Tonight I was at a fun "trunk or treat" evening at the church where my wife is the worship director. Trunk or treat is an alternative to halloween where kids go to the trunks of vehicles parked in the church parking lot to get their treats instead of going door to door. The kids also have fun indoor activities and a children's story prior to heading to the parking lot.
While I was outside waiting for the kids to come by my vehicle I had a conversation with a guy I have known for years, though I have not had our paths cross for close to three years. He inquired as to what I was doing now and I was able to share with him all that I am involved in.
I shared with him many things and at the end I talked about the Boaz ministry and our vision. He was intrigued and also told me he works for a company that sponsors organizations that are involved in making our communities a better place. He talked to me about how we were funded and I told him that we are a faith based ministry, and that we were not seeking the government's assistance in order to do things. He chuckled and said in a complimentary way, "you always did things differently".
I took that as a word of encouragement. I am not into doing things the same way they have always been done just for the sake of doing it. I want to follow God and His leading. Let me give you an example of this.
Earlier this week I was walking downtown when the Lord laid on my heart to give away $100. I was to give it to someone specific and later that afternoon I did give it away. I let the person know I was doing so because God had told me to do so. I didn't really have an extra $100 to give away but I felt it was God's leading.
The next day I was looking at my phone,cable and internet bill and thought that I was paying too much per month. I called the company planning to cancel my sports package. I talked to one representative of the company and they passed me along to another person. I told that person I was paying too much and wanted to cancel my sports package and she said "I can do better than that. I am going to reduce your bill by 30% a month for the next two years and you can keep your sports package." This is a savings of almost $700/year for the next two years.
Then this morning I was driving to church and I had picked up a teen on the way. We decided to stop at Tim Hortons to get a hot chocolate and some donuts. When I got to the window to pay for our order the cashier said "you don't have to pay, the vehicle in front of you just paid for your order." Neither Samm or I knew the person in the other vehicle.
Later in the morning I was given an unexpected gift from friends for $100. You may look at all this and say it is a coincidence, I do not! I believe that God used me to bless someone and then God richly blessed me. I didn't give the gift in order to get the extra blessing, I gave the gift because I wanted to be obedient.
The same principle is true for this ministry. We are to bless others. We are to trust God. He is creative and He will provide all we need as we honor Him in all we do!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
The need for a home
Today I was talking to a young lady in her mid 20's about what Boaz Ministry is really all about. She had no idea what this ministry was focused on. Once she heard what our vision and goals were she made this statement, "I sure could have used you during my teenage years.".
I turned to another conversation with a young man that is a student at one of the local universities here in town. He was curious as to what Boaz was about and I explained to him what we were doing. He shared how he wished there had been someone like Boaz around when he was in his teen years as he spent two years living on the streets in a city in western Canada. He offered his services in any way we could use him.
Today was just a great reminder of why this ministry is so important and the difference it is making and will make. I am excited about the conversations I continue to have with people and how this ministry is confirmed over and over.
Two weeks from tonight we will open up our teen drop in center at Trinitea's Cup. Next week we begin to promote the Friday night ministry evenings and we need your prayers. I know that there are teens in our city that need this ministry. It is the next step in the development of this ministry and we need the help of people that are concerned about the hurting youth of our city.
It will cost us about $100 per night to run our drop in. We are looking for people that would sponsor a youth night. If you are interested in helping or know of someone that would like to sponsor a night please let me know. It is so important that we provide good food and youth friendly things to do.
We now have $2,082.00 towards the purchase of our home. I know God is doing something wonderful in our midst. God is awesome!!!
I turned to another conversation with a young man that is a student at one of the local universities here in town. He was curious as to what Boaz was about and I explained to him what we were doing. He shared how he wished there had been someone like Boaz around when he was in his teen years as he spent two years living on the streets in a city in western Canada. He offered his services in any way we could use him.
Today was just a great reminder of why this ministry is so important and the difference it is making and will make. I am excited about the conversations I continue to have with people and how this ministry is confirmed over and over.
Two weeks from tonight we will open up our teen drop in center at Trinitea's Cup. Next week we begin to promote the Friday night ministry evenings and we need your prayers. I know that there are teens in our city that need this ministry. It is the next step in the development of this ministry and we need the help of people that are concerned about the hurting youth of our city.
It will cost us about $100 per night to run our drop in. We are looking for people that would sponsor a youth night. If you are interested in helping or know of someone that would like to sponsor a night please let me know. It is so important that we provide good food and youth friendly things to do.
We now have $2,082.00 towards the purchase of our home. I know God is doing something wonderful in our midst. God is awesome!!!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
We are so blessed here!
This story is incredibly sad. It makes me angry that a bunch of cowards would hind behind their masks and treat other humans in this manner.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/10/28/somalia.teens.executed/index.html?hpt=T2
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/10/28/somalia.teens.executed/index.html?hpt=T2
Spaghetti Dinner Update
Just a reminder that our Spaghetti dinner support raiser for Boaz Ministries is coming up in just 9 days. At this time we have sold 7 tickets. The supper starts @6. It includes full spaghetti dinner with special sauces, desert, drinks and a tear off coupon for a future 2 for 1 meal deal.
Please let friends know and invite them to come and hear about what this ministry is all about.
Here is a simple video to show what it means to be fatherless.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xlUz1yc4H8&feature=fvsr
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Father to the Fatherless
Our ministry continues to grow as we lay the foundation to truly be a "father to the fatherless". In case you have ever wondered what kind of impact the lack of a father has on children, take a look at this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZmMffsIl9M
I am excited about ministering to hurting teens as we begin our teen drop in, which we will launch on the 12th of November. I know that God will allow us to really connect with teens that are struggling to find acceptance in this life. A teen that feels rejected will of ten compound the problem by making even more choices that bring about rejection after a period of short term "joy". This so called joy is often found in addictive vices including, drugs, alcohol, sex, prostitution, and various forms of crime.
If you know anyone that may have interest in being involved or supporting this ministry, please let them know they can be a part. The need is big and the more people who can be involved makes a difference.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZmMffsIl9M
I am excited about ministering to hurting teens as we begin our teen drop in, which we will launch on the 12th of November. I know that God will allow us to really connect with teens that are struggling to find acceptance in this life. A teen that feels rejected will of ten compound the problem by making even more choices that bring about rejection after a period of short term "joy". This so called joy is often found in addictive vices including, drugs, alcohol, sex, prostitution, and various forms of crime.
If you know anyone that may have interest in being involved or supporting this ministry, please let them know they can be a part. The need is big and the more people who can be involved makes a difference.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Awake
I was at a prayer time tonight for our city. The leader of the prayer time talked about God awakening us to different things in our city. During our time of prayer I felt that God was having me write down 10 areas in our cities that need to awake and come to life. I thought I would share those here:
- Generations that are spending their time on Friday and Saturday nights at our local pubs and bars. Pray that they would awaken to the things they have been taught and learned earlier in life about God. Rekindle their hearts today.
- Our churches need to awaken to their responsibility to reach out to those in our city. Need to be outward focused not consumed and lulled to sleep by taking care of their own and its needs.
- Our schools need to come alive in God. They need to see that God is the answer to their challenges. Eliminating God is not the answer. We need to encourage our teens to reach out to their peers despite what the schools say. As Christian students stand up our schools can come to life.
- International students need to come to life. Many have come from cultures where they were taught about God but our culture has lulled them to sleep. Conversely those students that have come to this area and do not have any Christian background need to awaken to Him.
- Adulterous generation that has turned their back on spiritual truth, especially when it comes to sexual promiscuity.
- The men in our city need to awake and take up their spiritual place not only in our churches but in their families and homes and workplace.
- Those suffering from addiction to drugs and alcohol. They need to be awaken from the mindset of being trapped in their lifestyle.
- Tithers need to awake and open up their hearts and wallets to the things of God. When they awake and see the blessing of giving they will in turn be blessed. Awaken hearts to give!
- First nation communities that are lost and in despair. Awaken in them a desire for truth and God. Allow them to see that addiction in any means is not the way to deal with past and present hurt.
- A desire for God's Word. That we would awaken and walk out the Word of God, that it would cause us to do more than just talk.
I ask that the Lord wake our city up in these areas.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Simple things
I am not sure about you but sometimes life gets so busy that I miss the simple things in life. I can get so focused on the big picture that I miss some of the amazing and small things.
Today I was sitting in my favorite cafe and was working on some stuff for my youth ministry. I noticed a couple of younger looking folks come in and order a coffee and a wrap. As they were waiting for the food to come to their table one of the girls stood up and walked over to a place where a number of Bibles are. She took a couple of minutes and had a short read.
Her food was served quickly and with care from the staff. She and her friend ate their meal and then it was time for them to leave. Before she left she walked back up to the Bibles opened it up again and then left with the Bible in her hand. Don't get alarmed, the Bibles are there for that reason. They are a gift to those who may have never opened His book.
My prayer for this young lady is that the Word of God will come alive to her. She obviously has an interest in reading it, but I pray that it becomes a book she can't put down and that she falls in love with the lead character. His name of course is Jesus.
I would ask you to pray as well for a teen named Lacey. Lacey is someone I met about three weeks ago as I walked downtown. Lacey added me as a facebook friend recently and I let her know I would be praying for her. I talked to her tonight on facebook and we are going to meet on Monday again. I know that God is at work in her life and I am so glad for that.
Today I was sitting in my favorite cafe and was working on some stuff for my youth ministry. I noticed a couple of younger looking folks come in and order a coffee and a wrap. As they were waiting for the food to come to their table one of the girls stood up and walked over to a place where a number of Bibles are. She took a couple of minutes and had a short read.
Her food was served quickly and with care from the staff. She and her friend ate their meal and then it was time for them to leave. Before she left she walked back up to the Bibles opened it up again and then left with the Bible in her hand. Don't get alarmed, the Bibles are there for that reason. They are a gift to those who may have never opened His book.
My prayer for this young lady is that the Word of God will come alive to her. She obviously has an interest in reading it, but I pray that it becomes a book she can't put down and that she falls in love with the lead character. His name of course is Jesus.
I would ask you to pray as well for a teen named Lacey. Lacey is someone I met about three weeks ago as I walked downtown. Lacey added me as a facebook friend recently and I let her know I would be praying for her. I talked to her tonight on facebook and we are going to meet on Monday again. I know that God is at work in her life and I am so glad for that.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
God uses broken people
Have you ever wondered how God could possibly be doing something positive in some of your hardest and most challenging times? Have you ever looked at "deeply broken" people and wondered what good could possibly come from what they have gone through or are going through?
Well let me provide an example of how God uses us as we become comforters for Him. I met a young lady in her early 20's who has struggled with addictive issues for the last 10 years or so. It has been in the forms of drugs, alcohol and sex and other areas. Her last few years of life have been especially hard as she has found herself in and out of rehab a couple of times.
Praise the Lord that within the last few months she has been drawn to God and made a decision to commit her life to Christ just 2 months ago. Since that time she has been growing in her faith and loves to be in God's presence. She is learning so much and wants to help others.
Last night I had the chance to introduce her to another friend of mine that has really struggled with drugs and alcohol lately. I stepped back and listened as this new believer shared a small portion of her journey over the past few months and how drugs and alcohol almost destroyed her life. She talked about how she tried to fill that empty place in her heart with all kinds of things, but the only real difference occurred when she chose to allow Christ to fill that place.
Do you see what happens when a person who has been broken is restored? They have that desire to help others so they don't keep going down that same road they journeyed down. They also have an advantage as they can really identify with the struggles of others as they understand the call of the addiction.
I want to encourage you too. No matter what you are going through, God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He will work through your hurt and allow you to help others in due time. In the midst of your trial ask God to give you the grace to deal with it and ask Him to teach you how to use your pain to help others.
I am looking forward to the conversations that will be had between these two folks I introduced to each other. I am trusting God that He uses the previously broken to help the presently broken.
Well let me provide an example of how God uses us as we become comforters for Him. I met a young lady in her early 20's who has struggled with addictive issues for the last 10 years or so. It has been in the forms of drugs, alcohol and sex and other areas. Her last few years of life have been especially hard as she has found herself in and out of rehab a couple of times.
Praise the Lord that within the last few months she has been drawn to God and made a decision to commit her life to Christ just 2 months ago. Since that time she has been growing in her faith and loves to be in God's presence. She is learning so much and wants to help others.
Last night I had the chance to introduce her to another friend of mine that has really struggled with drugs and alcohol lately. I stepped back and listened as this new believer shared a small portion of her journey over the past few months and how drugs and alcohol almost destroyed her life. She talked about how she tried to fill that empty place in her heart with all kinds of things, but the only real difference occurred when she chose to allow Christ to fill that place.
Do you see what happens when a person who has been broken is restored? They have that desire to help others so they don't keep going down that same road they journeyed down. They also have an advantage as they can really identify with the struggles of others as they understand the call of the addiction.
I want to encourage you too. No matter what you are going through, God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He will work through your hurt and allow you to help others in due time. In the midst of your trial ask God to give you the grace to deal with it and ask Him to teach you how to use your pain to help others.
I am looking forward to the conversations that will be had between these two folks I introduced to each other. I am trusting God that He uses the previously broken to help the presently broken.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Powerful youth service
I am so excited with what is happening in our youth ministry. Tonight was just one of those amazing special nights where the power and presence of God was anointed and powerful. Thank you Lord for what you are doing. Thank you for the freedom to worship you Lord with our hearts and hands raised to you!
If you were to ask me what made it special I am not sure I could answer that. The presence of God was very evident and the spirit of God was moving in people lives. One girl wrote that when she went in to her home after youth that the spirit of God was so real she was laughing and crying. So amazing!
I have always wanted to be a part of something in worship and in ministry where I could say that God is doing something so special in our midst. I believe that this is happening in our youth ministry. I see God entering more deeply into our teens lives. I see Him working out issues in peoples hearts. I see Him bringing healing to teens broken hearts. I see what He is doing, not what man is doing, but what He is doing.
I sense a revival sweeping across our teens and our church. I feel a fresh breeze of the Holy Spirit blowing over us. I am reminded of the song Hosanna by Hillsong,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQGJdTpMUcU
its lyrics are:
I see the king of glory
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes
The whole earth shakes
I see his love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing
[Chorus]
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest [x2]
I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith
With selfless faith
I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees
We're on our knees
[Chorus]
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart from what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to
Eternity
[Chorus x2]
Hosanna in the highest
If you were to ask me what made it special I am not sure I could answer that. The presence of God was very evident and the spirit of God was moving in people lives. One girl wrote that when she went in to her home after youth that the spirit of God was so real she was laughing and crying. So amazing!
I have always wanted to be a part of something in worship and in ministry where I could say that God is doing something so special in our midst. I believe that this is happening in our youth ministry. I see God entering more deeply into our teens lives. I see Him working out issues in peoples hearts. I see Him bringing healing to teens broken hearts. I see what He is doing, not what man is doing, but what He is doing.
I sense a revival sweeping across our teens and our church. I feel a fresh breeze of the Holy Spirit blowing over us. I am reminded of the song Hosanna by Hillsong,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQGJdTpMUcU
its lyrics are:
I see the king of glory
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes
The whole earth shakes
I see his love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing
[Chorus]
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest [x2]
I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith
With selfless faith
I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees
We're on our knees
[Chorus]
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart from what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to
Eternity
[Chorus x2]
Hosanna in the highest
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Enjoying the gift
I was thinking back today to my childhood and Christmas time and about my favorite Christmas present ever. I could think of two things that stood out. The first was a ball hockey net and the second was the year we got our first colored t.v.. Can you imagine, watching t.v. in color?
I know we had that television for many years in my parents home and I doubt that I ever thanked my parents after that day for that gift. I got to use it every day but I guess I just took it for granted that it was there. I think it is possible that we do that with the gifts God has given us too.
I was talking with a dear friend today and we were discussing spiritual gifts. I pointed out to my friend that one of the gifts God had given them was the gift of evangelism. I can see it, others can see it but we can't always see the gifts He has given to us. How about you? Do you know what gifts he has given you? Are you thankful for the gifts He has given to you, or do you feel they are inferior?
When it comes to gifts from God, they can become like the television set in our home. We use them everyday but never take the time to actually thank Him for His gifting while we enjoy them. Are we thankful for the gift of family? Have you thanked Him for that? Are you thankful for your country?
In North America we have many gifts. We have freedom, fresh water, great health care (I know we have to wait long times occasionally) supermarkets, medication, computers, churches and so much more. This is just a reminder of all we have and to be thankful for His gifts, both physical and spiritual. He is good!
When you see others less fortunate, share your gifts with them. That is one of the best ways to thank God!
I know we had that television for many years in my parents home and I doubt that I ever thanked my parents after that day for that gift. I got to use it every day but I guess I just took it for granted that it was there. I think it is possible that we do that with the gifts God has given us too.
I was talking with a dear friend today and we were discussing spiritual gifts. I pointed out to my friend that one of the gifts God had given them was the gift of evangelism. I can see it, others can see it but we can't always see the gifts He has given to us. How about you? Do you know what gifts he has given you? Are you thankful for the gifts He has given to you, or do you feel they are inferior?
When it comes to gifts from God, they can become like the television set in our home. We use them everyday but never take the time to actually thank Him for His gifting while we enjoy them. Are we thankful for the gift of family? Have you thanked Him for that? Are you thankful for your country?
In North America we have many gifts. We have freedom, fresh water, great health care (I know we have to wait long times occasionally) supermarkets, medication, computers, churches and so much more. This is just a reminder of all we have and to be thankful for His gifts, both physical and spiritual. He is good!
When you see others less fortunate, share your gifts with them. That is one of the best ways to thank God!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday is my day of rest
I would encourage each one that checks out this blog to have a look at this sermon. It is a powerful reminder of who God is, what the Lord has done and how he looks at you and I.
http://www.passioncitychurch.com/watch/#20101003
As a personal disclosure, being a pastor is an amazing calling. I love to hear God's Word being preached but I rarely get to hear it. Why? Because during Sunday services I am either preaching (which I love to do) or I am teaching my Sunday morning class, so I am hearing myself again. I am not complaining, it is an observation.
I am taking Mondays as my quiet day and I have decided I want to hear God's Word being proclaimed. I am choosing to put aside an hour each Monday to "get to church". I was so happy "to be in God's presence" through this amazing service led by Pastor Louis Giglio. By the way he is one of my favorite preachers, I love his simple yet profoundly deep understanding of God's truth.
I hope it blesses you as much as it did me!! I was and am blessed!
http://www.passioncitychurch.com/watch/#20101003
As a personal disclosure, being a pastor is an amazing calling. I love to hear God's Word being preached but I rarely get to hear it. Why? Because during Sunday services I am either preaching (which I love to do) or I am teaching my Sunday morning class, so I am hearing myself again. I am not complaining, it is an observation.
I am taking Mondays as my quiet day and I have decided I want to hear God's Word being proclaimed. I am choosing to put aside an hour each Monday to "get to church". I was so happy "to be in God's presence" through this amazing service led by Pastor Louis Giglio. By the way he is one of my favorite preachers, I love his simple yet profoundly deep understanding of God's truth.
I hope it blesses you as much as it did me!! I was and am blessed!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Your Love Is A Song
Powerful times of God's presence are times I cherish. I especially enjoy those times when it is teenagers that lead worship and help us to truly worship. This morning our teens at Morning Gate really blessed us with not only their hearts for worship but in many other ways too.
I know this, youth are so important in the life of our churches. We need to give them opportunities to lead, serve and impact our services. It is amazing how their commitment to Christ really inspires others, especially older religious folks who see something powerful at work.
This morning as part of our service I was able to bring up three of our teens who have put their roots in deep with Christ. Earlier in the summer these three young Christ followers took the next step in their faith and were baptized. We baptized them in a lake in New Hampshire while we were away at SoulFest, but we wanted the church to know of this stake driving event.
After I brought the teens up and presented them with baptism certificates the congregation gave them a standing ovation. It was beautiful. I love our church!!! We may be small in numbers at this point but we are deep with the heart of God. Our people are so encouraging and supportive of our teens and our teens know it.
One of the other highlights was an amazing song that was sung as a special by our teens Rachel, Rebecca, Samm and Taylor. It is a song by the group Switchfoot called "Your Love Is a Song". What a great reminder it was for all of us both young and old that God's love can and needs to be our song of hope in a challenging world.
Here are the lyrics:
I hear you breathing in
Another day begins
The stars are falling out
My dreams are fading now, fading out
I've been keeping my eyes wide open
I've been keeping my eyes wide open
Ooh, your love is a symphony
All around me, running through me
Ooh, your love is a melody
Underneath me, running to me
Oh, your love is a song
The dawn is fire bright
Against the city lights
The clouds are glowing now
The moon is blacking out, is blacking out
So I've been keeping my mind wide open
I've been keeping my mind wide open, yeah
Ooh, your love is a symphony
All around me, running to me
Ooh, your love is a melody
Underneath me, and into me
Oh, your love is a song
Your love is a song
Oh, your love is a song
Your love is strong
With my eyes wide open
I've got my eyes wide open
I've been keeping my hopes unbroken
Yeah, yeah
Ooh, your love is a symphony
All around me, running through me
Ooh, your love is a melody
Underneath me, running to me
Your love is a song
Yeah, yeah
Your love is my remedy
Oh, your love is a song
Did I tell you before that I love working with teens!
I know this, youth are so important in the life of our churches. We need to give them opportunities to lead, serve and impact our services. It is amazing how their commitment to Christ really inspires others, especially older religious folks who see something powerful at work.
This morning as part of our service I was able to bring up three of our teens who have put their roots in deep with Christ. Earlier in the summer these three young Christ followers took the next step in their faith and were baptized. We baptized them in a lake in New Hampshire while we were away at SoulFest, but we wanted the church to know of this stake driving event.
After I brought the teens up and presented them with baptism certificates the congregation gave them a standing ovation. It was beautiful. I love our church!!! We may be small in numbers at this point but we are deep with the heart of God. Our people are so encouraging and supportive of our teens and our teens know it.
One of the other highlights was an amazing song that was sung as a special by our teens Rachel, Rebecca, Samm and Taylor. It is a song by the group Switchfoot called "Your Love Is a Song". What a great reminder it was for all of us both young and old that God's love can and needs to be our song of hope in a challenging world.
Here are the lyrics:
I hear you breathing in
Another day begins
The stars are falling out
My dreams are fading now, fading out
I've been keeping my eyes wide open
I've been keeping my eyes wide open
Ooh, your love is a symphony
All around me, running through me
Ooh, your love is a melody
Underneath me, running to me
Oh, your love is a song
The dawn is fire bright
Against the city lights
The clouds are glowing now
The moon is blacking out, is blacking out
So I've been keeping my mind wide open
I've been keeping my mind wide open, yeah
Ooh, your love is a symphony
All around me, running to me
Ooh, your love is a melody
Underneath me, and into me
Oh, your love is a song
Your love is a song
Oh, your love is a song
Your love is strong
With my eyes wide open
I've got my eyes wide open
I've been keeping my hopes unbroken
Yeah, yeah
Ooh, your love is a symphony
All around me, running through me
Ooh, your love is a melody
Underneath me, running to me
Your love is a song
Yeah, yeah
Your love is my remedy
Oh, your love is a song
Did I tell you before that I love working with teens!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Swiss friends
I love how God ordains our steps and allows us to be in the right place at the right time. I feel like today was another one of those times. Let me share what took place.
I was at my favorite cafe this afternoon when a young couple came in to the cafe. They noticed my t-shirt that says "Lifeguard-Mine Walks On Water". They came over to take a picture and we started talking. It turns out that they are Christians and that he was a pastor from Switzerland. What a wonderful couple and what a great chat we had. In fact we are now facebook and twitter friends.
They were able to share about the Christian church in their country and about their local church in Bern, which is the capital. They talked about the differences between their country and ours when it comes to perceptions of church and Christians. It was amazing to think that we could have a discussion about the worldwide Christian church in this small cafe in Fredericton, NB.
Prior to this conversation, the owners of the cafe and I were discussing how to begin our drop in center. We continued this chat after our Swiss friends had left and we think we have come up with a plan. We are going to continue to pray for His guidance but we feel it is time to start our drop in ministry.
It looks like we are going to begin this ministry on November the 12th. It is a Friday night and we plan to have the drop in every Friday night from 6:30-11:00. More details will be coming, but we are excited about what God has planned.
We have also decided to begin a weekly Bible study on Tuesday mornings from 9:30-10:30. Our first study will be on November 16th. We look forward to sharing more information as we flush out details.
I thank God for leading us to new believers from around the world and for His direction in the Boaz Ministry.
I was at my favorite cafe this afternoon when a young couple came in to the cafe. They noticed my t-shirt that says "Lifeguard-Mine Walks On Water". They came over to take a picture and we started talking. It turns out that they are Christians and that he was a pastor from Switzerland. What a wonderful couple and what a great chat we had. In fact we are now facebook and twitter friends.
They were able to share about the Christian church in their country and about their local church in Bern, which is the capital. They talked about the differences between their country and ours when it comes to perceptions of church and Christians. It was amazing to think that we could have a discussion about the worldwide Christian church in this small cafe in Fredericton, NB.
Prior to this conversation, the owners of the cafe and I were discussing how to begin our drop in center. We continued this chat after our Swiss friends had left and we think we have come up with a plan. We are going to continue to pray for His guidance but we feel it is time to start our drop in ministry.
It looks like we are going to begin this ministry on November the 12th. It is a Friday night and we plan to have the drop in every Friday night from 6:30-11:00. More details will be coming, but we are excited about what God has planned.
We have also decided to begin a weekly Bible study on Tuesday mornings from 9:30-10:30. Our first study will be on November 16th. We look forward to sharing more information as we flush out details.
I thank God for leading us to new believers from around the world and for His direction in the Boaz Ministry.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Identity Theft
You've Been Robbed
I met a man last week that was suffering from identity theft. You will never believe how it happened. In fact it happened over a period of ten plus years. His identity was stolen.
I am sure you have heard of this situation before. Often someone is able to get access to your personal information, including vital information about us and then they pretend to be us. Sadly for many people they can go many years before they actually realize that they are victims to this tragic series of events.
This man I am talking about truly lost his identity. You see he lost his identity not because someone stole his credit cards or hacked his bank account. He lost his identity because of life's challenges and during those challenges he became very bitter. He walked away from who he was created to be.
As we visited with this man we discovered his anger. He felt like he was owed something over ten years ago and he never received what he felt he was entitled to. Do you know that every day for the last ten years he has awoken with anger over being "short changed" by someone. He allowed money and wealth to rob him of who he was made to be.
We continued to talk and he complained more and more. As his wife sat there listening to him rant for probably the 3650th consecutive day, she told him just drop it. She said it is all you ever talk about. He looked at her for a moment and then the rant continued. He complained "no one ever comes to help me out, it is always someone else that gets help." At the time he was saying this a work crew was laboring for free in his basement. He was unable to see truth, and that was very sad.
Do you see what I am getting at here? How many times have the circumstances of life, the trials of life, the setbacks of life caused us to lose our identity? Are you who you God intended you to be? Are you living out any of the dreams God put in your heart? Who are you? Has someone or something stolen your identity?
Let me speak truth! God has amazing plans for you! He has plans to prosper you and not to harm you! God loves you even in the midst of your trials! God cares! God created you with a purpose! You are uniquely created by the Creator! You have value! You have someone that will walk with you through your trials!
Look in the mirror and ask "Am I who God created me to be, or am I experiencing identity theft?"
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Home
It is nice to go away and do ministry but it is twice as good to be at home. It is going to be great to be able to sleep in my own bed and sit in my own chair. I was also excited to be back with my youth ministry teens tonight. It was amazing to walk in the church and see 17 kids excited to be there.
My trip to NFLD was a great blessing to both those we served and myself. I loved my time there and I am grateful for the 125+ folks we were able to spend time with and pray for. I will always cherish some of those "God ordained conversations." I enjoyed working with the SP staff as well as my fellow chaplain Jack Allen.
Jack and I worked so well together. Jack is a 68 year old semi retired baptist minister that has a tremendous passion for people. He knows how to ask questions that help people feel so at ease. He has a heart for prayer and to see people find healing in their lives. As we drove home today I talked about how it seemed we had known each other for a long time. In reality we have only met together for a few days at the Olympics and now for 10 days.
I am off to bed, thanks for all your prayers!
My trip to NFLD was a great blessing to both those we served and myself. I loved my time there and I am grateful for the 125+ folks we were able to spend time with and pray for. I will always cherish some of those "God ordained conversations." I enjoyed working with the SP staff as well as my fellow chaplain Jack Allen.
Jack and I worked so well together. Jack is a 68 year old semi retired baptist minister that has a tremendous passion for people. He knows how to ask questions that help people feel so at ease. He has a heart for prayer and to see people find healing in their lives. As we drove home today I talked about how it seemed we had known each other for a long time. In reality we have only met together for a few days at the Olympics and now for 10 days.
I am off to bed, thanks for all your prayers!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Transformed by the renewing of the mind
I shared the story of the gentleman that had lost his wife and had been deeply saddened for the last three plus years. We had met with him at the end of last week and prayed with him and gave him some suggestions on what he could do to alleviate his sadness.
Yesterday we took him out for breakfast at a local restaurant, when he walked in he looked a little different. We deliberately had him meet us at the restaurant in order to get him "out of his home." I knew he hadn't laughed in a long time, so I decided to tell him a joke. HE LAUGHED!!! He laughed for the first time in a long, long time.
For the next 45 minutes we laughed and laughed and laughed more. He started to tell us stories of his past and he smiled. He didn't realize it at the time but joy was being restored.
He was so appreciative of the time we had spent with him and how we cared for him. We were able to remind him that we cared and above all of that that God truly loved Him and wanted Him to have joy and purpose in his life again.
We discovered as he shared that he had once walked with the Lord and had walked away from Him. As we sat in the restaurant, this precious man rededicated his life to Christ. It was a glorious moment!
When we left our friend he had a huge smile on his face and the joy of the Lord had restored his soul! It was amazing to watch as he was "transformed by the renewing of his mind."
Yesterday we took him out for breakfast at a local restaurant, when he walked in he looked a little different. We deliberately had him meet us at the restaurant in order to get him "out of his home." I knew he hadn't laughed in a long time, so I decided to tell him a joke. HE LAUGHED!!! He laughed for the first time in a long, long time.
For the next 45 minutes we laughed and laughed and laughed more. He started to tell us stories of his past and he smiled. He didn't realize it at the time but joy was being restored.
He was so appreciative of the time we had spent with him and how we cared for him. We were able to remind him that we cared and above all of that that God truly loved Him and wanted Him to have joy and purpose in his life again.
We discovered as he shared that he had once walked with the Lord and had walked away from Him. As we sat in the restaurant, this precious man rededicated his life to Christ. It was a glorious moment!
When we left our friend he had a huge smile on his face and the joy of the Lord had restored his soul! It was amazing to watch as he was "transformed by the renewing of his mind."
Monday, October 11, 2010
Untouched
It has been close to three weeks since the hurricane hit this area and some of the people here are still wondering what they should do. Yesterday afternoon we met an older couple in their 80's who had not even touched their basement.They were not able to do any of the work because of their physical situation.
They asked me to go into their downstairs to take a look. It was hard to let them know that their walls would likely need to be removed at least up to the level of the water in their home. I reminded them that we could help them so they wouldn't have to carry that burden. I assured them that help was on the way and that we didn't want them to be stressed about things.
One of the greatest privileges we have in these situations as chaplains is to pray with people. I would say that in almost every home we have been in and have prayed for people, it has touched their hearts. Many tears have been shed, tears of joy and tears of relief and tears of hope. This family was no different.
They asked me to go into their downstairs to take a look. It was hard to let them know that their walls would likely need to be removed at least up to the level of the water in their home. I reminded them that we could help them so they wouldn't have to carry that burden. I assured them that help was on the way and that we didn't want them to be stressed about things.
One of the greatest privileges we have in these situations as chaplains is to pray with people. I would say that in almost every home we have been in and have prayed for people, it has touched their hearts. Many tears have been shed, tears of joy and tears of relief and tears of hope. This family was no different.
We visited another home where an older couple lives and the husband has been dealing with stage four cancer for the last four years. We were so blessed as we talked with them and they shared their deep love for God and how they have seen Him move in their lives over the last few years.
So often we have left peoples homes feeling even more blessed than maybe the people we have ministered to have been. It is such a blessing to hear how God continues to be faithful to his children even in the middle of ongoing challenges.
Even though peoples basements are untouched, their hearts are certainly being touched.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Difference makers!
I was blessed with the privilege to preach this morning at Catalina Anglican Church, this is one of the churches we have been partnering with in Newfoundland. It is amazing to me the opportunities God provides for us as we serve Him in ministry.
What could I possibly share with a community that has suffered so much? I focused on the parable of the good Samaritan. You all know the story of how the people (ministers) who were supposed to help the hurting did not do it and it took a Samaritan to reach down and help a beaten and abused person up.
I love what the Samaritan did, but man I wish that the religious person had stepped up. Thats the difference between religious people and Christ centered people. Godly people have compassion for people and put it into action.
The church in Catalina is certainly bending over and helping up hurting people. They are using their church to bless people. They are feeding people, giving them water to drink, providing clothing and furniture, and going the extra mile to help.
Jesus was talking to religious people when he told them about "reaching out to people, and when you do that you reaching out to Him." This is powerful!!
I am so blessed to see the body of Christ alive and serving the community. It is not just talk it is action! Religious people talk a good talk but true Christians who understand the heart of God, need to walk their talk.
I am reading a book called "Hurt Healer" by Tony Nolan. He talks about the parable of the good Samaritan and talks about three people:
Takers: those were the people that beat up the man and left him for dead (they said what's yours is mine and I'm gonna take it)
Fakers: those are the religious priests (they said what's mine is mine and I'm gonna keep it)
Difference makers: the Samaritan (he said what's mine is yours and I'm gonna give it)
Which one are you?
What could I possibly share with a community that has suffered so much? I focused on the parable of the good Samaritan. You all know the story of how the people (ministers) who were supposed to help the hurting did not do it and it took a Samaritan to reach down and help a beaten and abused person up.
I love what the Samaritan did, but man I wish that the religious person had stepped up. Thats the difference between religious people and Christ centered people. Godly people have compassion for people and put it into action.
The church in Catalina is certainly bending over and helping up hurting people. They are using their church to bless people. They are feeding people, giving them water to drink, providing clothing and furniture, and going the extra mile to help.
Jesus was talking to religious people when he told them about "reaching out to people, and when you do that you reaching out to Him." This is powerful!!
I am so blessed to see the body of Christ alive and serving the community. It is not just talk it is action! Religious people talk a good talk but true Christians who understand the heart of God, need to walk their talk.
I am reading a book called "Hurt Healer" by Tony Nolan. He talks about the parable of the good Samaritan and talks about three people:
Takers: those were the people that beat up the man and left him for dead (they said what's yours is mine and I'm gonna take it)
Fakers: those are the religious priests (they said what's mine is mine and I'm gonna keep it)
Difference makers: the Samaritan (he said what's mine is yours and I'm gonna give it)
Which one are you?
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Hurting for years
Yesterday afternoon we visited a precious man. He has a heart for others and is very compassionate towards others. But oh does his heart hurt deep.
Three years ago his wife passed away and he has never grieved properly. He has so many regrets about how his wife died and how he never had a chance to actually say good bye to her. He regrets that he wasn't at home earlier in their marriage as he was out working hard to try and provide for his family. He cried and cried and cried.
On top of all this hurt he experienced the hurricane. It has hurt him so much to see what happened to his community. He hurts for those around him. He hurts for his children. He hurts!
We were able to bring him comfort and give him the tools to try and get back on his feet. By the time we left he actually had a smile on his face. I think it was the first time he has smiled in a long, long time.
I left there thinking how many people in our own communities are just like this precious man. He has been crushed by despair and it has immobilized him. But he is not beyond hope. Once again I think of the words from the song by "Downhere", "Hope is rising". Look it up.
Three years ago his wife passed away and he has never grieved properly. He has so many regrets about how his wife died and how he never had a chance to actually say good bye to her. He regrets that he wasn't at home earlier in their marriage as he was out working hard to try and provide for his family. He cried and cried and cried.
On top of all this hurt he experienced the hurricane. It has hurt him so much to see what happened to his community. He hurts for those around him. He hurts for his children. He hurts!
We were able to bring him comfort and give him the tools to try and get back on his feet. By the time we left he actually had a smile on his face. I think it was the first time he has smiled in a long, long time.
I left there thinking how many people in our own communities are just like this precious man. He has been crushed by despair and it has immobilized him. But he is not beyond hope. Once again I think of the words from the song by "Downhere", "Hope is rising". Look it up.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Boston Bruins fan
You never know what you are going to do, or who you are going to meet when you begin your day. On the "mission field" it is certainly no different.
Yesterday we went to the home of a family to spend time with them praying for their needs and encouraging them. They turned out to be the grandparents of NHL hockey player Michael Ryder and former major junior MVP Daniel Ryder.
We talked about many things but my heart was drawn to their grandson Daniel who has been experiencing deep problems. It is cool how God drops some important things to intercede for right in our path. I felt clearly directed from the Lord to pray with the family for Daniel's situation.
Earlier in our conversation Melvin, the grandfather, had showed us a hockey card of Daniel and had given us two of Michaels cards to keep. He told me this was the last card he had of Daniel so he couldn't give me one. After I had prayed for Daniel, with tears in his eyes, Melvin walked over to the place where he had placed Daniel's hockey card and came back and gave it to me. He said he wanted me to have it. I promised him that I would pray for Daniel everyday.
Pray for us today as we are trying to schedule a meeting with Daniel later this afternoon. We want to encourage him and his family.
Yesterday we went to the home of a family to spend time with them praying for their needs and encouraging them. They turned out to be the grandparents of NHL hockey player Michael Ryder and former major junior MVP Daniel Ryder.
We talked about many things but my heart was drawn to their grandson Daniel who has been experiencing deep problems. It is cool how God drops some important things to intercede for right in our path. I felt clearly directed from the Lord to pray with the family for Daniel's situation.
Earlier in our conversation Melvin, the grandfather, had showed us a hockey card of Daniel and had given us two of Michaels cards to keep. He told me this was the last card he had of Daniel so he couldn't give me one. After I had prayed for Daniel, with tears in his eyes, Melvin walked over to the place where he had placed Daniel's hockey card and came back and gave it to me. He said he wanted me to have it. I promised him that I would pray for Daniel everyday.
Pray for us today as we are trying to schedule a meeting with Daniel later this afternoon. We want to encourage him and his family.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
What does a hurricane look like?
I want to present you with a scenario so you can better understand what hurricanes do. Think about 8"-9" of rain falling in just a short period of time. The water comes down and saturates the ground so that the ground begins to bubble up with water, water comes out of manholes an other places. What was once a stream becomes a raging river.
Whenever you have a raging river going through a residential area you have chaos. Roads are washed away, houses many miles from the coast begin to have their basements fill with water. If you live in a bungalow your main floor level becomes unlivable.
How could these homeowners possibly plan for what they experienced? They couldn't!!! Many people begin to second guess their judgement, after all they think, we should have known. They become confused, thinking that they do not have proper judgement. It begins to take over their thinking.
As hurricane relief teams come in they bring hope. Hope comes in different ways. It can be having someone come in and mud out their basement or home. It can be having someone come in and listen to their story. It can come when we pray for people. It can come when we cry with them.
Hurricanes are devastating!
Powerful day of ministry
Yesterday was a powerful day of ministry. We had seven conversations with people experiencing various degrees of challenges post hurricane.
I want to focus on one particular family. We went to the home of two elderly folks, in their early eighties. They had almost two feet of water in their house and were very discouraged. They had been able to strip away some of the damaged walls and were sitting in their "living room" which consisted of four kitchen chairs.
They had experienced many tragedies over the last four years and the lady, Jean was especially discouraged. Her husband Ivany was a bit more optimistic but they were certainly overwhelmed.
Jack and I spent some time just listening and were able to minister to them in their hurt. We also felt clearly led to share with them about God's love and Christ's forgiveness. We illustrated how God loved them and Christ's sacrifice in very practical ways. We shared what it meant to be born again, and they truly understood for the first time in their lives. We told them that they could have God's peace in their lives today.
Jack and I were able to lead them in a prayer of salvation and both Jean and Ivany gave their hearts to Christ in their shattered living room.
God is good!
I will post photos and videos later, we are having computer issues.
I want to focus on one particular family. We went to the home of two elderly folks, in their early eighties. They had almost two feet of water in their house and were very discouraged. They had been able to strip away some of the damaged walls and were sitting in their "living room" which consisted of four kitchen chairs.
They had experienced many tragedies over the last four years and the lady, Jean was especially discouraged. Her husband Ivany was a bit more optimistic but they were certainly overwhelmed.
Jack and I spent some time just listening and were able to minister to them in their hurt. We also felt clearly led to share with them about God's love and Christ's forgiveness. We illustrated how God loved them and Christ's sacrifice in very practical ways. We shared what it meant to be born again, and they truly understood for the first time in their lives. We told them that they could have God's peace in their lives today.
Jack and I were able to lead them in a prayer of salvation and both Jean and Ivany gave their hearts to Christ in their shattered living room.
God is good!
I will post photos and videos later, we are having computer issues.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
After a long day of travel we finally arrived in Bonavista, NFLD. It was a smooth flight and then a long drive from St. Johns to Bonavista. After we got past the town of Clarenville we made the 1 1/2 hour drive to Bonavista. Many times on our route we had to slow down for roads that had been previously washed out and bridges that were washed out.
We started ministry right away by talking to people affected by the hurricane and they want to tell their stories. we want to listen as they share. My first impression is that many people are in a state of confusion and they are suffering post stress emotions/psychological challenges. They are precious folks but very bewildered.
This morning we had the opportunity to meet with two families and they shared their stories and let us into their homes, (their homes look much different after the hurricane) and we shared with them and prayed with them. We were invited back again and will try to before we head home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ3qpWdAS4k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ3qpWdAS4k
One couple effected by the floods
This couple had to strip their home up to 3 foot
One of the roads completely ripped apart
Saturday, October 2, 2010
What I will be doing in Newfoundland
I am truly excited to be leaving in just a couple of days for NFLD and to help hurting people in the path of Igor. When I try to explain to people what a hurricane is like and the devastation it brings it is hard for people to comprehend. I came across some pictures from Igor that will help you to understand what it is like during the actual hurricane and the aftermath which people are left to deal with. Remember this was not a huge hurricane by hurricane standards , but it packed quite a whallop.
http://www2.swgc.ca/npritchett/
My main role in this hurricane deployment is the following:
-minister to the staff, volunteers, local pastors involved, fire dept involved, and of course the victims. Take pastors out for lunch, give them some materials, …be of assistance in whatever way we can help.
-Pray off the teams in the morning, and to welcome them back and talk about their day in the evening.
-Visit the work orders from staff in the mornings or evening, and then go at it.
-As much as possible, make sure the staff are doing ok, debrief them, make sure the team is healthy in every way. Lead staff devos…
So I am there to minister to a lot of different people. I will be serving in a chaplain role as well as using the CISM training I have received to assist people experiencing Post Traumatic Stress.
I would appreciate your prayers!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Off to Newfoundland
Many of you know that Hurricane Igor came up the eastern coast almost two weeks ago. I am not sure how many of you know the devastation that took place in many communities in its path, especially in Newfoundland. But Igor certainly left his mark.
In order to alleviate some of the suffering experienced by those affected by Igor, two ministries have been called into action. Samaritans Purse is part of the Franklin Graham ministry and its role in disasters is to help people with their property. It could be anything from stripping a home down to its foundation, or helping families carry out waterlogged furniture and some basic rebuilding. The Samaritans Purse relief truck arrived on Wednesday of this week, you can read about this at
http://www.samaritanspurse.ca/ourwork/reliefwork/newfoundland/default.aspx
The other ministry going in to Bonavista, Newfoundland is the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. I have been a chaplain with the BGRRT for almost three years. This is the same ministry that I went to the Olympics with earlier this year. Our role in this disaster is to meet with families in crisis as a result of their loss and trauma and minister to them.
http://www.billygraham.org/rrt_index.asp
This is a quote taken from the website:
In order to alleviate some of the suffering experienced by those affected by Igor, two ministries have been called into action. Samaritans Purse is part of the Franklin Graham ministry and its role in disasters is to help people with their property. It could be anything from stripping a home down to its foundation, or helping families carry out waterlogged furniture and some basic rebuilding. The Samaritans Purse relief truck arrived on Wednesday of this week, you can read about this at
http://www.samaritanspurse.ca/ourwork/reliefwork/newfoundland/default.aspx
The other ministry going in to Bonavista, Newfoundland is the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. I have been a chaplain with the BGRRT for almost three years. This is the same ministry that I went to the Olympics with earlier this year. Our role in this disaster is to meet with families in crisis as a result of their loss and trauma and minister to them.
http://www.billygraham.org/rrt_index.asp
This is a quote taken from the website:
In the spring of 2008, we saw flooding at a magnitude that we haven't seen in over 30 years. The recovery phase was our greatest challenge since we were not equipped to deal with this type of disaster. Samaritan's Purse is extremely self-sufficient, as they come with the staff, resources, and tools needed to do their job. They also recruit and coordinate all local volunteers.
We had no idea that Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief services and the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team exist in Canada. Their disaster relief efforts provide not only the physical work to clean up people's homes, but the Rapid Response Team emotionally supports the community, allowing people to vent, or talk about their issues and problems. A lot of people are scared of church-based organizations, and they have preconceived ideas of what they would be like. It wasn't like that at all, and the community was extremely pleased with the emotional support and compassion they received.
As responders, we had no idea how draining these circumstances would be for our community. But the two organizations understood people's frustrations and met them where they were at. I would recommend to any municipality in this country facing crisis or disaster that these are two organizations you should look at.
- Jody Price, Fire Chief - Oromocto, NB
I will be flying out this Monday morning to St. John's and then making the journey north and east to Bonavista a community that was rocked by Igor. I will be serving the BGRRT for close to two weeks. I would appreciate your prayers as we reach out to hurting people. These include people who have lost their jobs, homes, vehicles and many other things.
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