The Low Down

Compelled by Love

Last night we kicked off our first series of the fall. Over the past month, God has really been stirring my heart about what we as a student ministry and even more specifically, about what we can do individually for others. We have a major outreach coming up in just about a month that we call, "Battle of the Schools". It's truly the event of the year for us. However, the time in between returning to school and our annual big event is a very important and strategic time to speak into our students' lives about reaching the lost. While we were in Detroit for National Youth Convention, the NYM Team unveiled the new Speed the Light Theme for 2010-2011. As they unveiled the theme "Compelled by Love," I felt as if God was confirming in my heart the direction He had been leading us for our Wednesday night series. Up to this point I knew the theme in my heart, but I just didn't know how to word it. I'm excited because over the next four weeks we are looking at 2 Corinthians chapter 5 and verse 14; and we are going to be talking about four things that Christ's love compels us to do. Last night, we looked at the topic of prayer. Do you realize that because of what Christ has done for us, by dying on the cross and forgiving us of our sins, that we are compelled to pray for others? Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians chapter 5 that we have now been given a ministry of reconciliation (which is a big word for saying that God wants us to place importance on reach others for Him). So what is one way that we can draw people back to God? It's through the power of prayer. I know that the topic of prayer comes with all types of anxieties, questions and preconceived ideas. However, over the next few days I'll be posting some practical thoughts and helps about prayer. You'll want to be sure to check 'em out!

Marathon Training

This morning I was weary and worn from a very enthusiastic Monday. Yesterday I ran 3 miles for my Marathon training and then played 18 holes of golf. Needless to say, I was a bit worn out this morning, however, I couldn't help but think about Steven and Kim Snow and their amazing little girls. Kylie, only 13, has already contracted Amoeba on the mission field. The sacrifices that they are making for the spread of the gospel are amazing. So I put on my headband and set out for another run; and wouldn't you know - today I put up my best three mile time of 25:22. I feel really good spiritually, mentally, and physically. Running has given me a whole new element of discipline in my life. Not only do I have to get up and go run, but I have to get up early and beat the heat to do it. I know that there are already around 100 of you on board, and $3,000 was given by teenagers at camp this summer toward this project. I'm not going to quit, in fact, I'm training all the harder, and I believe that in the next four months - God is going to give us the other 150 sponsors. I'm running for this amazing family so they can have a car to drive. Will you jump in and help out?

If you would like to give towards this project, simply send your tax deductible gift to "Run for the Ride" 1202 W. Oxford Ave. Enid, OK 73703. Thanks!

Meeting Alex

As promised, allow me to share some stories with you from my trip that have literally changed my life forever. I'll start with just one tonight.

I met Alex on Thursday, as we showed up at the orphanage where he lived. The moment we entered the door of the home, the children all turned their attention toward us. They had been watching a video in their classroom and instantly they popped up and came to the waiting area to greet us. Clothed in a little green sweatshirt came a small guy with a few front teeth missing. It was Alex. With his big smile he gave me a five and then scooted in closer for a hug.

We began our program for the kids and they had a blast. After one of our skits, they began to say, "otro vez" over and over again which in spanish which means, "another time". So we gave them what they wanted. They laughed with us and had a good time. After the presentations of our dramas and skits, we gave them toys, candy and the Book of Hope in their language. It was like Christmas. Little kids were leafing through the Bible's that we had given them - their own personal copy - and then we showed them the Godman video. Many of the children were glued to the tube as they watched the gospel presented to them (pictured above is Alex watching the Godman). The entire morning was incredible.

As we were leaving the home, I really felt led to pray a prayer over Alex. I called our interpreter Jesse Frank over to help me and I began to pray. I really believe that the Spirit of God was speaking to me, telling me that I needed to pray over this young man because God has some incredible plans for his life. I really believe that he could be the one who God uses to revolutionize Mexico for Jesus! So I prayed (see picture to the right). I don't think I will ever forget this experience. I don't think I will ever forget the morning that we spent with so many children who wanted nothing from us except love. It was awesome to be God's hands extended to those children who so desperately need the love of Christ. It was an experience that God has forged on my heart and I promise that I will never ever forget it.

No Longer in the Tomb

It is great to be home.  After a whole 8 days of ministry abroad, my family is excited to be home.  I have to admit though, that if it wasn't for my little girl being here in Oklahoma, I might have stayed.  I paused for a moment as I was climbing the stairs to board our small puddle-jumping airplane and then I glanced over to my right.  I consciously turned to view the mountains of Monterrey one last time.  I took a deep breath in and exhaled smelling the fresh air.  I then wiped the tears from my eyes as I said one last prayer while I was in Monterrey for my new friends and then I boarded the plane.  I am so thankful to be called to full-time ministry.  Sure there are some sacrifices, but I feel so extremely rich in relationships that nothing else matters.  The rest pales in comparison to the peace of God that is in my life.  A peace that money and fame could never purchase.  And it is great to be home once again. 

It was incredible to worship with my church family today at Central Assembly of God.  I must say that being in Mexico, a predominantly Catholic culture, was a great reminder each day that we were in the midst of the holy week.  Statues, paintings, carvings - you name it - were sold outside of the large Cathedral's that were in the heart of downtown Monterrey.  On Good Friday, people had travelled for miles to visit the city and it was packed.  Easter has always been an important part of my life, however, this year the entire holy week seemed so much more real because of the emphasis it was given each day of the week in Monterrey.  AND this morning it was an incredible reminder of what Christ has done for us as Pastor Kevin preached on the importance of the empty tomb. 

"Millions of dollars worth of gold and treasures were discovered when Tut's tomb was revealed by people in Egypt who were escavating the land.  It literally took weeks to remove it all as they pulled out the jewels, royal thrones and treasures of Gold," he said.  "However, when the tomb of Christ was revealed empty it was more valuable than any amounts of gold on this earth because the King of Kings and Lord of Lords had risen."  Aren't you thankful that He is no longer in the tomb today?  Paul says that, "If Christ be in the grave, we are among all men most miserable." - 1 Corinthians 15:19.  But friend here is the good news - the stone was rolled away and He is no longer in the tomb.  So let's celebrate!

*Now that I am back from Mexico, you can expect regular posts again.  In fact, I will start tomorrow sharing some of the most touching stories from our trip that have radically changed my life.  Please feel free to leave comments and subscribe to this blog for future posts to be emailed directly to you.  Thanks for reading.      

As the Wind Blows....

...so does the Spirit of God. What incredible things He is doing here in the country of Mexico. Today was an extremely windy day here in Monterrey. It almost felt like we were back in Oklahoma again. In fact, it was so windy that it did put a bit of a damper on our day. What we experienced was something just short of tornado like winds. Many trees were uprooted, billboards were blown down off of there posts 20-25 feet in the air as they fell down upon buildings and sidewalks, and the dust was atrocious. We experience a true "sandstorm". However, the ministry of the gospel moved forward. First, however, let me share a bit about last night. Yesterday we visited a children's hospital. We prayed over the sick and those who had cancer. It was life-changing. In a few days, I will blog and share the story of a boy who ministered to us while we were in the cancer ward of the hospital. An incredible story to come that will bless your heart.

Yesterday, we went door to door in the city of Monterrey and the suburb of "Medido". It was awesome to invite people to the local park to view the Godman video. After playing soccer with the kids, about 200 or so people came from their homes to view the life-changing message on the big screen right there on the basketball court/fenced-in soccer field. The message went forth and many children gave their lives to Jesus.

Today, despite the wind...we visited a church in a remote part of the city up on the mountain. As we pulled up to the door to the church and looked through the blowing dust it resembled something you would see in the inner city of New York. A big metal garage door with graffiti all over it. As we entered the door there was a church. The platform off in the distance, the pulpit and drums in their usual place. This was a house of worship. People were awaiting for us to arrive. Anticipation! We loved on the children for a few hours playing games and showing them our dramas. They gave us hugs, kisses and lots of great photo opps.

I had the opportunity to share the message of Jesus with them and invite them to ask Jesus into their corazones (hearts). Many raised their hands as I led them in the sinners prayer. The children received the Bible as we handed them their Book of Hope. We gave them toys and served them lunch and then said our goodbyes. Ministry was cut short today due to the weather. We want to be effective sharing the gospel over the next few days that we are in Monterrey and in order to do that, we need to be healthy. This air is hard to breathe, and we don't want anyone to get sick. So we are enjoying a fun night of popcorn and a movie at the school and we will hit it hard once again tomorrow. I can't wait - the weather is supposed to be sunny and beautiful!

Missions Trip to Mexico

This week I am in Monterrey, Mexico. It's an exciting time of ministry with a great friend, Brandon Watkiss. We are working with the Book of Hope, distributing the Word of God to people who have never personally owned a copy. We are going to visit some children's hospitals, orphanages, feed street kids, and hold out door "Godman" video events in local parks. I can't wait to blog more in the future to tell you what we are doing. Keep checking the blog for more updates as the week progresses. We will be home on Saturday, March 22nd. So please pray for us and I'll keep you posted.

What Can You Do for Missions?

Today was an awesome day at Central Assembly of God. As I arrived at the church this morning I met Pastor at the door. We let ourselves in and took a few minutes to settle in and get ready for an awesome day of worship. It was tough to some extent to last the entire day after "springing forward" and losing a precious hour of sleep today. However, somehow I found the strength to make it.

Pastor Gaylen Clontch, missions director for the North Texas District of the Assemblies of God, came and ministered the word to us today. He shared with us about the parable of the talents. I guess I had never realized how much money one talent could have been. "Scholars say it could have been as much as one years wages," he told us. He spoke about:

1. The Principle of Expectation - In other words, that we need to take what God gives us and do something with it. Realize that when God blesses us and entrusts us with something special, He expects us to do something productive with it - and not bury it in the sand.

2. The Principle of Distribution - "God can stretch your 90% and bless you more with it than you could ever get from 100% of your wages." All of the money that you and I are entrusted with truly belongs to God - he has simply allowed us to be stewards of His money. God wants us to be like the man in the parable who through his servants he sowed his money in order to reap in places that he could not personally go and sow. Let me challenge you to give to missions and "store up for yourself treasures in heaven!"

3. The Principle of Obedience - One bone head took the talent he was given and burried it in the sand. He could have hoped on his chariot and headed down to the nearest bank and drawn interest on that one years worth of wages. Instead, he burried it in the sand. Can you imagine burrying a large some of money in the ground. How crazy! Actually what this man was saying was, "Jesus, I'm not going to play your game." Poor guy...he missed out and scripture says "so they threw the evil one out".

God has blessed you. You may think you need more, but that's simply because the more we have the more we think we need. In all actuality, God has given us much and with much comes great responsibility. What will you do for missions this year? What will you do to advance the kingdom of God? I will blog a little more this week, but please keep our teens at Ignition Student Ministries in prayer as we travel to Monterrey, Mexico for our Spring Break Missions Trip. I'll post more details later. As always, this is my low down and until next time please let me encourage you to keep pressing in for more of Jesus. Love ya!