TK's blog

Operation Barnabas 2009--Just Getting Started

2009-07-29T12:09:00.003-05:00

Well, the buses pulled into CE National late this morning. Students are driving home, are in an airplane, or waiting to leave at the Columbus airport. Sound equipment, puppets, first aid kits, props, and evangelism materials are already on the shelves in the Barnabas Center storage area. Buses are parked outside the building and have been cleaned up and emptied.

So it could be said that ob 2009 is over. We did see 90 students trained in ministry by 12 adult leaders for 45 days. There were visits to over 36 churches and ministries from Chicago to DC. Over 100 programs and well over 100 who prayed to receive Christ through the OBer's ministries. Hundreds and thousands of opportunities to show and share the love of Jesus with all kinds of people--from the homeless to the hurting to those who don't even know they have a need. Over 12,000 miles of travel on the famous blue buses. And I am turning my cell phone off tonight as I go to bed for the first time since June 6.

So it's over, right?

Well, I guess that depends on one's perspective. I think that ob 2009 is really just getting started. No, the teams are not going back on the road--that part of it is now complete. But the real issue is how one views a student going on ob. Too many probably think that going on an ob tour is an "end goal". For those that really understand the heart of CE National's desire to be a Church Effectiveness office, ob is really just a step in the discipleship process. It is about training students to share their faith, be a servant-leader and become mature in Christ for a lifetime. The student have been given a platform to continue that growth process and impact the world. Six and a half weeks is a great start--but if that is all that ob is--we may as well shut it all down tomorrow. These were 45 incredible days that set the stage for continued growth and ministry.

So were this year's ob teams "good" teams or "great" teams? Good question. I'll be able to give a definitive answer in ten years...

ob Leaders Meetings

2009-04-22T15:13:00.002-05:00

This past weekend, the five "first time" 2009 Operation Barnabas leaders met in Winona Lake, Indiana to start the training process for leading high school ministry teams this summer. This is a bit of a change-- economics dictated it--but it worked out very very well. Rather than gathering all of the 2009 ob leaders for a weekend, we are extending the week of training in June and did all of the preliminary training with just the "Fab Five". We had one new leader who attended by Skype for CA, so we did not have to pay for a flight and saved 22 hours of her time that would need dedicated to travel. And meeting over a computer was free and very easy!

So why write about ob leaders meetings that were only with a handful?
Well, two reasons:

1. ob 2009 now has officially begun. We have been working for months and months on itineraries (being announced next week) and students have been accepted for the summer since December. But now is when we really start to focus on the summer where we get to train 90 teens in ministry as well as develop 12 adults to new levels of responsiblity and spiritual oversight. It is a privilege and a joy --big it is a responsibility we do not take lightly.

2. God always puts together the best ob leadership team. It looks differently than whatI imagined it would look like at the beginning of the year--but it is always BETTER than I had imagined. This time around, there are 5 new adults so we bring in fresh blood so we do not get stale. There are 7 adults who have 25 summers of ob ministry between them.. Now that is experience.

So ob 2009 is off and rolling. I'm excited about what God is going to do in and through this new group for the sake of His kingdom.

The Irony

2009-03-17T15:31:00.002-05:00

It is perhaps the nicest day in the history of Indiana. 70 degrees, sunny, gentle breeze. Absolutely wonderful, wonderful day.

Earlier, I have just gotten done reading some of the plans for abortion and stem cell research that is being moved forward by the Obama camp.

On such a beautiful day, I am reading about something that must be a stench in the nostrils of God Almighty.

This is not a blog on politics--democrats or republicans. It is not a mockery of the current administration. We are told to pray for our leaders--and I do that. What this is is an honest outrage at the lack of value of human life by our leadership. We say it all the time: "God bless America." But how can He bless us when we brag about a country that holds so little value to human life.

The cruel irony is that I am enjoying the wonder of this gorgeous day. And policies are moving forward that will not allow some others to enjoy this beauty.

In His Time

2009-03-09T15:25:00.003-05:00

If there are any things that make me concerned--it is trying to gather the very best partners and team members possible. Each year there are always people I am trying to recruit to be Operation Barnabas leaders or speakers for youth min classes or for three days worth of chapels for Youth Emphasis Week. And while I am always excited about working to make these teams and speakers the very best opportunities possible, it is also the biggest thing that I worry about.

I have learned a lot about patience (I still need more), God's timing (I want it now), and His provision (It really turns out much better that way than what I originally had conjured up). You would think that I would be less rattled and stressed about all of this, but I still have some more growing and maturing to do.

Friday, we just finalized out YEW speaker--a real find: Tim Eldred from Christian Endeavor. He speaks at all kinds of stuff. Only reason he was free to speak April 1 (no foolin') and 2 was that he had reserved the dates for his kids spring break--only to find out it is actually a week later. He had reserved our dates and just found out he didn't need them. Perfect. I had struck out at every turn previously.

We are trying to finalize Operation Barnabas leaders for this summer. Back when I started directing ob, it was scary if all leaders were not lined up by Christmas. Things change as we are just beginning to get a couple commitments by Christmas. Well, we just got great news over this weekend: Eric Miller, from Frederick, MD has been granted permission to senior lead again. Awesome. Then today, I was just contacted by an ob alumna who is finishing up college this spring, with a youth min minor, and she wants to go with us this summer.

I prefer to have these things set way in advance. But God is pulling all this together in His timing and His way. I still need one more ob senior leader and one more adult guy ob leader. Guess I've still got some learnin' to do...

A Good Story Comes Full Circle

2009-03-02T11:55:00.001-05:00

Erica told me last summer that she was willing to go again as an Operation Barnabas leader. She is a great gal and led a team with us in 2006 in CA. She would graduate from college and then go on ob. A week before leaders retreat in April she came to me and said she was not going. She had been praying and asking God what she should do. She decided that ob was not for her summer. I asked Erica what godly influences she had consulted to help her with this decision. Her response was that she didn’t seek anyone else out—but was looking at Scripture and praying. I shared that God’s will is also revealed through spiritual leaders in our lives. I asked what her parents thought of her decision. She said she did not know—she had not told them of her change of plans. I ask Erica if she would do one thing: Ask for her parents opinion of her decision as God’s will is revealed through our authority figures.

Erica’s parents said they thought it was a poor decision to drop leading ob. With full credit to Erica, she decided to obey her parents and came and talked to me at our house at 10:30 that night and asked to have her position back. After discussion, Erica was back in as an adult leader on ob 2008.

Why share this story? We went to a wedding on Saturday. It was Erica’s wedding. Turns out that there was a good looking young man named Josiah Teeple who felt led by the Lord to be an adult leader on ob. Erica and Josiah were on the same ob leadership team, did ministry together and decided that they would like to serve the Lord together as husband. And now they are married.

By the world’s standards, you pull yourself up by your own bootstraps. You make your own decisions. No one tells me what to do—I decide what to do. (Hence the love of the American public with a little song that Frank Sinatra made famous, “… I took the blows and did it MY way.” Great song, horrible theology, and a lousy way to live one’s life.) Because of Erica’s obedience, she found her husband. We are thrilled for them and believe that God is going to continue to use them incredible ways in His work. I think that is an ob success story.

I would hope that if there is anything we teach teens and adults through Operation Barnabas, The National Institute and other ministries, it would be this: That God wants obedience before any sacrifice. And God's will is revealed through the authority figures in our lives. People who truly understand ministry, embrace and live out this concept.

16

2009-02-19T09:52:00.002-05:00

"You're sixteen, you're beautiful, and you're mine."
Maybe not the exact idea the song writer had in mind, but that is my line today.

It is so hard to believe that our eldest, Bekah, turns 16 today. ob alums around the world are struggling to beleive that that little toddler they knew on Operation Barnabas is now driving a car--and doing a very nice job doing that too. Seems like yesterday she made her entry into the world and the time has flown by. Poor girl--had to go to school today on her birthday. My parents never made me go to school on my birthday. Then again, my birthday is in July...

I guess what I have found so interesting is that the age group that Dana and I have always worked with with--teens and young adults--is now the group that our own daughter is a part of. Going to a youth conference or retreat in previous years was always about the general audience. Now it includes that, but also has "I wonder how my own kid is reacting to this" in it too.

I am grateful that Bekah has a heart that is sensitive towards spiritual things as well as for being a leader. She is enjoyable to be around and really has a gift of discernment. We are proud of her and the decisions she continues to make. She is strong--which too many people think is a negative. We have always seen it as incredibly positive and don't want it any other way. When she makes up here mind--especially between right and wrong--she continues a good path, even when it may not be popular with her peers and the world's standards. And at the same time, she is teachable. Good combination. And it is going to take a special strong guy to win her over. I think most guys are afraid of her--and I'm okay with that. I also hear some of those same guys are afraid of me. I'm good with that too...

I've heard is said that when a young person makes good decisions and follows God, parents take too much credit for that. I've also heard that when a young person makes poor choices, that parents too often do not take enough responsibility for it. If anyone deserves credit in this--it is more Dana than me. And I am grateful.

So, happy birthday, Bekah. Mom and I love you and are very proud of you. Excited for the years you have before you to great things for others and to honor God.
Love,
Dad

It Bothers Me that It Bothered Me

2009-02-09T14:12:00.002-05:00

The first Saturday of each February is when we have our taxes done. That statement makes us sound like we have everything in our life very planned...but maybe that may be the only regularly planned thing in our lives!

Financial experts say that you shouldn't use the government as your banker and let them hold onto much of your taxes so that you get a rebate. Well, we have always used the government as that bank. We use that "extra money" then to give to various needs at church, the kids school, ob kids, household things that need to get done, etc. For us, it has worked fine.

I knew we would not be getting as much back this year as last. But I was more than a little shocked when I was told that instead of GETTING money from Uncle Sam, we were going to OWE him $1800 for 2008. Wow. Knock me over with a feather.

If there is good news, it is that I didn't kick anything, yell and scream, or swear at anyone. But this news bothered me all day. We aren't big spenders--we are more savers. It isn't that we couldn't come up with $1800--even though that would be a huge amount. But there are a lot of people who would have struggle with this amount more than us --and it made me feel for them.

We have never made our lives about money. I hope we never will. I had friend right out of school making over six figures--but they didn't get to be in ministry. I learned from my dad that when you are asked to speak for a church/retreat/youth group--whatever, and they ask you how much you charge, the answer is "whatever you want to give." And God has always provided and then some.

But what bothers me is that it bugged me all day that we owed this money. How much emphasis do I put on the almighty dollar? Should it impact me that way--that it bothered me for so long?

Well, the end of the story: Got home from taking my son and his friend to a funny movie ( I am sure the Pink Panther II was really a good film, but my disposition only allowed me to think it was okay) to hear a voice mail from our tax preparer: She had forgotten to include a form and now we were going to be getting money BACK instead of paying the government more money. Whew.

Maybe the lesson I need to learn is that I still care too much about money. All of it is going to burn in the long run anyway. I still have a ways to go.

The Network

2009-02-02T12:16:00.002-05:00

Its always nice to travel to the warm So Cal in January. It really wasn't that warm there this year--but a lot warmer than Indiana! But the most memorable part of the trip was not the weather--it was a 30 minute conversation on the flight out west.

I was cat-napping for a couple of hours on the flight from Chicago to LAX. I walked to the back of the plane to stretch and the flight attendant made comment on my Steeler jersey and how her crew often stayed overnight in Pittsburgh. I made the connection that this summer our Momentum youth conference would be ministering in that area for a week in July.

I have never seen a flight attendant take a half hour "break" to talk. This woman, Donna, was hurting. She expressed her desire to see people follow God but that was not what she had done with her own life. She had grown up in church but wasn't really living at all for the Lord. and now she was very concerned for her son because he did not have a heart for spiritual things. And well she should be concerned.

I shared with Donna what I was preaching on on Sunday morning: that joy comes when we serve Him after we give him our comfort, our past and He becomes our most important relationship. (Luke 9 and 10) Her response was: "I'm not ready to give Him my comfort yet...but I am getting close".

The most interesting part of the conversation was what she shared next. That she had a friend who had been talking to her that she needed to get into God's word. And it hit me. God is orchestrating people around her to speak truth into her life. God wants a dynamic relationship with her. And He was pursuing her.

I promised I would pray for her and told her that she would never really truly have joy until she gave her life to Christ. And I have been praying for Donna each day.

But what strikes me is that there is a network of random people that God is putting in her path to point the way back to Him. I will probably never see Donna again, but someone else in the Network will get to experience the time when Donna repents and finds real joy. I have to admit, I am personally experiencing joy because I am a member of the Network and did my part on that flight.

Going Home

2009-01-21T20:48:00.000-05:00

This time of year is always special for me. Ed Lewis and I always are in CA this last week of January (we're no dummies--we know when to get out of Indiana...) for meetings and to be in churches and to do a special evening in the So Cal area.

I would guess that people would say the reason I like to head west is to get in warmer weather. That is not all-together-incorrect, but it really is much more than that. Fir me, this is a great tie to reflect on so many of those who invested in my life as I grew up in Southern Cal. Teachers, church family, family, youth workers... I am grateful for those who applied the biblical passage about older men teaching the younger men...

This month CE National has started something called CE National Ambassadors. Stacie and Sarah will be on the road 75% of the time talking about discipleship and mentoring. I am really grateful that people did that in my life and it is a neat thing that these young women will be challenging people to build into the next generation.

So I am off to CA for week. And I look forward to remembering all who have invested in me. And I just heard that it is going to be raining just about the whole time we are out west. And I'm still looking forward to going.

Concluding with Class

2009-01-12T18:34:00.002-05:00

Just heard that Tony Dungy is retiring from coaching the Colts. It is no secret that I am a dedicated Steeler fan. And just like the dad in the movie My Big Obnoxious Greek Wedding--or something like that-- who can take any word and share how it comes from a Greek oroot, Tony Dungy was once a Steeler... But I digress.

I have gotten to see this man quite a bit as the Colts are only 2 hours and 30 mins away from us. What a class act. Even in his retirement speech, the man is gracious to others and continueally referencing his relationship with the Lord. It just flows out of him.

I also read about President Bush leaving office. Again--from what I saw in action--a man of character. I am still not sure of some of his decisions, and some comments I heard about his view of the Bible were disappointing, but my point is that he could leave with anger, malice , self-centeredness. But that, as I recall, was the Previous President of the United States.

I hope that when I leave something--a job, an opportunity, a ministry--that I leave it in a way that is about others and that my character points to Christ. I am so impressed with Dungy that it cause the fact to pale by comparison that he was the first Black man to coach a team to a Super Bowl victory.

Maybe Tony will be willing to come speak at Momentum or Youth Emphasis Week. He lives out what he teaches and the entire press is confirming it.

Going Green

2009-01-07T14:39:00.002-05:00

Maybe I finally got some time off in order to notice it. Maybe it is all of a sudden showing up EVERYWHERE. But over the Christmas/New Years break I noticed that everyone wants to be "green". Green products, going green, Green, green, green.

Now first off, I don't have any problem with taking care of the world that God created. I believe that is a Scriptural mandate. He created this place and we are to be good stewards of it. No problem. We have become more intentional about recycling at our house. We try not to waste. We try to conserve energy as much as possible--because it is a good thing--but maybe because I am just a middle age dad who feel like it is his god-given responsibility to go around turning off lights in rooms where no one is gathered...

But where I get concerned about "going green" is in the same area where PETA and some animal lovers tend to go. I like animals. We love dogs. I like eating cows very much. I want them treated well as I think it is even a reflection on a person's character who abuses such creatures. I am concerned that people are now valuing, in a different way, "the creature over the creator." In a comparison, some think that animals and the environment are more important than people. Hmmm. That's were I have a problem.

I think the Apostle Paul had a problem with that kind of reasoning and he says so in Romans 1. God is number one. Not the created (mankind). Not his creation. And I think the "going green" is getting way out of balance.

Consider the case of global warming --which may be important to consider as a steward. The issue has been so highly politicized that scientists were afraid to step forward and even question if it really was CO2 gas causing all the problems. Talk about politically correct. Now it is getting more and more coverage that some scientists are saying we are not really heating up--but are actually cooling slightly. And that what goes on in space may have more to do with global warming/cooling than gases we produce.

So, I am trying to "go green". I really am. But maybe not for the same reasons as some in society may think. And just so I can offend some people to an even greater degree, I still like my cow done medium-well-- along with a baked potato.

The Last blog of the Year

2008-12-30T14:09:00.002-05:00

What to say in the last entry of the year...

Should it be funny? My daughter's latest blog shared that her most fond memories of this holiday season was seeing yours truly fall down two times. (And not just stumble--I mean one was all the way on my face and the other was completely on my backside with feet high in the air. Dumb dog and ice in the driveway. At least Bekah enjoyed it...)

Should I write a year in review? Do I write on the coming year? Decisions, decisions.

I can affirm this: God is faithful and he has proven it again this past year. That makes me trust Him for the coming year and actually anticipate what is in store. CE National plans (Momentum, Operation Barnabas, OBI, National Institute, Urban Hope, etc) are always a step of faith --and this coming year will be no different. What will happen in our family? Church? Our ministry? Even though I have no idea how it will look, I am sure it will be good!

So to all who may read this, I trust that at this point next year we will be able to look back on 2009 and say that God used our decisions, actions, and reponses to make us more like His Son Jesus.

Happy New Year!

Gift Giving

2008-12-23T14:52:00.003-05:00

There has been a great deal more emphasis in Christendom upon helping the poor and the needy. Years ago, I think we would have been afraid to go down this road because someone may have thought we were "liberal". But thankfully, that is not the case anymore.

The last two years of Momentum youth conference has had a huge emphasis on helping those in need. Going to Mississippi, doing major work in Dayton Ohio, taking offerings that totaled over $94,000 for orphanages and feeding hungry children. Awesome stuff. And this year the partnership to do something major thorgh Momentum in Pittsburgh is incredible. We need to really pray for this as it could make a huge impact.

Our churches are doing more than ever before to help those who are hungry need help. I hope some have gotten a "nudge" from youth conferecne that that is what they should be doing all year long...

As I have been reading the newspaper late, I have notice a lot of groups helping the poor. Toys for Tots, United Way, companies giving donations, etc. And that is awesome. But there has been one thing that keeps coming to my mind: So how is what I do as a Christian any different than any of these secular groups?

In mulling it over I have two thoughts. One is this: Motive. It's not just what I do, but why I do what I do. A gift like this--when given with the motivation that God is going to use this, has an eternal consequence. All too many times I hear "it made me feel good" to give. That may be true--but if that is the motivation, how is a Christian's response any different than someone who does not know Christ helping out. Motive has a great deal to do with it. Scripture talks about the concept of motive.

The other thought is this: The only difference is Jesus. Doing these nice things without tying them to Jesus--the real hope--will only be short lived. There is no difference between the United Way and what a church does to help out--except that one can help for so much longer than the other. Eternity works that way.

So Merry Christmas. And as for me, I trust that any of the good will that I show to my fellow man at this time of years is a means for Christ to shine all the more. I don't think it is selfish, but I want any impact to be for the here-and-now as well as for eternity. Now that is a gift worth giving.

An Encouraging Word

2008-12-16T16:51:00.002-05:00

I received an e-mail the other week that was a real encouragement. But rather than tell you about how it blessed me, I'll just share it in this format so you can enjoy it too!
TK

Thank you for including Feed My Starving Children in our week at Cedarville this past summer! My youth group had the chance to work with them, and after our experience, I shared with the rest of the Momentum students that I was curious to see if we could bring them to our hometown. Well, that curiosity is becoming a reality! I attend a private school called Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy and only a couple other students from my youth group attend there as well. After speaking with administration and faculty, we had the go-ahead to bring them to our school in March of 09! This has begun to define my senior year, and there is no better way I can think of using this time. We presented this to our school on November 6th and used a similar format as Jim Brown (CE National Board Member and Momentum speaker) when he talked to us on Wednesday night. Je'Rod Cherry, (three-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots who is a Momentum youth sponsor and who auctioned off one of his Super Bowl rings for charity on Thanksgiving Day) who also attends my church spoke as well. Many students were impacted by the facts and verses that we shared and challenged them with, and we have raised over six thousand dollars so far! It has been amazing to let God use us in such a surreal way and to witness His power so closely. It has all been Him- all the barriers that could have hindered us, He destroyed! And I know for certain that He is behind all of it. Besides, being a servant of the One has blessed ME! I am hungry and thirsty for more of Him and His power and I am learning more and more about loving Him and His commandments and pursuing a life that imitates Him with passion!

I wanted to thank all those who are involved with Momentum and also with Operation Barnabas- I had the opportunity to be a part of the domestic trip in 07 and the international trip in 08. CE National and all those who partner with them will always hold a special place in my heart for the way they have allowed God to do mighty things through them. My Savior has revealed Himself to me in so many ways through these programs. I just wanted to thank you and ask you to please pray for my school and how God is moving here in Northeast Ohio.

God Bless,
Cassie

Family Update

2008-12-10T11:09:00.001-05:00

On this blog, I usually write about events,ideas, or random thoughts. This entry is going to be about the people that matter most to me: my family. So here goes!

Bekah is making every plan to obtain her Indiana drivers license before I can write to you again. She is a good driver and ready to be 16 and driving on her own. Little does she know that her mom and dad are excited that she can run errands for us—like picking up milk from the store, dropping her brother off at school, and …. ;-) She is still active at church, with the youth group and overseeing nursery activities. She continues to babysit and be discipled by a mom of five little ones. School comes way too easily for her so she has lots of time for Facebook.

Nick is now playing on the basketball team at school. We told him that if he looks at his genetics, he better enjoy this one year of b-ball! He is just doing it to be with his friends, so it has worked out just fine. School is a breeze for Nick. We are still waiting for the first “B” of his life (or “A-” for that matter). Looks like we might be waiting for a while…

Dana has been getting quite a few calls for substitute teaching as there is a great deal of sickness in our schools right now. We even got hit pretty hard as a family about a month ago—but all are well now. She has been very faithful to working out numerous days each week and has been enjoying that.

As far as our schedules, we will stay close to home through the holidays.

Thanks to all who pray for us, who financially support us, and love us.

Merry Christmas!

2008 A Year in Review

2008-12-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

I don’t know if I can remember a time in my life where the year has flown by this quickly. I have had a hard time remembering to write “2008” on my checks rather than “2007”—and here in just a few weeks I’m going to have to remember to use a different year altogether! And while it has sped by-- it has also been an incredibly busy, meaningful, and significant year. I look back on 2008 and reflect on God’s goodness:

We developed a crazy idea to have our Operation Barnabas tours start with orientation in California and the teams attend two Momentum youth conferences. The interesting part is that the two conferences were separated by over 2400 miles! So our three ob teams did ministry all across the US. This was a first and it was incredible. People got saved, churches were challenged, and lives were changed. The only “fixing” of one of the three buses that traveled from CA to Ohio with over 100 people was a $5.00 radiator cap. What a blessing—of safety in travel, and one of the best summers of ministry in the 35 year history of Operation Barnabas.

As part of the Momentum West youth conference, we got to participate in a Wowjam outreach festival to the homeless on Skidrow in LA. There were thousands who attended and it was life changing for all who participated.

The Momentum East conference saw an offering that benefited orphans and starving children around the world to the tune of $96,000. I have never been a part of something like this before.

The second annual ob ministry reunion took place just last month in Philadelphia at the Urban Hope Training Center. Two-thirds of the 2008 OBers participated. What a blessing. Sure, there are struggles team members have and are dealing with. But what a great opportunity to minister together again. This weekend is quickly turning into one of my favorite Friday through Sundays of the entire year…

And speaking of Urban Hope Training Center, one of the campaigns with which I assist is a drive to help provide Thanksgiving meals to needy families. This continues to provide open doors for sharing the good news of Jesus. We are praising the Lord because there have been at least 8 people who have prayed to receive Christ at UHTC in the last two months AND we received more gifts than ever before for the Thanksgiving meal give-away. Even in a tough economy, God and His people came through AGAIN.

Every time we turn around, God is blessing. What a year. But 2008 has also had its challenges. So that requires us to continue to trust and pray! 2009, here we come!

It' the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2008-11-25T12:02:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I don't think of it quite as commericalized as Christmas and maybe that is part of the reason why.

I have often used the phrase, "The mark of a mature believer is a thankful spirit." First off, I trust that I live that out more than I just say it. I have a good life and am grateful to God for all of His blessings in my life.

The other thing I think about is this: I like hanging out with thankful people. They acknowledge that whatever they have is because of the goodness and kindness of someone else. They have a proper perspective of God and life. I like those people.

But I face a dilemma. My life is supposed to be about developing people. Helping people grow. Helping those who need to get it--to get it.

So while I enjoy being with those who are thankful, part of what I am called to do is teach people to be thankful.

And maybe that is why I like the Thanksgiving holiday. It helps me accomplish one specific thing I know the Lord has called me to do.

So count your blessings and Happy Thanksgiving!

Let It Snow

2008-11-21T12:28:00.002-05:00

This has been an interesting week. I feel like I am doing well and excited about life. Glad to be over the gross sickness of last week... There have been great highs and some very concerning lows these past seven days.

Many of the youth ministry students with whom I get to rub shoulders challenge and encourage me and I am blessed by our conversations and interactions. Same with many teens with whom I get to work at our local church. Good stuff going on. Our family seems to be doing well too.

But I am equally concerned over some students with whom I have worked through the years and the decisions they are making. Some with some pretty devastating repercussions to their choices. While I am not directly involved with them any long--their choices impact many people including me. So much for the idea, "Oh, my actions are okay as long as they don't hurt other people." Peoples actions always impact other people. Most are just too selfish to admit it...

So why "let it snow" as a title? I was reminded looking out the window about God, His grace, and His mercy. The snow is covering up all the ugliness of the brown grass and nasty leaves here in northern Indiana. The snow has made it beautiful and replaced the distasteful view. What is even better, is that God's grace doesn't just "cover up" the ugliness--he removes the gross parts completely. That's good news.

So here's to looking forward to a great weekend and celebrating life that comes through Jesus.

A Great Weekend

2008-11-12T11:33:00.003-05:00

Two of the most encouraging things I have been involved with intersected this past weekend. The Urban Hope Training Center celebrated its tenth anniversary on Saturday evening. I was not ready for the evening to be as emotional as what it was. But hearing testimony after testimony of lives changed by Christ through that ministry was unbelievable. Talk about encouragement. Wow. There is still much to be done at Urban Hope, but Philly has people who know Jesus that are making a difference in the inner city and it is a blessing to be involved in it in some small way.

The other part of the weekend was the second ob ministry reunion. This too was held at UHTC. Always a great time to see students who ministered so faithfully through the summer and then get to talk with them now that they have returned home. Some are flying high. Others are struggling. Others in between. But what an opportunity to minister once again! I am so proud of our adult leaders and for the way that they continue to pour into the lives of young people.

So now I am home for a while and have time to rest up. But this past weekend was a beautiful celebration of work that God continues to do in and through the lives of young people.

My Fall Tour

2008-10-23T09:30:00.003-05:00

Just returned from twelve days away from home.

Drove the smallest rental car I have ever been in on the first leg of the trip. I think Scott Distler is still laughing at me every time he thinks about seeing me drive up in my luxury vehicle.

Enjoyed being able to speak for the Northern Atlantic Fellowship youth worker training day.

Loved being at Grace Church in Lititz and hearing great teaching about the spirit world through the "Ghostbusters" theme.

Had a great time with Matt Vosberg in E-town, with the youth group and speaking at the church.

Had a good visit with my folks in CA for a few days and got some landscaping projects done for them. Met with some former students of mine. It was a great time to catch up but is is a little weird to have 35 year olds still calling me Mr. Kurtaneck...

Learned stuff at the Association of Youth Ministry Educators conference in Atlanta.
Enjoyed the Red Sox losing...

But the highlight of the trip was at the very beginning as I had two great spiritual conversations on the airplane rides. First one was with a devout Mormon where I got ask lots of questions about his faith. Found out I'm okay if he is right (second heaven I understand...) . But got to share with him what happens if my understanding of the true Biblical Jesus is correct.

Second plane ride was with a guy named Ed. Not a believer but grew up in a mainline church (all the form and none of the power) but his brother knows Jesus and has been very involved with Campus Crusade for years. It was awesome to share the gospel with Ed and to know that he has examples around him of believers who are living it out. Just one more touch.

My life was energized by these conversations. But then again, it always is when I share my faith (Philemon 6 and 7).

2008-10-06T09:31:00.002-05:00

The Fine Line is a new publication coming out that a friend of mine just wrote. Just got a copy of Kary Oberbrunner's book before it goes to press and I look forward to reading it. The topic, from what I understand, is how to live for Jesus and engage in a culture that is not really about Him. A call to live for Jesus. Cool. Will see how it plays out in the book.

But this is a theme I am noticing. Sarah and Stacie are joining the CE National team to be "Ambassadors." They will be traveling the country beginning in January to help Operation Barnabas participants, youth leaders, disciplers, parents and others, to get a better handle on discipelship.

Same theme as the book. How to live for Jesus--whether you are on a special ministry trip or just in everyday life. Just doing the God-thing on Sunday doesn't cut it. I was going to write "Just doing the God-thing on Sunday doesn't cut it anymore." But then again, it never has.

I'm praying that I live this out in my own daily life--through meetings, contacts, more meetings, preparations, even more meetings, and times with jr high, high school and college students--this week. Hoping anyone reading this will too.

Hard Work

2008-09-26T16:14:00.002-05:00

This has been a full and interesting week. It started off with three full days of Executive Staff retreat. We talked and dealt with weighty issues that impact the future and our ministries in significant ways. Good things to talk about but draining all the same. On top of that, because we do the retreat here at the Philemon Center, we really do need to stay caught up on e-mail, phone calls and other projects. So it is not really a retreat as the word would suggest. Couple in the youth ministry classes which have kept us hopping this year, the OBI discussions, and I should be looking at this as "TGIF".

And while I am looking forward to a variety of activities --teaching Jr Hi SS, watching some of my small group guys play football tonight and others in the band, helping a friend move, reffing two soccer games and various and assundry home projects--I can't help but think that I really do like to work. Some will think I am crazy. But didn't man have responsiblity in the Garden even before the fall? I don't think work is a bad thing. I am blessed to love what I do. I am grateful to my parents who modelled that work is a blessing from the Lord.

So this weekend, I am looking forward to more "work". The variety of these next couple days will be great. And I can't imagine living life by the motto: "I'm living for the weekend" so I can sit around and do nothing. May as well be dead at that point! Hope everyone reading this has a good weekend too.

Setting the Pace

2008-09-19T12:01:00.003-05:00

I love it when people "get it". Usually it seems to be the young people I get to work with. I'll brag about my daughter Bekah and her friend Marissa as examples. Someone left our church who was overseeing the nursery. No one was stepping forward to say they would be willing to take on this ministry need. Well, along come two 15 year olds who said, "Why don't we?" It has been fantastic to watch them in their excitement organize and communicate with adults and other teens in the church. So a church of 400+ has two 15 year olds organizing the nursery ministry. You go girls!

The other aspect I have appreciated is that they were given permission by church leaders AND they are being mentored in this process by a mom in our church with five children. Talk about the older generation training up the younger generation.

And practically? We've found it down-right humorous that when adults are asked if they would be willing to serve in the nursery--they have a hard time saying "no" to two teenagers who are just staring to drive and are taking on major responsibility!

Loving God and serving others. Really fun when people get it. And my experience is that I am personally challenged when 15 year olds are leading the way.

Good Discussion in Freshman Foundations

2008-09-12T08:19:00.002-05:00

One of the ways that I have chosen to be better connected with youth ministry and other college students this year is through leading a "break out" group for the Freshman Foundations class at Grace College that all new students must take during their first semester. Todd, a tni student who is a junior, asked if I would be the faculty mentor and he would be the student mentor. Even though it has only been two weeks, it has been very positive to work with 17 freshman--and especially with Todd. One of the complains from last year's freshman is that the student mentors were not used enough. First thing I did was inform Todd that was not even going to be a possibility because he was going to work harder than I did... So far, so good.

Today's break out group discussion related to the first 9 chapters of Andy Stanley's book The Best Question Ever. Todd took the first part of the book and my discussion questions related to the concept of redeeming the time. Our group was great and we walked away with one vital concept: there are only two things that last forever--The Word of God and people. Those are the most important things. And when the "pressing " things come into our lives--and they always do--we need to be sure we do not neglect the most important for what is urgent.

Great words to live by. And today is a new opportunity for me to apply them over the busy-ness of what this day holds.

He supplies our needs

2008-09-01T12:30:00.003-05:00

It has been a whirlwind weekend. This is the weekend that all the students come to Grace College to start the fall semester--and I'm involved because of my responsibilities in leading the youth ministry major (The National Institute) that CE National and Grace College partner together to run.

Lots of new people and lots of opportunity to train people in minsitry. I'm looking forward to sharing this one thought with students that I learned anew this past week:

I just sent out our quarterly support letter to our teammates. Dana and I raise our own personal prayer and financial support to be connected with the ministry of CE National. In these updates I list what God has been doing and what the plans are for the next three months. One of the last paragraphs I wrote in my fall letter mentions that as we approach the end of the fiscal year (Sept 30 at CE National) we were about $4000 behind in our annual support.

Now I know there are a lot of people who are really sweating as it relates to finances. Some situations for some of our friends have been challenging and down-right difficult. And because of that , some of our teammates have let us know that at this point they just cannot continue to financially partner with us in the same way they have been. I appreciate their teamwork and also their willingness to communicate. They will always be key parts of our ministry team--whether finances are involved or not.

But the other reality is that we are behind about $4000. We know that God supplies our needs. Not always the wants--but I have seen the Lord come through so many times--I believe he takes care of a lot of "wants" along the way too! After I sent the letter out, I get a voice mail from some dear friends. The sweet voice on the other end tells me, "the Lord has blessed us and we love you and believe in what you are doing. There is a check on its way to CE National right now for $1000 and we will see that the other monies are sent in the coming weeks."

While I know God supplies our every need, it sure is fun to see it unfold before our very eyes. and I also beleive that God used the prayers of his children to help move the hearts of these friends who had the where-with-all to help meet this need. So here is just another example of how everyone is important in the body of Christ! He used some to pray and some to give to meet the need. Again.