Recession Rewards

These are five points that make this recession God-glorifying. They were taken from a recent John Piper sermon. Some of your Ojai/Goleta folks may have heard them as I shared them on our most recent visit.

1. He intends for this recession to expose hidden sin and so bring us to repentance and cleansing.
2. He intends to wake us up to the constant and desperate condition of the developing world where there is always and only recession of the worst kind.
3. He intends to relocate the roots of our joy in his grace rather than in our goods, in his mercy rather than our money, in his worth rather than our wealth.
4. He intends to advance his saving mission in the world—the spread of the gospel and the growth of his church—precisely at a time when human resources are least able to support it. This is how he guards his glory.
5. He intends for the church to care for its hurting members and to grow in the gift of love.

Princess in Training

Check out Harley's blog ➜

Back With Our Boys

We had a great trip down to Ojai, CA. Heidi and I took Harley and Zechariah, and Drew and Joe stayed with Jeff's parents.
You wouldn't even believe how good Zechariah and Harley were! On average we were in three different homes each day, and they just played happily and quietly while we talked and talked until we were blue in the face.
Our trip was like a visit to the amusement park for me. There were constant ups and downs, but my heart was in all of those experiences. I have such a deep and abiding love for the church. So it just sucks my energy out, the good and the bad. I pour myself into it. It is utterly fulfilling and wonderfully draining.
Check out Drew's Blog. I just put a video there. I'm also going to post on my blog tonight. I heard something a pastor said about missions, and it got my wheels turning in a good way so I think it will help me communicate what I've been wrestling with. Check back on March 11 for my new post.

Caleb's 1st Birthday

This is a little out dated. Caleb was born on December 31st 2007. He's walking and starting to talk and taking the world by storm now. We will definitely miss spending a lot of time with family when we're overseas. Luckily, my parents and all of our siblings love to travel! We expect to have a lot of visitors in Mali! Maybe France too.

Swim Lessons 08

This was a hard video for me to edit. Drew's scream for help on the video is so primal that it tore my heart out each time I heard it.
I'm proud of my boys. They do what we ask them to do, even when it's really tough. I pray that it builds trust in them for when their Father asks them to do difficult, insurmountable things.
Pray for us, especially our kids, that we would obey and glorify God as we follow Him in this adventurous mission to Mali, West Africa!
I know people like to see these videos. I'll put another one up soon! Oh yeah! I wanted to thank DrewB and Heidi for the work they did on this video. They don't enjoy it like I do, but they did a great job, and it means a lot to me.

Wolf's Bane

As the stunned fog cleared from reading heresy written by someone I believed to be in love with Jesus, I wrote this on an envelope just as it poured from me.

I believe:
God is Holy, set apart, and His very nature ordains glory and praise.

Mankind was created by God chiefly to glorify Himself.

God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.

The chief method in which God glorifies Himself today is through the proclamation of truth about Himself by His Church/Body in word and deed.

Jesus' clear instructions were to go to every ethnicity and language making disciples, baptizing, and teaching obedience.

The Spirit provides unity among believer that goes beyond all barriers.

The church (catholic, worldwide) should seek equality.

I hope it's okay to post someone's article...

THIS WEEK | January 31, 2009

Profound witness

Charity: Giving money in tough times says much about Christian security | Rusty Leonard and Warren Cole Smith

William Lobdell's recent book Losing My Religion chronicles his conversion to Christianity—and his subsequent rejection of Christianity after a decade of covering religion for the Los Angeles Times. Many of those stories had to do with Christians and the way they handled money.

"Evangelicals don't give anywhere near 10 percent of their income to charity," Lobdell said. "Only a very few, often on the fringes of mainstream or evangelical Christianity, behave with their money as if they believe the Gospel is actually true."

The data suggest that Lobdell is only half-right. Studies by Syracuse University and others make a compelling case for the generosity of theologically conservative Christians. Philanthropy expert Arthur C. Brooks said that the most important predictor of charitable giving is religious commitment. But even Brooks admits that "very few" Americans practice the biblical tithe.

That's a shame, according to Randy Alcorn, whose books on giving include The Treasure Principle and a book on Christian giving that some consider to be a classic: Money, Possessions, and Eternity. In an interview with WORLD, Alcorn says that giving is a "powerful witness of the gospel" that he calls the "greatest form of evangelism." According to Alcorn, "the words charity and grace come from the same Greek word, charis. When we give, we are both experiencing and sharing God's grace. God's grace is the lightning. Our giving is the thunder. Thunder is both a result and a testimony of the lightning."

Alcorn said that giving in tough economic times is particularly important for the Christian. "For one thing, in tough times Christian charity is needed all the more," he said. "For another, the testimony of that giving is even more profound. Giving in tough times tells the world that it is God's providence—not a large checking account—that is the source of our sustenance and security."

Alcorn lives these principles. All the royalties from more than a dozen books he has written go to charity. He said that in 2008 that amounted to about $750,000, and since he began the practice more than a decade ago, the total exceeds $4 million.

It's possible that Christians are getting this message. According to Philanthropy Journal, arts and cultural organizations have seen giving declines. And high-profile ministries such as Focus on the Family have announced layoffs and budget shortfalls. But the nation's largest Christian relief organizations—including World Vision, Compassion International, and Samaritan's Purse—all report 2008 giving increases.

So, if Christians were giving sacrificially, would that make a difference for atheists, agnostics, and skeptics such as Lobdell? "If you get outside of the Christian bubble," Lobdell said, "you find a lot of people who want to believe, and perhaps even did believe, but who are disillusioned. What they read in the Gospels is not what they see in the church."

He added: "Would seeing Christians give sacrificially make a difference with me? I'm not sure. Would it make a difference with those disillusioned? I think it might."

Giving big

Even as the economy slips into recession, the nation's biggest givers keep on giving. According to Philanthropy Journal, at least 16 people made gifts of more than $100 million in 2008. That's the largest number of such gifts since the magazine started tracking these mega-gifts more than a decade ago. The total amount of these 16 gifts exceeded $8 billion, a record amount.

That's the good news. The rest of the story is this: The biggest gift on the 2008 list was a single $4.5 billion bequest from James LeVoy Sorenson, an inventor and investor who left the money to his family foundation in Salt Lake City. If you take out that single gift, 2008 was down slightly from 2007.

Also, some question whether giving to a foundation set up and largely controlled by the giver is really giving. Al Mueller of the Christian group Excellence in Giving said, "Why do you consider a gift to your own foundation a 'gift'? Until someone besides you benefits, it is a gift in the eyes of Uncle Sam only." — Warren Cole Smith

Copyright © 2009 WORLD Magazine
January 31, 2009, Vol. 24, No. 2

A picture of my heart in the form of a sermon.

I hate for my most recent post to be largely of content from someone else, but every once-in-a-while somebody says what you're thinking and feeling better than you do. John Piper has done that for me on several occations. When he talks about a Holy Ambition, who I am resonates with what he says. When he calls people to be senders in the church's effort to reach all people, I dream about the power God intends His people to have. Piper's sermon on Col. 1:24 gave God-glorifying purpose to a long-time attraction I've had to suffering.
If you want to know me better, if you want to better understand what God has called our family too, I really encourage you to listen to these sermons. It is an investment... almost three hours of listening, but that's what we want. We want people to invest in us. We want people committed to taking the gospel to unreached people through us, whatever suffering and sacrifice it will take.

A picture in the form of a memory. (also from a recent e-mail)

My dad's father couldn't talk for the last 5 or 6 years of his life. I have one particularly fond memory of him during that time.
He wasn't a believer, and his life wasn't marked by joy. One time we came to visit him. When he saw our son, he lite up. It was obvious how my grandfather wanted to be with my son and enjoy him. Unfortunately, it was short-lived with our squirrely toddler. The only picture I have of it is in my memory.

God's specific will (from a recent e-mail)

Question, how do you know that God really wants you to go to Africa? Could this be a test of your faith?
I'm certain this is a test of our faith. God is deeply interested in our faith.
We know that God wants us to go to Mali because He has opened doors in that directions, and, more importantly, it is the greatest desire of our hearts. The Bible is rife with the command to go, make Him known, proclaim His works, and glorify His Son. Heidi's and my hearts resonate with going. It's one of those things that is so ingrained in us that it's a little hard to understand how everyone else isn't completely leveled with the wonderful and adventurous task set before us. The ways that Heidi's and my desires match is a confirmation for us. At this point, I would go to my grave trying to reach Mali. Admittedly our inability is frustrating. We don't understand exactly why God is leading us down the scenic route, but we're confident it is for His greatest glory, just like a missionary we know that took him nearly 20 years to get where God was leading him. That struggle now defines his as separate from this world, unique in his pursuit of God (or more accurately, God's pursuit of him).

Pumpkin Carving Timelapse

Beautiful Boy

Zechariah Job brings us so much joy! Every day and every night I snuggle him, talk to him, make him laugh, and pray for him. He is just full to the brim with smiles and curiosity.

Some MTI pictures to help you understand.

So here are some photos to illustrate some of the things Heidi talked about in our newsletter. The picture below is another way of looking at the process of bridging two cultures. It shows a missionary being transplanted. 

I tried to transplant a pine tree in our yard. It died, but I learned some things about being transplanted. Roots go deep, and a lot of them get cut. A plant begins to die immediately after it is uprooted. It takes copious and consistent watering for a long time for a plant to re-root itself in a new location. 

This happens in some way ever time a missionary leaves. 

You can imagine how much this helped our children understand what they are headed for. We were able to have some good discussions with them at MTI.

Drew dives right in to new situations. His personality is shy, but he is emotionally eager to be a part of other peoples lives. The hurt of leaving and transitioning catches him by surprise. 

Joe sees it coming a little more, and he's a little less likely to attach himself emotionally. He says he knows the places we're going "aren't home."

Below is the bridge illustration. It starts with those sturdy, firm chairs. Next comes rocking office chairs.

After the shaky office chairs came exercise balls held together with Saran Wrap. This guy (Isaac Barnes) actually made it all the way across (He's an MK). 

After Isaac they had 4 people cross together, and they were all linked together with climbing gear to represent family bonds. No one was on the same stage of the bridge at the same time, and they were able to help each other make it across without falling off. They told us not to expect everybody to be experiencing the same thing during transition, but to help each other at each stage.  

$13 Away From Our Goal!!!

Okay... sorry, that could be a misleading and coercive title, but Heidi and I are very excited by the fact that if each person on our mailing list (minus the people that already give) committed to give $13 a month... we'd be completely supported for full-time ministry in Mali, West Africa!!
Heidi and I support several missionaries to the tune of $10 a month. It felt insignificant at first, but we knew what a blessing it is to have someone commit to help you accomplish what God has called you to, and honestly, it has kept us connected to those missionaries over the years and over the miles.
So we're praying that you won't be afraid to be the little guy. POWER TO THE PEOPLE. CLICK HERE to make a commitment to us on-line.
If you don't get our snail mail, send us your address, and we'll add you to our super cool mailing list where you'll receive the coolest quarterly up-dates ever.

Mission Training International

While we were at MTI in Palmer Lake, CO for five weeks this summer we received fantastic training that we're so eager to use when we move over seas. In fact, the things they taught us have already helped in out ministry and communications here in the States. The language learning tools haven't helped much yet, but we're so ready to buckle down and learn a new language.
CLICK HERE for a link to a short video I did for MTI. The people that work there have to raise support too, so I was more than happy to use my video camera to help communicate what they do.

Time to catch up!

My best blog reader, Christine, sent me this forward, and I figured it's a quick way to catch people up since I haven't posted in a while.
 
 1.         What is your occupation right now?
 
I'm a support-raising missionary. We expect God to provide for all our needs, like He promised (Luke 12  27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!)
So I see the biggest part of my job right now to be encouraging the American church to live like Christ called them to live.
 
 2.         What color are your socks right now? 
            bare feet

 
 3.         What are you listening to right now?
  A John Piper sermon about what the Bible says about husbands... It's called Lionhearted and Lamblike 


 4.      What was the last thing that you ate?
A bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats (Honey Roasted)


 
 5.       Can you drive a stick shift?
Like Speedracer...


 
 6.      Last person you spoke to on the phone?
  My dad, telling him I was on the way home from vacation with my boys.


 
 7.      Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Despite the fact that this question makes me feel like I'm in Jr. High, I do like the person who sent this to me. Christine lives like I want to live. She is a phenomenal example of a wife and mother the scripture honors. Plus, she is definitely the most likely person to comment on my blog.
 

8.      How old are you today?
  31
 
 
 9.      What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? 
  American Gladiator (at least back in the day) and the sports section of America's Funniest Home Videos     

 
 10.     What is your favorite drink?
  A big fat glass of milk

 
 11.    Have you ever bleached your hair?
Thanks to my girlfriend (now wife) I unwittingly put henna in my hair. The results made me look like a runway beacon.

 
 12.    Favorite food?
I've been waiting for someone to ask me this question for a while because I always forget to say communion. I love communion. I really savor it on every level. I can't get enough of it!!!
 

 13.    What is the last movie you watched?
  Night at the Museum

  
 14.    Favorite day of the year?
I've gotta say Christmas. I've always loved Christmas.
 
 15.    How do you vent anger?
Worst case scenario: yell at people I love or hide
Best case scenario: pray or go for a run
 
 16.    What was your favorite toy as a child?
I guess I'd have to say I was a Legos guy. I took some time to make a little wooden model airplane with my boys the other day. That was pretty great.  
 
 17.    What is your favorite season?
  Spring (though winter and fall are close behind) I love to see things grow, and (because we don't get much) I love rainy days.
 
 18.    Cherries or Blueberries?
ehh... I guess Cherries. Joe has been saying he wants some cherries.

 19.    Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?
  Getting a good e-mail can be the highlight of my day.
 
22.     Living arrangements?
There is a house and a studio at my parents place. The six of us live with my grandma in the main house, and my mom and dad live in the studio.
 
 23.    When was the last time you cried?
I got a little teary-eyed on the communion question, but I'm having a little trouble remembering the last time I really cried. I almost always cry during worship at our church. So I don't know if that really counts.

 24.    What is on the floor of your closet?
A pair of rollerblades, camera equipment, mailing boxes, about 1/3 of my clothes, shoes, and our DVDs... big closet.
 
 25.     Who is the friend you have had the longest that you  are sending to?
  I guess this doesn't really apply, but it's good timing because I was just looking at pictures from our wedding, and there was Cindy (Smedley) Garcia. I was thinking how wonderful it was that she flew out to Michigan for my wedding. She is my longest friend, and she's been a great one.
 
 26.    What did you do last night?
  I got home from a long vacation just with my boys. So Heidi and I spent most of the night getting reacquainted.
 
 27.    What are you most afraid of? 
Someone got bent out of shape the last time I answered this way, but basically, the worst thing I can imagine is to have one of my kids not fall in love with God.
 
 28.    Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburger
Definitely not plain, I like lots of stuff on my burger.
 
 29.    Favorite dog breed?
Australian Shepherd, they have been the best dogs in our family history.
 
 30.    Favorite day of the week?
Today
 
 31.    How many states have you lived in?
  4 states, 3 countries
 
 32.    Diamonds or pearls?
  Now I feel gay for answering this survey without reading all they way through it.
 
 33.    What is your favorite flower?
  I actually have a favorite flower, Ranunculi.

They are my family's business on my dad's side of the family.

My grandfather was instrumental in changing ranunculi from this...


to this.

Declare His Glory Among the Nations!

This is the kind of preaching I long for. It's fifty minutes long, but I really urge you, Tivo ER and take the time to listen to this. Get someone to sit down and listen with you. Pray before you start, and listen and be encouraged!

Click Here to listen to the audio.

You can also click on the title of this post to read or watch the same sermon, but I like the audio best because they read the scripture to you first. 

The way John Piper communicate... the urgency in his voice... that's how Heidi and I feel. We're so hungry for a healthy, obedient church... willing to lay down it's life and the lives of others for the honor of God's name, for the praise of God's name. 

Anniversary #9

Yesterday was Heidi's and my 9 year anniversary.
I have to admit. I was worried. I am almost every year. I've never had much to offer her. At least that's how I feel. We have been penniless nearly all of our married lives.
I remember back when we were dating. We didn't have much money. We were in school full-time. But we would go on long walks together. We window shopped a ton. We talked constantly about the things we wanted to get for each other. And when we had the means, we would buy that special gift and deliver it in grand fashion!
I really shouldn't worry. I know Heidi. She's amazing. She would never hold something like a forgotten gift against me, not for long at least. She loves what I get her, no matter what it is.
Now that I think about it... It's hard to remember the gifts we've given each other over the years. The things that are most memorable are the thoughts behind it all. I kind of feel like we are the "Gift of the Magi" couple. You know the story were Jim sells his pocket watch to buy hair combs for Della who has just sold her hair to buy a gold chain for Jim's pocket watch.
This year Zechariah woke me up at 6 AM. I put on my running shoes and went nine miles (9th anniversary) to get Heidi flowers and breakfast which included our favorite, pain au chocolat. When I got back, exhausted (because we live at the top of a really steep road), what could Heidi be bringing out of the oven but pain au chocolat. We both appreciate each other so much. We didn't need anything else.

Forth of July Fireworks!

We went to our friends house in Gilroy to see the fireworks. 

The boys snuggled together to stay warm. They really enjoyed each other!

Small town fireworks are great. They were so close. I shot this with a wide angle lens (24 mm). We almost got hit my a misfire.

They boys hide under a blanket when the fireworks were really loud.

They were pretty proud of themselves for not being too scared.

Ryan and Candice took care of Harley for me for the whole time. She really enjoyed them. Heidi stayed at the Drummond's with Zechariah and some friends. 

Untitled

Here's another poem from my notebook...

I've got a plan

     a clever trick

          to get a stone to talk.

We'll gather round

     a pile of rocks

          no one will speak or squawk.

Jesus said

     that this would work

          just before He died.

I can't say

     that I've seen it

          even though I've tried.

What you do 

     is not praise God

          don't give Him what He's due.

Then stones and rocks

     will all cry out

          declaring what is true.

The reason that

     it's never worked

          is that I can't be still.

I see the stones,

     the grass, the trees

          rising up the hills

And there I see

     my Savior, God,

          Creator, Kind, and Friend

Then praises rise

     in my stoney heart.

          His praise is without end.