Time Away

Right now I'm enjoying some much needed time away. I notice that I haven't blogged in over a year! My apologies to all my fans out there! I hope you appreciate the sarcasm. No ill intended, but if you visit often, here is a post to satisfy even the most crazed of fans.

I'm relaxing after an incredible journey with some amazing students and churches to Buffalo, NY to engage the community with a block party we like to call Summer Jam. Over 200 students, and three churches from Wilmington, NC joined forces and impacted the lives of churches in three separate communities. The smiles on kids faces, the people who came to Christ, the churches whose perspective changed on what they can do to better their communities, all done over a period of a week and over 14 hours of driving and tons of resources provided by God. I'm just in awe of what God has done. Buffalo will never be the same, nor will 3 churches in Wilmington, and 3 churches in Buffalo! Also check out http://www.180mission.blogspot.com for more info on the trip!

No Bags For A (Homeless) Gentleman

Tonight was bit different for me. Usually we go and feed the homeless like we've been doing for almost a year with some great saints of God who give of their time so selflessly. We show up with food and smiles and lots of love in the name of Christ and minister to the broken, to the ones whom society forgets about so often. Who would have thought there would be enough homeless in our town of Wilmington to sustain daily feedings in 4 to 5 different areas of downtown! There's such a need that perhaps I failed to see or perhaps chose not to see. That's changing now. We've been volunteering for a men's shelter called the Mercy House for almost a year now. We promised the men that we wouldn't be drive by ministers, but that'd we stay and we'd stay a long time. Helping where there was need.

Tonight was different. We brought a Thanksgiving meal. We brought clothes. We brought Bibles. We even brought shoes. As the men began going through the clothes and shoes, I'm not sure what it was, but I was overcome with the immense need I saw before me that was being met as best as possible. But was it my best? A couple walked up, grabbed the only backpack we had that night, and stuffed it with sweaters and sweatshirts to stay warm. Some one else came up, and asked for a trash bag. A trash bag. I thought, no problem. I went inside to look for one. The only one we had was the one we were using to put the food trash in. That did it! I lost it but not enough for people to notice, I walked away, weeping at the thought of not being able to provide a simple trash bag to someone in such great need.

We had food, we had clothes, we had Bibles, but no trash bag. I knew it was a simple thing. But it just struck me funny for some reason. Can we as the church provide a trash bag for the homeless? Absolutely. Next time I'll be ready. But the lesson for me tonight is perhaps one of simply looking at the needs around me, and realizing that I don't have the means to meet them all, but I can minister with what God has given me, and do it with joy rather than sadness.

I hurt for the men at the Mercy House. I know I can do more. I will continue to serve God through being there for them, and encouraging others to do the same. Happy Thanksgiving.

The Journey Is The Destination

The App Trail was so fun! We had a great time hiking about 10 miles on the trail. Good times.

An Atheist Named Jesus

How is it that someone is turned away from God after many years of nurturing and exposure to the message of hope found in Jesus Christ? Many questions may be raised at the friends or acquaintances we run into that have a a sour taste in their mouth over all things church. There's even a new term used today called "de-churched". I heard of an atheist named Jesus (his real name is changed), but the shock and questions are still just as valid. How can a person named after the Son of God not believe in the Son of God? Many in the Latina culture are named Jesus in honor of the Son of God. Could it be that we as a church have failed to convey the message of hope to those who cry out for it? Conflict, Power Struggles, Gossip. The Apostle Paul called the members of one of the most immoral churches in the New Testament "saints". Many are turned away from church because of the hypocrisy they see.

How are we to answer the "de-churched"? I believe we are to begin with a deep look into our own souls and the manner in which we are accustomed to following Jesus. Secondly I believe our inward lifestyle must radically change if those watching us on the outside are to see consistency. It's tough living two lives. Nobody's happy. Hypocrisy depletes passion and inflames critics. Humility encourages others to look inward and upward at the God who forgives and heals the broken sinner.

I am aware of my heart, yet at times I am shocked by it's depths to turn away from God. My own hypocrisy...has it turned others away? The times when I am weak, needing strength from the Savior, I pray that the Amazing Grace of Jesus that has provided atonement and forgiveness will forever move me closer to conformity to the life of Jesus. As the Apostle John has written, "I must decrease, He must increase." So goes the battle against living lives for Jesus so that others may see hope and salvation, versus putting to death the works of the flesh, which those not of the faith label hypocrisy. It's not hypocrisy, it's simply one beggar leading another beggar to the Bread of Life.

The Blend

Check out a post by our pastor about his vision for the Blend!

The Blend

Check It Out!