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Panera Bread, Streamwood, IL

Last night I had the great opportunity to reconnect with the college ministry I've been involved in for the past couple years.  My wife and I have taken this semester off as we prepare for the birth of our first child in a couple months.  But the events at nearby Northern Illinois University have thrust us back in the swing of things.  And while we've spent time with students over the past several weeks, last night was the first time back for our 'normal environment'. 

Not knowing what to expect (classes have been cancelled for this week and many students aren't on campus), we were blessed to see so many students, alumni, and others gather together for a night of prayer & worship.  No message, no announcements, no formal readings.  Just time of prayer and worship.

And what a great night it was. 

Have you ever sung worship songs and not really been in the "mood"?  You stand there singing the words because that's what you're supposed to do...your head understands what you're singing, but your heart doesn't fully engage?  While most of us have probably been there at one time or another, I was reminded last night of the power of God to work through it all.

In a community still wrestling with thoughts, concerns, questions...students still trying to figure out the why, and the what's next.  Yet last night was a time of healing.  And it was good. 

God works through mysterious ways; and last night when the songs of worship and prayers were designed to be lifted up to Him, He came down and poured His blessing on all of us.  What a powerful reminder that even when we don't understand it, God is still God! 

It's in that attitude that I invite you (or, rather, would request of you) to join our community as we continue to pray for healing, guidance, and strength. 

And I encourage you to join us in memory from wherever you are...

Tomorrow (February 21st), our staff will be praying from 3:00 - 3:30pm for this tragedy, the victims, the school, our community, and all those affected in some way, shape, or form.  Perhaps you'd consider joining us from wherever you are during that time. 

And this Sunday night (February 24th), NIU is hosting a Memorial Service on campus.  It is scheduled to be televised on CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News.  Local events are also planned around the country.  Perhaps you'll consider joining our community in prayer during that time as well.  (http://www.myniu.com/alumni/memorial_regional.html)

Convinced more than ever of the power of the Church,

-kevin

Home, Sycamore, IL

When a shooting tragedy struck Virginia Tech, it hurt and stung, but it was so far away.

When a gunman hit ministries in Colorado, it bothered me greatly, but my closest connection was friends who were nearby.

When yet another tragedy happened yesterday at Northern Illinois University, it left me angered, bothered, speechless.  It hit so close to home.  For NIU is my alma mater, Cole Hall is where I spent a semester taking classes and nearly two years involved in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and NIU is but 15 minutes from my home.  Not to mention the fact that NIU is the home campus through which I've been involved in college ministry at church for the past two years and where my cousin & his girlfriend currently attend. 

Angered at the selfishness of people who find the need to drag others into their own self-pity.

Bothered at the situation that seems to be growing in this country.

Speechless because I just don't understand. 

From 3:30pm throughout the afternoon, I was glued to the security update page on NIU's Web site.  After a brief but enjoyable Valentine's dinner with my wife, we went on to church where many of us were planning to gather for a time of prayer.  From the church, we went back over to campus to be a part of an impromptu prayer & praise service outside some of the dorms.  What a blessing to see students gathering together worshipping the God who is still in control.  After spending some additional time visiting with other students involved in our ministry, we went back home.  My wife's comment seemed to capture it all -- "time just seems to be standing still".  So many developments in so few hours, so many lives impacted forever in such a brief period of time, so much happening that we just don't understand. 

In the days, weeks, months, and years to come, there will be more dialogue, more discussion, more debate.  More arguing about action steps, more pushiness about politics, more garbling about gun control.  And as important as each of those are, I can't help but to remember there's one reason, recognize there's one solution, and realize there's one response.

Even though we don't understand the details of why someone would do this and why actions like this take place, we just need to remember that there's one reason for it -- it's the fallen and evil nature in each of us. 

Despite that evil nature which destines us to damnation and sets us up for no better than this mess we're in, we just to recognize there's one solution -- a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe and His Son Jesus Christ.

And when our best understanding helps us grasp those realities, we need to realize there's just one reasonable response -- trusting in Him alone, for our future and for our present.

As one of our pastors and I were talking about last night...  We ask the question of why God might allow something like this to take place.  And we could probably come up with a nice, tidy apologetic answer.  But right now I'm still a bit speechless, still don't quite understand.  And still turn to Him who promises that His love is enduring and in the end we win. 

"How great is the love the Father has given us so freely!  Now we can be called children of God.  And that's what we really are!"  -1 John 3:1

1 Corinthians 15

PS - Please join me in praying for the Church as a whole, as well as our local churches as we respond to this situation.  Interestingly enough, our church just started a series addressing significant issues we face in life -- and this past week we focused on the topic of suicide.  May God be lifted up and His Kingdom glorified through the messiness of this situation.

O'Hare Airport, Chicago, IL

So, my last post was three and a half months ago.  And here's my problem with blogs...when you start something like this, you've got to keep it up.  And it's not that I'm short on thoughts or words to say.  Rather, short on time.  Making the time to post something.  (And the thought that there are people who actually want to read what I have to say anyway!)

Nonetheless, for those of you wondering whatever happened to me, accept my apologies.

I'm on my way to Denver today, and I am saddened by the reality of what happened in the surrounding communities there yesterday. 

I'd like to take this time to refer you to a couple Web sites and ask you to join me in prayer. 

My friend Greg Stier, president of Dare 2 Share Ministries, lives in the outskirts of Denver.  Here is his blog post: http://www.gregstier.org/rants/2-dead-1-critically-injured-1-wounded-and-the-gunman-still-on-the-loose

And for those of you whom this is news to: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/12/09/colorado.shooting/

Please be in prayer for all those impacted.  Also pray for me and a team of folks who will be in Denver for the next few days doing a video shoot for a youth ministry training program we're developing.  The focus of the video: the gospel.  Greg will be working on that video with us. 

May the sting and pain of yesterday's shooting ring in our hearts and motivate us with an intense passion during our work today!

O'Hare Airport, Chicago, IL

I think I'm a creature of habit.  I never thought I was, but I think I just discovered that I am. 

I'm here at O'Hare Airport preparing to head out of town for the weekend.  And I have a bit of a routine on morning trips like this...get checked in, go through security, head to Starbucks.  Order a tall non-fat Chai and a lowfat lemon muffin.  (Notice the "non-fat" and "low-fat" options...those are just things to make me feel better for getting a drink that already has 150 calories and a muffin with more than 400!)

But today I didn't feel like it.  I think I'm tired of Chai.  And I can already taste the muffin in my mouth before approaching the line that's already ten people deep.  So I quickly peruse the menu and look for another option.  (No one really looks at the menu at Starbucks...they're all just creatures of habit.)  I'm not a fan of coffee, I don't feel like tea, and it's a gloomy day so a cold drink doesn't seem appealing.  I finally settle on a tall vanilla creme, with caramel.  And a lowfat lemon muffin.  (I just can't change that much at once.)

But as I sit here waiting for my flight to board it's left me wondering a little bit about the way we run our ministries.  If they haven't already, within the next few weeks tens of thousands of youth workers around the country will embark on a new ministry year.  Many of them have calendars they've planned out for months, message topics they've been working on for weeks, and everything lined up to go. 

But how much of all that planning is a result of habit?  How many of us have started this next year the same way we started last year?  How often do we step up to the youth room (like I stepped up to the Starbucks line) without a clue that there may be a new way of doing things - a new menu of ministry options to choose from? 

In the college ministry I lead, our staff team just went through a process of recrafting this ministry year.  We've come to realize that the way we worked last year didn't work as well as we liked, so we had to go back to the drawing board.  This year we start with a whole new approach, an entirely new focus.  We know we're going to have a new group of students (so many have graduated or moved away), so it's actually a good time for a new start. 

What's happening in your youth ministry this year?  Have you learned anything from your prior experience?  Are you applying anything new that you've learned?  Have you considered making a change to your routines? 

You see, I'm not one to change just for the sake of change.  But I'm also not one to stick with the current plan just because we've always done it that way.  I'm tired of Chai right now.  It's time for a change.  Are your students tired of your youth ministry?  Maybe it's time to try something new. 

I'm praying for you as you start your ministries this year.  It can be a daunting task to lead a group of teenagers and try to help them know, love, and serve Christ.  But it can be done.  Maybe it means a little tweak here or there, but you can do it! 

Office, Streamwood, IL

Ever get an email that just captures your attention?  Someone sharing a story that just grips you?  I just got one of those.  Last year, I met Liz -- who came to intern with us for a couple weeks in the summer.  Today, through a connection with our partners at New Tribes Mission, Liz is in Papua New Guinea serving on a mission team.  Check out this recent update from her.  Let God use it to bless your heart, challenge your mind, and impact your attitude.  I know it did mine.

Hello Friends!

I have now been in PNG for two weeks, and I have already learned so much. Thank you for all your prayers and replies to my first update. It was and is so good to hear from you!!

The time with my teammates in the past several days has been a lot of fun, and I have really enjoyed fellowship with them! Wednesday afternoon my team and I took a hike together to a nearby river. Here's another picture for you of what life in PNG is like... The road that runs past the New Tribes Mission Interface campus is what many people in PNG consider a well-cared for road. To them, it would be like one of our nicely paved, well traveled roads in the United States. However, in the U.S., we'd likely have some kind of sign posted along a road like this one (the one near the Interface campus) saying that the road doesn't receive much attention or care, and drivers should be cautious and reduce their speed because of potholes, debree on the road, etc. Branching from this main road are lots of foot paths just a foot or so wide and used solely for walking. These are main transportation routes for families to their homes. There is no such thing as a "driveway" for most of these people, and anything they want to take to or from their houses must be carried, including the 60 kg sacks of coffee they harvest. It is definitely a different world! Aside from their physical setting, I have had the chance to look and talk with these people. It is so obvious that they need to hear the love of Jesus. Here is why...

Yesterday, on a village visit, one of our leader's told us that the women do most of the hard work of gardening, harvesting coffee, etc. We often see women carrying large sacks (called beelems) full of wood, coffee beans, or garden produce on their heads. The men work too, but the survival of the family depends on the work a woman does.

However, the value of women here in PNG is comparable to that of a pig, and women are often beaten and abused by their husbands. This leader I was with said that people have come and tried to teach them that violence is harmful and that all people should be valued and treated fairly.

However, what happens is people then hide their violence and abuse, and they take precautions to avoid the people who have taught them these things. On the outside it appears they have changed, but they simply hide what they are doing and the violence and abuse still continues.

Without hearing the gospel and receiving the message of Jesus, the hearts of these people do not change. When they understand that they are sinners, are in need of a Savior, and that God has a better plan and design for mankind, their lives change. Abuse, violence, and distrust disappear, and their lives are full of a wonderful joy received from Jesus Christ!

Pray for me and my team. Because we do not know the language of this tribal people, (the Benabena tribe) New Tribes has asked that we do not attempt to share the gospel, but they asked that we would allow the missionaries who are learning the language to share the message with them. This is incredible challenging when I see so many who do not know the Good News that I have! But I also have seen and heard about the gospel being shared in English or Pidgin; because they don't fully understand English and because Pidgin is such a simple language, hearers aren't able to fully understand the message.

Without truly understanding the gospel (which happens best in their own language) they mix their old beliefs with the new and simply "add on" Christ's teaching to their own. It never touches the heart, and their lives never change.

Pray that God would send laborers to share His Good News so people's hearts and lives might be changed for the better!!! Also, please pray that I might be focusing on HIM and what He would have me to learn while I am here.

Above any experience or adventure that this trip might be, it is HIM that I truly desire, and it is HIM alone who will truly fulfill!

In Christ,

Liz

Office, Streamwood, IL

I just finished browsing through some of our new middle school curriculum products - Trek, it's called - and it's left me wondering.

Will people use it?  How will they apply it?  Will students engage?  Will it result in long-term impact? 

There are so many curriculum products available today.  One glance over my shoulder and I'm looking at a dozen different options that are published.  A short walk down the hall to our library and we've got at least another 50 more.  There's enough curriculum available for churches today to teach a kid a new lesson every day for the rest of their life. 

And I guess that's what gets me thinking -- is that a good thing?  Is it good to have so many options out there?  I mean, on one hand it is - for it provides a youth leader with options to present to their students.  But on another hand, it sorta becomes a buffet approach to education.

I like food.  And I'm a big fan of buffet meals (eat 'til you need a new pant size, then go back for more - all for one low price!).  But if I ate from a buffet every day, or week, of my life, I would not be a healthy person.  The food may taste good, it may even feel good to eat that much, but bottom line is that it's not good for me. 

Is that how we treat curriculum in our churches - teaching students from the buffet of options?  "This week we're going to talk about this. Next week we're going to talk about that. Right now we're going to spend four weeks in this subject; next month we'll talk about that subject."  These options may look good, they may even taste good, but are we setting our students up for poor spiritual health?

I mean, every once in awhile it's okay to eat from a buffet - a little variety never hurts anything.  Just like it's probably okay to teach from a curriculum buffet every once in awhile.  But on a regular basis, I need to be eating square meals as part of a healthy diet.  And I need to be teaching my students solid topics as part of a healthy, intentional plan. 

Will people use Trek?  Some will, some won't.  Will students engage it?  Some will, some won't.  Will it result in long-term impact?  I think so.  Why?  Because it's part of an intentional, healthy approach of teaching important spiritual subjects - the stuff that will lead to life-long impact.  I pray it does.

Borders, DeKalb, IL

It's a Friday night and I'm home alone for the weekend.  Robyn is out of town with some family and I'm flying solo.  As lonely as these kind of days can be, I find it to be a good time of catching up on work or piles of stuff I want to accomplish.

So I'm here at Borders, enjoying a wonderful Herb & Cream Cheese Bagel and Large Iced Tea.  I think it's dinner.  The "Seattle's Best" in the store is full of people, but it's never been this quiet.  There are at least three or four conversations going on, but I can't overhear or evesdrop in a single one.  Occasionally you hear a spark of laughter -- which seems to be universal despite what language you speak.

It's fascinating, really, to watch a group of deaf people "talk".  Using sign language, of course.  And it makes me wonder - will deaf people talk in heaven?  While I know we'll have new bodies in heaven (1 Cor. 15), I don't all know what that means specifically.  Will this group of nine people I'm watching (and trying not to stare at) carry on conversations like this there?  Will they praise God day and night with spoken word?  Or will it be like it is here? 

I look forward to the day when all my ailments and sicknesses are healed.  Some of us might think of deafness as an ailment needing healing.  But I don't know if these people do.  So, will that be healed and they'll talk?  Or will it remain and they'll continue to sign?  (For that matter, will we praise God in our native tongue?) 

I'm not an expert on heaven or the end times.  I'm just an average guy in an average store, looking at a group of average people carrying on what seems to be an average conversation.  I just wonder what it will be like there - for me, and for these folks.  I guess all I can be sure of is that it'll be wonderful -- beautiful in such a way only our Creator can make.  

I look forward to that. 

Office, Streamwood, IL

I'm in meetings a lot.  And I mean a lot.  Sometimes it seems that I spend my days just sitting across a table from people talking and talking and talking about various things that need to get done.  They're not all bad, but occasionally meetings can just be a drain.

Then every once in awhile you end up having one that's really quite good.  Yesterday was one of those days.  You see, we've got four interns working here now and part of their time is designed to be learning.  So yesterday we spent an hour talking through a variety of things from leadership principles to self confidence to characteristics of the Bible character Daniel. 

I didn't do much talking (which for many is hard to believe), but rather a good chunk of listening...listening to these students interact with one another, engage eachother in conversation, share their thoughts, and wrestle with their opinions.  In this meeting, we were forming a bit of community. 

A 15-year old kid by the name of Zach Hunter recently wrote a book called Be the Change.  In it he writes,

I think community means a group of people with whom you can be honest about what really matters to you. It's a place where you can be accountable, where you can explore new ideas, and where everyone is accepted. It's a safe place where you trust people and know they have your back.

We were forming a bit of that the other day in our meeting - and it just happened by cracking open a couple books, spending a little time in dialogue, and being honest with one another.  We didn't always agree with eachother, but we did respect their thoughts.

Where's your community?  Do you have a group of peole with whom you can be honest about what really matters to you?  Do you have a place where you can be accountable, explore new ideas, and be accepted?  Do you have a safe place where you trust people?  Do you have some friends who you know have your back?

Even though we were creating a bit of community with our interns yesterday, I know I've got another true community once I leave the office.  We started with a meeting several months ago - digging through a book, throwing out our thoughts, and sharing our lives.  Today we meet regularly and get more open and more honest about our lives.  And what fun it was Monday night to enjoy a beautiful summer evening sitting around a table at Starbucks sharing with these friends.  Between sips of my Iced Tea-Lemonade, we talked about fellowship, community, and what that looks like for each of us.  We know that we've "got each others' back" if the need ever arises.  You see, we've discovered that true community is more than just a meeting -- it's a way of life.

I hope you've got that community, too.

Indianapolis, IN

It was at least a dozen years ago.  I was at one of those Gaither Homecoming concerts - ya' know, the southern gospel things with all the old people?  We were walking down the street and right outside the main entrance was one of those 'street evangelists'.  Not the type trying to enter into dialogue with people.  But the kind with the megaphone and the sandwich board that says something like "Repent or Die." 

From that day, I never really understood that approach.  I always thought of God as a loving God, one desiring a relationship with us.  And I always thought of salvation as a trust, a belief; not just a repentance.  What's with the scare-tactic, turn-or-burn evangelism?  Does that evoke true trust and following?  If we, as the Church, are the bride of Christ, how did we get into that role?  By fear, or love?

My wife, my bride, didn't come into relationship with me by fearing me.  She came into that as we built a relationship, a trust, a belief in one another.  She certainly didn't become attracted to me by the comments I was hollaring through a megaphone or the sign I wore saying, "You need me."  It was through dialogue.  And an almost-childlike curiosity that drew us to one another.  And as important as the "Do you like me, yes or no? Circle One." note is to every budding relationship; it wasn't through a cold piece of paper that we came into relationship with oneanother.

So why do we try to get people to become part of the Bride of Christ by hollaring at them?  Or wearing some sign?  Or handing out turn-or-burn tracts? 

Maybe that tactic went away ten years ago.  And since then we're better understanding the potential to lead people to Christ through relationship than fear?  We might think.  But I just saw these guys again a couple days ago.  Maybe not the same people, per se, but the same type.  Downtown Indianapolis - Indy 500 Festival Parade.  And there they were, complete with tracts, megaphones, and signage.

I have no idea if anyone came to christ through their efforts.  And I have no idea if anyone was turned away from Him through their efforts either.  I can only hope the first did happen, and the latter didn't.  But I just don't know.

I'm all for street evangelism...meeting random people and leading them to a relationship with the Lord.  I just wonder about our technique, our tactic.  What would be more like what Jesus did?  What will most effectively bring people to Him?  That's what I want to do.  And that's the Church I want to be a part of. 

Office, Streamwood, IL

Only 45 minutes today.  Not too bad considering lately it seems to take close to an hour.  That's our drive in to the office each day and today was a good day.  I don't know what the traffic is like where you are, but it can be a bit rough for us.  Fortunately, my wife and I work at the same place so our hour of sometimes painfully slow driving in the morning is spent together. 

Over the past few years we've been doing this drive, we've noticed certain patterns that form with traffic -- what time we leave the house, if it's a day when there's no school, accidents, sunshine delays, and so-on.  Today I think it was the sun.  It's a bit overcast right now - and I think it worked in our advantage.  The sun hides and we get moving.

It's a little like our walk with Christ, isn't it? 

Of course, the Son never hides from us; but don't we sometimes try to hide Him?  So that we can move on our timeline (faster), on our agenda (where we want to go), and in our own way (how we want to get there). 

Just like the drive.  If I have nothing delaying me, away we go!  But as soon as the bright sun peeks over the horizon and shines right in our eyes, we're forced to slow down. 

What if I allow the Son to peek right into my eyes every morning?  What if I take a few minutes to slow down?  What if I stop to reflect on what He wants me to know?  What if i think about what He wants from me today?  Maybe He's trying to tell me something.  Maybe He wants me to slow down, work on His agenda, get 'there' His way.  Maybe I should use those sunshine delays to think about the Son. 

Maybe we should all do that next time we're stuck in traffic. 

Home, Sycamore, IL

You know what I love about the gospel? It's universal. It speaks a variety of languages to a variety of people in a variety of locations.  It breaks down walls, it crosses chasms.  It's not limited to one people group, it's not constrained to one type of person.  It's not just for white, middle-class, republican Americans.  It's not just for adults, and it's not just for kids.  And, believe it or not, teens & tweens can come to know Christ personally despite the tumultuous years they are in. 

I was reminded of all of that the other day.  You see, my wife and I are parents.  Sorta.  While we don't yet have a child of our own (much to our parents frustration), we have an adopted child in the Dominican Republic.  For the last several years we've sponsored Mayerlin through Compassion International.  And the other day when we got home, we got a letter from her that read...

My tutor prayed for me and I accepted Lord Jesus in my heart on 02/02/07 and she gave me a bible which also was bought thanks to your help. I want you to pray for me to keep in the path of Jesus, to reign with Him. Thank you for all your help...Please, always pray for me and for my family and write me soon. Say goodbye with so much love, your new little sister in Jesus... Mayerlin German.

What joy filled our hearts when we read that this 12 year-old we've been corresponding with and praying for over the last 5 years came to know Christ!  C.S. Lewis once said that, "It was not for societies or states, that Christ died, but for men." 

And it's days like this, when we read letters like this, that we're reminded of that. Jesus died not just for me, not just for you. But for all of us - Americans and Dominicans, whites and blacks, and everyone else in between.  For God so loved the world...for God so loved all nations...for God so loved, Internationally...

In just about an hour I'll head to church, as will quite a few million people in this country. In the midst of our worship, I hope that we all remember for whom Christ died, and I hope that we all celebrate in worship with a fresh reminder of the amazing grace that he gave in that act. 

-kevin

Doubletree Hotel, Nashville, TN

I met Stephen yesterday.  He's involved in a Christian rock band and spends much of his time traveling the country playing in churches and visiting with youth groups.  A few months ago, while ministering at a church he met a teenage guy who was obviously not a 'core' part of the youth group.  Forget 'core', this kid was barely even connected to the group at all.  He just happened to be there.  And it's quickly apparent he doesn't really fit the mold.  His choice in clothing and music show that he's not the typical youth group kid in this church.  But at least he's there, right? 

After the concert, Stephen is visiting with this boy talking about God & faith.  And through their dialogue, he learns that this kid isn't walking with Christ.  He shares a bit of his story and about his choices in life.  And through it all is woven a theme of not fitting in - to home, school, church, youth group. 

Yet here's the interesting part -- this kid is able to quote scripture backwards & forwards.  And when Stephen probes as to why that is, he gets a simple answer: Awana.  This guy was involved in Awana growing up!  And sure enough (as most kids who grow up there) he came out with an intense knowledge of God's Word that would show up most church deacons & elders. 

What results in these connects/disconnects?  Where does a break like this kid's happen?  How does it occur?  Is it our responsibility?  Is it within our control even?  Is it our effectiveness in youth ministry?  Is it our effectiveness in building relationships? 

These aren't easy questions and don't come with easy answers.  Yet it reminds me that ministry is messy.

Bottom line: Those of us in youth ministry must not give up.  What we do matters!  And while we don't really have control over what happens with kids like this or the people I'll meet in the days to come, we do have the unique opportunity to invest and influence.  Let's do it with all we've got!

-kevin

P.S. - For those of you trying to figure it out, yes this is my first blog post.  (Had to get on the bandwagon at some point, right?!)  My hope is to throw a post up every few days or at least every week - it may be something completely random, it may be something challenging my thinking, and it may be something to help you in ministry.  Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy reading these brief posts from time to time.  It's my joy to do ministry with you!