Jesus' eyes. He said the way to combat that is to remember that God gives us the strength we need to follow through with God's plan for our lives.
Dick spoke on leadership, based on Psalm 78. He touched on a critical issue for pastors and leaders - the issue of integrity. He taught that we need integrity in 5 key areas:
- Speech
- Have an attitude of integrity
- Have an attitude of gratitude
- Relationships
- Motives
- Actions
He reminded us to do the right things for the right reasons.
Jill spoke from Isaiah 26 and 2 Chronicles 26:5, and focused on encouragement. She challenged us to go to God first before we go to others, or busy ourselves with work when troubles come our way. She challenged us to teach others to fear the Lord. She said that stretching ourselves to things that seem too big gives God the opportunity to work in powerful ways, humbling us before His might and providence. An emphasis was put on honest, real, and transparent communication with God, and learning to repent. She encouraged us to remember that God doesn't call people to things they're not equipped for. In the end, she challenged us to surrender to the call of God without condition.
After meeting some of the pastors, playing with some of the kids from the grade school, and a debrief with our team, I came to the conclusion that coming on this endeavor to India falls in line with what God has been speaking to me for much of this year: It's not all that important to God what I'm doing for him, but that he's more concerned with who I'm becoming in my relationship with him. That this trip is part of a molding, shaping, and transforming process he's already been working on - to change me more and more, little by little, into his likeness. I am here in India to observe, learn, listen, and serve where needed with [our team] and O.M. (Jill taught me about the ministry of "presence" - I think this is one thing I'm learning here.)
Monday, September 29, 2008
Memoirs from India: Day 1
August 30th
I begin this journal with mixed emotion over this endeavor. I've also been awake for nearly a full day (as I only slept for 4 hours the previous night in hopes to sleep on the planes), and now mid-way through our travels to India... Tiredness is the overarching feeling right now! But I'm excited and anticipate some incredible experiences, emotional ebbs and flows from meeting (and leaving) new friends, encountering poverty interwoven with wealth, teaching and living in a vastly different culture, and the thrill of gaining insight from Stuart and Jill Briscoe, Dick Robinson, my team, and the Indian people! A priceless opportunity.
International airports are really sweet - especially European airports - because they're a melting pot of cultures from around the globe. Passing through corridors, one can hear multiple languages being spoken by people of all shapes and sizes, with colorful, exotic dress (no, I don't mean strippers...well, that I know of!), and all wearing the same look of "I need to catch my next flight." - an expression that no cultural or language barrier can hide!
We left Chicago at around 4:00pm and arrived in Frankfurt, Germany at 7:00am - an 8.5 hour flight (Germany is 7 hours ahead of us). I slept all of 30 minutes so far. It's now about 9:30am here; about 2:30am at home. Our connecting flight leaves at 11:00am here, for another 8.5 hour flight into Hyderabad, India. This will put us at a grand total of 17 hours flying time, and we will have crossed over approximately 9,000 miles! We should arrive in India at about 11:00pm their time; 12:30pm at home.
It is a trek, but I don't mind it at all - especially considering the exhilaration of traveling abroad and experiencing new places around the world! Most of all though, being able to see what God's up to away from home...
Our flight arrived at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 11:15pm; 12:45pm at home. Operartion Mobilization (O.M.) representatives were there to pick us up. We found out that the training center was about 1.5 hours outside Hyderabad. We reached the campus at about 1:30am. For this first week, I am roomies with Mike Noel, one of Elmbrook Church's elders/leaders; and Phil Brooks, one of the video/media techs. on the team. Our room is a small dorm with a bathroom inside... with a flushing toilet! (a huge plus in foreign contexts). We also have a "shower"... AKA a bucket and cup to dump water over our heads! It was a humid 80 degrees as we went to bed, but luckily our ceiling fan rules and cools!
On the way to the headquarters, we drove through and around Hyderabad. People were out and about (working mostly), even for as late as it was. It seems like they were busy doing random things - talking with friends, cleaning the streets, hauling various materials on flat-beads, etc. There were a lot of homeless people too. Many were sleeping on sidewalks, under awnings in case of rain. Some had blankets, others didn't.
- It was heartbreaking. -
Dick Robinson, one of the Associate Pastors at Elmbrook and our team's leader, noticed our dismay, turned around from his seat on the bus, and explained that India has experienced political, economic, and social unrest for 1000's of years, (not to mention having more than 1.3 Billion people living in very tight vicinity) and to remember that we are coming to support and serve O.M. - a ministry that is working to alleviate physical and spiritual poverty, provide affordable, high-quality Christian education to the poor and oppressed, and bring civil rights to outcasts of the caste system - the Dalits (Dah-leet) - in India. In other words, our team can't expect to come in and change the plight of these people in 2 weeks time, no matter how hard it is to understand - how ridiculous and (potentially) arrogant anyway! We are coming as learners and supporters of O.M.'s work and ministry.
Looking ahead:
Our team will stay on O.M.'s headquarters just outside Hyderabad, in Secunderabad ("Second City") for one week. We will be a part of a pastor's conference, highlighting Stuart and Jill Briscoe (Ministers at Large - World-traveling Preachers) from Elmbrook, and Dick Robinson, as the keynote speakers. Building relationships with the pastors and leaders here and listening to their stories, doing interviews with some of them, and possibly teaching at the Good Shepherd School and/or Church on the campus, will be our primary focus this week. (The G.S. grade schools and churches have been established through O.M. all over India). I'll explain more about the G.S. schools and churches once I've learned more about them.
One of the keys to remember on trips like these is that we often don't know what will be expected of us entirely in terms of work. (Our hosts decide what the major projects will be for the team as they know the immediate needs that can be met, or at least, given some attention to during the time we are there). Remaining flexible and "ready" is not just appreciated, it's imperative. We're kept on the edge or our seats at all times!
Well, I'm at the edge of exhaustion, and our first full day starts at 7:00am - time to crash...for 4 hours!
I begin this journal with mixed emotion over this endeavor. I've also been awake for nearly a full day (as I only slept for 4 hours the previous night in hopes to sleep on the planes), and now mid-way through our travels to India... Tiredness is the overarching feeling right now! But I'm excited and anticipate some incredible experiences, emotional ebbs and flows from meeting (and leaving) new friends, encountering poverty interwoven with wealth, teaching and living in a vastly different culture, and the thrill of gaining insight from Stuart and Jill Briscoe, Dick Robinson, my team, and the Indian people! A priceless opportunity.
International airports are really sweet - especially European airports - because they're a melting pot of cultures from around the globe. Passing through corridors, one can hear multiple languages being spoken by people of all shapes and sizes, with colorful, exotic dress (no, I don't mean strippers...well, that I know of!), and all wearing the same look of "I need to catch my next flight." - an expression that no cultural or language barrier can hide!
We left Chicago at around 4:00pm and arrived in Frankfurt, Germany at 7:00am - an 8.5 hour flight (Germany is 7 hours ahead of us). I slept all of 30 minutes so far. It's now about 9:30am here; about 2:30am at home. Our connecting flight leaves at 11:00am here, for another 8.5 hour flight into Hyderabad, India. This will put us at a grand total of 17 hours flying time, and we will have crossed over approximately 9,000 miles! We should arrive in India at about 11:00pm their time; 12:30pm at home.
It is a trek, but I don't mind it at all - especially considering the exhilaration of traveling abroad and experiencing new places around the world! Most of all though, being able to see what God's up to away from home...
Our flight arrived at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 11:15pm; 12:45pm at home. Operartion Mobilization (O.M.) representatives were there to pick us up. We found out that the training center was about 1.5 hours outside Hyderabad. We reached the campus at about 1:30am. For this first week, I am roomies with Mike Noel, one of Elmbrook Church's elders/leaders; and Phil Brooks, one of the video/media techs. on the team. Our room is a small dorm with a bathroom inside... with a flushing toilet! (a huge plus in foreign contexts). We also have a "shower"... AKA a bucket and cup to dump water over our heads! It was a humid 80 degrees as we went to bed, but luckily our ceiling fan rules and cools!
On the way to the headquarters, we drove through and around Hyderabad. People were out and about (working mostly), even for as late as it was. It seems like they were busy doing random things - talking with friends, cleaning the streets, hauling various materials on flat-beads, etc. There were a lot of homeless people too. Many were sleeping on sidewalks, under awnings in case of rain. Some had blankets, others didn't.
- It was heartbreaking. -
Dick Robinson, one of the Associate Pastors at Elmbrook and our team's leader, noticed our dismay, turned around from his seat on the bus, and explained that India has experienced political, economic, and social unrest for 1000's of years, (not to mention having more than 1.3 Billion people living in very tight vicinity) and to remember that we are coming to support and serve O.M. - a ministry that is working to alleviate physical and spiritual poverty, provide affordable, high-quality Christian education to the poor and oppressed, and bring civil rights to outcasts of the caste system - the Dalits (Dah-leet) - in India. In other words, our team can't expect to come in and change the plight of these people in 2 weeks time, no matter how hard it is to understand - how ridiculous and (potentially) arrogant anyway! We are coming as learners and supporters of O.M.'s work and ministry.
Looking ahead:
Our team will stay on O.M.'s headquarters just outside Hyderabad, in Secunderabad ("Second City") for one week. We will be a part of a pastor's conference, highlighting Stuart and Jill Briscoe (Ministers at Large - World-traveling Preachers) from Elmbrook, and Dick Robinson, as the keynote speakers. Building relationships with the pastors and leaders here and listening to their stories, doing interviews with some of them, and possibly teaching at the Good Shepherd School and/or Church on the campus, will be our primary focus this week. (The G.S. grade schools and churches have been established through O.M. all over India). I'll explain more about the G.S. schools and churches once I've learned more about them.
One of the keys to remember on trips like these is that we often don't know what will be expected of us entirely in terms of work. (Our hosts decide what the major projects will be for the team as they know the immediate needs that can be met, or at least, given some attention to during the time we are there). Remaining flexible and "ready" is not just appreciated, it's imperative. We're kept on the edge or our seats at all times!
Well, I'm at the edge of exhaustion, and our first full day starts at 7:00am - time to crash...for 4 hours!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Relevant
Here are some notes from Relevant magazine (issue #33), intermingled with some notes from "Unchristian", by David Kinnaman and the Barna Group.
Transparency disarms an image-is-everything generation.
Perception (by those outside the Christian faith):
Christians are insincere and concerned only with converting people.
New Perception (action steps for Jesus followers):
Christians cultivate relationships and environments where others can be deeply transformed by God.
Homosexuality
Perception:
Christians show contempt for gays and lesbians.
New Perception:
Christians show compassion and love to all people, regardless of lifestyle.
- It's about what people do with Jesus, not what they do or don't do with their lifestyle.
Sheltered
Perception:
Christians are boring, unintelligent, old-fashioned, and out of touch with reality.
New Perception:
Christians are engaged, informed, and offer sophisticated responses to the issues people face.
- We are responsible for engaging the world. (Matt. 5:13)
- Be fearless. (1Jn. 4:18)
- Don't be offended. (Jn. 16:33)
- Help the desperate.
- Be prepared. (Dan. 1:4)
- Keep a balance. (Jn. 17:14-18)
Too Political
Perception:
Christians are primarily motivated by a right-winged agenda.
New Perception:
Christians are characterized by respecting people, thinking biblically, and finding solutions to complex issues.
Judgmental
Perception:
Christians are prideful and quick to find faults in others.
New Perception:
Christians show grace by finding the good in others and seeing their potential to be Christ followers.
- Be motivated by love.
- Be gracious.
- Be respectful and empathetic - "mutual perception".
- Be humble.
- Embrace, don't abandon.
What now? Moving from unchristian to Christian...
Respond with Christ's perspective.
Connect with people and build relationships.
Be creative in communicating the faith, and remain down-to-earth so others can connect.
Serve people.
Be compassionate.
Practice the fasting of:
Freeing the wrongly imprisoned.
Lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Set the oppressed free.
Remove the chains that bind people.
Share your food with the hungry.
Give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those that need them
Do not hide from those who need your help
(Check out Isaiah 58:1-4, 6-12)
LOVE OTHERS!
Transparency disarms an image-is-everything generation.
Perception (by those outside the Christian faith):
Christians are insincere and concerned only with converting people.
New Perception (action steps for Jesus followers):
Christians cultivate relationships and environments where others can be deeply transformed by God.
Homosexuality
Perception:
Christians show contempt for gays and lesbians.
New Perception:
Christians show compassion and love to all people, regardless of lifestyle.
- It's about what people do with Jesus, not what they do or don't do with their lifestyle.
Sheltered
Perception:
Christians are boring, unintelligent, old-fashioned, and out of touch with reality.
New Perception:
Christians are engaged, informed, and offer sophisticated responses to the issues people face.
- We are responsible for engaging the world. (Matt. 5:13)
- Be fearless. (1Jn. 4:18)
- Don't be offended. (Jn. 16:33)
- Help the desperate.
- Be prepared. (Dan. 1:4)
- Keep a balance. (Jn. 17:14-18)
Too Political
Perception:
Christians are primarily motivated by a right-winged agenda.
New Perception:
Christians are characterized by respecting people, thinking biblically, and finding solutions to complex issues.
Judgmental
Perception:
Christians are prideful and quick to find faults in others.
New Perception:
Christians show grace by finding the good in others and seeing their potential to be Christ followers.
- Be motivated by love.
- Be gracious.
- Be respectful and empathetic - "mutual perception".
- Be humble.
- Embrace, don't abandon.
What now? Moving from unchristian to Christian...
Respond with Christ's perspective.
Connect with people and build relationships.
Be creative in communicating the faith, and remain down-to-earth so others can connect.
Serve people.
Be compassionate.
Practice the fasting of:
Freeing the wrongly imprisoned.
Lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Set the oppressed free.
Remove the chains that bind people.
Share your food with the hungry.
Give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those that need them
Do not hide from those who need your help
(Check out Isaiah 58:1-4, 6-12)
LOVE OTHERS!
unchristian
"Christianity has an image problem."
We have a responsibility to have a sober, reasonable understanding of the perspectives of our families and friends.
"Outsiders" view the church as infatuated with itself.
"Outsiders" perceive that Christians no longer represent what Jesus had in mind, that Christianity in our society is not what it was meant to be.
It is popular to be different, under the radar, and independent - Christianity doesn't feel like that.
*Our task is to be effective agents of spiritual transformation in people's lives, whatever the cost in time, comfort, or image.
Relationships are the driving force.
The young generation is in a constant search for fresh experiences and sources of motivation.
We [Christians] have become famous for what we oppose, rather than who we are for.
3 Common Perceptions of Christians:
- Antihomosexual
- Judgmental
- Hypocritical
We are more concerned about being "right" than listening...
*How can people love God, whom they can't see, if those of us who claim to represent him don't respond to outsiders with love?
Jesus was concerned about the reputation of his Father in heaven - Your life shows other people what God is like! What others see from Christians creates their ideas about the reality and authenticity of following Christ. Transparency disarms an image-is-everything generation.
(Notes taken from "Unchristian", by David Kinnaman and the Barna Group)
We have a responsibility to have a sober, reasonable understanding of the perspectives of our families and friends.
"Outsiders" view the church as infatuated with itself.
"Outsiders" perceive that Christians no longer represent what Jesus had in mind, that Christianity in our society is not what it was meant to be.
It is popular to be different, under the radar, and independent - Christianity doesn't feel like that.
*Our task is to be effective agents of spiritual transformation in people's lives, whatever the cost in time, comfort, or image.
Relationships are the driving force.
The young generation is in a constant search for fresh experiences and sources of motivation.
We [Christians] have become famous for what we oppose, rather than who we are for.
3 Common Perceptions of Christians:
- Antihomosexual
- Judgmental
- Hypocritical
We are more concerned about being "right" than listening...
*How can people love God, whom they can't see, if those of us who claim to represent him don't respond to outsiders with love?
Jesus was concerned about the reputation of his Father in heaven - Your life shows other people what God is like! What others see from Christians creates their ideas about the reality and authenticity of following Christ. Transparency disarms an image-is-everything generation.
(Notes taken from "Unchristian", by David Kinnaman and the Barna Group)
Youth Culture Today
The following post is a gathering of notes prepared for a presentation in India:
"They long to be meaningfully connected to life."
This is the underlying theme of today's youth culture.
- The church must listen to this!
Young people are finding it increasingly difficult to make sense of the world and their place in it. God's design is to use families and the larger body of Christ to point young people to their divine purpose.
Young people have little experience in how to effectively communicate what's on their mind, but are painfully aware when we fail to hear what they have to say.
- They want to be certain about how to live and to understand why things happen as they do, and the popular arts help them navigate through life. Pop culture gives them purpose.
They desire to fit in and belong.
3 Steps for the leaders:
- Know the unchanging Word
- Know young people and their rapidly changing world
- Take the Word to them
Worldview - The sum total of our beliefs about the world, and the 'big picture' that directs our daily decisions. Otherwise put: The one thing everyone has, but most people don't know what it is!
Young people use feelings not reason.
"They hear with their eyes and think with their feelings." - Ravi Zacharias
Emotions are the final judge of what makes something good, true and right, for young people. The self is the source of truth and reality. They want to experience community and connectedness that offer them peace, love, unity, and respect. "Spirituality" is becoming more widely accepted.
Many young people are not turned off by Jesus, rather those that call themselves "Jesus followers", yet don't act like it.
Marks of this young generation:
- Without a moral compass
- Culturally diverse
- Tolerance
- Broken relationships
- Media saturated
- Experience and feeling-driven
- Suspicious of truth
- Overwhelming options
- Violent examples
- Pushed and Hurried
- Materialistic
- Concerned with appearance
- Crying out for redemption
Culture
- What we believe, do, and how we live day to day
- The measuring stick of how we define and live in God's world
- A collection of ideals and beliefs, values, and assumptions, that makes up an overall plan for living and interpreting life
- It is universal, learned, shared integrated whole, and not static
Questions to consider:
1) How does culture shape our youth?
2) How is it forming their worldview?
*Teach young people that coming to faith in Christ is not just about going to heaven, but about living the kingdom of God here on earth and integrating that faith consistently into every area of life.
*We must look closely at how Jesus teaches us to live as his followers and to be his hands and feet to them (AKA - "Incarnational living")
*Keep our hearts and minds on Christ. Jesus teaches:
- "To be the salt of the earth." (Matt. 5:13)
- "To be the light of the world." (Matt. 5:14)
- "To be sheep among wolves." (Matt 10:16)
- He is always with us. (Jn. 10:1-18)
The Great Commission:
"Go and make disciples of all nations..."
LOVE without conditions or limits!
(Notes primarily from "Engaging the Soul of Youth Culture", by Walt Mueller)
"They long to be meaningfully connected to life."
This is the underlying theme of today's youth culture.
- The church must listen to this!
Young people are finding it increasingly difficult to make sense of the world and their place in it. God's design is to use families and the larger body of Christ to point young people to their divine purpose.
Young people have little experience in how to effectively communicate what's on their mind, but are painfully aware when we fail to hear what they have to say.
- They want to be certain about how to live and to understand why things happen as they do, and the popular arts help them navigate through life. Pop culture gives them purpose.
They desire to fit in and belong.
3 Steps for the leaders:
- Know the unchanging Word
- Know young people and their rapidly changing world
- Take the Word to them
Worldview - The sum total of our beliefs about the world, and the 'big picture' that directs our daily decisions. Otherwise put: The one thing everyone has, but most people don't know what it is!
Young people use feelings not reason.
"They hear with their eyes and think with their feelings." - Ravi Zacharias
Emotions are the final judge of what makes something good, true and right, for young people. The self is the source of truth and reality. They want to experience community and connectedness that offer them peace, love, unity, and respect. "Spirituality" is becoming more widely accepted.
Many young people are not turned off by Jesus, rather those that call themselves "Jesus followers", yet don't act like it.
Marks of this young generation:
- Without a moral compass
- Culturally diverse
- Tolerance
- Broken relationships
- Media saturated
- Experience and feeling-driven
- Suspicious of truth
- Overwhelming options
- Violent examples
- Pushed and Hurried
- Materialistic
- Concerned with appearance
- Crying out for redemption
Culture
- What we believe, do, and how we live day to day
- The measuring stick of how we define and live in God's world
- A collection of ideals and beliefs, values, and assumptions, that makes up an overall plan for living and interpreting life
- It is universal, learned, shared integrated whole, and not static
Questions to consider:
1) How does culture shape our youth?
2) How is it forming their worldview?
*Teach young people that coming to faith in Christ is not just about going to heaven, but about living the kingdom of God here on earth and integrating that faith consistently into every area of life.
*We must look closely at how Jesus teaches us to live as his followers and to be his hands and feet to them (AKA - "Incarnational living")
*Keep our hearts and minds on Christ. Jesus teaches:
- "To be the salt of the earth." (Matt. 5:13)
- "To be the light of the world." (Matt. 5:14)
- "To be sheep among wolves." (Matt 10:16)
- He is always with us. (Jn. 10:1-18)
The Great Commission:
"Go and make disciples of all nations..."
LOVE without conditions or limits!
(Notes primarily from "Engaging the Soul of Youth Culture", by Walt Mueller)
Isaiah 61
"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion -
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called mighty oaks,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
Strangers will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
And you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
and in their riches you will boast.
Instead of your shame
you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.
For I, the Lord, love justice;
I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
In my faithfulness I will reward my people
and make an everlasting covenant with them.
Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the Lord has blessed.
I delight in the Lord;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness
and praise spring up before all nations."
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion -
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called mighty oaks,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
Strangers will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
And you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
and in their riches you will boast.
Instead of your shame
you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.
For I, the Lord, love justice;
I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
In my faithfulness I will reward my people
and make an everlasting covenant with them.
Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the Lord has blessed.
I delight in the Lord;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness
and praise spring up before all nations."
Thursday, December 6, 2007
The Leader: My Personal Philosophy of Leadership
When I consider what leadership means, a particular Scripture passage entertains my thoughts. This is what Jesus says in Mark 10:42-44:
“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it
over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so
with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be
your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.”
I also appreciate how J. Oswald Sanders describes leadership. He laments, “True greatness, true leadership, is found in giving yourself in service to others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you. True service is never without cost. Often it comes with a bitter cup of challenges and a painful baptism of suffering.”
My philosophy of leadership starts here: Leadership is the decision to be humble, which in itself takes courage and heart, but also a willingness to do what others refuse or cannot, passion, and perseverance, to move others from where they are to where they need to be. I believe God is calling me to a life of discipleship - a disciple of Christ and a discipler to people. Presently, this is playing out in a church-based context, generally speaking. However, the principles I have stated can be applied to most any situation. Allow me to explain.
Humility is a character quality that I don’t think can be fully realized and actually lived out until one understands what Jesus has done for them. Let’s put it this way: how often do we hear of corporate-America talking about humility? Rarely. Why? Because it doesn’t know Jesus. Now, of course, there are Christians in the market place modeling vibrant, Christian lives, but because there are so few living this way, the voices of the humble are hushed. However, when that voice is heard, often it creates quite the clatter. What would our world look like if people were humble? It’s a frighteningly sweet thought I do believe. Humility starts when our desires, our schedules, our opinions, our stubbornness, amongst others, are surrendered unto the Lord.
Leadership, therefore, starts with open and honest hearts, remembering that God has the master plan and we just need to follow him. In the midst of this, leaders accept that they will need to do what others refuse, or are unable to do. In this case, we teach them. If God is calling us to one of his initiatives, why do we buck, or go at it reluctantly? Conversely, why do some people go after the seemingly impossible or ridiculous, in the name of Christ, with such joy, passion and excitement? Maybe the question then, is where are our hearts? My contention is that if we continue to hold onto the plans, people, and positions that motivate us so close to our hearts, it becomes difficult to let God meet us there and reveal his objectives to us.
Often the leaders’ job is difficult, even menial at times. On numerous occasions I can recall having to do some of the less-desirable tasks at my jobs in the past. I think of having to clean bathrooms, sweep floors, let people say whatever they wanted to say to me when their food didn’t arrive in a timely fashion, and so forth. It made me feel so small and insignificant, yet I knew that it was teaching me something about being a servant and about humility. Leaders need to be able to serve others before they can lead them. Leaders also need to learn to follow before they can lead others. Jesus never talked about leadership. He always taught people how to follow. And beyond teaching this, he modeled it himself. If we are not ready to be the example and to set the bar, we are not ready to lead. I find myself always having to come back to this. There are days when I feel that I’m on a roll in leadership, and it is usually at that point that I am humbled one way or another. This might look like a communication breakdown on my end, or not following through on a task that was assigned to me, or neglecting a responsibility.
Taking ownership of mistakes and responsibilities is also another key characteristic of leaders. I cannot count how many times I have seen managers, politicians, leaders, etc., justify their failures to avoid blame or responsibility. It is frustrating and says to others that maybe so-and-so is not really prepared to handle the responsibilities expected of them. So, maturity comes into play. Maturity gives leaders the ability to be decisive and get the job done, no matter the cost it may be to them. Should mistakes occur, being able to take the hit for not following through exhibits maturity and a readiness to lead.
Lastly, passion and the ability to persevere are a couple of the best motivating marks of a leader. Passion flows from the heart. Perseverance is a measure of the leaders’ heart. Recently, I heard of some pastors saying they think that preaching needs to become more heart-felt, rather than staying as “heady”. I can see this being especially important to the emerging generations. They have endless amounts of information at their fingertips. They want to see passion. It appears that one of the greatest challenges that leaders in the Church are facing today is capturing the hearts and minds of the younger generations for the Gospel. Considering how vast the information-age has become, let us also remember that much of the time, the attention and hearts of people are engaged by a cyber reality. When we say “real”, many people think of this in a completely different way than we do in the Church. Where is the passion on the human level? How do we persevere? I can’t offer too many suggestions here, except this: God is sovereign over all. Those who are called to leadership must remember this and be humbled by this always. Now, this is not to say we give up and let God take care of it (though we realize he could). Instead, let go of distractions, open our hearts and minds to what God would have us do, and humbly walk in tune with God’s plans. We can’t understand them if we’re not hearing them in the first place. No need to fear. No need to deviate. Simply, let God lead, and as we follow, then we will lead too.
Passion & Church
This entry is but an exerpt from a recent paper I wrote concerning "leadership". Some thoughts are a bit incomplete, but I suppose this leaves room for discussion. Please join me.
On the whole, my greatest passion is to see the Church, relationships, our communities, our culture and people in general, reconciled to Jesus Christ. Please don’t misunderstand me. I believe there are some great things happening all around us on a daily basis and that God is pleased with these things. I think of people who are meeting the needs of the “least of these” locally and globally, the upstanding believers who are, yes, broken and imperfect, but are making His name famous; pastors, laypeople, para-church organizations, global intiatives organizations, and so on. But sadly, and because of sin, there are many more displeasing things taking place. My questions are: What are we doing about it? Are we as individuals and as Christians solely joining the conversation? Are we a part of the solution, or are we only a part of the problem? What has got to give to see God’s Kingdom come, here on earth as it is in heaven?
In light of all the great folks in the Church, unfortunately following the Lord, the Head of the Church, seems to have become a wrestling match in this day and age. If we know we are his beloved and the bride of Christ, why is there so much turmoil? Why do we not trust Him the way we ought? Has he not delivered his people time and time again? Inevitably the times are changing and new generations are emerging both as leaders and laypeople. The task of answering the cries of theAmerican Church America
On the whole, my greatest passion is to see the Church, relationships, our communities, our culture and people in general, reconciled to Jesus Christ. Please don’t misunderstand me. I believe there are some great things happening all around us on a daily basis and that God is pleased with these things. I think of people who are meeting the needs of the “least of these” locally and globally, the upstanding believers who are, yes, broken and imperfect, but are making His name famous; pastors, laypeople, para-church organizations, global intiatives organizations, and so on. But sadly, and because of sin, there are many more displeasing things taking place. My questions are: What are we doing about it? Are we as individuals and as Christians solely joining the conversation? Are we a part of the solution, or are we only a part of the problem? What has got to give to see God’s Kingdom come, here on earth as it is in heaven?
In light of all the great folks in the Church, unfortunately following the Lord, the Head of the Church, seems to have become a wrestling match in this day and age. If we know we are his beloved and the bride of Christ, why is there so much turmoil? Why do we not trust Him the way we ought? Has he not delivered his people time and time again? Inevitably the times are changing and new generations are emerging both as leaders and laypeople. The task of answering the cries of the
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