The Big Green Chair

So it is official

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 16:48:00 +0000

The Big Green Chair has moved. Reset your news feed and bookmarks to www.tbgc.wordpress.com or just click here to visit.

News and moves

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 May 2007 18:50:00 +0000

Shortly I will be launching the Big Green Chair on a new host. I have not been happy with blogger since it's "googleization." In the mean time I will maintain both sites but I will eventually close this one. The sooner the better. If you want to move on to the other right now and don't mind the construction phase you can find it here.
If you have any suggestions for making it better, send them along too.
Shalom

Belize 1

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 May 2007 20:28:00 +0000

One of the things that the Belize team was able to do this year was to provide a hot lunch for the children at some of the schools. this was the first time at a hot lunch was given. As you can see from these pictures the children really enjoyed the hotdogs and eagerly lined up for them. For most of these kids this was the only hot meal they have each day. Suffice it to say that there wasn't any wasted hotdogs!

Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 May 2007 18:44:00 +0000

The wonders of connections! Not too long ago one of the alumni started a group for Christ For The Nations Bible College at facebook. At last count there were over 70 "faces" involved with the group and it grows almost every day. If you are an alumni or current student and have not received an invitation to join the group it may be because we don't have your e-mail.
Go on over to Facebook and give it a try. You never know who you may reconnect with.

The long seperation is over

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 19 May 2007 16:09:00 +0000

Staging in Seattle
The return of the Mission team has taken place and there are smiles all around. They arrived on time, if even a tad early from Houston where they had to change planes. The spouses were there to welcome back their better halves and it was joyous.

To hear the stories makes it even more pronounced that I did not go. I could understand them but boy did I feel left out. We will always wonder at the leading of the Lord that caused us to plan it this way for this year. As it turned out, it was the best solution. Many of you don't know but as soon as the team left I was diagnosed with shingles, a viral infection related to chicken pox. it has been three weeks and it is just about over. Bed rest, high end anti-viral medication and I was still in moderate to high discomfort. The doctor laughed when I told him that my wife was in Belize. He said had I been there with this, I could have suffered nerve damage and been in this type of pain for the rest of my life.
Now I don't want to start a debate about the healing nature of God, or His timing or sovereignty but me staying home seemed fortuitous.

I will be asking Sue to write up a mission trip report to post. With pictures, of which there are over 2000 to choose from. We looked at most of them over the last of couple of days.
On the field in Unitedville

Bless you all,
Shalom

Three more days

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 May 2007 17:19:00 +0000

The Belize outreach team continues to shine! The latest reports indicate long term invitations for the team to remain or to return. That is always a good sign. It means the team have made themselves useful beyond the prescribed ministry. Of course none of them are planning to remain, that I know of. The "return" part is still up in the air.
To show the quality of the team, they voted to cut their sightseeing and R & R days at the end of the trip from two days to one day. The amount saved will pay for a student to attend high school for one year.

The Guatemala portion of the trip was very rewarding. The team ministered in the "back bush" among the Mayan people and enjoyed the challenge of three way interpretation. The picture count is now over 2000 so it will be fun harvesting the best for release here and on the Christ For The Nations Bible College facebook group.

We pick up the team on Thursday and I for one am ready. 17 days of my own cookin' is enough. Not that it is bad but it is lonely eating by myself.

Interesting development in the news

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 May 2007 22:57:00 +0000

The same sex debate raging in the Anglican church took a decided turn recently.
Follow the link here to read it for your self.

Fighting the heat

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 May 2007 18:11:00 +0000

No not here in BC but in Belize where the members of the 07 outreach team are working. They are building, painting, roofing and the heat is taking it's tole. The reports continue to be good. All the team is healthy but tired from the heat. Saturday will be a rest day for them but rest days means idle time which can bring on home sickness. Pray for them as they near the half way point.
They are headed to Gautama la next week to work with a group called Jungle Medics. They will be assisting Brian as he brings a mobile medical clinic t remote villages. The team will do screening, clean and dress minor wounds and help keep the many children who come entertained. Scenes like these are what they can expect. Taken from the 03 trip.

A good report

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 15:44:00 +0000

I have received a good report from the first few ministry opportunities in Belize. Sue said that the team has been great. They work hard and function well together. They will be doing their own cooking and clean up so they will get lots of chances to function well together.
She reports that the accommodation's have improved from the last time we were there. So they are not roughing it. Yesterday they ministered with an Anglican church, doing puppets and drama in the main service. This is great because puppets can say things that people might shy away from. Like having an alter call at an Anglican church. They rested in th afternoon and were having a private worship time in the evening to pray and prepare their hearts for this busy week.

Pray for them!

Shalom

They are gone!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:20:00 +0000

After a long day and night of last minute prep, the outreach team boarded their plane bound for Belize.
Their flight was supposed to leave at 6:00AM from Seattle. This involved a midnight departure from the college. You know, I thought the students looked sleepy during class. That is nothing compared to what they look like at 3:00 in the morning! The trip to the airport was without incident but then the fun began.
The plane was late leaving Alaska, pushing it's arrival time two hours. This of course squeezed the layover time in Huston causing them to run from plane to plane. Once seated they were told that due to weather the take off would be delayed. So now they sat on the plane.
They did take off and made it to Belize city just a bit late. I got an e-mail this morning from the host, assuring me all was well.
I miss um already, well I miss Sue. Pray for them, pray for the ministry, pray for the families!

What a great day!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 16:46:00 +0000

It is Finished

After all the work and organization it is nice to see an event be successful. Mrs B and her team did a great job with decorations and the food was good. We had a larger then expected crowd. I think it may have been the largest ever for a commencement. The speaker was Pastor Paul from Cariboo Road Christian Fellowship. Paul was one the first graduates we had, finishing in 1992. His message was inspiring and re-enforced the call of God on the lives of the grads and the rest of too.

The walk across the platform included the degree recipients kneeling down and having their hood placed on their shoulders. It made for an emotional time and they rose from their knees with their new hood draped across their shoulders. Honor and high honor awards followed for many of them.

The very first Degree recipient

We also gave away several Awards and Grants for the first time this year. The recipients did not know till their name was called. Fun time!!

As the news continue to break

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 13:41:00 +0000

It will go down in the history books as one of the worst mass killings in the US history. It has been confirmed that a permanent resident from South Korea is responsible for both shootings. Headlines under one picture of the aftermath just asked the question, "Why?" No one will ever know. All that is left now is the question of how will we react and who will get the blame. Already there are calls for the President of the University and the police chief to be fired for the handling of it. Soon the shooter will be excused because of "minority oppression" or some other politically correct diagnosis.
In the final analysis the hurt of the survivors will fester until some one reaches out and touches them with true love. Love that does not explain, excuse or justify. Love that holds and comforts and listens. Love that sounds like Jesus.

Many stories will come from this but for me this one stands out.

Okay I admit it!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:50:00 +0000

I sometimes cry when I listen to the radio. I know, that shatters some of the mystic that I had with one or two of you but it true. Some songs just hit me. I remember the first time I heard "Butterfly kisses" it just shook me.

Well I heard another one today. It is called "Swingsets in Heaven" and is sung by Roger Allen McGill. I have searched for it but have been successful in finding out much about him or the song lyrics. But boy oh boy did it make me puddle up!

The smell of fear is in the Hallways

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:41:00 +0000

Well maybe that is too dramatic. It is the second full day of final exams and many of you can remember that feeling all too well.

Even though class time is delayed till 8:45, the line was outside the gate when Sue and I arrived to unlock it before eight. Last minute cramming and the nervous laughter that always marks this season is ringing in our ears combined with the sheer joy in the eyes of the instructors. One last torture session and the trial is over for another year.

Grad is this Saturday for those in the area. It starts at 1:00 Pm and is followed by a stand up reception. Join us!

Chicken Poop for the Soul

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 15:37:00 +0000

Now this looks interesting! Anybody ever hear of it?
CHEC on this: Chicken Poop for the Soul

Last teaching day!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 22:52:00 +0000

I wore one of my Hawaiian shirts today. When I was asked why I replied that it was my last day of school for the term! I have all my assignments graded all that is left is the exams. It is a good feeling to be done. The year has been good. The chapels and Tuesday night services were uplifting both during the worship but also during the lectures. God spoke through the men and women that joined us during our Tuesday evening service this year.
The commencement ceremony complete with the hooding of our first degree recipients takes place on Saturday, April 21st. If you are local please join us. We will have a time of refreshment after.

What a beautiful day!

Angelic Chef?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 17:59:00 +0000

Is this a halo on the head of this chef?

After we ate the creation that he was preparing we certainly thought so!

And then this was the desert!

It was Easter at the home of #1 son and his wife. We were joined by the rest of the family; daughter, son and daughter-in-law. BJ's sister also made the journey south from the Great White North to share in the random sunshine of Seattle. Three dogs rounded out the grouping and it was family time at its best.

!!!Resurrection Morning!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 15:26:00 +0000

As the world wakes up on this "normal day" and goes about it's business, I wonder how many Christians pause to think about what the day actually means. This year of all years, the presenters of the messages in the pulpits of the church should be stressing the bodily resurrection of Jesus. The miracle of the Easter morning is not that the stone was rolled away. Or that an angel spoke to Mary, or that the tomb was empty. The miracle was the risen Christ. Jesus left His place at the side of the Father to obediently come to earth to live among mankind. Though sinless, He suffered death for our sakes and a cruel death it was. The romans who were experts at death, pronouced him dead and he was hastily wrapped and spiced.
But praise God the story does not end there. Jesus Christ rose from that tomb, walked, talked, taught, teased and even ate with His followers. As the first born from the dead, Jesus makes a way for us. Jesus is alive! and because He lives I shall live too!

And Now a Word From Our Sponser

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 16:05:00 +0000

Well not really but if you look at the side bar you will see a new partner has been added. Ezra and Tamara Okoti (alumni) have launched a new website promoting their photography business. The website, http://www.beyondexposure.ca has all the information about them and showcases some of the pictures they have taken. We use Beyond Exposure for our school pictures and the product is great. If you have a special event coming up and want to record it in film give them a visit.

Now we return to our normal bloviating.

Looking towards the cross.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 17:19:00 +0000

Passion Week is here and at the end stands the Cross. During our lifetime, if we are lucky, we will experience many for these weeks. But the Cross should be a once and for all time experience. You find yourself at the cross, kneeling in spirit, asking for the Lord to forgive you of your sins and failings. He does and we stand forgiven. The rest of our life should be spent in the shadow of the cross, remembering what He did for us and how we should then live our life.

Unfortunately many times we, myself included, have needed to return to the cross, seeking forgiveness and a restoration of relationship. Rather then victorious we have been defeated by our own weaknesses. We spiral down until we feel separated from Christ. Fortunately God is there, still holding out His hands to us. The price has already been paid and we experience that release again. Each time we pledge to live better.

Wouldn't our life be better is we could just hold on to that position? Instead of spirally down, just circle and look to Christ as soon as the "failing" has taken place. Keep a short list with God. Come daily to Him and confess. His faithfulness is secure and He will restore. Why spend time away from Him?

During this Easter season see the Cross, but more importantly see the Saviour who daily meets our needs.

Video clip

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:39:00 +0000

I don't normally post this type of item here but in the heat of the moment I wanted to shine some light on a touchy subject. I am not giving a free pass to any one country and that includes the USA but I wonder how far the pendulum is going to swing before it reaches the end of the arch.

What is that big yellow ball?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 20:21:00 +0000

After months and months ( okay, weeks..well days) of rain it has finally broken and the sun is actually shining! Quick look before it hides again.

The river that runs through our parking lot is now only two meters wide. Granted it is only three centimeters deep but it runs a lot of water. It is fun living here on the West Coast as it is so easy to laugh at the weather. With a day of sunshine the grass and the flowers are quickly coming to life. The green is brilliant and almost hurts the eyes.

I know that those who read this from the great white North scoff at our "bad" weather and I would not want to trade with them. But the ark jokes are getting old and no we are not collecting animals.

Learn from God? Part two

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 15:36:00 +0000

I have had a request or two for the full content of the sermon on parenting.

Of course I did not take voluminous notes but I did get the ten main points.

1. God is a fair Father. Deut. 32:4, Eph. 6:4
2. God is a loving Father. Ps. 145:17
3. Father God is a strong disciplinarian. Heb. 12:6
4. Father God allows us to chose. Deut. 30:19
5. Father God allows consequences. Gal. 6:7
6. Father God gives us freedom. Gal. 5:1
7. Father God teaches. Ps 32:8
8. Father God understands us. Ps. 103:14
9. Father god is positive and affirming.
10. Father God calls us to greatness.

His final statement capped it all off. The greatest parenting principle: You get the behavior you reward.

Be blessed.

Learn from God?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 13:56:00 +0000

My Pastor, Ted had a great sermon yesterday. He has been on a series from Acts but has broken it up with sermons from different topics. Yesterday he spoke on the example God the Father left us on how to raise our own children.
Using the way we are encouraged to look to "Abba father", Pastor Ted lead us through a ten point message that had us laughing as well as thinking about our own experiences. Ten points may violate some rule of preaching but not in this case. He presented a very strong case for keeping the next generation hungry for God and a relationship with Him.
It is fun to attend a church that touches the heart of relationships. We laugh together and cry together. We baptize, marry and sometimes even see an elder saint depart for heaven. Life is found at the foot of the cross but is lived day to day in the world. If you are not learning to live life in the world, remaining strong from its fatal attractions, then why do you go to church?

Shalom

Worthy of mentioning!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 18:15:00 +0000

There are lots of good causes out there wanting your attention and donation. But when the "cause" touches you in a personal way it is worth passing along. My daughter is the oldest girl grandchild on my side of the family. Her paternal Gram had a bout with cancer this year and Carrie is walking in the cancer walk in honor of her. Go Carrie!
Follow the link for more information. https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=202295&lis=1&kntae202295=CCE2F3AF6121403D92802E6B6328DD09&supId=168612878