New Start (Again)

Been over three years since my last post. A lot has happened. My pastoral job ended through a difficult experience of politics and mistakes (some of my own along with some of other’s), I married my girlfriend, and we have moved… a few times.

Ministry: That was hard. Losing my position with unanimous leadership support and a large majority of congregational support simply because the timing was bad. It felt like God was tossing me aside. I remember my own parents going through similar feelings, feeling like God had set them on the shelf. Due to this, I held on to the promises of Scripture and the truths and lessons that my parents learned the hard way. I learned from their experience, and tried to follow God’s leading. I was voted out on a Saturday and went to worship with my brothers and sisters, who had less than 24 hours previously ‘not renewed my contract’, i.e. sort of fired me, on Sunday morning. It was hard, tearful, and amazing. God gave me such joy and a powerful sense of comfort in the midst of that place. It also was an encouragement seeing how God had used to me bless others with those who came and talked to me over the coming weeks.

Following this, I eventually began to work with the FASD society. This was fun, challenging, and confusing as times. As a life coach, I had the opportunity to walk alongside people who had ‘the cards stacked against them’, so to speak, from birth due to nothing of their own decisions. They struggled with inhibition control, decision making, social cues, and other areas depending on their specific condition. Basically, they had many of the negative symptoms of being drunk, all the time. I saw people who responded in anger, resignation, and yet some who responded with more incredible determination. I had guys want to fight me, yell at me, and then the same people talk about how amazing it was to have me in their life. God gave me a glimpse of what it is like to deal with us spiritually from day to day. How many times do we fall into sin, repent, try to follow God, only to run off after the very next shiny sin that pops up. No wonder the Bible calls us sheep. How many times do we scream at God, challenge Him, doubt that He cares for us, and then run to Him for help when we are in need. As I saw this, I saw more and more that the people I was working with are realistically not that different from me. We all have a condition that is passed down to us that predisposes us to pass it on to others. It is called Sin. Thankfully, while there are currently only base line treatments and techniques for FASD, there is a cure for Sin. Our bodies will continue to die to Sin, as Paul writes in Romans 8, but our spirits are alive in Christ. What an amazing thing that we have hope. We have the power to resist Sin, to beat temptation, to defeat our past, and overcome by the blood of Jesus. The cure is so simple, so free, yet so rejected by so many.

Marriage: When asked to describe what marriage is like, we have come to say that “it is more than we expected.” It is more good, more difficult, and just plain more. I proposed on September 26, found the wedding bands (after a crazy search) on Sept 30, and we were married on March 18, 2017. We are approaching our second anniversary, and I must say that I am grateful for her. I can see better why Paul states so clearly that marriage is a picture of Christ and His Church. For one, we must put the needs of the other above our own; thus, in doing so, we receive our own pleasure and joy. Christ put our salvation, our hope, our needs, above His own comfort when He because incarnate and ultimately died for our Sins.

I remember speaking to a few youth and they were so proud that ‘they were the guys’ and ‘going to the man of the household’. They thought that meant that they were ‘large and in-charge’. I asked them what Jesus did for us, in as much detail as possible. I then brought up that verse and told them to do all that for their future wives. I think a couple of the guys went into clinical shock.

In our marriage, we have attempted to do things in God’s way. My wife says that it is easier for me because I, representing Christ in the relationship picture, have a good example to follow. Her, representing the Church, has a horrible example. Isn’t that true. When I was younger, I loved Jesus but I questioned His choice in women–I thought His bride was… not a nice lady. Ironically, I still think Christ’s Bride sucks at times, but I also realize that I am part of that Bride; ergo, I suck. Judgement tends falls away when we look in a mirror intently. This view has been a huge help in our marriage. When one of us messes up, gets impatient or short tempered, etc. we try to remember when we have done the same–sometimes within an ironically short time period–and forgive. Taking time to look in a mirror before interacting with the person who hurt you in crucial–especially when the person is your ‘other half’. So many lessons from marriage, and we are still learning. I look forward to growing closer to her and God through it.

Future: No clue. Yeah, that about covers it. Still trying to get back into ministry. Still trying to grow in marriage. Still trying to forgive those that hurt me. I wish I could say that I have forgiven those that hurt me. On most days, that is true; however, much like grief, my wife and I have found that forgiveness comes in unpredictable waves. It is especially hard when we start meeting people from the church up north around Edmonton (oh yeah, we moved to Calgary, moving a few times while there, before moving to Edmonton… GO FLAMES!). A few of the youth from that church, that I had in the youth group, starting going to the same church… Ouy…. Thankfully, they are awesome young adults who have a passion for God and were a huge blessing even in the midst of the troubles up there. Oh yeah, there is also the cashier in the market across the road from High Level… I wonder who else is going to pop up. Either way, I think it is God helping us work through our pain in a (as much as possible) friendly way. I am thankful for where God has led us, and I look forward to seeing where He leads us in the future.

Now what?

So, it has been awhile since I have posted. I really don’t know where to start. I guess good news is always better to start with.
The good news is, my girlfriend and I have been dating for 5 months as of this next week. She is an amazing RN who aspires to continue in her growth and development, helping people as much as possible. It has been going well and along with getting to know her, I have been developing friendships with many in the area. Many of the youth have personally mentioned how much they appreciate all that I have done this past year and a half. Granted, that may be due to the bad news.
The bad news is, I have 73% approval of those who attended the last membership meeting. While this seems moderately unfortunate, it also means that I lost my job since I needed 80% to retain my position. While it is an unfortunate line in the policies, it does mean that I am looking for employment elsewhere. I guess life’s curve-balls sometimes hit hard. Granted, it could be a lot worse and I am attempting to keep a positive outlook on life. God actually gave me some hints that it was coming, but I guess I should have let my family & Julie in on that beforehand… Tip, don’t forget to give a heads up to your loved ones when you know a storm is coming. Already sending off resumes, and getting responses–which is impressive seeing as how the Christmas season in approaching and the churches will be busy soon.

I appreciate how multiple people, in and out of the church here, have shown their support and care. It isn’t easy being cut short, and stopped from doing what you love–especially when you care about the people involved. I have grown quite fond of the people here in High Level, and the youth group is quite an amazing bunch of young men and women. Thankfully, God raised up great leaders to carry on the work. As long as they continue in listening & following God, I have full confidence in their ability to run a successful youth ministry in this church and community.

Now what? I guess I pray for God’s guidance and see where He is leading. First, however, I follow Him in the conversations and role He has for me here. Just because I lost my job, doesn’t mean God’s calling on my life in this town is done. As long as I am here, God has a purpose for me here. When God calls me elsewhere, He will supply all my needs–and the needs of those here–according to His glorious and countless riches. I know that He works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, so to answer my question, ‘Now What?’, I answer: I Follow Jesus.

From my personal experience…

How did I get roped into doing the father’s day sermon? I asked myself that, but then I got over it. The thing that I have been realizing is, I don’t need a specific set of personal experiences to speak on a subject. Do I need to do so carefully and not overstep my knowledge set? Definitely. However, while I may not be a father, I am a son. I have experience in being a child, watching my father, and growing up under him. I also have experience in observing my grandfather and uncles. I have seen other people’s fathers and heard their stories–some encouraging, others heart breaking, and still others boring to the point of insanity (yet I still listen, aren’t I great?!). I think the biggest thing that qualifies me to speak on Father’s Day, is that I know the Bible; granted, not perfectly or as well as I wish I did, but I’m getting there. I know the Heavenly Father, and He speaks through me. Paul spoke on being single and married, because He knew God who created men and women. Male biblical writers have spoken on women’s issues because they heard from God. Is it usually better to hear from personal experience? Sure, it gives a certain life to it and knowledge that could otherwise only be given supernaturally. Personal experience is not always required in the way we think it is, however. We say that God equips the called rather than calling the equipped, but do we believe it? Do we believe that God can give the words to speak to a situation one may have never experienced personally? Now, that does not mean we pompously walk into situations we do not understand with all the pat-answers. That is extremely annoying, and people who do that should practice the art of silence. What it does mean, is that we can be used in situations we are not entirely sure we are equipped for. If we enter in humility, faith, and courage, things usually work out. At least from my personal experience, God is pretty good at using finite human beings.

Whats up

So, haven’t given an update in awhile. I guess part of it is that I have been busy. We have had a lot of things going on, including fundraising for the coming youth campout at the end of June. We are doing service projects to raise money, and the one large work time clearing brush went really well–minus the random bug bites that I can’t identify.

The youth group really seems to be bonding well, and have had a few newer youth join that have said that they are feeling welcomed and included. I am really impressed with my youth group, so if you talk to me I will likely brag about them & my privilege to work with them 🙂

We had a few people graduate recently, and one of the guys ran a dry grad party at his house. It was really impressive seeing them work to be a light, and stand against a rather dark (and dangerous) aspect of our culture in a positive way–offering something better. Not only that, but they worked hard to be there the next morning for church, with moderate yet still impressive success.

We are also running ‘Jam Sessions’ for the musically inclined, and I have been impressed with the skill potential in them. We could use some work on playing together, but that comes with time. I am really looking forward to seeing how God is going to use them in the future.

We also had a kids presentation the other day, which reminded me that we have a huge youth group coming up in a few years… I might need a new youth room (says every youth pastor, ever).

The team that is working with me is great. I have really seen the blessings of each person’s skills, abilities, and giftings shine through. God put great people into my path, and it has been great to work with them! It is nice to have people who I know could carry the ministry on their own if I all of a sudden wasn’t able to do it (or, you know, took a vacation). I may also brag about the other leaders when you talk to me, so be prepared for that 🙂

Personally, I have been reading ‘After You Believe’ by N.T. Wright, as well as looking at the covers of a few other books intently and admiring how un-bent the binding is. I am also contemplating the potential knowledge that is within those books, and admiring the mystery. 🙂

I once asked my youth pastor (Colin) what the average week as a youth pastor looked like. He laughed and told me that he would let me know if he ever figured it out. I definitely understand that now. Somehow, my days are always filled, my projects are constantly moving forward, and my messages are never done until 30 minutes before presenting (on a good week).

I have been able to make some good friends here, and have really enjoyed the small group I’m in. (Shameless plug: get involved in small groups if your church has them). There are a lot of good people in this town, but also a lot of areas where God’s light still needs to shine. The work of an evangelist, shepherd, teacher, preacher, leader, etc. is never done, but it is always worthwhile.

To God be the glory, great things He has done (is doing, and will do as well).

Available

As I work to make contact with people, I begin to notice something about us as humans. As I continually make myself available, to the point of avidly pursuing contact with some people, it is (in the end) up to them once I make myself available. I have made myself open for contact, going for lunch & coffee with a number of people. Their response to availability is unique to the person, and yet I have found a connection with how they respond to me and how we (myself included) often respond to God.

 

Active Pursuer: Having made oneself available, there are those who actively seek out connection. They invite and pursue as much as is possible–being constantly available. The connection is mutually built into, and there is a huge benefit that comes about from this.

Passive Pursuer: There are those that will accept as much as is given, not mutually pursuing, but still moving forward and accepting any efforts made. These people appreciate the time, and will make as much effort as they perceive being made towards them.

Reluctant Pursuer: These people need to be prodded to make an effort, and often need multiple reminders and invites. Continual effort pays off, but it takes awhile. These people will give back once you show them how, but need constant reminders.

Absorber: These people (yes made up word) will take what you give them, but give nothing back. They simply accept the effort and may appreciate it, but do not contribute back. These people are draining to spend time with, but can still be a joy to be with since they are indeed appreciating what is done for them.

Stand Off: These people will respond at times, but they remain distant even when you do meet with them. They do not really have an interest in making a connection, but put up with it for various reasons. These people are very draining to spend time with, but must continually be reached out to in love with hope that their walls will come down.

Hider: These people hide and avoid connection for a number of reasons, whether it be resentment, shame, disinterest, or other reasons. These people may even go so far as to ignore connection that happens right in front of them, pretending that it never happened.

Fighter: These people hate it when they are reached out to, and will attempt to stop the pursuit. They may insult, mock, and more. These people are actually not as hard to get to know as  others because they at least interact–albeit negatively.

 

While I have faced each of these (the Fighters less than the others), God faces them all the time. In our interactions with others, which of these do we adhere to? In our interactions with God, which one are we? When we interact with the more difficult types of people, do we show grace with full knowledge that we have likely been as such towards God?

May we be a blessing, seeking not as much to be blessed but to bless. May we be available to others. May we always be available to God, for He is always available to us. Praise be to Jesus Christ, the one who made Himself available–the Word made Flesh who dwelt among us as Emmanuel and even now makes Himself available through the Spirit, making the way to the Father available. He is always available to us, may we learn at His feet.

Starting up Again

Starting up the blog again, 10 months later.

Now working in High Level as a youth pastor, things have been going fairly well. Learning lots and being stretched, realizing that (surprisingly) pastors don’t have it all together. It seems to be the general conception, whether stated or not, that pastors have it all together and are the source of God’s work on this earth. As a protestant (the bratty little brother of Catholics that is ‘always’ right), I believe very strongly in the priesthood of all believers and that each person has been gifted by the Spirit for God’s work. I also believe that while leaders & teachers are judged more harshly, each person is responsible for what they have been given. I have been reading the prophets lately, examining how God has worked through his messengers throughout history, and seeing some fascinating themes. As usual, faithfulness is a huge one. Ezekiel was told that if God tells him about someone’s sin and he faithfully seeks to dissuade the sinner, Ezekiel would be innocent and even blessed either way–whether the person turns from their sin or continues in it. If Ezekiel refused to speak, however, the blood of the person would be on his head (Ezekiel 3). This applies also to the righteous who falter as well as the sinner who could repent. I also see the importance of encouraging the good, showing people what to do rather than just what not to do. If nature abhors a vacuum, then just telling people what not to do will leave them empty and without hope–leaving room for evil to again enter them. Jesus’ teachings on casting out evil spirits also touches on this, recounted in Matthew 12, even saying that it will be worse for the person if a vacuum is left. The solution, then, is to replace rather than expel. I need to remember this as I see aspects of theology, and even culture, that need to be done away with. If there is nothing to replace it, I am not doing them a bit of good. I also need to speak up, or else I will be held accountable for my silence. This is easier said than done, as I ‘should’ never be fond of correcting someone; however, the importance of it is evident. I recently required correction, and I am glad that I received it–otherwise, it would have been bad for me; however, if I do not replace the negative aspect with something positive, I will end up being worse off than before. Good things to remember, and something that I will likely be learning for the rest of my life. Faithfulness isn’t something we achieve, it is something we live out.

Keep Farming

As I continue to reach out with the Gospel, I find it disconcertingly easy. What I mean by this is that people hear what I say without struggling with it in a healthy way–it doesn’t seem to penetrate their lives in a meaningfully lasting way. There are a couple youth who debate it, and have unfortunately decided that they are not interested–at least for now. I am reminded of the parable of the sower. The different places where the seed fell are indeed seen here.

The road where birds come and steal it away is indeed common. There are people here that cannot seem to grasp the Gospel, riddled with questions without accepting the answers given; as well as focusing on things that they see as more important–video games, relationships, sports, fitness, and other distractions included. Unfortunately, the good news is snatched away from them before it can even take root. They do not accept it because they do not even let it in. Hardened hearts are indeed a sorrowful thing, paved in such a way that their path is already set before them–paved with fear, hatred, doubt, confusion, bitterness, envy, strife, insecurities, distrust, or just simply indifference; it seems like a spiritual jackhammer is needed. Their destination, without pulling any punches, is Hell–unless they hear and respond. Many of them listen, and show great respect, but it does not take even shallow root–at least as far as I can tell. I can only pray that there are roots forming through the cracks. We need God to work so badly here.

The rocky and thorny soil is quite common as well. There are people here who have shown great interest, but hardship from family & community knocks them down. It seems that the common situation is that life gets in the way. Family events, sports outings, community gatherings, entertainment, and many other distractions plague their lives–as they do ours. Whereas some never get the chance to see roots, I have seen shallow roots take hold in some people’s lives. There are those who want to grow deeper roots, but are scorched or choked out–stuck at the starting line. I have heard people promise to come and hear the Word, even minutes before, only to get caught up in something–often apologizing later, failing to realize that it is not for our good that we want them to come. Pastor Ken has said that he has rarely been able to go past spiritual milk, stuck at the starting gate with shallow roots. I don’t know what is needed here practically, I just know how badly we need God’s working.

To be perfectly honest, I am not surprised that the soil is shallow here–it has not been properly tilled. Pastor Ken has attempted to till the ground, and has been faithful these many years. The problem is, the Church Body is not a single member. Whereas the entire Church should be banding together for our primary goal, we sit in our pews on Sunday, work hard Monday to Friday, and try to form a good family on evenings and weekends–schedules varying–maybe even giving a sacrifice upon the alter of the offering plate. Amos 5, especially verses 18-27, really shakes up our way of living if we actually apply it to our lives. Throwing money in the offering plate is good, but not enough–we need to give our entire lives. Is not life more than simple work or daily living? Were we not called out of this world to be a witness? Were we not called to give up everything for the Gospel? Although not perfect, I know that there are many people in my home church who are involved in God’s work where they are at, supporting people around Canada and the world. I am extremely blessed to come from where I have. I hope that my home church’s vibrancy becomes contagious. The Bear-Creek church has also been a huge blessing to us, seeking to honestly live their lives in a sacrificial way. I come from a church, and have met people, who can honestly pray to the God of the harvest for more workers; for you can only legitimately pray for more workers if you yourself are in the fields.

I have two general prayer requests and one specific.
1) That God would tear up our lives as to save us from our own thorns and rocky soil. Only when the soil is torn apart can the contaminants be removed–thus sending us into the world.
2) That God would prepare the soil as He sends workers into the harvest. May more workers be sent to Seabird, and the soil be prepared.
3) Pray for Trevor, who has decided to follow Jesus, that his heart would be good soil and that there would be people who would rise up and disciple him and all those who seek Jesus Christ.

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
– Matthew 9:37-38; Luke 10:2…

 

I leave you with a grateful heart for the support I have received. I know that I am held on the faithful prayers of the saints, both in my home church and various other congregations. I have, as an encouragement and reminder, put a sign on my door that says the following: “There are no hopeless situations, just currently fruitless–keep farming.”

Hope for Faith in Love

There are difficulties that come with any ministry. This month the difficulty is snow. Yes, we do actually get snow here. We have enough snow to shut down roads and trap the average vehicle in drifts of wonderful white slush. Church was cancelled today, so I went to a service at the Chilliwack EMC and had a great time of worship and sharing with those able to get over the drifts.

This makes me think of how the ministry is going. We seem to have small numbers, even though there are plenty of people who may be interested in taking part in the ministry, and being ministered to. The problem, I believe, is that there are drifts in their lives that keep them from leaving their driveway. To get past these drifts, I have been able to go there myself and visit with a couple families in their homes. The welcoming attitude of these people amazes me, and they treat me like another member of their family. I wish to finish strong, and hopefully see people take up the torch of discipleship.

I have made some good connections, but it is not through programming. Programs have been a moderately successful tool to get people introduced to what my name is. I have had the best and most productive discussions on the way to and from these programs–which is why I have begun to drive a bit slower when there are no other cars on the road. This gives me an opportunity to connect with them on a real level, entering their lives and seeing what they care about and how they spend their time. There are so many barriers, much like a heavy snowfall, that builds up drifts in their lives. To some, it may seem as though they are giving a cold shoulder; however, it seems that the majority of the cold feelings are built up from external sources–not necessarily just personally. When there is such a cold environment built up around them, it is no surprise that they bundle up and don’t come out much. If more people were willing to connect person to person, family to family, discipleship would happen.

I am able to speak into a couple families lives; however, there are many people out there who are not hearing the Gospel. There are those ready for harvest, needing watering, and yet still much tilling to be done as well. My heart breaks when I think about how many people are not hearing the Gospel simply because it is seen as a ‘difficult ministry.’ I met with other youth pastors in the area, and they showed an interest in the work happening; however, I still see a lack of connection with the natives in the area. I have found some churches that are willing and active, reaching people of all backgrounds but still not as many as would be ideal.

As Romans 10 says, “How can they call on the one they have not believed in? How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? How can they hear without someone preaching to them? How can anyone preach unless they are sent?” May we pray for more workers, more supporters, more prayer warriors, and a restlessness in our hearts that cannot be quenched. May we be willing to enter the lives of others; not as targets or projects, but as brother and sisters.

Prayer Requests:
– Pray to the Lord of the harvest for more workers as Jesus instructed in Matthew 9:38 & Luke 10:2
– Pray that our attitudes would be the same as Christ, following after the example outlined in Philippians 2:5-8
– Pray for the support and strength for us to continue this year strong
– Pray for the drifts to clear away and that God’s life giving light would shine into the people’s lives
– Also, please pray for all of us on the roads right now. Putting the metaphor aside, the roads are pretty nasty right now; especially for my friends in the trucking business. Prayers for protection would be greatly appreciated.

The drifts are high & the roads are slick, yet those who are willing to risk it all to see just a few saved are promised eternal rewards that cannot be taken away.
To God all the glory, to us comes a call, to them be the message of hope to all.

Onward

So, just to recap the last couple weeks:

We had a great night where we had 7 people come out, with a great discussion that gave rise to one guy responding in such a way that shows that God is working in his life. We went through a Gospel message, where they came to the conclusion of the wages of sin, the amazing grace involved in the giving of eternal life, cost of following Jesus, and the freedom that He gives while here on earth. This was the week after I had to ask his friend to leave due to extremely inappropriate behavior. They both came back and I have been able to connect with them on a relatively decent level. I have also started trying to recruit youth for Youth Alpha that the Chilliwack church is holding, but thus far I have had only one somewhat successful week where the guy decided not to come back again… Guess when I said, “it is a video series talking about the questions of life and God”, he took it as a games night. Moving forward. The guy that really connected the dots is now struggling with deciding whether to workout or come to church events. He is also living partially on Seabird and partially in another town–so coming to events is a hit miss to begin with. Overall, I feel fairly positive about the seeds that are planted and the slow, yet gradual, watering that has taken place. We now continue to farm the ground and let God do His work.

I was recently stuck by a discussion with a worker in the area. They were talking about the hopeless situations that some youth find themselves in, and I was thinking about how little fruit appears around here respective to what we would hope for. I have begun to realize that there are no hopeless situations with God, just fruitless ones. When a tree is fruitless, the patient farmer continues to care for it as long as there is life in it. We are told to love our neighbor as ourselves and, as I preached on today, love is shown in the patience and kindness of our Holy Spirit directed lives. If we patiently and kindly tend to those who are currently fruitless, while working together as a unified Body, we show fruit in our own lives; thus revealing ourselves as disciples of Jesus Christ. To lack this patience and kindness…

A final note is on the drop-in center. I work with these youth in a situation where I have no right or responsibility to hold them to any standard other than that which is set by the band office. I constantly hear them using the Lord’s name in vein, which I know many people do not see as a major issue. As R.C. Sproul reminded me in a sermon I recently watched, this is a capital offense and the first petition of the the Disciple’s Prayer. Pray that His name would be glorified, being desecrated no more. Those of us who love God will be broken in our hearts when we hear His name used in such a way. David raged at the very idea of someone demeaning the name of the Lord. Christian society tends to focus on the behaviors nowadays, with talk about a transformed heart, but forgets that the name of the Lord is to be honored by all creation. Our goal is proper worship May we honor the Lord in reverence. May we pray, “Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” before we make any quests of our own. James 4 speaks a lot to the proper attitude of prayer.

Prayer Request:
– May we each pray for the patience and kindness of God’s love–the gentle God focused humility that endures, bears, hopes, and believes all things without fail as the Holy Spirit empowers
– Pray for the people of Seabird as an illness is going around, which is not only annoying logistically and physically but gets in the way of ministry
– Please pray for N.’s family as they go through family counselling and tries to seek reconciliation–which is going well thus far
– Pray for Pascel and Hurta as they are in Paraguay visiting family
– Please pray for the local youth who have started robbing people, that they would find the love and grace of God; also that whatever has influenced their decision to steal would be dealt with properly and quickly

May the love of Christ, which transcends all understanding, fill our lives, flood our hearts, and renew our minds. To the glory of God; hallowed be Thy Name.

Stretching & Listening

Last night I was able to attend a teaching time at a local church entitled, Pagan Prophets and Heathen Believers. The speaker emphasized how we are all ‘pagans’ and ‘heathens’ to someone out there, and that God created each of us in a context to be used for Him. He also emphasized how each culture has both good and evil aspects in them that must be discerned by the wise–only fully knowing what these are in light of Christ. The Q&A session afterwords brought light to various ways that we can work together to overcome our negative past. He said that relationships and sharing stories is really the first, and primary, step to recovery.

I was also encouraged by one wise young native woman who is currently studying Christian history. She pointed out how history reveals that ‘white men’ are not the only ones who have oppressed someone else in a domineering way. Realistically, she pointed out that,oppression tends to occur whenever one people group gains an advantage of any sort over another. She was not a fan of seeing her people’s history as perfect, and emphasized how her own people (and every other people group) have a great propensity for evil and that any peace that mankind may establish falls apart. The speaker and her both wholeheartedly agreed that we must not see the native history as all perfect, or that they were without fault before the ‘white man’ came. They knew, as I think we can agree, that Jesus is truly the only way to have lasting peace.

What really got me thinking was the idea that God sends prophets of sorts to each culture, teaching them His ways as a preparation for Christ–similar to a Melchizedek type figure. He also emphasized that each culture has a ‘king of Sodom’ figure who must not be accepted in any way. It definitely got me thinking, and I will continue to wrestle with these topics–as I think we all should.

On another note, youth group was rather interesting. I had to ask one young man to leave due to disrespect, so I am praying that he comes back and tries again. He has let me know that he would rather go to the gym and work out, but I am hoping that we can work something out–possibly meeting with him personally throughout the week. The rest of that youth night went relatively well, and I was able to develop the relationships further with a couple of the guys. Please pray for these young men as they figure out priorities and assign value to the various aspects of life.

Moving slightly further back in time, I preached last Sunday on Lazarus–focusing on Christ’s sovereignty, timing and how we must give Him the glory. Pastor Ken said that it is a good sermon but that I tended to ramble. I am not surprised at this critique since it is the same one that I got from my school teachers and professors at Prairie. Did I mention Prairie got an awesome new music & worship program as soon as I left? Just thought I would throw that in there. Not that I’m jealous or anything…

Overall, things are going pretty good. Please pray for those that attended the presentation, the youth as mentioned, as well as for Ken and I to make meaningful and regular connections with the people. I am going to the youth drop-in center tonight, so I am praying that it goes well.