On The Global Road...

thoughts about Exodus 33

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:33:00 -0400

Moses meets with God and the whole entrance into the Promised Land is up for grabs. God says He’ll make a nation from scratch out of Moses - scrap Israel and start over. How do you respond to that? A giant “do over” is a golden ticket. I would have been tempted, not just for My Name, but just the practicality of it all. Hey, this has not been working very well, let’s start over. You know the definition of insanity, doing the same thing over and over, but expecting different results. It would have been a pretty reasonable move on Moses part to take God up on his offer.
Moses somehow manages to see bigger issues than mission completion or that his legacy at stake. It was about God and His glory. God’s reputation was always the primary end, and how His mission was accomplished was more important than attaining the Promised Land itself.
Moses is totally dialed in. But, to add another layer to it all, God had said He will bring His people in safely to the Land, and will route the enemies of Israel. And that He will send an angel ahead of them to get the work done. On that one alone, I’m probably fine with God’s plan. I’d take a promise of victory with a militant angel running point. But God says He won’t be going with them. I wonder, would I have missed God’s caveat if I had been there. (Victory without God’s presence? Hmm, surely God must know what He is offering. It is His idea, after all. Take the angel and the land, and call it “a deal.”)
But Moses doesn’t shake hands on it. God’s presence is the main thing. “Show me Thy ways…may your presence go with us…Show me Thy glory.” The clear and unmistakable presence of God was what Moses was all about. Nothing else mattered in comparison. Though Moses’ leadership mission was clear, it was more about his connection with God. It had not always been so. Forty years earlier, it was about getting the job done of getting Israel out of Egypt. It made sense, but proved to be a 40 yr cul-de-sac of spinning around the desert with sheep, until the burning bush lit up the landscape and he found himself on holy ground in the presence of God. And after those initial days and weeks where he experienced the power of God’s presence to do what no leader could ever hope to pull off, Moses had now integrated the main thing, the only thing that mattered in spiritual leadership. Try leadership without God’s presence and you are left with strategy, large group maneuvering, and motivation, or maybe just manipulation. For Moses, that was not going to fly.
So now, he meets with God, he is angered by rebellion against God, and he is jealous for God’s glory, whose name is “Jealous.” He waits on God without food or drink in order to write down His commands. He is consumed with meeting God – on the mountain, in the tent - and he spends so much time with Him, that his face shines with His glory. God’s presence and light permeate his life, even physically. His face is lit up by God’s presence. When people see Moses, they see on his face, well the imprint of God, His transforming work brought on by His Spirit.
When other’s look at my face, what do they see? (I mean, except for the freckles and ears that are just a little oversized...) Do they see someone being transformed into His image, someone connected in heart and mind to the Creator and Redeemer? Its a tough question, but one must look in the mirror from time to time and do some honest assessment.

Stint Briefing 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:00:00 -0400

This picture may say it all…if you could multiply it by 50. We just finished our commissioning of 350 STINTers, many of whom are arriving at their locations around the world right now. To live in community for Jesus, to love others around them and draw them in, to share words that give life, bring light, give hope.
The images of this last night keep coming back this morning: teams of students with flags posing for pictures, like the winning team of a relay in the Olympics, or the festival on the closing night; or unlike the Olympics, teams spontaneously gathering to hug and pray and commit themselves to each other and the Lord for the year. It is an amazing sight to behold.
I’m exhausted from the intensity of the week, but it feels great - prepping our team leaders the first day, short conversations in the hallway, laughter in elevator rides, a thousand cups of coffee, and in the middle of it all, a whirlwind 36 hour trip to Duluth, Minnesota for my Uncle Bob’s funeral, and a return to Chicago for the last day and night of commissioning.
Kim and I celebrated an outstanding week by going out for ribs at Smokey Bones. This morning I’m just sitting here, trying to get my brain to work with a cup of coffee, numb with a STINT hangover.
Last night I told Kim, “This past week is why I’ve never really wanted to do anything else.”

Scraps from the kitchen table

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 7 Aug 2010 09:34:00 -0400

As you may know, "Scraps" is a little feature of random thoughts and observations that I just throw out there from time to time, much like I do food from the table to our WSN mascot, Freckles the Wonder Dog.

Speaking of...The Wonder Dog turned 98 on Monday (14 human years). He's in good health, except for the hearing loss, arthritis in the hips, a back that needs chiropractic and acupuncture, and a few unsightly tumors. He gets outside for a walk for about 20 miinutes a day. So yes, he's pretty like any 98 year old.

If I had only editorialist I could read on the state of political and cultural affairs in the US, I would choose Peggy Noonan. I love her writing style and insights. I really liked her column in WSJ yesterday. Disclaimer: Peggy didn't pay me anything to say that, as she has no idea who I am, and I will toss in the obligatory "I don't agree with everything she says", which also reminds me...

I think in common conversations this "of course I don't believe everything that they say" is in itself a commentary that we are all quick to attach labels and categories to people, to put people and those they read or learn from into conservative or liberal or idiot boxes. We are so afraid of that happening to us, and so we qualify our comments. Could we just have an agreement: If I quote someone, or like something someone says or does, I don't necessarily buy everything from them. How did that all get started? (If you re-read this, it sounds better with a slightly angry voice, but not shrill or whiny.) I'm going to start qualifying when I reference somebody with this line - "and you know I believe everything they say" and see what happens.

Kim and I went to see "Inception" last night. We loved it. We like movies you talk about after. Not just figuring it out, but discussing the different layers of stories and their meaning, like: is the main plot about the dream inception, or is it about reconciliation with loved ones and coming to terms with guilt? It was a great discussion, but then suddenly, something shook our house, it felt like we were tilting at 45 degrees, and I woke up. So, I think we'll go see the movie Inception tonight.

Okay, Saturday morning, so its time for the weekly mowing of my small plot of grass before the daily summer thunderstorm moves in.

Almost forgot. While watching the movie last night, there was a couple making out one row in front and just off to the right, which was a bit distracting. But then I remembered the "Seinfeld" episode of Jerry getting caught making out with his girlfriend during Schindler's List. Which made me almost laugh out loud.

Stop the Press!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 6 Aug 2010 15:57:00 -0400

Students and faculty working together? Really? And liking it? Oh yes! Here is the raw commentary of a professor and a student on the Haiti summer project, from their project blog:
Faculty Phil: I am a professor of almost 30 years who has made well over a dozen foreign-mission trips all over the world. I have had some great trips.
From experience, I know that soon, people will soon begin asking me, “How was that trip to Haiti?”
I’ll say something like this, “Haiti was fantastic, but this was an unusual trip for me.”
If they are really interested, they’ll say something like, “How so?”
And I’ll say, “This trip was different for me, because, for me, being in Haiti wasn’t the key factor. The Haitians were wonderful, kind, welcoming people...(but) the real key factor for me was the 60 students and staff who let me tag along. These college graduates, undergraduates, and one pre-college student, and Campus Crusade leaders, were among the finest bunch of people with whom I have ever associated, and I have been at it for 60 years. They were enthusiastic, considerate, encouraging folks.
They sweated night and day in the dusty, hot, humid environment; they rode a bus for two hours in the heat, they didn’t complain and continually looked for opportunities to minister. They sought out kids to play with, and on one occasion carried kids over two miles to and from Flamingo Lake. They happily met for hours on end, they waited, they sang, they prayed, they played, they ate, and a few would even sleep a couple of hours at night. They seemed to even enjoy talking to the staff!
I was blessed to be among them, to watch them interact, and to learn from them. We could have been in Alabama, or Texas, or anywhere, and the trip would have almost as good for me. Just being around these folks has done a lot to make me want to be a better Christian. So I guess I was just one of the many folks to whom they ministered.”

Austin the Student (not the city): When I think of Campus Crusade for Christ, I think of the college students across the nation and world who are working to expand Christ's kingdom by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I would never have thought of the professors that also comprise the movement. I was awakened to my ignorance the first full day that we spent in Haiti. Phil, as he prefers to be called, is a tenured Exercise Physiology professor in Alabama.

Phil is not your average Joe, even when it comes to professors. He is a marathon runner, has been to numerous countries in service to the LORD and is fully committed to walking according to God's will or his life. Loving to highlight God's predominance evidenced by creation, he is certainly a mentor on this trip. Again, it is pretty awesome/surprising to receive spiritual guidance from a professor, but Phil is not defined by his profession. He is defined by Christ's work on the cross.

In light of the ministry that Phil has in Alabama and the work that he has done around the world, I would encourage you to pray for your professors or encourage you to become one yourself. As quirky as they often are, they too need Christ, and have the potential to store up treasures in heaven alongside us as brothers and sisters through the ministry that Christ has prepared for them.

Me the blogger:So, there is the raw, off the Iphone and onto the blog comment from Haiti. It's something powerful to consider. Imagine if the Nehemiah's of the collegiate world - Christian students and faculty - joined together in the proclamation of the gospel. There might just be a revolution.

Wanted: a Million Nehemiahs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 3 Aug 2010 11:28:00 -0400

(Not an actual photograph)
I started reading The Book of Nehemiah on Sunday, and here is what hits me so far: we need a million "Nehemiahs" in the world. Quick review: Nehemiah is in exile with his fellow Jews, but 2 previous attempts have been made to restore Jerusalem and they are mostly not back in Jerusalem. The first was under Zerubbabel 94 years before, and the second was under Ezra about 13 years before Nehemiah's account. While both previous efforts had glimmers of success, the bad news that Nehemiah had received from his brother on the condition of Jerusalem was a kick in the gut that affected him physically, emotionally, and spiritually and quite literally brought him to his knees.

He heard bad news and instead of giving in to the status quo thinking that nothing could be done, he prayed, fasted, and hatched a plan over the next 3 months or so. And with his career on the line, when the King asks him what's going on with all the puffy eyes and sad face (I don't think cupbearers were supposed to be melancholy) Nehemiah lays it out on table. In fact, he responds in such a way that the King is asking him, more than he is asking the King. Genius. And when it's time to speak, he has a "plan" - simple, direct, and to the point. I love the way he doesn't plow the King with details - just purpose and 2 simple facts: "Oh, can you make sure I'm free to go there and I sure could use some wood." Or something like that, probably better to leave the quotes off my paraphrase.

We need a million Nehemiah's who will respond to the crises of our day like this. Men and women who will see physical disasters, spiritual need, emotional distress and status quo thinking that nothing can be done, and will be so provoked by God that they are brought to their knees in surrender, prayer, fasting, and arise with a call from God to action. And it doesn't have to be a giant "thing" to act, like a Katrina or Haiti (though acting there is great too.) It can be the huge needs on your campus, in your community, of a neighbor who is losing their home...whatever.

I think this is what God is doing among the Christian students and faculty of our world, (and many others, of course.) This little blog is re-dedicated to telling that story, of encouraging this kind of behavior among more and more students and faculty around the world. Of course, wrapped in my own personal musings, mixed with outstanding coffee recommendations, and incredible insights about life in general. And humor, cause there is alot of stuff that is still very funny out there.

So, there you have it. Tell me and others your Nehemiah moment. Comment below, or just tell a friend - What has captured your heart that has brought you to your knees and made you say "This must change?" Where were you and how did it happen? Let others know - you may inspire another Nehemiah-to-be that is in need of a little push. And if that hasn't happened, then ask God for that breakthrough, cause it's ultimately from what He does in you, connecting you and your life to what He wants to do in the world. And then put on your seat belt and get ready, cause you are in for the ride of your life.

Passing the Baton

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:11:00 -0400

Tonight: Team 1 returning from Haiti reads scripture and prays over Team 2 as they prepare to leave tomorrow.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless handheld.

Hope for Haiti Summer Project

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:42:00 -0400

The first 3 week project returned fro Haiti yesterday. Doing the debrief today. God worked in and through them in fantastic ways. Their lives have been changed, and we trust God is using this effort to bless Haiti. But certainly, God used Haiti to bless them.

Went out with the leadership team last night for dinner. Watched them eat their first "real" meat, salads, and fruit in 3 weeks. I've never seen people enjoy a meal like they did.

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless handheld.

Filed under "Things I don't get".

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 16 May 2010 14:37:00 -0400

Cross cultural study of the day. I saw this minivan parked outside church this morning. Bible verses and references cover almost every inch. I suppose its not too different than covering your body with tattoos, just another form of personal expression.
But what I found as intriguing as all the verses on the Bible car, was what I've circled in the picture. Look closely above the license plate, to the left of the right rear light, what is clearly NOT in the Bible - "Go Buckeyes!!!". Clearly, a man - I'm guessing - who must label all that he is devoted too. Oh, and below the car model, is the word "Caddie". Which either is referring to the Sienna LE as the driver's Cadillac, or professing his deep respect for those who carry someone else's golf clubs and help them line up putts. Not really sure on this one.

But clearly what we have is a devoted fan of Jesus, the Bible, and Ohio State football.

Dental marketing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:33:00 -0500

I don't like going to the dentist. But I have to. Again. Not just the 6 month cleaning either. On this last trip, I broke off part of a tooth while eating a salad! My teeth aren't really that bad, the culprit was an overly hard crouton. Which is only marginally better when I really think about it.

I went in today dreading these words: "root canal", but praying for only these words: "a crown". So, I've been thinking that dentists are really hampered by the phrase "root canal." This alone is a phrase that makes you want to run. It sounds very painful. (i.e. digging a large hole pathway through or into the root of your tooth. whatever, I don't really even want to know.) Especially next to "crown". Oh yes, I'd like a couple of crowns, please. It almost sounds downright Christian, like I should want crowns. This is HUGE marketing issue for dentists.

Surely they could come up with something else. Especially for those of us who think in exaggerated pictures. Which is increasing all the time in a media culture.

By the way, my appointment outcome: its going to be "a crown." YES! There will be no root canal. YES Again! Tiger fist pump. Oops, probably out of fashion for awhile.

Story of Snow-zilla and Jet Lag

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 08:13:00 -0500

Yes, we are now safely back in Orlando. But one month of being in Asia has made for some pretty powerful jet-lag conditions. Like being up at 4:00 am this morning. But that is actually an improvement. The story begins a few days ago in Singapore or Washington DC, depending upon how you look at it.

We arrived in Singapore, leaving the Stint Midyear Conference in Malaysia, preparing for a 7 am flight through Tokyo, then to DC. But the second snowstorm to hit DC was on its way (I have called it Snow-zilla, not knowing it was gathering other nicknames from other more famous people, like the President.) So, after 3 calls with United, we got rerouted from Tokyo to Seattle to Denver. Good thing, cause by the time we got to Tokyo, they had cancelled the DC flight, and we might have ended up walking the concourse for hours, eating seaweed on a stick. (All airports in every nation have their specialties.)

But we can only get as far as Denver. Turns out that Orlando is a vacation destination this time of year, with the dreaded President's Day/Daytona 500 combo. Seems everyone wants to be where we live this weekend. No seats available from anywhere to Orlando. So we spend 2 nights at an airport hotel in Denver/Eastern Colorado.(Those that have been there no what I mean.)

Then, the jet lag takes over. Arriving exhausted in Denver, we go to bed at about 10 pm and wake up, thinking its only an hour or so until morning. However, its only midnight, and we're both wide awake. After all, its already 1 PM in Australia/Malaysia. And we're hungry. With no food, except at the hotel snack shop. Here is what I managed to take back to the room for our midnight/midday snack:
Bag of microwave buttered popcorn, which was had more grease/butter on it than anything we'd ever eaten.
One Twix bar
One Vitamin Water
Bag of SunChips
Large pepperoni burrito/pizza thing

We downed everything but the burrito/pizza thing, which we eventually left in the fridge for the next guests.

We stayed up till about 3.

Next night, almost a rerun, this time starting about 2 and going til 4

Next night, home in Orlando, I sleep til 8 and think I"m back on track.

HA, not so fast. This morning, we are both up at 4 am.

Life on jet-lag. I've been up for 4 hours. Its 8:30. I'm ready for my Sunday afternoon nap.

Asia mid year conference

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 4 Feb 2010 05:32:00 -0500

I wanted everyone to know that I'm breaking out musically here in Malaysia. Catch the buffet and special memories with Mr. Keith.
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Kookaburras, Kangaroos, and Koalas

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:15:00 -0500

from the land down under

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 05:56:00 -0500

Kim and I gave 3 of the 4 talks together. I think here though, we are telling the story of our courtship, answering questions from the audience, and generally shooting from the hip on life and relationships.

More exciting stuff: I ate Vegemite, which I won't try to descirbe in taste on this blog. You spread it on bread, and it is supposed to help young kids grow up to be big and strong. I see the reasoning behind it, because if you can take eating it for several years, then its a forecasting of how hardy you are going to be in general.

Another favorite is spaghetti from a can on toast. Also baked beans on toast. For brekkie.

More on this little journey, beyond breakfast food and courtship stories, perhaps with a different shirt on, coming up later.

Australia Student Life Conference!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 06:49:00 -0500

We arrived in Brisbane late Sunday night to speak this week, after a trip that included 31 hours of plane time, sitting across from a 6 fingered man, and a family with a 2 year old 3 rows up that was a little terrorist with the tantrums she threw, thus holding all of economy class hostage .
We had a stopover in Perth (we took the longer cheaper route) and it was 108 degrees. The next day in Brisbane also set records. So, yes its been hot. We are on the Sunshine Coast north of Brisbane, with all the missionaries of Student Life at their annual Nexus Conference.
Kim and I have been sharing from Hebrews 11; especially the lives of Abraham and Moses. It's been a blast for us, and we are encouraged to be with them. They are trusting God for great things in their country.
We were learning cultural trivia tonight, most of which I don't recall just an hour later. I also had some Vegamite for breakfast this morning. For breakfast tomorrow I am hoping for either baked beans or spaghetti on toast. I now say "no worries" when someone says "Thank you" to me.
Pictures on the way soon.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless handheld.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:52:00 -0500

So you start thru security at the airport, and suddenly you realize you have left your laptop at home. What do you do? Turn to Freckles the wonder dog? No help there.

Its neighbor Mike to the rescue. I've mentioned Mike before. He is the ideal neighbor, there when you need him. Its not like he's watching our house all the time aka Gladys Kravits (watch Bewitched, young people). He's simply...there in time of need.
One phone call and 30 minutes later, Mike shows up with Mr Dell in hand and I'm on my way. Just-in-time service; trip is saved. Mike ever leaves the neighborhood, we're moving. Thank you God for Mike.
Oh yes, a few months have gone by and I'm not sure exactly why Global Road was on layaway. I'm not exactly sure why I'm starting it up again. So, we'll just see what happens.

Do you wonder where I'm headed? Well just be patient, all in due time.

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Labor Day, Dana Point

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 7 Sep 2009 13:06:00 -0400

Scraps from the Kitchen table

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:01:00 -0400

For those who are just beginning the journey on the global road, "Scraps" are disconnected thoughts or events with little real purpose or meaning, as far as I can tell. Which is why I share them with the world.

I returned on Wed night from STINT Briefing Conference up at Copper Mt, CO. (A fantastic week with lots of meaning and purpose...it is a reflection of God's work in 250 lives and a glimpse of eternal impact across the world). I was exhausted and entered 2 straight days of national meetings.

I hit the fatigue wall about noon yesterday, and felt like I might pass out. After panang curry lunch, I revived enough to almost understand our conversation the rest of the afternoon. Vaguely recall something about students and Jesus, I'm not sure really.

I can get pretty sarcastic when I'm really tired. I think I only broke out once yesterday, but it was probably more and I didn't even notice.

Tried to watch a movie last night from Blockbuster, but it wouldn't work, so we watched Comedy Channel with Flight of the Conchords. If I was a talented musician, I think I would have ended up doing a verson of what they do.

Why do so many car dealership owners put their kids in their commercials? Is this marketing tactic really so wise? Don't most adults get really annoyed at children in cars? "are we there yet?", "my brother is annoying me". Do we really want that memory when we go to buy a car? (I just reread this and must have been channeling Andy Rooney from 60 minutes. I know no one under 30 even knows that guy, but the little dude is still around giving commentary on just about everything.)

And about cars, I had a new Nissan Altima rental while in Colorado. It has a start/stop button, so you don't turn a key, you just press a button. I found this so much easier on my wrist, no more troublesome inserting a key and then all that rigorous 90 degree turning of the wrist to start the car.

I mow my jungle/yard today before the afternoon rains come. Going 10 days in Florida without mowing this time of year is not recommended.

I love weekends.

Stint Briefing Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 11:20:00 -0400

Sitting at the Copper Mountain Conference center with 248 stinters getting ready to go to over 30 strategic locations around the world. I've been to one of these every year for over a decade, and I never get bored of what I experience here - the faith, courage, and energy of young men and women trusting God to make an eternal impact in the world. Every Christian who is starting to get a little skeptical or pessimistic about the state of Christianity in the US should come to this for a couple of days. The story line here is one of hope because of the love of Christ that has transformed their lives.
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10 Reasons the Great Commission will be fulfilled in this generation

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 21:52:00 -0400

Dr. Steve Douglass' view of why the GC will be fulfilled soon.
1. He intends to do it
2. He has commanded us to go.
3. He offers us the power
4. He is moving today
5. His people are praying more
6. Hs people are planning more.
7. His people are more at one.
8. Non-written methods are overcoming illiteracy.
9. Scripture translation is expanding rapidly.
"Never since the beginning of time has every people group had the Bible in their language. This will be happen by 2025."
10. Many other breakthroughs have occurred. E.g. Student-led movements, films (Magdalena, Damascus); leaders reaching leaders; Everystudent.com
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Big Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:10:00 -0400

I'm sitting in Moby Gym/CSU at the Staff Conference for CCC. Listening to Tim Keller on Luke 10.
Yesterday I had conversations with leaders from S Korea, the Philippines, Central America, Uruguay, and Western Europe. The common theme - we want and need US students to come as missionairies to our countries. Help us reach more students. Help us raise up leaders. Be our partners in the Great Commission.
Tim Keller's opening comment on CCC paraphrased - if you (CCC) disappeared tomorrow, church leaders would need to start figuring out how to recreate you, because of your role in the world.
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We all need a mission

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 May 2009 19:38:00 -0400

I joined several of our illustrious WSN leaders in beautiful downtown Portland for 2 days to plan some next steps for reaching students in global cities. But we weren't the only ones at the Doubletree hotel on a mission. We were overwhelmed in numbers by the knitting convention. Lots of knitting and pearling. An argument in the restaurant where someone was accused of dropping a stitch. Some very interesting clothing, shawls, and other stuff made by knitting. Most of all I liked this car window sticker.
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Psychotria nervosa is ...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:26:00 -0400

Kim and I ran in to this at the Selby gardens in Sarasota. Whoever named this plant must have not been a regular coffee drinker.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless handheld.

"Make disciples"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 9 Apr 2009 01:17:00 -0400

Powerful last night and last morning of the conference! Over half of the students and staff responded to a challenge to "make disciples", and David Bedolla followed it up this morning with a practical challenge to launch and lead spiritual movements all over their country and the world.
The group of guys in the picture are 2 students and 2 volunteers with Craig Johring, the Enfoqie Mexico team leader. The 2 students are planning a christian concert outreach with a leading music executive sharing the gospel.
Its been a week full of great stories of faith from students reaching students who want to change their country.
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noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 7 Apr 2009 20:14:00 -0400

The past 3 days have been awesome here. Students are excited about their relationship with God. The conference has been creative and professional. Last night they gathered on the beach and let helium balloons go, representing a life that is filled with His Spirit, experiencing freedom from guilt and sin. I speak on the Great Commission in just about an hour. Afterward, students will go on a prayer journey around the world with maps of the continents on the wall and prayer requests at each station.
Today they have been out serving in the community and we'll be hearing some of those stories as well. It should be a big night.
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Mision Acapulco

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 5 Apr 2009 11:02:00 -0400

Kim and I have joined 200 students from Mexico who came here yesterday for their spring break to share the gospel with fellow students and do community service.
I speak the last night on "La Gran Comision". I am working hard on my Spanish. (not really) Last night was kind of a party plus a message. These kids don't know most of the people at the conference, so it will be cool to see them bond during the next few days. I think the balloons help the bonding process.