ninetyseventhree...closing the gap

Navigating onward

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 02:17:00 +0000

Well as most of you have heard by now, I have recently resigned from my role with Youth Ministry International.

It was a very difficult decision, but I know it was the right decision to make. Many of you have been checking in and checking up on how we're doing, and I want you to know how much Bonnie and I appreciate you and your love for our family!

As of this writing we don't have anything official lined up for a "real job", although I have had some inquiries and some potential opportunities that I will hopefully be reporting on very soon.

Once again, YMI is still processing any donations that come in for me for 90 days after my last day (which is July 31st), so if you are a regular donor to our ministry please continue to give as usual to help in our transition. Click here to go to the YMI page that explains how to give to our transitional needs, just include the words "Carl ministry account" when giving.

Another reason I'm writing this post is to update you on some exciting news regarding at least one phase of my ministry that I'm going to keep going, and actually invest more time in from now on.

As many of you know, for years I have been involved in speaking in camps, churches, seminars and consulting. It's an area of ministry that I have really enjoyed doing, and was definitely at the forefront of what I did internationally with YMI.

Over the last few years, when I wasn't traveling for YMI, I made myself available to do seminars, pulpit supply and camp speaking "on the side," and is something that I thoroughly enjoyed doing.

Well, thanks to an incredible ministry that I have partnered with since its inception, I'm going to be continuing to offer these services to churches, schools, camps and various groups as the needs arise.

The ministry I've partnered with is called Creekside Ministries, and they are involved in providing some amazing opportunities for Christ centered growth through, Counseling, Community, Coaching, and Character development. Check out the Creekside website to find out more about them.

My role with Creekside is to focus on the Leadership and Character Development area through speaking, seminars, writing and consulting. I'm calling this new section of the ministry, the "Leadership Reflections" component, and I'm going to be promoting and managing these services through my new blog called LeadershipReflections.org

So, all that to say...In this time of transition and wondering what God has for me next in ministry, I'm not going to abandon or put on the shelf some key gifts and abilities that God has given me, and I have always loved utilizing.

I would love for you to help get the word out to churches, camps, schools and various groups that I am available to help provide some much needed resources in the areas of ministry and leadership development and "Leadership Reflections" is open for ministry!

During this time of transition, uncertainty and sometimes confusion, one thing has remained constant in my walk with God. He has given me a passion and giftedness in the areas of speaking and writing, and I believe that He wants me to keep using these gifts to challenge and encourage others that He has a plan and we're a part of it!

I encourage you to check out my new blog, subscribe to the new content (all the former stuff is on there as well in the archives). Very soon I will be closing down ninetyseventhree and blogging exclusively on LeadershipReflections.org

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me

Navigating onward,

Brent

Difficult Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:15:00 +0000

Well, the reason I am posting this announcement is that I need to bring everyone up to date on a very difficult decision that I recently had to make.

As many of you know, it has been a rough road for us in the support raising process, and after 2+ years of intensive support discovery we were able to reach 50% of what we needed to continue in my role with YMI.

So with our current financial situation in mind, we prayerfully continued to seek God as to what we should do. The bottom line is that I resigned from YMI, effective at the end of July. The reason was simply, lack of funding.

As I think back on the things I’ve done to: get the word out, touch base with, explain the vision and ask people to consider joining our team, I honestly don’t know what else I could do that I haven’t already tried.

I’ve made phone calls, written letters, e-mails, started a Facebook group, written articles, spoke in churches, camps, conferences, taken Pastors out to lunch, sent out support packets, followed up with folks who received them, and the overwhelming response I’ve gotten from the hundreds of churches and individuals I’ve contacted is pretty much the same message…”Brent, we love what you’re doing with YMI, we’re just not in a position to take on new missionaries right now, the economy has really strapped us.”

As I look over my contacts, data base and various connections, I don’t know of a single person who knows us that doesn’t know that I’m a missionary trying to raise support.

When we started with YMI, I really believed that by 2 years in, I would be at full support. I know that’s ambitious and maybe even borderline naïve, but I really believe that where God guides, God provides, and with the contacts and networks in ministry that I’ve been a part of over the years, that it would just be a matter of explaining what we’re doing and people would jump on board.

As hard as it was to make the decision we really feel that it was the right decision to make, as I need to provide for my family as well as serve the Lord in ministry. I know that God is in control and I can honestly say that I have done everything I was supposed to do to raise support, and cast the vision for my ministry.

So, that's where we're at, not sure what God is doing, but totally trusting and believing that He knows what He's doing, and continually blown away that He still chooses to use us!

I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet, as I don't have anything officially lined up for work, (I've interviewed at a church and heard from a few other ministries, but nothing is solid yet.)

I will continue to offer my services for pulpit supply, camp and conference speaking as well as facilitating the seminar series that I do. So for those who have "booked" me for the future, and are considering that possibility, feel free to continue to contact me for those opportunities.

I will also continue to write articles for various publications, and hopefully find a publisher for the "Lesson Learned" book I've been working on as well.

YMI's policy for missionaries who leave the field (which is in essence what I'm doing), is that YMI will continue to process any donations that come in for them during their transition time into another line of work for 90 days. So for me, my last day is July 31, which means the 90 days would include August, September and October. It is my prayer to have something lined up by then.

So, I wanted to make everyone aware of our situation and ask you to prayerfully consider making a donation to our ministry as we transition over the next few months.

The YMI web site has instructions on how to give, should you decide to do that. Just make sure to designate “Carl Ministry Account.” YMI will continue to process the funds and send receipts for your records. I would also like to ask you to let me know if you plan to make a donation so I can effectively plan our budget in the transition. You can e-mail me by clicking on the link.

Thanks again everyone, this has been a very difficult time, but through it all we have seen God at work, and have been in Awe of His mercy and Grace! I’m so thankful for your continued prayerful support of our ministry that enabled us to impact youth leaders and the young people they work with around the globe. It’s staggering to think of the many lives who have been and will continue to be changed for God’s glory because of your investment in international youth ministry training.

As Bonnie and I seek God’s plan for us next in ministry, we also ask for continued prayer as we discern God’s voice. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

God bless,
Brent

Ethical Decision Making #3

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:14:00 +0000

A few years ago, I took a class called "Ethics in Organizational Leadership" and it was one of the most directly applicable classes I have ever taken.

During the weeks of reading, writing, collaborating and discussing, I learned so much about myself and my normal propensity towards decision making.

The learnings from this class have been very helpful in my decision making from that time even until today.

This is the third posts, that I am devoting to some writings I did in that class where I looked at three different ethical decision making models.

My hope and prayer is that one of these models will be an effective tool to aid others in the decisions they may be working through...

Compare and Contrast three Ethical Decision Making Models The three ethical decision making models outlined in this paper are taken from the following sources…
· Moral Choices, Rae (1995)
· Just Business, Hill (1997)
· The Discipline of Building Character, Badaracco (1998)

Each model helps give a process that will prove helpful in making ethical decisions. Each model also emphasizes the fact that doing the right thing, and making ethical decisions are not always easy, and many times require us to look deeply at who we are, and what shapes us personally.
In these posts I outline the basic premise of each model, as well as compare and contrast the models.

3. The Discipline of Building Character

The article, "The Discipline of Building Character" helped give clarity to dilemma of deciding between what is the best thing to do, especially when we are faced with a decision that has two or more possible outcomes that are all right. The author gave three different examples of how a person was forced to make a decision base on one of the following questions…
· Who am I?
· Who are we?
· Who is the company?

Each of these questions requires a person, group, or company to align themselves with their core values and be willing to stand for what they know is right even when it is difficult.

The principles outlined in this article helped frame the concept of making an ethical decision in terms of viewing that decision as a defining moment in a person, group or company’ journey.

The major comparison I saw between all three models was the fact that ethical decision making is not easy, and with every decision there are consequences that need to be taken into consideration.

The Model set forth in Moral Choices and Just Business were definitely from a Christian perspective, but even though the article wasn’t necessarily written from a Christian view, the principles could easily fit into both of the other models as well.

The major contrast I saw between the three models was that Moral Choices proposed a process in making ethical decisions, Just business proposed a Godly lifestyle in making ethical decisions, and The Discipline of Building Character proposed an understanding of deep rooted values in making ethical decisions.

Ethical Decision Making #2

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:38:00 +0000

A few years ago, I took a class called "Ethics in Organizational Leadership" and it was one of the most directly applicable classes I have ever taken.

During the weeks of reading, writing, collaborating and discussing, I learned so much about myself and my normal propensity towards decision making.

The learnings from this class have been very helpful in my decision making from that time even until today.

This is the second of three posts, that I am devoting to some writings I did in that class where I looked at three different ethical decision making models.

My hope and prayer is that one of these models will be an effective tool to aid others in the decisions they may be working through...

Compare and Contrast three Ethical Decision Making Models The three ethical decision making models outlined in this paper are taken from the following sources…

· Moral Choices, Rae (1995)

· Just Business, Hill (1997)

· The Discipline of Building Character, Badaracco (1998)

In these posts I outline the basic premise of each model, as well as compare and contrast the models.

2. Just Business, Hill (1997)

The premise of the book Just Business as it relates to making ethical decisions is summed up in the fact that God is perfect and man is not. Thus, we need to rely on God’s guiding principles in all areas of life, especially making ethical decisions.

The author states that “The foundation of Christian ethics in business is not rules but the changeless character of God.” He further points out that “Behavior consistent with God’s character is ethical – that which is not is unethical.” The model that permeates the book is based on the fact that principles of God’s character are what man should strive to implement in his life.

The three main components of that character are…
• Holiness
• Justice
• Love

The author uses an illustration of a three legged stool to paint a picture of the balance that holiness, justice and love bring as one seeks to make ethical decisions.

Hill elaborates on each component and provides helpful insight, thoughtful questions, and scripture backing for the fact that God is Holy, God is Just and God is Loving, and if we as flawed human beings want to make ethical decisions we need to strive to be imitators of God’s character.

The major comparison I saw between this model and the model outlined in Moral Choices is the fact that God’s principles carry more weight than man’s principles when making ethical decisions.

Step three in the Moral Choices model encourages the infusion of the Biblical principles of God’s character that Just Business talks about by asking the question “How can I emulate God’s character of Holiness, Justice and Love in this ethical decision?”

The major contrast I saw between these two models was that Moral Choices seemed to outline a more logical, step by step process, in determining ethical decisions and Just Business seemed to be suggesting that we need to develop a lifestyle that models the character of God, and as we face ethical decisions we will be more likely to know what the best course of action is based on God’s leading in our lives.

Constantly seeking to make wise decisions,

Brent

Ethical Decision Making #1

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:03:00 +0000

A few years ago, I took a class called "Ethics in Organizational Leadership" and it was one of the most directly applicable classes I have ever taken.

During the weeks of reading, writing, collaborating and discussing, I learned so much about myself and my normal propensity towards decision making.

The learnings from this class have been very helpful in my decision making from that time even until today.

The next three posts, I would like to dedicate to some writings I did in that class where I looked at three different ethical decision making models. My hope and prayer is that one of these models will be an effective tool to aid others in the decisions they may be working through...

Compare and Contrast three Ethical Decision Making Models
The three ethical decision making models outlined in this paper are taken from the following sources…
· Moral Choices, Rae (1995)
· Just Business, Hill (1997)
· The Discipline of Building Character, Badaracco (1998)

Each model helps give a process that will prove helpful in making ethical decisions. Each model also emphasizes the fact that doing the right thing, and making ethical decisions are not always easy, and many times require us to look deeply at who we are, and what shapes us personally.

In this paper I will outline the basic premise of each model, as well as compare and contrast the models.

1. Moral Choices - In the book Moral Choices, the author gives an insightful introduction to ethics where he poses the question “Why study ethics?” He states that “Ethics are important because moral questions are at the heart of life’s most important issues.

Morality is primarily concerned with questions of right and wrong, the ability to distinguish between the two, and the justification of the distinction.”

I think this statement is at the heart of the process of ethical decision making that he outlines in the book. If one is going to be able to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong and be able to justify the distinction, then a process that will help ensure that the right questions are asked in determining the best decision is crucial.

Rae seeks to help in this process by proposing the following ethical decision making model…

1. Gather the facts (Two questions are critical)
- What do we know?
- What do we need to know?

2. Determine the ethical issues
- What are the competing interests in the ethical decision?

3. What principles have a bearing on the case?
- What principles carry more weight than others?
- Biblical principles
- Constitution
- Natural Law etc.

4. List the alternatives
- What are the alternative courses of action?

5. Compare the alternatives with the principles
- Can a clear decision be reached at this point?

6. Consider the consequences
- List both positive and negative consequences of the decision to be made

7. Make a decision
- Ethical decisions often have no easy answers
- Which decision has the least amount of negative consequences?

Seeking to make wise decisions, and trusting that you are as well,
Brent

Leadership Reflections - God doesn't waste a hurt

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:17:00 +0000

The Phrase, “God doesn’t waste a hurt”, is a phrase I’ve used hundreds of times over the years. I’ve used it in sermons, in lessons, in counseling sessions and articles. It’s a phrase that carries a huge impact if you think about it.

God is in control of all things, and He allows His children to go through the good and the bad, the easy and the hard, the understandable and the confusing.

The question then becomes, “God what do you want me to learn from this, and how do you want me to become more like you through this?”

In processing this phrase, and in reading through some of my Master’s Degree work, I came across this series of questions and concepts that really helped me grasp and begin to understand the fact that God doesn’t waste a hurt.

This reflection and history process was a very encouraging process for me, as I realized that I have many things to be thankful for. Many times I have taken for granted the events and people that have helped shape me, and this process has helped me to grasp the importance of making the most of every opportunity that has been given to me.

I encourage you to prayerfully work through the questions and concepts as you reflect on who you are, and what has gone in to shaping you to this point in history, and realize anew that God knows you, loves you, forgives you and has a plan for you!

1. What events have had a significant influence on your life both positive and negative?
2. How have these events influenced your thoughts, decisions and actions up to this point?
3. Who are the people who have most significantly influenced your life? How did they influence you? What impact did they have on you?
4. How have you been hindered or discouraged from personal and professional growth and development?
5. Does it matter how other people perceive you? When? Why?
6. How much of your behavior is motivated by what others may be thinking?
7. How would you describe your risk tolerance? What may hold you back from taking risks that God may have for you?
8. Do you consider yourself more open or closed to feedback? Why?
9. What specialized training or experience do you possess? List 10 significant talents you possess, which are you consistently complimented or commended? Which talents are currently being utilized, and not being utilized?
10. How do you define success for your life? How does this definition influence your decisions?
11. If money were not an issue, what goal would you like to accomplish?
12. What would you like to be most known for at the conclusion of your life? Write an epitaph you would like on your tombstone.

Reflecting with you,

Brent

Leadership Reflections - My Philosophy

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:23:00 +0000

Several years ago, I began my Master's Degree studies in the field of Organizational Leadership. The first class in that program was called "Philosophy of Leadership." I found it interesting then, and still to this day agree that a person's philosophy shapes who they are and drives where they're going.

I've been doing alot of reading and reflecting on the various authors I read and papers I wrote during that incredible time of learning and growing in my life.

So, I'm going to begin a series of posts from the materials I wrote back then called "Leadership Reflections", and it is my prayer that as I reflect on the things God has brought in my life, that others would benefit as well, and realize that He desires for us to be the best leaders we can be in alignment with His plan for our lives.

This first post is my personal philosophy of Leadership...

My personal philosophy of leadership comes from an understanding that leadership involves a lifelong process of developing skills and abilities necessary for becoming the most successful leader I can be. I need to keep learning and growing if I’m going to effectively influence and mobilize people to accomplish mutually accepted goals. Leadership is a huge, seemingly indefinable concept, but the acrostic below captures the key points of my personal philosophy of leadership.

To be actively applying my personal philosophy of leadership I need to be…

L – Learning (constantly staying sharp and teachable)
E – Empowering Others (developing and applying an “expand the team” mentality)
A – Accountable (collaborating with and being challenged by others)
D – Dependable (staying true to my goals and my team)
E – Enthusiastically Casting Vision (believing in and rallying support for future change)
R – Resourceful (assessing situations and applying techniques with the tools that I have)
S – Servant Minded (looking to put others’ needs ahead of my own)
H – Humble (remembering that my gifts come from God)
I – Integrating a lifestyle of Integrity (applying the phrase “Who am I when no one sees?”)
P – Purposeful (focusing on mutually accepted goals)

What is your philosophy of leadership? What is it based on? What is the driving force behind why you do what you do? What has helped shape you into the person you are today?

Reflecting with you,
Brent

Hope - YMInsights Series

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:14:00 +0000

I recently returned from an extensive teaching, preaching and training trip to Ukraine, which is a place that I have become very familiar with over the last few years.

It’s a place that I always enjoy returning to, and a place that connects with me, and impacts me in different ways every time without fail!

My latest trip to Ukraine was just as amazing as the other times, but as I reflect on some of the reasons why, I keep thinking about a theme that kept recurring in my mind as I was there.

The theme that kept popping up everywhere I went was a question…”In whom does my hope lie?”

Maybe it was the vast Eastern Orthodox Cathedrals that I visited, or the Immense World War 2 Museum or the memories of the Orange revolution that took place five years ago in the very square where I was standing. At first I wasn’t totally sure what made this theme emerge in my mind, but I know when it became vividly clear to me that God was trying to get my attention through it.

I was taking a tour through the World War 2 museum in Kiev, and was so intrigued by the war from the Soviet perspective that I found myself trying to put myself in the shoes of the people, places and events that I was learning about. In fact the whole different perspective idea became very obvious to me when I realized that they call the war “The Great Patriotic War” instead of World War 2…interesting.

Well, as we walked through the museum, which is actually in the base of this incredibly huge statue of the Motherland, complete with shield, sword and hammer and sickle. I kept realizing that these people have faced so much pain, evil and intense atrocities over the years, that I can’t even begin to understand.

I passed through a room that told the story of the Nazi occupation of Ukraine, and the incredible hardships the people had to endure. Years and years of pain and suffering that led to uprising and what they call “The Great Patriotic War.”

As I moved from room to room, and tried to feel what they felt and let it really sink in, I entered a room that was dedicated to the remembrance of what it was like for the people when it seemed that there was no hope. I came face to face with the theme that God wanted me to wrestle with on this trip and beyond.

I saw a picture of a woman fearfully peering between barbed wire, and the caption beneath the picture said in Russian “Our hope is in you RED ARMY.”

As soon as this was translated to me, I stopped dead in my tracks, and thought about that statement. Now I’m not judging or condemning anyone, but as I thought about that and tried to process what extreme desperation and hopelessness must feel like, I thought to myself “how incredibly sad, it must be to have our hope in man, weapons and machines.”

Then I started to think about some other times I’ve seen this mindset in people when I’ve visited Ukraine in the past.

In 2004, I was visiting during a period of time known as the “Orange Revolution”. It was a time when Millions across Ukraine stood up for truth and Justice leading up to the election of the new President. Their hope was being placed on a man who would bring freedom and prosperity to this often oppressed people.

So, for several months a peaceful demonstration, in the form of a tent city was erected in the center square of Kiev, and people were overjoyed at the hope of a new day once President Yushenko took office.

I was in attendance at his inauguration speech, and as I joined with what seemed like millions gathered in the center square I was in awe of the peace, reverence and respect that I observed. I really had the sense that the new day these people had been waiting for had arrived.

There was a song that was at the top of the charts in Ukraine during that time, it was a song that became the theme of the orange revolution, and everywhere I went I heard it loudly and proudly being played. The song was called “Razom Nas Bahato” which means “Together we are many”.

Take a look at this video clip, and read the lyrics to the song. Notice the hope and joy that the people have as they gather, stand up, and proclaim their freedom.

Razom Nas Bohato

Together we are many, we can't be defeated
Together we are many, we can't be defeated
Together we are many, we can't be defeated
Together we are many, we can't be defeated

We won't stand this (No), revolution is on
'Cause lies be the weapon of mass destruction
All together we're one, all together we're strong
God be my witness, we've waited too long
Falsifications (no), machinations (no)
Little understandings (no), no to lies
We trust (yes), we can (yes)
I know we will win (yes, yes)

Together we are many, we can't be defeated
Together we are many, we can't be defeated
Together we are many, we can't be defeated
Together we are many, we can't be defeated

What you wanna say to your daughters and sons
You know the battle is not over till the battle is won
Truth be the weapon, we ain't scared of the guns
We stay undefeated, 'cause together we're one

That was 2004, hope was high, freedom and prosperity were right around the corner, they could feel it, they could see it…it was in their sights.

Fast forward to 2009, I’m teaching Youth Culture to College Freshman from all over Ukraine, we get to the section where we talk about fads, trends and other symbols that help us understand what effects teens, and why.

I opened up the discussion telling the students about a time when I was in attendance at a President's inauguration and heard an awesome song, that I downloaded and played all the time on my mp3 player when I got home.

The song was so moving to me especially when I realized the deep lyrics and inspirational message that it conveyed. I then played Razom Nas Bohato, and I wish you could have seen their reaction.

They laughed, and laughed as if I was playing the latest greatest hit by Vanilla Ice, and to represent the essence of coolness itself, I played “Ice Ice Baby” or something like that.
It was a joke to them, this whole idea of peace, prosperity and hope that the song so powerfully encapsulated for millions of Ukrainians, just five years ago, was now the punch line of a very un-funny joke.

“What Happened?” I asked. I got lots of responses and replies, too many to list actually, but the main thing I kept hearing from these students was, “hope placed in a person is futile!”

As they were sharing with me their observations of the incredible irrelevance of that song and the disillusionment of millions of their countrymen as they’ve seen what hope in a man can and can’t do, my mind kept thinking of all the times I put my hope in things other than God.

You know, I didn’t have to travel all the way to Ukraine to learn that lesson, I could have just looked around me right at home. Many times my thoughts, motives and priorities are screaming out loud the fact that my hope is in things that have no eternal value, and no heavenly power.

In short, if I’m honest there are times when I ascribe to the good ‘ole American Motto “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get back at it.”

That’s a scary thought actually, because the truth is, that without God and His power alive and well in my life, I’ve got nothing!

This was a great trip once again, and God used all kinds of things to get my attention, but this question of “in whom does your hope lie?” is a question that was answered in my heart by some awesome visuals that hammered the truth home to me, that My hope is in God alone!

In whom does your hope lie?

Strategically Crazy

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:04:00 +0000

Wow, the last few months of ministry have been what I like to call “strategically crazy!”

Since right before Christmas, I’ve been in Mexico, the Hudson Valley, Chicago, New Hampshire, Kentucky, New York, New Jersey, Long Island, Ohio and now in a couple days I’m leaving for Ukraine for 2 weeks.

This has been a very busy but very productive stretch of ministry. In the last few months I’ve had the opportunity to teach, train, encourage and network with youth leaders and students all over the place, and it has been a blast!

Everywhere I go I get a chance to tell stories of our YMI guys and the impact they are making in their fields, and I also get to tell the story of how God got my attention, and pointed me in the direction of International Youth Leader Training, going back almost 5 years ago…It started for me in Ukraine, so since I’m going back there in a couple days, I thought I would re-post an update I wrote a year ago, prior to returning to the very place where this whole thing began for me…

Well, in a few days I'll be heading back to a country that holds a special place in my heart...Ukraine!

Why a special place you ask? Well, besides having amazing chocolates, gourmet McDonald’s, and the best shish leek, on the planet. It is the place where God really got my attention with a certain statistic (97...3) and a very plain reality that He wanted to use me to join a team that was seeking to do something about it.

I should've realized that God was going to do something that incredible summer of 2004, I mean before I left I had a sit down discussion and prayer time with 2 of my favorite people in the world (Brian & Joann Young), and in that prayer time they told me that they had been praying for me and really had the sense that God was going to do something huge and life changing in and through me on the trip.

Joann had been reading the passage about Ezekiel and the Valley of dry bones and said she kept thinking about how she could see God doing something that only He could do in the lives of people and He was going to use me in the process...I was blown away, I didn't know what she meant, but I was ready for whatever God was going to do.

The team and I set out for 2 weeks of life change in a foreign country, and what a trip it was. I saw God shake me, wake me, break me and take me to heights I had never been before. It was so moving that I returned from the trip believing that God wanted us to move to Ukraine and join the YMI team in Kiev by helping them train the next generation of professionally trained Youth Pastors in the former Soviet Union.

Bonnie and I went back to Ukraine in the winter of 2005 for a vision trip, and realized that it wasn’t the place that God was calling us to; it was the ministry of training youth leaders internationally that He was calling us to. We joined YMI officially in 2007 and have been on the fast track ever since!

Now I get the chance to go back and teach YM 102 – Youth Culture to a group of college freshman from all over Eastern Europe, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what God is going to do this time, as I return to the place where this whole missions thing got hold of me.

Please pray for open hearts, open minds and a willingness to learn and grow. I leave Friday 3/6 and will return 3/21…I will update the blog with pictures and insights of what God is doing in Ukraine.

Thanks for partnering with me as we continue to close the 97…3 gap, by training trainers in youth ministry worldwide with YMI.

Signature of Divine

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:35:00 +0000

Signature Of Divine (Yahweh)
By: Need to Breathe

Cathedrals have tried in vain To show the image of your face. But we are, by your design,
The signature of divine. We'll always sing your name. Forever and today.

Yahweh, Yahweh...Great is your glory when you go before me Oh, we sing...Holy, Holy...Your ways are lovely. So high above me. Yahweh

The fortunes of kings and queens Are wasted chasing what we've seen. Cause we are, by your reprieve, The beauty framed by your suffering.

We'll always sing your name. Forever and today. Yahweh, Yahweh...Great is your glory when you go before me Oh, we sing...Holy, Holy...Your ways are lovely. So high above me. Yahweh

Take me, and pull me through. Cause I can't move without you. I won't leave you alone, you say. It will be okay.

Yahweh, Yahweh...Great is your glory when you go before me Oh, we sing...Holy, Holy...Your ways are lovely. So high above me. Yahweh.

Yahweh, Yahweh...Great is your glory when you go before me Oh, we sing...Holy, Holy...Your ways are lovely. So high above me. Yahweh

Ancient of Days...Yahweh!

Connected with Kenya

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:06:00 +0000

Well, it’s hard to believe, but after months and months of planning, and anticipating a visit to the US by the YMI East Africa Director, Sylvester Onyango, that trip is winding down, and what an experience it was.

Sylvester was in the States for three weeks, and in those three weeks he maintained a whirlwind schedule, of connecting, encouraging, sharing and basically shining a spotlight on what God is doing in the lives of young people through, the ministries of the Youth Pastors who are being trained in Kenya.

Sylvester arrived in Louisville, KY and embarked on a series of speaking engagements that took him into Indiana and Kentucky for the first two weeks.

He spoke to youth groups, church leaders, college students, parents and people who are asking “what can I do to assist the vital ministry of training trainers in youth ministry?” To say the least…he was strategically busy!

With every story he told, picture he showed and testimony of God’s grace he delivered, people young and old were moved…moved to prayerfully connect with Kenya in a way that will enable his ministry of youth leader multiplication to continue to go to new heights!

I had the privilege to be in Louisville on the campus of Boyce College and Southern Seminary during Youth Emphasis week where he taught several youth ministry classes, and it was so much fun to see him in action, sharing passionately with these future life changers that their ministry to young people is so vital.

I think my favorite part of his presentation was when he launched into his testimony of how he received Christ. It really is a miracle, and an incredible example of how youth mission trips really makes a huge difference!

In 1993 God used YMI Founder and President, Randy Smith to organize and lead a group of young people on a mission’s trip to Kenya. On this trip the team, utilized gymnastics, music, drama, testimonies and the clearly understandable gospel message to reach hundreds and hundreds of Kenyans all over the country.

On one particular day, during one particular presentation in a huge outdoor area, a 17 year old Sylvester was walking home from school…early!

You see, he actually was skipping his math class that was meeting that afternoon, because in his words…”I didn’t like math, I wasn’t any good at it, and the teacher was really mean!”

Well, God used a dislike for numbers and a “mean teacher” to propel young Sylvester toward that open air meeting. He was drawn towards the music and the sounds of fellow young people yelling “Mzungu, Mzungu”, which means white in Kiswahili. (By the way everywhere I went during my visit to Kenya I heard the same thing, except when I told several of the young people that when I’m in Mexico I usually hear “Gigante” which means giant…I then began hearing a combination of Spanish and Swahili…”Gigante Mzungu, Gigante Mzungu”…Big white dude!)

Anyway, he was drawn to the crowd, and was in awe of the gymnastic routine, music and drama and when the speaker (Randy Smith), stepped forward to clearly explain what this group of young mzungu’s from the States was doing in Kenya. Sylvester was ready to listen and ready to accept the free gift of salvation that comes through a personal relationship with Jesus!

Sylvester became a believer that day, and a journey of discipleship began. Through the next several years God brought mentors, Pastors, missionaries and many more key individuals into his life to challenge and encourage him to live his life for God, and live out his passion and calling, which turned out to be YOUTH MINISTRY!

As I was with Sylvester, in Kentucky, New York and New Jersey, I was amazed again with the awesome work of our God.

As Sylvester and I were presenting his ministry at a Chinese Church in NY, he and I were so moved as we saw huge Chinese characters spelling out the love of God on the front wall of the church, and right next to the Chinese letters was the same message in English…God doesn’t need a translator, He connects with everyone in their own language, culture, and environment…Truly Amazing!

So, as my friend and partner in ministry returns to his homeland, I know he will have plenty of amazing “firsts” to share with his people.” Firsts” like…

· Being in America
· Seeing Snow
· Eating at Taco Bell
· Riding a subway in NYC
· Seeing the Statue of Liberty
· Eating a traditional Kenyan Tilapia dish prepared by a Culinary trained Chef at a private dinner in NY

Just To name a few, but one story that is not new that I know he will return with, is that God is an incredible God, and He chooses to use us to further His Kingdom. Whether it is in Kenya or America, He is still in the life change business!

Several weeks before Sylvester came to America, I re-ran a few articles on my blog called “Connecting with Kenya”. I wanted to recap and encourage people from my 3 week visit to Kenya in 2007. It was my prayer that many would read those and be challenged to pray for Sylvester and his ministry while he was here, and as he goes home.

I think that happened, as everywhere I went with him I saw people genuinely drawn to hear and learn more about his ministry of training trainers in Youth Ministry.

So, my continued prayer is that God would keep working in hearts so that we ask Him “God, How do you want me to be CONNECTED with KENYA?” Thank you to everyone who had a part in making this trip a reality.

It was an incredible three week adventure that I believe God will use to further His work of CONNECTING PEOPLE TO HIMSELF…GLOBALLY!

Lesson Learned - Thumb Swear and Bend It

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 19:15:00 +0000

Recently, I was working on some things in my office getting ready to go out on one of my teaching, and preaching excursions when I heard a loud ruckus coming from down stairs.

It was really loud, and definitely had the sound of a major argument going on. Someone was displeased and didn’t mind letting the other participant know about it, and quite boisterously at that!

The argument reminded me of the time when I was actually trying to get some studying done in my room in college and a loud “fight” broke out among the “scrabblenerds” who were taking part in their weekly Friday night festivities in the dorm lounge.

All of a sudden I heard…crash, bang, pow, smack and another crash followed by this passion filled statement “SNUFFLEUPAGOUS IS TOO A WORD”, and as I burst into the lounge to see what was going on, I walked right into a royal rumble over the fact that the thesaurus was not only wrong, but the writers of it were idiots and didn’t know how to define a word.

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and hearing. It was really quite funny to watch. I mean right in front of me were guys who had IQ’s that put my little pea brain to shame, guys who were valedictorians and senior class presidents and had bronze plaques marking their upholstered seats in the library on campus.

These guys were smart, sophisticated , and savvy, yet they were engaged in an epic battle of chair throwing, and name calling all because they couldn’t agree on the definition of a word…Now that’s funny!

I remember laughing a lot about that one, but also remember thinking to myself…”Hmm, what would it take for me to stand up and go toe to toe with someone about what I believe in?”

Lots of things came to my mind then, and as I ran down the stairs to investigate the current uprising I overheard, I soon realized that one of those things that I hoped would make me stand up and confront someone was happening in my very presence, with my kids!

As, I swooped down the stairs and rounded the corner, I ran right into another royal rumble of sorts, only this time there were no chairs being thrown, only loud words and lots of tears coming from my daughter, met with a smug little smile and look of accomplishment from my son.

As I tried to intervene and find out what was happening, Serena said “Ethan didn’t keep his promise to me, he said he would do something and he didn’t”…then she said, “HE EVEN THUMB SWORE AND BENT IT!”

As she was talking, I was trying to be a good parent, and follow along so I could understand and deliver judgment if need be…then as soon as she delivered her passionately filled reason for the disturbance, I stopped my nodding and agreeing and looked right at her and said “WHAT DID YOU SAY?”

She sobbingly repeated, “Daddy, Ethan said he would do something and he didn’t even after he thumb swore and bent it.”

That was a new one to me, I mean I’ve done plenty of pinky swears, and secret handshakes over the years to help solidify my promise to someone, but I had never heard of this new technique of promise keeping.

I was intrigued. So I said, “What do you mean?” She went on to say, that the kids in her class say this when they are really, really serious about keeping a promise. If you use the thumb swear and bend it card, you better keep your promise or you’re in big trouble.

Wow, so I said something like this “help me understand…if a regular promise is given and broken it’s ok, but if a thumb swear followed by a bending motion of said thumb is given, then its binding?” She was like…”yeah I guess so.”

Unbelievable, here I am with my 8 year old daughter who is willing to stand up, and go toe to toe with her brother all because he broke a severe promise to her. I immediately thought about the first guy who breaks her heart, and what that will do to her (or actually what I will do to him…I’m still working on my application process, but I always tell her she can’t date until she’s 30, so we still have some time.)

My mind then went to all the broken promises that my kids are going to have to learn to process as they get older, promises from friends and family that are going to disappoint them in the coming years.

Our world is full of broken promises everywhere you look, that’s a part of life, but as I stood there watching my kids work through this latest episode, I was reminded right then and there how powerful my words are to them. I mean, if I say I’m going to do something, and don’t follow through, it has an incredible effect on them and their view of their dad.

That is one thing that skewed my view of God when I was younger. I basically thought to myself, “God is my father, huh…if God is anything like my dad, and my step-dad, I want nothing to do with him.”

Then I thought about all the statements that filled my yearbooks from the past. Statements like “We’ll be best friends forever”, “I will love you forever”, “You’ll be mine till the end of time” and “I think you’re FOXY”…well that one was kind of cool, but my point is throughout life we will be disappointed, that’s just the way it is…even if someone thumb swears and bends it!

Then all of a sudden, I was reminded of all the promises that God has made in the Bible. There are actually over 7,000 of them listed in His Word, and every one of them has been kept and will always be kept. He doesn’t let us down, if He says it he means it, and He follows through. I’m so glad that with God there are no levels or severity of His promises.

So, as I began to understand how important it was to my daughter that when a promise is made, it’s kept, I began to internally determine with God’s help to be the kind of promise keeping dad that she needs.

I also realized that my son is watching my every move as well, and if he sees his dad giving flippant promises and not following through, he’s going to model after that as well.

As I was standing there processing the complexity and many levels of this situation I began to get a little overwhelmed, as I realized that this parenting, and promise keeping thing is hard work.

Then I remembered one of the 7,000 promises that I’ve held on to for years, a promise that has always helped, consoled, guided and encouraged my heart in times of turbulence and uncertainty…”I will never leave you, or forsake you.”

No “thumb swear and bend it” needed when God gives it!

Lesson Learned

He Reigns

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:31:00 +0000

One of the coolest things I've gotten to do in my ministry the last few years is to not only teach and preach in other countries, but also to be a part of worship gatherings while I'm there.

It has always amazed me how God can not only decipher but enjoys and completely understands every tribe, and nation when we freely offer praise to Him.

In Kenya, I was surrounded by sounds of Swahili, In Ukraine, it was Russian, In Malaysia, it was either Cantonese, Mandarin or Bahasa, In Mexico it was Spanish, and it was rockin and loud!

Every one of these places I've visited this past year had a very special and very unique worship flavor to it, and it was so awesome to be a part of it, and know that our God doesn't need a translator...He gets it, just how we deliver it!

The other day though, I had an incredible experience unlike any other that I've experienced. No it wasn't in Mexico, Kenya, Malaysia, or Ukraine...it was actually driving in my car with my family. We were on a long ride home from a weekend of ministry in the Chicago area, and had lots of time to talk, and sing and get antsy!

Then, all of a sudden on the radio came one of my favorite worship songs these days. It started kind of softly, and I heard my daughter let out a loud "SHHHHH, I love this song", and my son chime in almost immediately, "yeah me too", and with that they began to sing, word for word, and at the top of their lungs the praise song that has reverberated in my heart around the world during every worship gathering I've been a part of.

My wife and I looked at each other and just smiled a smile of joy that our two kids love to sing their hearts out to the Lord. For me it was a very moving moment to know that God was being praised in one of the languages that He's fluent in (which is all of them), by an 8 year old and a 6 year old in the back of a car somewhere in the mid-west. The truth of this song is so amazing, and I'm so glad that my God loves our praise, and that we can give it to Him whenever and wherever we may be.

He's alive, He's well, He's active and Above all...He Reigns!!

He Reigns – By: Newsboys

It's the song of the redeemed
Rising from the African plain
It's the song of the forgiven
Drowning out the Amazon rain
The song of Asian believers
Filled with God's holy fire
It's every tribe, every tongue, every nation
A love song born of a grateful choir

It's all God's children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns
It's all God's children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns

Let it rise about the four winds
Caught up in the heavenly sound
Let praises echo from the towers of cathedrals
To the faithful gathered underground
Of all the songs sung from
the dawn of creation
Some were meant to persist
Of all the bells rung from a thousand steeples
None rings truer than this

And all the powers of darkness
Tremble at what they've just heard
'Cause all the powers of darkness
Can't drown out a single word

When all God's children sing out
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns
All God's people singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns

Connecting with Kenya #5

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:09:00 +0000

YMI East Africa Director, Sylvester Onyango is visiting the US next week. In 2007 I spent 3 weeks in Kenya, so the next few posts are dedicated to some of the journal entries from that trip...

12/05/2007

• 8:30am – Willie picked me up at the BTL and we headed over to the camp

o As we were driving to the camp Willie showed me the morning news paper headline that said something like “30 houses burned in (some town) as raiders continue their protest of (some politician)” He said that during the political races for the Kenyan government things can get a little hot...I’d say that’s pretty hot…we talked a little bit about why people do such things and why it’s so important that they know Jesus…I was a little nervous, but remembered that when you’re in the center of God’s will you’re in the safest place you can be!

Willie went on to assure me that the town was a long ways away from Ruiru, and then he said “don’t worry Mon, it’s all good!” And the rest of the day I had a reggae version of “Every little thing is gonna be all right” going through my mind!o We got to the camp and again the church was rocking! These kids really know how to praise God! It was kind of a mixture between Reggae and Hip-hop in Swahili…very cool!

This time they also sang some songs in English and I had a good time worshiping with them. I thought it was awesome that they sang in English, they really wanted me to feel a part of what they are doing, I told them how much I appreciated that, and how hard they are working to understand what this “no rhythm, non-Swahili, bullet dodging, pasty white brother is trying to tell them about Jesus”…they laughed and laughed! I forgot to mention that one of the assumptions they had when I told them I live in NY is that I’m constantly having to dodge bullets from all the gangsters who live in NYC…I politely told them that that assumption is not completely true, and that I live like 6 hours away from NYC, and actually grew up in a town called Horseheads, NY… they kind of looked a little disappointed at that. It was almost like they wanted to be able to say they knew a guy who took on gangsters in NYC, but now all they got is the fact that they met some dude from Horseheads…Hey what can I say!

o Both sessions went well, I shared about how Noah stayed faithful to God even in the midst of ridicule and questions about what he was doing. I challenged them to stay faithful to God’s plan for their lives even when it doesn’t make sense…I then shared with them my story of ups and downs, and junk that God has helped me overcome in my life…those who know me well know what story I’m talking about because I’ve shared it many times over the years…somehow as I shared about the pain that I’ve had to overcome with God’s help it didn’t seem as bad in comparison to what I think these kids deal with on a daily basis…I could be wrong, it may be a foolish assumption on my part, but I’m more amazed every day at what these kids are dealing with and the fact that they continue on…Sylvester said it best when he said “Kenyans are survivors!”

o After the sessions were over I watched the campers play some hilarious games that would make any Youth Pastor proud…It’s so refreshing to see how they use whatever they can find and improvise it to make a game out of it…the kids aren’t “too cool” either, they all get involved and it’s contagious…I know from experience that, that doesn’t just happen either…Sylvester has done a tremendous job of training his leaders on how to design games, how to include students, how to make it fun and interactive…you know stuff they teach you in Youth Pastor School…(I think I took that class after I took “Recreational Camping Leadership 101”, “Proper Pizza Consumption Calculations 102” and my personal favorite “Paper, Plastic or Styrofoam which cup is most cost effective for the all-nighter 103”) or one of the many other YM classes I took in college – ha ha.

o In the afternoon I continued to hang out and get to know the kids…I really like the laid back atmosphere around the BTC tree, it’s almost like they view it as sacred ground where it’s ok to talk about stuff you’re going through…I think there is something to be said about the experiential learning aspect that the tree offers…It’s amazing how when you “give kids permission” and a venue to share it frees them to open up…that’s exactly what’s happening under that tree! I believe some of the next generation of Godly men and woman World Changers are going to come out of this place, and because of the truth of God that’s being taught under a TREE!

o At 4pm I taught part 2 of the Leadership Seminar I’m doing, and we focused today on how important it is to lead from our giftedness…we had a great discussion about Spiritual Gifts and how when we lead through them, we are blessed as are others through our ministry.

o After the seminar Sylvester and I sat and talked about some issues he’s working through in the ministry, and it seemed like he enjoyed talking with someone who knows what it means to be a Youth Pastor…I reminded him that even though I’ve been doing YM along time, I don’t have all the answers and I can’t even begin to understand and empathize with what it means to be a Youth Pastor in Kenya, but whatever I have to offer in terms of encouragement, prayer, insights, ideas etc. I am more than willing to share with him. I think He really appreciated that.

It must be very lonely for him to be leading a movement of trying to educate churches who can barely afford to pay a Sr. Pastor let alone a Youth Pastor that the investment is so needed! That’s something that I think we take for granted a lot of times in the US…I mean the early founders of Youth Ministry as we know it today (some of which serve on the YMI board by the way!) must have had it tough as well trying to break through the stereotype that youth ministry is just about fun, games, all-nighters & pizza!

As we talked I could tell that we have a common goal of helping to continue to take Youth Ministry to the next level by being a part of training the trainers with excellence!

o It was a very profitable day…I think the “Be The Change” theme is starting to click with many of the kids and I think Sylvester and his team are leading the charge in that area...

Sylvester doesn’t know this but I walked into the church at one point to get my sunglasses while the games were going on, and there he was bent over a mop bucket wringing out a rag that he was using to “mop” the area around the pulpit where I was preaching from because it was very dirty from everyone walking in and out…I saw him and across the church in the other door, a few of his leaders saw him as well, and I could tell that they took notice at how their leader was serving when no-one was looking…BEING THE CHANGE!

Connecting with Kenya #4

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:56:00 +0000

YMI East Africa Director, Sylvester Onyango is visiting the US next week. In 2007 I spent 3 weeks in Kenya, so the next few posts are dedicated to some of the journal entries from that trip...

12/18/2007

• We got up at 5:30am to get ready for our morning game drive…we grabbed some coffee and then headed to our land cruiser to head out into the Mara to see what we could find.

• It didn’t take long and we came upon another pride of lions…this time though there were 4 huge males and 2 large females just hanging out right next to our vehicle! Their paws were gigantic and I was just amazed as I stood there looking at them! There was a heard of about 100 buffalo about 200 yards away but they weren’t interested at all…they did have an interesting stare down with a hyena though that was pretty funny to watch…guess who won that one?

• We then drove all over the place looking for things and saw a ton of different kinds of animals…

o Zebra

o Buffalo

o Wildebeest

o Jackals

o Foxes

o Vultures

o Hyenas

o Monkeys

o Secretary Birds

o Giraffes

o Elephants

• As we were driving along we saw another pride of Lions, this time they were gathered around the carcass of a wildebeest having breakfast…they were chomping away, and it was amazing how they were sharing and taking care of each other with the catch.

• It was funny because just over the ridge we could see the lower species on the food chain beginning to gather to get some scraps that might be left behind…hyenas & vultures waited patiently as the lions pulled and ripped and chewed…The food chain at work.

• As I’m writing this I just heard a loud snort and it sounds like a hippo is nearby! God’s creation is amazing!

• On the afternoon game drive we were taken about an hour away to the border of Tanzania (we actually crossed into Tanzania for a little while) to a section of the Mara river where the hippos & crocodiles hang out and wait for the migration of wildebeest to cross…when we drove up to the river bank the smell was pretty pungent and then I realized why…there were hippos and crocks in the water surrounded by bodies of wildebeest…there were about 20 carcasses just laying in the water…Jonathon told us that over 10,000 animals were killed in the migration this year as they tried to cross the river! We then went a little further down the river to a bridge and as we got close to the river the smell of death was not only pungent, it was RANK!

I’m talking about the worst smelling stench imaginable! We continued onto the bridge and soon found out why…there were hundreds of carcasses strewn as far as you could see. In among the bodies were hippos and crocodiles hanging out enjoying the spoils of a successful migration (from their perspective)…I then looked to the other side of the bridge and there were several hundred dried up carcasses and bones everywhere. It was an incredible sight to see and smell.

• We then turned around and left the area for a sweeter smelling section of the Mara…it wasn’t long and we came upon a family of Giraffes grazing on some very tall trees…it was fun watching them leisurely stroll about the meadow (what a difference between them and the crocks and even the Lions)…while I was getting some video of them Jonathon said “hey, there’s a Rhino!” sure enough there he was in the bush just walking around…they are very hard to find, but we saw him for short time and then he was gone…it was definitely the top find of the day!

• We got back to the lodge and attended a Massai Tribal presentation and lecture which was very interesting!

• After the presentation we headed for bed and enjoyed a good night’s sleep!

12/19/2007

• We got up at 5:30am to get ready for our morning game drive…grabbed some coffee and we were on our way.

• While I was drinking my coffee a man asked if he could sit down and join me, so I said “sure have a seat”…we struck up a conversation and I found out that his name is Hassan and he is from Egypt…It was fun talking with him about what we do with YMI and learning a little bit about his culture…I’ve met some interesting people on this trip…people from, Wales, Germany, Japan, New Mexico, India, Massai Tribal Warriors, and I even met a Swami from Pakistan who is in Nairobi doing a “Swami thing”, whatever that means…It’s been an amazing intro to various cultures…One thing is for sure, we were all fascinated by God’s creation on the safari!

o The game drive started and it wasn’t long and we came upon another pride of lions enjoying their breakfast (they seem to really enjoy wildebeest)…it was awesome to watch the power that these animals possess, no wonder they are the king of the beasts!

• After the game drive was over we packed our gear and went to the airstrip to catch our flight back to Nairobi.

• We landed safely and were taken back to the Safari Park Hotel where we’ll spend the night and fly out tomorrow night back home!

• It has been an incredible 3 weeks in Kenya! I’ve seen God at work in many ways, and it has been a privilege to take part in His work! Africa is known as the dark continent, that’s true…but it’s my prayer that God will continue to use his people to shine His light here, so many will be drawn to Him!

Connecting with Kenya #3

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 01:53:00 +0000

YMI East Africa Director, Sylvester Onyango is visiting the US in a few weeks. In 2007 I spent 3 weeks in Kenya, so the next few posts are dedicated to some of the journal entries from that trip...

12/12-16/2007

• It’s been a while since I last blogged and a lot has happened this past week… I haven’t had a lot of time to sit down and write, but I’ll try to capture as much as I can from memory.

My time at Kenya Baptist Theological College was awesome! I was able to rub shoulders with some amazing Youth and Pastoral Majors who really have a heart to serve the Lord in Kenya!

• On Thursday I spoke in chapel and was very well received by the students and faculty…God was working as I shared with the students…thanks for all of your prayers.

• Randy and I spent a lot of time with the School Administration and several professors regarding the future direction of the school (they are working towards becoming Kenya Baptist University), and YMI’s part in continuing to provide the training for the youth majors within that context. Everyone we talked to and interacted with absolutely loves YMI and what we’re doing with the Youth Majors, and it was so great to be a part of strategizing with the top leadership about the future possibilities.

• The Youth Majors are incredible! I met one graduate of our program who is from an Island in Lake Victoria which is bordered by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania…she told us that 65% of the 30,000 people who live on the Island are

HIV positive! I can’t even imagine that…she has such a strategic ministry to people who desperately need the hope that our God gives! Her name is Jane, please pray for her and the kids that she is reaching! I talked with the Pastor of her church about doing some ministry when I’m back and he was very excited about some possibilities.

• Sylvester has done a really good job with teaching these students, and it was also fun for me to hear stories about two of our guys that helped pave the way for these students to receive their Youth Ministry diploma…Frank Mills and Scott Dishong had a great ministry with these students as well, and it was awesome to see the fruits of their labor as I sat on stage next to Randy at the Graduation ceremony! Thank God for dedicated Youth Trainers like these guys! I was reminded again how important it is to train the trainers of Youth Ministry…the legacy is continuing in Kenya!

• The graduation service was a fun atmosphere to involved in…I thought I’d be sitting somewhere in the congregation or maybe even outside looking in one of the windows like many of the people had to do because it was standing room only in the auditorium. As we were taking pictures with graduates and talking with several students the Principal of the school (equivalent to the President) called us over and told us to join him at the front of the procession and sit on the stage with him and the other leaders! It was such an honor to be a part of that!

• The service lasted about 3 hours and was full of songs, scripture, testimonies, an African choir and a challenging message…the highlight for me was seeing our graduates step up and receive the announcement of their degree in youth ministry and seven of them receive the YMI certification to be able to take our informal materials and go out and teach it all over Africa! It’s a big deal, and you could tell that they were so proud to have been given that confidence, authority and license to take our materials and train others in it!

• After the service I got a chance to mingle with several more students and encourage them to go out and make a difference.

• After the service was over Randy and I checked out of Brackenhurst and headed into Nairobi to stay at the Hampton House for the evening.

• On Saturday morning we checked out of the Hampton House and went to the Safari Park Hotel where we’re staying until Monday morning…talk about extremes! This place is amazing…beautiful grounds, Five star accommodations, incredible food, cascading water falls and like 5 pools! It’s a lot different than what I saw at Kibera! We are having a great time here, but I must admit I keep thinking about all that I have seen and experienced up until this point…I’m glad I got to see and be a part of all of it and not just this part!

• I had a great talk with Lincoln again…(he and I have really clicked and have had some incredible strategy sessions under the tree, in the dirt, on the steps etc.) I asked him what part of the youth ministry training he really
enjoys, and he said the materials that help him understand how to reach the street kids and kids that live in places like Kibera! He said he could see himself living among and ministering to the kids in Kibera some day! I was blown away, here’s a guy who has such a heart to reach kids in the slums that he is praying about taking his training right to them and living among them to reach them!

o There are a bunch of other guys like Lincoln who would love to get their degree in YM but don’t have the funds…it costs about $60 a month for 3 years to give a youth leader a full scholarship to KBTC in Youth Ministry! (The total cost for the college is about 45,000 shillings per year – which is about $725 a year for 3 years)…That $60 a month might as well be 6 million a month for these guys, and the reality is most of them can’t afford it without some help form others…It is my prayer that God would lay it on people’s hearts to help sponsor one or more of our students who want to get trained as Youth Professionals in this culture. I’ve met a ton of great investments here in Kenya!

• Today (Sunday) Randy and I went back to Ruiru for church as he spoke in the Youth class and also in the morning service. It was fun to be a part of the service again and interact with the kids and the leaders. Randy did a great job speaking and the people really responded to his challenge…at the end of the sermon he gave an invitation to receive Christ or rekindle your faith in Christ and many responded! The Pastor then asked me to come up and pray for the people who responded…it was a great joy to do that!

• At the end of the service Sylvester and his youth leaders came up front and thanked me for my ministry with them over these last 3 weeks, and dedicated the closing song to me…They sang “Friends” by Michael W Smith, and of course I was very moved by that, it was a special moment that I will always remember!

• I hung out and talked with the youth leaders and the kids for a while and then it was time to leave…as we were leaving I remembered something…during one of the songs that the youth leaders sang in the service (again everything in the church service was run by the youth and the youth leaders!) One of the guys up there singing was Kevin (he was one of the orphan boys who was at camp on a work scholarship and had accepted Christ during the camp week)…there he was up front smiling and singing with all his might! God is at work here in Kenya!

• Randy & I along with Sylvester and Willis (yes, after a week of thinking his name was Willie I found out it’s really Willis – oh well) went back to Safari Park to have lunch and celebrate all that God has been doing these past 3 weeks.

• Tomorrow morning Randy and I fly out of Nairobi over to the Western part of Kenya (Masai Mara) to go on the safari! I’m really looking forward it!

Connecting with Kenya - #2

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:28:00 +0000

YMI East Africa Director, Sylvester Onyango is visiting the US in a few weeks. In 2007 I spent 3 weeks in Kenya, so the next few posts are dedicated to some of the journal entries from that trip...

12/8/2007

• 8:30am – I was picked up at BTL and taken over to the church for the closing ceremony at the camp

• It was a very fun and energetic program, as the kids presented, the leaders presented and Sylvester presented, all in a way to help bring closure to an awesome week of camp!

He shared that after counting all the commitment cards there were 9 salvations and 29 dedications to the Lord! He was ecstatic and the whole place erupted! That’s what it’s all about!

• Before the program started a bunch of the kids were sitting under the BTC tree so I got in the middle of them and said “hey everyone, surround me”

they came running and I got a great picture with them. “As the shot was being taken I reminded them that in Christ we are on big family! They all cheered and smiled at that!

• The Pastor came up and gave a closing word, and he thanked me for sharing God’s Word with the campers, and asked me to thank everyone back home for their sacrifices that allowed me to come to Kenya and minister to them…I assured him that I would and that many people have been praying!

He then said that in Kenya there are many kinds of flowers, and they symbolize blessing from God, and there is a tradition in spring that when the breezes blow and the flower petals and seeds are flying everywhere that it symbolizes God’s blessing spreading to all people…he then had everyone open their hands likes flowers and on the count of three close their fingers and then fling them open and make a whooshing sound to symbolize them sending blessings to me and my family…it was a neat moment and I actually got a great picture of them doing that to remember it.

• Sylvester then invited me to come back up one more time and add any closing thoughts I had and close in prayer…I reiterated my thoughts from yesterday about the next generation of world changers emerging from under the BTC tree, and how I have been so blessed to be a part of it with them! I then prayed and asked God to bless them and we were done…They didn’t want to leave though! I got lots of pictures with kids, and leaders…It was an awesome end to an awesome week of camp.

• Thank you to all of you who were praying for God to do great things…He did!

Connecting with Kenya

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:03:00 +0000

In a few weeks, a good friend, and colleague of mine is coming to America for a visit.

In 2007, I had the privilege of visiting his turf, and we had plans to have him visit in 2008, but due to the violence that erupted in his country, we were unable to make it happen.

Well, now it's going to happen. The YMI East Africa Director Sylvester Onyango is coming here to introduce people to what his ministry is all about, what they're doing and prayerfully ask others to join the team by supporting Youth Pastor training in East Africa.

He is going to have a pretty busy itinerary, with speaking engagements in Kentucky, Georgia, New York and New Jersey, and your prayers are much appreciated during this time.

He arrives January 28th and will fly home February 23rd. During my visit in 2007, I blogged quite a bit about what I saw and experienced, so I thought for the next few posts I would dedicate them to re-posting some of my experiences when I spent 3 weeks in Kenya...

Blog Post -12/7/2007 • 8:30am – Sylvester and a new driver picked me up at BTL to head over to the camp

It was different not having Willis as my driver today, he was on a trip for the weekend but will be back with me on Monday. I arrived at the camp and it was a little different today, it almost had a sad, kind of depressed feel to it...the church wasn’t rocking like it has been, so I asked Sylvester what was going on and he said that the reality of camp coming to an end is setting in with the kids…I know how that can be when you really are having a good time, and you don’t want to go home…many of these kids really don’t want to go back to their reality!

Sylvester invited me to come up and officially deliver the final 2 sessions to the camp and I was up and running…I told a couple introduction stories to kind of lighten the mood and get them tracking with me again and then it was just like the other sessions have been, lots of interaction and laughter and challenge from God’s word… you should have heard the uproar during the first session when I was preaching…I walked to the back of the church and looked out the door at the "Be The Change" tree and told them what I thought yesterday when I saw them sitting under it learning how to Be The Change…I told them how I Believe that the next generation of World Changers is going to emerge from under that tree! The church erupted!!

Sylvester had tears in his eyes and many of the leaders stood to their feet and looked at their teens and applauded them! It’s amazing how powerful our words can be when they are truthful, filled with passion, belief and encouragement…I could’ve stopped the message right there it was that incredible of a moment! God was really moving today!

I think if I were to judge the effectiveness of each of the sessions, today would’ve been the best of all of them…I shared the gospel again and invited Sylvester to come up and close the second session however he felt the Lord wanted him to…he gave an invitation to accept Christ and an invitation to commit their lives to serving Christ…as of this writing I know of 3 teens that told Sylvester that they had accepted Jesus as their Savior! One of the orphan boys (Kevin) was one of them!

There were many more who responded to commit their lives to living for Christ, and the commitment cards were still coming in, so I’ll give an update with official commitments and salvation decisions when it’s final…God is Good!

It was raining today so the games were held in the church…the rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the campers though, they were really into it again! They had a contest to see who could draw the best picture of me in under 5 minutes…then I had to judge the winner. Talk about difficult! The campers then signed their names on the back of the pictures and gave them to me as a gift to remember them by, so I could pray for them all by name! It was a great gift! In one of the pictures though, I look like Lebron James, it was pretty funny.

One of the competitions was a rap contest…these kids were really good at that…they are so creative and expressive, they really do everything with passion.

After the games Sylvester and I went back into Nairobi to get some things and it was packed! There were cars and Mutatus and people and goats and Herds of Longhorns that would make even the biggest University of Texas fan proud…the city was teeming and alive with activity…I found myself surrounded in a sea of people…Sylvester was pointing out various religious & people groups that we saw on the way…We saw Muslims, Hindus, Seiks, Nomads, Rich people in BMW’s and poor people with broken walking sticks, filthy hole filled clothes and bare feet...young and old and even a huge billboard of Tupac Shakur…it was incredible to see so many kinds of people from so many different walks of life all converging on a city that was built to handle about 2 million people but now finds itself struggling to hold around 5 million…to say the least it was a zoo!

At one point while we were sitting in the “Jom” as Sylvester called it (traffic jam is what he’s referring to)…I heard a bunch of people shouting in Swahili and then around the front of our car a group of about 10 guys were chasing a well dressed man shouting “Thief, Thief, Thief” and they caught him and starting beating him up on the other side of a bus that was sitting next to us…Sylvester said that that’s one of the techniques of pick pockets these days, they’ll walk the streets in nice clothes so people think they have money and don’t fear them, they will rob unsuspecting woman and take off…this guy wasn’t so fortunate, the civil law kicked into gear and Sylvester said that if the police didn’t get there soon, he’d be lucky to be alive…WOW!

We got back to camp just in time for me to do the final session of the Leadership seminar…the leaders were really into it again today, we had a great closing session as we brainstormed about ways that they can implement the learnings into their own ministries…it’s so much fun for me to throw out a leadership principle and watch them tackle it & discuss it and figure out ways to put it into practice in their culture…there are some excellent leaders in this group!

After the seminar I talked with Sylvester for a little while about his thoughts about the camp, and he had the look of a very happy, tired and satisfied Youth Pastor who just saw a ministry that has taken months of planning and preparation come to a successful completion. It was so incredible for me to sit and talk about what went well, what didn’t and what could be improved…he strikes me as a guy who is always striving to get better at what he does, and that kind of attitude towards youth ministry is so contagious, and is the kind of attitude that really energizes me!

As I was leaving the camp a bunch of the kids from the camp and along the road were waving and saying goodbye…it was a bitter sweet moment for me to think that my time at the camp is done, but because of God’s life changing truths being accepted into lives this week, I’m going to see many of these kids again someday, either on this earth or someday in Heaven!

My prayer for the kids at the Ruiru Baptist Camp is that they would continue to grow in their faith and take steps each day to Be The Change that this world needs, and stand up for Jesus who is the only one with the life changing power! You know what…I think they just might do it to…Kenyans are Survivors, that’s true but when Jesus is powering the change…they will become more like… THRIVERS! That’s my prayer!

The Votes Are In

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:51:00 +0000

Drum roll please...the results are in for the top 10 Lesson Learned Articles as voted by YOU!

Thanks to everyone who took the time to cast their votes, I really appreciate both of you - ha ha.

No, really it was pretty overwhelming sifting through the responses and realizing that of the 27 articles I've written so far in this series, 21 of them received votes from you, that's awesome!

It was also really cool for me as I read the kinds of things you connected with in the articles and the way God used certain ones at certain times in your life, right exactly when you needed it!

So, without any further ramblings by me, here they are, the top 10 Lesson Learned articles with a link to each of them in case you want to go back and re-read...thanks again everyone!
Learning Lessons with you,
Brent

Lesson Learned Series - TOP 10 - 2008

1. Do you trust me?
2. Gifts
3. No AC, NO FM and NO Regrets
4. Feelings or Truth?
5. Kingdom Mentality
6. Plans
7. Got Faith?
8. I've Failed
9. Worst Ever?
10. Excuses, Excuses

Lesson Learned Series - Top 10

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:21:00 +0000

Well, it's 2009 and everyone seems to be compiling their list of "best of's" and "top 10's", so I figured why not see what others think of the lesson learned series, and which one's would rank as the 10 best.

Below is a form that lists all the lesson learned articles to this point, so if you would take a look and put a check by the one's you would pick as your top ten that would be great.

In the comment section feel free to share why you picked what you picked, and maybe a way that the article blessed you, met a spiritual need or impacted you in some way.

I'll leave the post up for a week, and then report on what we've found out. Thanks everyone, it's been a great year of learning lessons, and I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store with the year to come.

Learning lessons with you,
Brent

Grand Slam Question

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:34:00 +0000

Last night my family and I splurged and went to Denny's for dinner.

I had been whining about wanting pancakes all week, my wife had worship team practice, and kids eat free on Tuesdays.

It was a perfect storm situation that had "Grand Slam" written all over it.

So we loaded up the Carl family cruiser (aka 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan, with a newly replaced windshield, after the NY snow load cracked the old one), and headed to Denny's for some food, and fellowship as a family.

Everything was going great, the kids were coloring, Bonnie and I were gazing into each other’s eyes (at Denny's...hmmm) and the waitress had just taken our order. It was shaping up to be a pretty awesome night.

Pretty awesome until my son, slid his placemat to me to read a freshly written question, complete with a YES or NO response section that demanded an answer...an answer right NOW.

If you can read first grade penmanship, take a look at the picture and you can tell exactly what he was asking his "always truthful, always trustworthy, Never deceitful...DADDY."
For those who are a little penmanship challenged...my boy asked me point blank, "IS SANTA REAL? YES or NO."

It was tough because I was just about to dig in to my grand slam when he wrote that question on the placemat and slid it over to me.

Of course there were kids everywhere because it was Kids eat free night.

So, I told him it was a cool story, and lots of fun, and then I started to eat my full stack.

He wouldn't let it go...He kept saying "daddy, is he real or not?" So finally I said, (in a low voice so as not to tip off the surrounding kids, and tick off the surrounding parents) "Christmas is about Jesus, buddy...Santa is just a small part of the story, and he's made up...Jesus is real though!"

He looked a little surprised at that (santa being made up, not the Jesus is real part), and then 2 seconds later was like "huh, ok...oooh Mozzarella sticks!"

When we got out of the danger zone, we explained a little more in depth, and told him that it's ok to play along with your other friends that believe in Santa...don't ruin it for them...that's their parents job...ha ha.

I told Bonnie later, that I felt bad for him...I remember when I found out the truth...that's one of the reasons why 8th grade was the worst year of my life..ha ha.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Made to Love - By: Toby Mac

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 00:19:00 +0000

The dream is fading, now I'm staring at the door I know its over cause my feet have hit the cold floor Check my reflection, I ain't feelin what I see It's no mystery.
Whatever happened to a passion I could live for? What became of the flame that made me feel more? And when did I forget that...

I was made to love you I was made to find you I was made just for you Made to adore you I was made to love And be loved by you You were here before me You were waiting on me And you said you'd keep me Never would you leave me I was made to love and be loved by you

The dream's alive with my eyes opened wide Back in the ring you've got me swinging for the grand prize I feel the haters spittin vapors on my dreams But I still believe I'm reachin out, reachin up, reachin over I feel a breeze cover me called Jehovah And daddy I'm on my way Cause I was made to love...

I was made to love you I was made to find you I was made just for you Made to adore you I was made to love And be loved by you You were here before me You were waiting on me And you said you'd keep me Never would you leave me I was made to love and be loved by you I was made to love you I was made just for you Made to adore you I was made to love And be loved by you You were here before me You were waiting on me And you said you'd keep me Never would you leave me I was made to love and be loved by you

Anything I would give up for you (nah, nah, nah, nah, nah) Everything, I'd give it all away (nah, nah, nah, nah, nah) Anything I would give up for you (nah, nah, nah, nah, nah) Everything, I'd give it all away (nah, nah, nah, nah, nah) Anything I would give up for you (nah, nah, nah, nah, nah) Everything, I'd give it, I'd give it all away, Oh yeah...

I'm so glad God has a plan, I'm a part of it, and even when I lose sight, get sidetracked, or just plain lose my passion...HE is always there to remind me that I was made to love, adore, and give my life for Him...what an Honor!

Where everybody knows your name

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 02:11:00 +0000

For several months now I’ve been really looking forward to this recent trip to Mexico City, where I had the chance to do some teaching, preaching, networking and encouraging.

I’ve been to Northern Mexico several times, but have never had the opportunity to visit Mexico City, so again, I was really looking forward to it.

I want to thank everyone for their prayerful support as I interacted with some amazing youth leaders from all over Mexico, and Ecuador.

Assembled in the classroom were students from the east and west coasts and the Northern and Southern borders and I learned that just like the States, and many of the other countries I’ve visited thus far, young people are as different as night and day depending on which area they come from. There is no such thing as a cookie cutter youth ministry program.

The class I taught at the seminary was Youth Ministry Programming, and the whole premise deals with understanding your culture, your target audience and purpose before designing programs to reach them. The whole class is about prayerfully reaching out and building up a solid, healthy, Biblically balanced Youth Ministry that works in a specific culture.

So as we discussed various ways to reach young people, I was amazed as I heard many different techniques, tools and ideas, but one similar theme throughout, the discussion.

The student from Puerto Vallarta shared that he has a burden for the surfing community that flocks to that location in search of the perfect wave. Students from Tampico and other beach locales on the gulf side shared how a vibrant beach ministry to the party going crowd in search of fun and friends would be a good tool to use for their area. The students from the region of Monterrey interjected with how
important it is to cheer for one of the two football teams that call their city home. They strategized about using the annual big game that everyone either attends or buys on pay per view to host an evangelistic outreach. The students from the southern section near the border of Guatemala and Belize, spoke of the incredible natural beauty that is found in that region’s rivers and mountains that would make a camping, adventure type ministry a real draw for them.

Each student strategized, each student shared about specific programs and tools that “just might work” in their locale, and as I listened to each one get excited about the possibilities, I kept thinking of one similar theme in all of their ideas. Whether it was surfing, beach volleyball, football or whitewater rafting, the thread that bound all of these techniques and tools together was relationships!

People young and old want to be known, loved, respected and appreciated!

I challenged the students to always remember this very important truth as they are designing their programs, because we all want to go “where everybody knows our name.”

My mind immediately went the theme song to the show “Cheers.” Sure, the show was set in a bar, and sure, much of the conversation that took place in the show and in most bars for that matter, is not what I’m about, and not what we want our students to be about, but man, there’s a lot of truth in the lyrics of the theme song…

Making your way in the world today Takes everything you've got; Taking a break from all your worries Sure would help a lot. Wouldn't you like to get away? Sometimes you want to go Where everybody knows your name, And they're always glad you came; You want to be where you can see, Our troubles are all the same; You want to be where everybody knows your name.

So, with the theme song rattling around in my mind from the day before, I got up early before my class and set out for my daily walk to spend some time thinking and praying about the events of the day, as well as seek out a hot fresh muffin, and a Grande Espresso Americano. You guessed it, I was on my way to Starbucks (which for years I’ve called fourbucks, because you can’t even walk in the place in the States without dropping at least 4 bucks). But this was Mexico City and we were dealing in Pesos and exchange rates, so I kept my little joke to myself, and just enjoyed the aroma, the food, the coffee and I think more than anything…the atmosphere!

Each morning while in Mexico I would venture the half mile each way to start my day with some caffienation, and conversation

Now you may be thinking…”conversation?…Ok Carl, we know you visit all these countries, but we also know that you speak through an interpreter, so unless you’re Rosetta Stone or something how in the world are you having conversations with the Spanish speaking world in Starbucks of all places?”

Good question, and yes, my repertoire of Hola, Gracias and De nada, is still the sum of my Spanish knowledge, but wonder of all wonders, in this particular Starbucks there were 2 guys that made me think about how important relationships and being known really are in designing programs, as well as deciding whether to go back or stay far away, once a person has actually attended a program.

What made me not only want to walk the mile round trip every day, but actually do it? Well the coffee certainly helped, but the fact that as soon as I opened the door, walked through and stepped up to the counter, not only was I greeted with a smile, eye contact, and a hearty HOLA! I was also directly spoken to with a cheerful, “Good Morning Brat!” “How are you doing today?” “It’s so good to see you, would you like your usual, Grande Espresso Americano with a little room left at the top for half and half and three splenda?”

“Why yes, I would like that…Thank you very much!” Now the fact that the guys, pronounced and spelled my name wrong was not a big deal to me, in fact I thought it was kind of funny, but when they spoke my language, knew what I liked, and delivered it with a smile, I was blown away with how important relationships and being known really are in ministry.

On one of the days, I walked with my class to the Starbucks, and sure enough, the guys were there, they welcomed me and my students and once again showed us a glimpse of a very important principle that needs to be woven into every program, tool, technique and idea we have in reaching young people…Relationships!

Isn’t it great when people know your name, and how much more incredible it is that God not only knows our name…He knows everything about us!

Please join me in praying for the Youth Leaders in Mexico who have great plans, and great passion…lets pray that God will use them to draw young people to Himself through a contagious outburst of love and acceptance through Jesus Christ.

God is at work in Latin America, I’m just glad I was able to have a small part in seeing it in action. To follow along on what God is doing on a regular basis, go to YMI Mexico and Pray for Dennis Poulette.

Mexico Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:41:00 +0000

Hey everyone, I want to let you know that some great things are happening here in Mexico!

I've had the privilege of speaking at a Youth Pastor's network in Mexico city, speaking at a rockin' youth group, and teaching some amazing youth majors from all over Mexico and Ecuador.

The interactions and discussions have been incredible, as I seek to learn more about the culture and seek to find transferable principles that cross all barriers, and enable youth leaders to reach their young people.

Thanks for your prayers and support, as I continue with the class for two more days. I'll then take in some sights on Saturday and board the plane to head home on Sunday.

It's so much fun traveling and serving with each of our YMI Missionaries. Every country I go to, and every trainer I work with I realize even more how much of an impact is being made globally.

The missionary I'm working with here in Mexico is Dennis Poulette. Dennis is the YMI Latin America Director, and he oversees the training in Mexcio, Cuba and is currently working on expansion into more Latin American Countries as well.

I encourage you to check out his web site, and be praying for he and His wife Janell and two children as they continue to train trainers in Youth Ministry in Latin America.

I hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas Season, and again thanks for partnering with us to make this training trip to Mexico possible.
God bless,
Brent

Valuable

noreply@blogger.com (Brent Carl) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:12:00 +0000

It’s hard to believe but another Christmas season is upon us. Another 25 days of shear pandemonium and utter chaos for many an experienced “black Friday” deal sniffer as well as the last minute, Christmas Eve “whatever is left on the shelf” hunter.

The aisles, the parking lots, the shops and malls are all packed, and just try slithering into that last parking spot or grabbing that last present without a comment, a nudge or even an all out “stern talking to” from the person who “saw it first.”

It’s become the month of craziness to millions of Americans that’s for sure, and as I begin my annual month of processing what Christmas really is about, I’m reminded that when you strip away all the parties, and cookies, and presents and egg nog and…fruit cake, Christmas is really the most amazing time of the year for the Christian.

It’s the time of the year when all the bragging rights go to where they should go…God and God alone.

I mean, it was a brilliant plan if you think about it. The whole world was looking and waiting for the prophesied Messiah to come, the only problem was they were operating under faulty assumptions of how He would actually show up. They were thinking about a high rolling Kingly type entrance but God snuck Him in right under their noses. About six miles from the religious epicenter of the day actually, in a little town called Bethlehem is where He was born. The birthday of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The day when the whole world should be thanking and praising and bringing gifts to Him for His love and grace…why is it then, that the guests at His party receive all the gifts?

Every year at this time I think about what it means to truly go through this season with the right motives, for the right reasons, and honestly every year I find myself getting sucked right in with all the worries and baggage that goes along with what Christmas has become in our culture.

The more I travel and see how others live and have to deal with things that I can’t even understand, the more I’m realizing that many times my definition of what really matters most in life is way out of whack. The things we place value on and the things people in Africa or Cuba or Malaysia place value on are so very different.

I remember this principle becoming crystal clear to me a few years back while building some houses in Mexico with my youth group. We had a large group that particular year so we split up and actually built three houses in a very poor
community along the Rio Grande in a village
known as JP Mendez.

The church was the center of the community and the houses (12x16 shelters with no electricity and no running water) were all about a half mile walk to the church. Each day we met at the church, got our plan together and walked to the building site to begin the day’s work.

We would work until noon and then walk back to the church where we would eat our lunch. The organizers were very clear and extremely specific when they told us to never walk alone and never leave our “valuables” on the work site unattended, because they would surely be stolen.

One particular day I learned a very valuable lesson about the definition of the word “valuable.”

It was noon and my group was hungry, so as I was finishing up tacking down some shingles on the roof, I told them to go on ahead and the four students that were helping me on the roof and I would be right there, as we wanted to finish the last row of shingles that we were working on.

We got them done, climbed off the roof and headed to lunch. We got about half way there and realized that we had left a backpack, a purse, a video camera and a digital camera at the work site. We immediately stopped, turned around and began to run to the work site. I mean, our “valuables” were there unattended. The video camera was worth about $500, the digital camera about $300, and the backpack and purse had about $100 in them as well.

As we rounded the corner from that filthy mud caked and pot hole ridden street what we saw next forever changed us with the truth that what is valuable in one culture may or may not hold value in another.

There were about 10 kids gathered on our work site, they watched us leave and waited until the precise moment to make their move, they were stealth-ful and quick. They were thieves, that’s for sure, but what they were stealing was the one thing that they placed a huge value on in their culture. It wasn’t the cameras, or the bags or even the money. They were gathered around our giant thermos…stealing our WATER!

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, the things we placed value on were of little interest to them, especially when faced with an opportunity to drink some cool, clean, disease free…WATER!

So, this year, with that illustration in mind, I’m going to try to keep what is really most important in the forefront of my thinking. God sent His only Son to be born on this earth so the people who rejected Him could have another chance to be reconciled with Him, through the sacrifice He would pay…Now that’s Valuable!

I admit, it’s a busy season with lots of pressures and worries, but this year my prayer is that we would stop and just listen to what God would have us to take away from this Christmas season. He’s still at work, the enemy is still at work and we are still needing to totally rely on our Creator for everything.

So, why don’t we start the Christmas Season off right, and take the message of this video clip to heart...Be Still and KNOW That He is God! Let what is valuable to Him become valuable to us, this Christmas Season.