Make a monochromoe photograph today. Either use a single color subject/background or make it monochrome in post.

I see God here at my place of work - a church where I can be myself, I can be creative and I can be unashamed of the Word of God. Thanks be to God.

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1. The heat.
2. The food
3. The religion

It is so, so hot here. My English readers may hate me a little for that, but I promise you I'm not enjoying the heat. The weather widget on my computer tells me it's going to reach a high of 35 Celsius. On top of that, it's humid. It means I hide indoors where there is the cool, dry Air Conditioning. I dare say it's necessary for productivity to be possible here.

Also, everybody eats out all the time. If you talk about lunch you're talking about fast food. People think I'm a little odd for bringing in a lunchbox every day (or a can of soup). Same goes for coffee. The Americans know how to make coffee. Nobody would drink instant. Unlike in the UK, filter coffee is not a luxury but normal - as it should be, in my opinion! But, there is always a queue at Starbucks and people will buy coffee rather than making it themselves. I found that odd.

This sunday I really went for the American food culture. I had to get to Church for sometime before 8 AM to set up, so I stopped at McDonalds for breakfast and picked up a cup of coffee with my Bagel (I enjoy bagels and the Americans are big fans, too). Then when I got to Church I realised that the snack bar had been laid out with... Coffee and bagels! I went around the corner for something I could have gotten for nothing.

Speaking of fast food, there are outlets for it everywhere. It's huge in this part of the country. People are too busy to cook and prepare food and so rely on a massive catering industry to hand them lunch. Drive down any main road and you will see gas stations with snacks, drive-thru's, diners, coffee shops, bars and restaurants. That is one of the biggest differences I have so far encountered.

So, I drive down one of the main roads, seeing the gas stations and food places on either side, when out of nowhere I see a church. And another. And another. I drive for a couple of miles down this road and there are churches on either side of the road. I might have passed ten of the things! Each one looked roughly the same, each with a sign out the front with a catchy, encouraging statement and sermon advertisement. Each one was a different tradition - half of which I'd never even heard of.

I don't think I'd ever seen so many churches in one place. The cynic in my grinned with sarcastic wit - noticing the fast food places nearby. Fast food places with their slogans, advertisements and signs outside. Remembered the convenience of Air Conditioning, I thought these churches with their many different ideas and theologies and programs could conveniently fit into anyones life.

You could go to any of these churches as find a different meal for your soul - whatever you felt like. If you didn't get enough from one place, you could always go next door. Customise your religion! 'Have it your way!'

The cynic in me is notoriously unfair and cruel, but at the same time I couldn't ignore the silliness of all this religion. The pastor in me (That's what I'm doing this year, a pastoral internship) felt empathy for all the Church leaders, each trying to be faithful in a culture which idolises the self and bends the world to serve the individual. Somehow, it seems Church has become this way too.

As I drove on from this place, I tried to put the cynicism to rest and remember that the ministers, priests and pastors who preach each sunday are trying to be just as faithful as me. Sometimes I think Christianity is made to look too convenient. Sometimes, just like I went to McDonalds, I know I become too settled in the order of the world and forget Christ's call.

“Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” (Peter, Acts 2:40)

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These theories are all well and good, but Dan Brown has got nothing on what the actual secret of the Church is. The real biggie. The one truth that brings the whole institution down on itself.

A Pastor I know was preaching in his church today and he let slip this big secret. It was in the second service, so he'd managed to get through one sermon without spilling the beans. It was during the second service that he told a room full of people our best kept secret.

I could have exploded. I was enjoying his talk on community, looking at Acts 2. He was doing SO well. Then the words lept from his lips.

It was like he didn't care. Or worse, that he MEANT to say it.

Our biggest secret, he says, is that we don't really need to do what Jesus said.

I could have gotten up there and then and left. I didn't, because I had to figure out some kind of damage control. Maybe I could get up and 'deconstruct' the sermon with a crafty prayer. I just had to sit there and watch in horror as the congregation came to the realisation that sitting in Church on a Sunday really isn't what faith is about.

If the world thought Jesus really meant what he said, who would ever become a Christian? If the Church knew Jesus meant his people to be different, how could our organised religion survive?

The consequences of this secret getting out are further reaching than even the scandal of Jesus having a child. That would just make Jesus into a somewhat irresponsible dad. The outcome of this preaching blunder could destroy the Church as we know it.

Everyone would hate that.

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(via)

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• Ode to Christchurch or my first sermon online
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It is really easy too feel passionate and enthusiastic in youth. Read a book that makes you think you can change the world. Go to a concert and feel like the country could be different. Throw the bottle away and never leap to the bottom again. For a few weeks it will last. Be assured, boycotting and writing letters can be fun and lobbying parlament is a rush. One can even change the parts which sit in shadowed shame. For a season. Yet the endeavours began in faith fall short. Passion burns to apathy and anger. Goodness is suffocated by sickening sins. As for righteousness? Robbed by so many defeats.

The summer time is usually a significant time for Christian young people. Summer camps and events ignite these kid's hearts to the things of the Lord, to transform reality. Conferences that say there is no Trans-National so big that it can't be reached by the cries of the poor. Speakers who like to stand on platforms and say that a life lived in the light of God will count for something.

O God, from my youth you have taught me,

and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.

So even to old age and gray hairs,

O God, do not forsake me,

until I proclaim your might to another generation,

your power to all those to come.

(Psalm 71:17-18)

I'm in Psalms about a month later than I should be. But that's ok. I'm taking my time to enjoy them. Bible in a year might be done by next Easter.

Psalm 71 is written from the perspective of age. One who has walked with the Lord for many years and has believed and seen God deliver him and protect him. It is the story of a life lived, depending upon the goodness of God's love. I love the section above, how this man lives to tell the next generation of the power of God.

This Psalm reminds me that faith is not easy. It's a long and difficult journey over years, each day a fresh cry out to God. Though this old man has seen God's power and believed in his saving care he still calls out for it.

Your righteousness, O God,
reaches the high heavens.
You who have done great things,
O God, who is like you?
You who have made me see many troubles and calamities
will revive me again;
from the depths of the earth
you will bring me up again.
You will increase my greatness
and comfort me again.
(Psalm 71:19-21)

Faith is rooted in the memory of all that God has done, yet it's not enough. It should be. I remember that my chair has supported me thus far and would be shocked if the chair suddenly collapsed under me. Somehow knowing what God has done isn't enough to secure our trust - otherwise these songs would not have been written. I think we are fragile creatures with souls easily bruised. The baggage of our brokenness comes with us before God.

So, old men write songs of doubt and faith because they don't know if God will come to the rescue this time. Age recounts the things of God because we must constantly remember, lest we forget the Lord.

It's funny how even songs of questionable belief can carry the story of God. I know one thing that builds my faith is this: Seeing the successful and great and aged and wise amongst God's people, kneel before the throne and plead only God. Those who could reasonably trust their success, yet who's trust and treasure is in God: They are like the writer of this Psalm, who in asking God demonstrate something of his wonder, power and grace.

The strength and passion of youth will one day pass. One day I too hope to kneel before God and still say:

My lips will shout for joy,
when I sing praises to you;
my soul also, which you have redeemed.
And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long,
for they have been put to shame and disappointed
who sought to do me hurt.
(Psalm 71:23-24)

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Speaking of Doctor Who, would you believe many people have not heard of it over here? Much less seen the wonder of David Tennant in the long brown coat? It's not exactly mainstream. In fact many aspects of British culture aren't mainstream. For example: Did you know Muse aren't a super-band over here? Last year they had to ride U2's coattails on a tour. No-one has heard of Mumford and Sons, either (but I promise to change that). Cars are all automatic (go-karts) and driving is more different than I expected. I mean, there aren't speed limit signs everywhere and no speed cameras.

In sum, this is a completely different culture to that of home.

Into this very different culture I have been sent to serve Christ and his Church. I'm not the first. Two thousand years ago Paul wandered around the Mediterranean serving the newly formed Church. His wisdom is a blessing to me at this time. He first shared these words with the fledgling church in Corinth, describing how he 'does ministry'.

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.  To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

So, to borrow the langage of Paul: To the Americans I shall become American. Except I haven't got an American passport or accent, or social security number. I wonder how successful Paul's endeavours were. It's all well and good, being as one not under the law, but he was still a Jewish man from Israel. His culture, language, ethnicity and social background would have been as inescapable as mine. Hopefully I can at least learn something of what it means to be one with this culture. I've begun with small steps - Gas stations, sidewalks and "make a left". I'm here to share the Gospel, not tell people how to spell 'colour'. So by the grace of God I swallow down the urge to talk about America joining the Commonwealth.

I can't escape form the fact that some people have no idea what I'm saying (what's new?), or that I don't really enjoy eating fast-food all the time, or that what they call 'tea' wouldn't pass the grade in merry old England. I can, however, try to become a part of this culture in order to glorify God in their sight. Maybe if it worked for Paul, it can work for me?

I guess we'll see.

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This week I’m promoting some resources in the Soul Survivor toolshed. Away from the ‘Big Top’, one tends not to see many exciting or unusual manifestations of the Holy Spirit. However, I am convinced that God is just as involved in what all these Christian charities and organisations are doing as he is with the young people in the main meetings.

So, whilst I am here I shall endeavour to learn the stories of some of the organisations around me.

As I sit in my little booth, above me and slightly to my left hangs a large banner. On it are the words "what would you tweet Jesus today?" Using many post-it's we have been asking delegates to write their responses. It's a great conversation starter and the stand is covered in tweets!

As this week had progressed and the teenagers have progressively become smellier and smellier and I have progressively become more and more irritable, I have enjoyed seeing what the young people have put up on my little wall.

It's amazing how open they are:

I could use your help, seeing as you’re awesome. Should I be Christian? I know you can help #tweetjesus

I don't know what story lies behind that and I don't remember who wrote it but in that brief glimpse into a person's heart, one can't help but feel compassion at their confusion but not without admiring the simplicity of child-like faith being birthed in them. It's funny, at places like this young people often begin to notice more and more the marks of New Life growing up within them. This thing which isn't them, but is with them and in them and doing something unexpected.

IOU for the other night, and everything else too. #tweetjesus

As strange as it sounds, I 'get' that one. I don't even need to know what miracle that person experienced, but I get it

But there are still miracles yet to be wrought

Hi Jesus, It’s me, molly. I want you to keep people going in the world, mainly my mum because she has cancer and I want you to fight it.

If Molly had told me this, personally, I would have no idea what to say. She didn't tell me, she told Jesus. Faith through thick and thin is faith which goes to Jesus for everything. What could I say to her, anyway? What wisdom could I possibly offer? No, it is better to go to Jesus and to be found by him in the midst of such anguish. Her words sit with all the others on my wall, the endless cries and shouts of the saints.

Praises of thanksgiving:

Thanks for walking in when the world walked out #tweetjesus

Cries of petition:

Please speak to me more often so I know I'm doing the right thing #tweetjesus

And the absurd!

Who's your favourite: Peter or Paul #tweetjesus

My favourite is this one:

Give me the strength to come to you. #tweetjesus

Peace.

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This week I’m promoting some resources in the Soul Survivor toolshed. Away from the ‘Big Top’, one tends not to see many exciting or unusual manifestations of the Holy Spirit. However, I am convinced that God is just as involved in what all these Christian charities and organisations are doing as he is with the young people in the main meetings.

So, whilst I am here I shall endeavour to learn the stories of some of the organisations around me.

In economic downturn it is easy to become concerned with money. In fact, everything we see on the news encourages us to be so. Yet in many countries, that which is small change to us can actually make a big difference.

Compassion are here at Soul Survivor to promote their child sponsorship scheme. At small cost to us, we have the opportunity to transform the entire reality and existence of a whole family in the Global South.

What I love about Soul Survivor is that it's not all about Soul Survivor. It is an amazing platform for young people who love Jesus to meet people who are actually out in the world serving him! Compassion is a great way to connect with the lifestyle of Jesus, through grace-empowered giving. Compassion have a large presence here, running a café and a large stand to get the idea across. The big idea is this: Worship doesn't end in the Big Top. Worship is service and we serve God when we serve the poorest of the poor. It's like this week-long festival is a demonstration of the sort of life a lover of Jesus should expect to walk into.

Compassion are one of many organisations who seek to love those who are forgotten, speak for those who are gagged and lift the burden of the oppressed. It gives me hope that one day, maybe, the Church of Jesus Christ will be know again for it's humble and gracious service. Pray for the day.

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• Church like McDonalds
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This week I’m promoting some resources in the Soul Survivor toolshed. Away from the ‘Big Top’, one tends not to see many exciting or unusual manifestations of the Holy Spirit. However, I am convinced that God is just as involved in what all these Christian charities and organisations are doing as he is with the young people in the main meetings.

So, whilst I am here I shall endeavour to learn the stories of some of the organisations around me.

...Seed of the Church.

I'm going to have to break my own rule a little. As I was sitting in the main meeting this morning, one of the guys speaking really caught my attention and I had to tell you all about it.

Opendoors serve Christians all over the world who are undergoing persecution. In recent years much of their work has been in the Near East and Communist nations. They bring relief to Christians who are undergoing attack, often working secretly to build up churches which aren't supposed to exist. A couple of years ago, I went with a group from my college to pray outside the embassies of countries which are known to persecute the Church.

One of the main ways Opendoors serve the Persecuted Church is to campaign for religious liberty. So, they are here at Soul Survivor to gain support for their campaign to reject the 'Defamation of religions resolution' which is to go before the U.N. It gives countries the right to decide what religious beliefs can and can't be shared in a country. Opendoors believe this resolution would legalise persecution of Christians all over the world and are calling God's Church in the west to raise it's voice in protest.

This raised, for me, the issue of how the Church relates to the State. I see it as the Church's command to tell the Word of God to the world. The State is part of the world and so the Word must be proclaimed to it. Of course of the State rejects the Word of God, God's judgement will fall upon them. Anyway, that's an aside issue to be worked out in the Comments or in another post later.

Opendoors are a wonderful organisation and I love the fact they are here.

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