Ever been caught in the middle? why is does everything boil down to politics? In the church, outside of church, in ministry, in different organizations. Is there ever any real escape from it? I guess we are only human, so we will always fail (thank goodness for the cross), but really people- a little common sense never hurts yah know?
I've been told before, when I have gone on different trips (especially international) to never talk politics (government etc) with the locals or in public areas. I get why-in that sense I do and yes it does make sense. What I dont get, is when it comes down to 'representing'. I've had it told to me by a specific organization to remember who I was/am representing. Oh wait, thats an easy "A" answer..like duh-my life is suppose to/should represent God and God alone-isnt that what all that matters? Oh wait Nikki, lets not forget about your town, your local church, your college, the organization, your country, your government etc etc and the list goes on. There are rules and regulations to follow-some stricter than others, reports that must be made and yes, even gathering 'infromation' on campers to be used by who knows who to keep track and see if a certain program is working..
COME ON PEOPLE! No kidding Christ when into the church and over turned tables! way to show emotion!
Now I get why it is important to remember who we are represting but hey, just a thought-if we (like we should be) strived to represent Christ and Christ alone in our every day lifes-there should be no need for this constant reminder.
I know I wrestled quite abit with this prior to heading out on a missions trip a few years back. dont get me wrong, I loved the country I was in and fell in love with the local missionaries and people alike-but what I did NOT like, was the politics behind it-politics that I felt from the main office (not the local people I spent time with) and yes, even from my college at the time
No kidding this world is so confusing. NO kidding our youth are struggling with their identity in Christ. We (as the church, organizations, groups and people who claim to be Christ followers) are failing.
Perhaps the main singer from Skillet (music group) said it best last week at their concert0 there IS a war going on each and every day...and no its not iraq or anything..its a war for our souls, for our entire being and body.
I know for myself, there are days the enemy is definatly winning and that I hate. But each day is a choice right, a new start? Whose side were you on today? whose side will be winning tomorrow? Personally, I hope that tomorrow I can/will wake up and say, "Ok God, I dont know what today will bring, but today-with YOUR strength alone, I am fighting this battle for you. I am choosing YOU"
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Missions
Ah yes, the age old debate (ok maybe not that old..but none the less...a debate)
What are/is missions actually? based on my three years BA at college...I should know, since my major was Global Missions, but really? What defines it? Can we even define it? Lately, I have been wondering if our (the north american church) perspective of it, is warped...
I've been on quite a few different missions trips. Some a few days, a week, a few weeks, a couple months. Everywhere from Inner city winnipeg, to a metis community, to the Native Reserves of Northern Manitoba, to further places like Ex-communist country Ukraine, and countries hit with extreme natural disasters and poverty...Metro Manila Philippines, and to the HIV/AIDS stricken country of Zambia Africa..but i still wonder/ask..What are missions?
I have had it said before to me..."why do you have to go out 'there' when the missions field is coming here? its our back door neighbours, co workers and friends" This is very true, but honestly I am sick of people using that as an excuse. We are told very clearly in Matthew to GO and make disciples of ALL nations. Last time I checked, "go" was/is an action (as in moving/movement) word.
But that is another post for another time perhaps. That said, recently I have been wondering..our we failing, as a church, our young people here in our own midist? Perhaps we are too focused on out 'there' that we forget about 'here", about our own. Shallow? Maybe. but look at our great example-Christ. Sure, HE did speak to massive crowds, all over the area, no matter what back ground or religion they were, but another HUGE part of His own ministry, was discipling His own group of 12 (read it again, 12) disciples.
As I have said before, this past year of working with youth in my church/town has really opended me eyes and challenged me in ways I didnt think were possible. I mean, these are church kids, good kids who know right and wrong and kids you find in the pews sunday mornings, kids, who perhaps some parts are teachers/preachers or actively involved in the community or/and church. "surely they cannot be strugglign if they are so and so kids!?" Wow do we ever fail there as a church!
The youth that I have gotten to know this last year, have changed my world up side down. They are amazing young women and men of God. Young people who will/ARE already making a difference intheir school, friends lives, and community (and even globally). Yet they too, are still hurting. they are still seeking for something that is true and real to them. They are seekig for someting to call their own, something/someone to believe in. I've been there and i think we all have at one point or another in our lives.
If a youth goes to camp as a camp counselor to younger kids, yet comes out questioning their own faith even harder than before because of the poeple they see in leadership positions, people the church has placed there-We, as a church, have failed and serious need to re-evaluate our own leadership/beliefs. If, for running a day camp once a week for a few hours, the coordinator struggles at finding leaders and volunteers to help and few people that DO step up and say yes, are indeed YOUTH, we as the church have failed. If that same person, struggles at finding people to help with summer sunday school, the church has failed.
How are the youth/young people suppose to grow and learn and BE discipled if there is NO ONE there to disciple them? Answer: The church has failed.
Now, this is not a 'church bashing' post-but its something I am wrestling with and trying to figure it for myself. That said too, there are some phenomenal people in leadership spots..people who ARE investing into young people, teens and kids and I thank God for them. but what about the other 90%? Those parents sending their kids to VBS? I realize life is busy, but hello-so is everyone else's.
I need to remind myself of this too, and step up where I can. Encourage each and every day, whatever way that maybe.
We are called to walk this journey together, in community and fellowship. Let's please not forget those walking beside us. Pick up a brother when he falls, Hug a sister when she needs. INVEST into the lives around you. Give back and seek ways to bless others...it is one of the greatest things you will ever recieve..
What are/is missions actually? based on my three years BA at college...I should know, since my major was Global Missions, but really? What defines it? Can we even define it? Lately, I have been wondering if our (the north american church) perspective of it, is warped...
I've been on quite a few different missions trips. Some a few days, a week, a few weeks, a couple months. Everywhere from Inner city winnipeg, to a metis community, to the Native Reserves of Northern Manitoba, to further places like Ex-communist country Ukraine, and countries hit with extreme natural disasters and poverty...Metro Manila Philippines, and to the HIV/AIDS stricken country of Zambia Africa..but i still wonder/ask..What are missions?
I have had it said before to me..."why do you have to go out 'there' when the missions field is coming here? its our back door neighbours, co workers and friends" This is very true, but honestly I am sick of people using that as an excuse. We are told very clearly in Matthew to GO and make disciples of ALL nations. Last time I checked, "go" was/is an action (as in moving/movement) word.
But that is another post for another time perhaps. That said, recently I have been wondering..our we failing, as a church, our young people here in our own midist? Perhaps we are too focused on out 'there' that we forget about 'here", about our own. Shallow? Maybe. but look at our great example-Christ. Sure, HE did speak to massive crowds, all over the area, no matter what back ground or religion they were, but another HUGE part of His own ministry, was discipling His own group of 12 (read it again, 12) disciples.
As I have said before, this past year of working with youth in my church/town has really opended me eyes and challenged me in ways I didnt think were possible. I mean, these are church kids, good kids who know right and wrong and kids you find in the pews sunday mornings, kids, who perhaps some parts are teachers/preachers or actively involved in the community or/and church. "surely they cannot be strugglign if they are so and so kids!?" Wow do we ever fail there as a church!
The youth that I have gotten to know this last year, have changed my world up side down. They are amazing young women and men of God. Young people who will/ARE already making a difference intheir school, friends lives, and community (and even globally). Yet they too, are still hurting. they are still seeking for something that is true and real to them. They are seekig for someting to call their own, something/someone to believe in. I've been there and i think we all have at one point or another in our lives.
If a youth goes to camp as a camp counselor to younger kids, yet comes out questioning their own faith even harder than before because of the poeple they see in leadership positions, people the church has placed there-We, as a church, have failed and serious need to re-evaluate our own leadership/beliefs. If, for running a day camp once a week for a few hours, the coordinator struggles at finding leaders and volunteers to help and few people that DO step up and say yes, are indeed YOUTH, we as the church have failed. If that same person, struggles at finding people to help with summer sunday school, the church has failed.
How are the youth/young people suppose to grow and learn and BE discipled if there is NO ONE there to disciple them? Answer: The church has failed.
Now, this is not a 'church bashing' post-but its something I am wrestling with and trying to figure it for myself. That said too, there are some phenomenal people in leadership spots..people who ARE investing into young people, teens and kids and I thank God for them. but what about the other 90%? Those parents sending their kids to VBS? I realize life is busy, but hello-so is everyone else's.
I need to remind myself of this too, and step up where I can. Encourage each and every day, whatever way that maybe.
We are called to walk this journey together, in community and fellowship. Let's please not forget those walking beside us. Pick up a brother when he falls, Hug a sister when she needs. INVEST into the lives around you. Give back and seek ways to bless others...it is one of the greatest things you will ever recieve..
Sunday, July 10, 2011
"Now That I have seen, I am responsible, Faith without Deeds is dead"
A friend (and missionary to Belize City) found this and passed it on to me...what powerful lyrics and truth!! Hope its an encouragement and challenge to you this sunday!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcI0-axh9WQ&feature=player_embedded#at=182
so good!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcI0-axh9WQ&feature=player_embedded#at=182
so good!
Friday, July 08, 2011
Lessons learned in Africa and at home...
Tonight we had a dessert night with Seeds of Hope...and it made me miss Africa all over again so very much more! honestly, since we have gotten home, it has been in the back of my mind. Ok, actually it is still very in the near front of my mind! I have got to find a way somehow to get back there, before 2012 (when our church is sending another team) and this time...for a longer period of time!
I was reminded tonight- of God's provision, of HIS amazing goodness
I am in a spot right now, where I do now know where, or what, corner my life is taking. A year a go this time, I imagined myself living in this town for one year and that was that, nothing more. I was/am bent on not wasting my life away in this town.
In this last year, I have experienced many things I did not think I would during this year of living and working. I experienced lows (spiritual battles), and highs (baptism, youth, retreats, AFRICA, and the list goes on). Memories I would like to forget and memories I would never ever want to forget. Challenges and victories. tears and laughter's.
Yet, what has been constant through it all..is God. I dont have it all together, and I know I never will, but to borrow words from MERCY ME's song "I KNOW"....
"I know, I know that God is able
I know, I know that He still reigns
I know, I know that love has found a way. "
(check out rest of song here on youtube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=189yCdO2hk0)
God is able and He will find a way. I was reminded of this constantly in Africa with the kids and I was once again reminded of it tonight through yet more stories. However, i still struggle with this...if we know that God is good and that HE is able..why do we still struggle to grasp this idea so very much? That, I do not know.
I am excited to see how and where God takes me this summer, this year. Whether that is back to Africa (or anywhere else) or even if He has me stay here at home working with youth and just, well working...ministry is still here right? The need is great..but am I up for the challenge? Are you up for the challenge of being God's hand and feet?
I was reminded tonight- of God's provision, of HIS amazing goodness
I am in a spot right now, where I do now know where, or what, corner my life is taking. A year a go this time, I imagined myself living in this town for one year and that was that, nothing more. I was/am bent on not wasting my life away in this town.
In this last year, I have experienced many things I did not think I would during this year of living and working. I experienced lows (spiritual battles), and highs (baptism, youth, retreats, AFRICA, and the list goes on). Memories I would like to forget and memories I would never ever want to forget. Challenges and victories. tears and laughter's.
Yet, what has been constant through it all..is God. I dont have it all together, and I know I never will, but to borrow words from MERCY ME's song "I KNOW"....
"I know, I know that God is able
I know, I know that He still reigns
I know, I know that love has found a way. "
(check out rest of song here on youtube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=189yCdO2hk0)
God is able and He will find a way. I was reminded of this constantly in Africa with the kids and I was once again reminded of it tonight through yet more stories. However, i still struggle with this...if we know that God is good and that HE is able..why do we still struggle to grasp this idea so very much? That, I do not know.
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| fence |
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| puddle jumping determination |
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| lamp post to where?!? |
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| seeing the finest details |
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| capturing beauty |
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| windmill fun! |
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| Windmills from a bug perspective! |
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| Enough said right?!? |
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