Mark Beeson

Prep for "THE NINES"

I just finished preparing my talk for "THE NINES" Conference. You gotta register and check it out.

 

THE NINES is an on-line conference that lasts nine hours on September 9, 2010. The format is that each leader speaking at the conference is given six minutes to give their thoughts on the conference theme - "Game Changers." I used my six minutes to warn leaders about distractions that can pull you off mission.

My "thanks" to Ben Sanders (video genius and fine fellow) for helping me get my video delivered in time. He's awesome.

Hebrews 6:12  -  Be like those who stay the course with committed faith and then get everything promised to them.

I've Been Thinking....

 

Ava's got me thinking...

I should be more careful about my assumptions.

When I look at people, I should remember there are things going on in them that I can't see, or know, or understand.  

Maybe their hearts have been broken. Maybe they're carrying hidden disappointments that weigh them down. Maybe asthmatic lungs are stifling them, or self-prescribed medications are winding them up. Or maybe, as with little Ava, cancer has taken a vicious swipe at their lives and now threatens to end their time here. But you can't see any of that when you look at the sweet face before you. You'd never guess what people are carrying around deep inside.

Whatever the case may be, my time with Ava has prompted a new resolve to care more deeply and listen more closely. In so doing maybe I'll be able to add value to people at the deepest levels of their need. I want to do better. I want to do what Ava's grandpa said to do when he was preaching this weekend: "Cherish every day, one day at a time. You can't presume on tomorrow." 

It's just too much to assume I know everything going on with everyone I meet. Doing so would be a terrible mistake. But assuming everyone has something going on deep inside makes sense. It's a pretty good bet that everybody has a hurt, wound, ailment or pain that I can't see when I look them in the eye.

So I'm going to try and be a bit slower with my assumptions. I'm going to try to look a little deeper before I think I know somebody, and I'm going to keep asking Jesus to help us all - at the point of our deepest needs.

1 Samuel 16:7b  -  The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

I Love Our Team

 

I'm guessing Bill Hybels was the first person I heard say, "A team outperforms an individual, in the long-run, every time."  I loved that line and I've used it a zillion times.  There's nothing like serving the Lord you love, beside people you love, who love you and love God too!

Will Mancini got it right when he said, 

"Vision dripping is more important than vision casting: Great churches produce visionary teams, and visionary people that share (drip) the vision in the course of daily leadership and life. Vision ought to be a team sport and engage an army of everyday story-tellers in the community. Vision should never be relegated to special gifting of a the point leader only."

If you'd like to see a bit of what the team at GCC is serving up for the world this weekend, go here today at Noon, 6:30 or 8:30 EDST.

Galatians 5:13  -  It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. For everything we know about God's Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. 

Inside Ava

 

There is a lot to Ava, far more than meets the eye. 

She's not just the Queen of Wii Bowling (frequently utilizing a wicked overhand motion that I contended is illegal in all other states but, for reasons unknown to me, remains acceptable in Florida).  She's not just Noah's sister, her mother's daughter and my nephew's baby.  She's not just my sister's grandchild. She's a bundle of joy and a winsome young woman. She's non-stop action bursting from an effervescent faith. She's precious and cherished and wonderful. She's a child of the King. 

She's helped by many and loved by all.

Ava and I played Wii for hours today and I kept looking at Ava, praying silently for God to take the cancer out of her brain, to heal her completely and make her well. The surgery is behind us and God has given Ava back to us...but she has a long fight ahead.

There's a lot more to her than meets the eye. 

Inside Ava beats a heart of faith. Her indomitable spirit oozes confidence in her parents and her God. She's battling for her life, but she knows she doesn't fight alone. Some might cry, "What shall we do?" But we know how this battle is fought; her enemy can't stand against those aligned with Ava, because she is in the hand of God.

Sheila and I ask for your continued prayers. We want to see Ava well.

2 Kings 6:15b-17  -  "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked. "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Some Things Never Change

 

You're reading one of 141 million blogs. Ten years ago there were only 12,000 blogs available for your consideration. With all the options, how'd you ever find my blog?

• In 2000 people sent 12 billion emails a day. In 2010 we daily send 247 billion emails.
• There were 4 Reality Shows on TV in 2000. In 2010 we've got 320.
• We sent only 400,000 text messages in 2000.  This year we'll send 4.5 billion.
• We did 100 million Google Searches every day in 2000. Now we do 2 billion daily Google Searches.
• There were 282,242 books published in 2000. Compare that to the 1,852,883 books we'll publish in 2010.
• We performed 0 iTunes downloads in 2000. There will be 10 billion iTune downloads in the year 2010.

The digital revolution of the last ten years has changed a lot of things, but not everything. Even when your whole world seems to be changing, it's not. Some things don't change. Some things are immutable, absolute and incontrovertible. 

Count on it.

As Sheila and I visit with Ava we see God's unchanging love reflected in her dancing eyes. When we're talking with my sister, and listening as she pours out her prayers and asks God for courageous faith, we know we're hearing the expression of every mother's hope for every mother's child. I see the eternal unassailable compassion of God when I look into Josh's eyes. 

And when I took Noah (Ava's brother, pictured above) to the driving range this afternoon I noted the unchanging value every good man places on his family. Throughout the ages young men have risen to face life's challenges according to the blessings their fathers' have given, or withheld. Young men care what old men think. Always have. Always will. That's why I wanted to make sure I had time to take Noah out and tell him, man-to-man, that I think he's awesome. His father blesses him, as does his grandfather. I want to bless him too.

Maybe you've heard someone say, "Boys will be boys," but the truth is quite different. Boys won't be boys; boys will be men. Though Noah is going to be 12 years old next week, he's going to be a man of principle. You can see the future when you watch a young man for a while. I see Noah's potential and it's full of promise. I know his life will be honorable later because he lives with honor now. 

• Living with honor always honors God. Always has. Always will.
• Having faith in God always helps. Always has. Always will.
• Loving through thick and thin always adds value. Always has. Always will.
• Prayer changes things. Always has. Always will.
• Big brothers (like Noah) who live with honor and respect, always make their mothers pleased, always make their fathers proud, always give their little sisters (like Ava) someone to admire, and they never bring shame on their families.  

Count on it.

Hebrews 6:17-20  -  When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can't break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God.

The Braden Side at GCC.

Braden is 13 years old.  In less than five minutes, at each of last weekend's services, he delivered a movie synopsis of The Blind Side. It was all part of our SoulFlix series. If you missed it you can watch it now. He nailed it - four times in a row!

Next week at GCC:  Avatar: Who Will Set You Free?

Luke 10:36-37  -  "Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers' hands?" And he said, "The one who showed mercy toward him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do the same."

Dr. Hunter / On Mission

 

The moment you signed on the dotted line, and pledged your life to the service of Christ and the expansion of His Kingdom, you became a full-time laborer. Very few fully devoted followers of Christ are employed by some religious institution. But no matter who pays your salary, if you're a Christian, you're full-time in the ministry.

That's true of you. It's true of me. It's true of everyone following Jesus.

My nephews all believe this truth; they know they're in full-time ministry no matter how they earn their livelihoods. That's one of the reasons I'm so excited about the opening of Hunter Vision. I think it will be a new and better kind of medical practice. Josh (CEO of Hunter Vision) and Dr. Joel (M.D. pictured above) are going to help a lot of people through Hunter Vision, Orlando's newest refractive surgery center. Their objective is clear; they plan to continue their family's tradition by serving the people of the Orlando area well. They're in ministry full-time - like all of us - and I'm honored to serve Jesus beside them.

Sheila and I came down to Orlando to see my sister's granddaughter. Josh's daughter, Ava, has been fighting cancer (just had a tumor removed from her brain) and we've come to love and help and pray "up close and personal." We visited Josh today (that's when I took this picture of Dr. Joel) and we'll see Josh's wife and daughter tomorrow.  Thanks for praying with us for Ava's complete and miraculous recovery.

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Ephesians 4:11-13  -  It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

I Saw Another Fawn Today

 

This little guy is growing up. 

It's mid-July and the fawns are still nursing, but they've started eating grain and grasses too. A few more weeks and they'll be on their own - to make it through their first harsh winter, or not. There is no compassion or mercy in the wilderness; such attributes are unique to men and women made in the image of God.

Habakkuk 3:19a  -   The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. 

Back in the 70's

 

Early in the decade of the 70's I began serving the Church as a pastor. I was appointed as the pastor "in charge" of a local church with an average weekend attendance of 10. (Months later I discovered they had voted to close their church and figured, "What can we lose? We're going to close anyway. Let's give Beeson a shot...")

I have no idea who took this picture, but I do know I spent most Sunday evenings sitting in the sanctuary talking, singing and praying with a growing crowd of young leaders who showed great potential for expanding the Kingdom of God.  Those were great days and I enjoyed making disciples then almost as I enjoy encouraging people to follow Christ today.

I don't think I've changed much in the last 40 years. The only real difference is the result of changing fashion; since I stopped wearing those platform shoes, I no longer stand 6' 7".

1 Samuel 10:23b  -  He took his place before everyone, standing tall —head and shoulders above them.

The Braden Side

- Photo by Dustin Maust - 

Braden Burget delivers the content of the movie Blind Side in three minutes.  You've got to see it to believe it.  Can you say, "Standing Ovation?" 

You can participate in any of our weekend services and see his amazing presentation....and you can learn a bit more about God's love for the least and the lost.  

Luke 10:36-37  -  "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"  The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

Helping In the Inner City

One of our great ministry partners is The Center for the Homeless. So today (right after Sheila and I wrapped up our session at the Social Security Office of Administration) we spent some time encouraging the GSM middle-school students working at the Center.  We were inspired!

Brooms and mops were the tools of choice for the floor crews.

As soon as instructions are delivered, the action begins.

These guys were detailing freshly painted rooms.

Clothing donations must be cleaned, sorted, labeled and stored. 

I'm not sure what you did this week, but GSM volunteers have been living in the inner city of South Bend. They call the experience "MOVE 2010" and our students are working hard to make our city a wonderful place to live.  

Let's hear it for the next generation of world-changers!

Proverbs 19:17  -  He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.

Brilliant Insight on Developing Leaders

 
DC is building a remarkable team of talented leaders. I'm love spending time with them.

I just read a refreshing and insightful analysis of leadership development by Dave Travis, the Managing Director of the Leadership Network .  I emailed it to GCC's Leadership Team. Every wonder how to develop and engage the talent around you?  Ever wonder how to increase the potential of your leadership team? 

Dave's diagnosis is worth a look.  Check it out here.

2 Corinthians 6:14  -  Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? 

Am I Who I Say I Am?

 

When I remember God's Kingdom is coming it helps. Things are pretty messed-up here. When I remember Jesus is going to build His Church and one day He is going to put all things right, I'm encouraged because things aren't always "right" here.

I need to remember Jesus is Lord, especially when I have days like today. 

Today I was trying to manage a simple transaction when the lady at the counter says, "Oh, your Social Security number doesn't match the birth date you've given me. I can't do anything for you. You'll have to go to the Social Security Administration. Until they verify you have the Social Security number you claim, I can't do anything."

"But, I've had that birth date since I was born." I protested.

"Not according to our records." She said.

"Well, on what date does your computer say I was born? I'll be happy to be born whenever it says I was born. I'm flexible. How old does it say I am?" My tone was deteriorating and I sensed I was moving into the realm of sarcasm.

"I can't tell you what it says. You have to go to the Social Security Administration, and you better take your Social Security Card with you." She was firm in her convictions; I had to give her that.

"Well, how about I bring my Social Security Card here to you? Wouldn't that work?" I could tell her patience was wearing thin and this was my last chance. 

"No. Even if you show me your card and the numbers match what you've claimed, my computer must agree with the Social Security Administration or I can't help you. Proof is irrelevant. My computer screen is what I go by."  With that, she yelled, "Next!"  I knew she was done with me.

Hmmmmm.  I'm 56 years old and all those years I've had one birth date and one Social Security #.

I know when the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.  I just hope my Social Security # doesn't indicate it's not me. 
 

Matthew 5:48c  -  Live out your God-created identity.

I Like This Effort

I saw this on the Better Bibles Blog and was inspired by the creativity. It's a reading of Isaiah 53 from the New Living Translation, presented so some kids will "get it" who might not "get it" another way.

This video comes from the ministry of GRIP Outreach for Youth, a not-for-profit organization created to help fatherless teens in Chicago. GCC worked several summers in the infamous Cabrini Green public housing projects. Now GRIP is there introducing a father-figure and the hope of Jesus Christ into the lives of hundreds of at-risk teens who desperately need someone to love them and walk alongside them. 

Isaiah 53:2-3

My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot,

      like a root in dry ground.

   There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance,

      nothing to attract us to him.

 He was despised and rejected—

      a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.

   We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.

      He was despised, and we did not care.

Height Limits

 

Sheila and I took our children to camp every year until they got married and left home. This year Amber and Angela were there with their daughters, Ruby and Lydia. 

Unfortunately, though they both went swimming at camp, when we stood them up to the "You Must Be This Tall To Go On This Ride" sign, neither of the girls met the height requirements to be launched on the Blob. Too bad. I think they would have set the record for "highest Blob."  

Maybe next year...

Psalm 115:13-14  -  And let God bless all who fear God— bless the small, bless the great. Oh, let God enlarge your families— giving growth to you, growth to your children. 

Ten Recommendations

I spent two weeks at Camp Adventure this summer.  Both weeks were served by tremendous people who'd agreed to give their best effort, with great attitudes, to deliver a successful summer camp. We knew what success looked like so we each did our best for Jesus and the kids He loves. 

 June Camp leadership Team

 July Camp leadership Team

I was thanking God for the unity, passion and hard work everyone contributed to our camp leadership teams when I decided to jot down a few recommendations. I'm often asked why our camps have such great leaders. It think one reason is because we're all working with the same core values and expectations.  

You may not be working at summer camp, but If you're ever privileged to work on a team, for someone trying to do something worthwhile, maybe this list of expectations will help you succeed.

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1.   Know your job. 

      Clarity is your friend. If you’re not sure what a “win” looks like, it’ll be difficult to achieve it. Does your notion of success match your supervisor's? Make sure you have consensus on the work you agree to do. Get clear on your supervisor’s expectations:

• How often are you to report on your process and progress?
• How does your supervisor like to receive your reports? Emails? Hard copies? Face-to-face?
• Are you expected to do the work, or are you expected to build teams to get the work done?
• Ask for ideas, recommendations and feedback.

2.   Do your job.

• Do what you agreed to do. Do it to the best of your ability.
• Beware of tangential success; don’t siphon off energy to do good things that aren’t your job, if doing those things drains you of the passion and strength you need to fulfill your mission.

3.   Check your priorities.

       Most of us have several tasks to accomplish. Success often follows wise choices made in the turmoil of conflicting values. We need to check with our supervisors to make sure we’re working on the things they value most.  When your plate is full, and you're asked to "Juggle one more ball," ask, “Which of these projects and assignments do you want me to focus on first? What is most important to you?”

4.   Help your teammates do their jobs.

       Notice others. Assist them as you can. Look for ways to help them succeed.  Eager collaboration with teammates working together, and helping each other, leads to the joy of shared success. How much do your really gain when you do your part well, but the entire organization fails? Get involved with the rest of the team and help.

5.   Stay within your budget. (Money. Time. Space)

• Don’t spend more money than you’ve been allocated.
• Don’t use space, equipment or rooms that haven't been made available to you.
• Don’t turn your work in late. Projects have deadlines. Don’t think you can spend time you don't have working on one of your assignments.

6.   Play nice.

       At the end of the day, you should remember there is probably someone else who can do your job. Never forget that one of the reasons your supervisor retains your services is because of your positive attitude and your friendly manner.  Most of us would rather work with people who get along well with others, have a solution orientation and know how to play nice in the sandbox. 

7.   Dress right.

     Whatever your job, dress in such a way that you appear prepared to do your job, and do it well. You should remember this truism: the more bizarre, extreme and fringe you choose to make your appearance, the better you’ll need to be at your job.

8.   Ask what else you can do to help. 

      A willing worker, eager to add value and increase their contribution to the mission, is most likely to be rewarded. 

9.   Never mistake activity for accomplishment.   

      Have you heard about the salesman who kept telling his boss that he’d “knocked on doors all day,” when the boss wanted to know how many sales he’d actually made? Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean your making progress….even though being busy increases the likelihood that you will. 

10.  Work hard and smart.

• Show up first. Maximize your time. Leave last.
• Remember: “Efficiency” is doing things right, but “Effectiveness” is doing right things. Just because you’re working hard to be very efficient doesn’t mean you’re working on the right things. 

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Colossians 3:23  -  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

The Beeson Ultimatum / Week #1 of "SoulFlix"

The Beeson Ultimatum from Granger Community on Vimeo.

My friends Ben Sanders, Dustin Maust and Cody Baker worked about a zillion hours to create this video.  All three helped shoot it. I'm pretty sure Ben did most of the editing. Kristin Baker (Cody's bride) brought her genius to the script. They are incredible individuals; they are phenomenal, brilliant, astounding, productive and almost untouchable when they work together.

To complete our mission, and preach the Message about Jesus, we do almost everything at GCC in teams. When you watch this video you can see why. It's awesome!

If you'd like to see how we used it during the first installment of our new weekend series, you can watch the weekend service here.

Acts 8:4  -  Forced to leave home base, the followers of Jesus all became missionaries. Wherever they were scattered, they preached the Message about Jesus.

Post-Camp Recovery

 

I came home from camp and launched the new "SoulFlix: Finding God at the Movies" series by preaching the weekend services. It feels good to give your best effort in the work God gives you to do. When I got home I tried to spend a little time reflecting on God's faithfulness. 

I love the quiet of the wilderness. I'm renewed in the great outdoors. 

This afternoon, I was saw this little fawn in the woods. I thought you'd like to see it too.

Psalm 23    -    The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Prayers For Ava And Others

DC took this picture at camp last night during our sacrament service. With a couple hundred people crowded near the front of the room, I stood behind (as I often do at camp) and prayed over them. I've been praying over kids at camp for 40 years. They all belong to somebody and I'm honored to add my prayers to the prayers of their mothers and fathers. It may be one of the most important things I do.

This week I've prayed for your children, and I've prayed for one of my own. I've had little Ava, my sister's granddaughter, on my mind. So, when I pray for your kids, I pray for Ava too. 

I know some of you share my concern for Ava, so I'm pasting her dad's recent blog into mine. You can read his words, and so inform your prayers for my family. This is what Josh wrote:
 

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Doc Visit.

So, I may have been a bit too hard on the docs in my last post. The appointment went fine. They still haven't confirmed the diagnosis, but it's 99% so we are moving ahead from there. They are fairly open to working with us since there is no real clear path to take through the fields of normal "medicine". We supposedly get a call on Monday to confirm the diagnosis, but at this point it's fairly irrelevant. Lisa and I are locked in for the long haul and are going to fight for as long as we have to for Ava to get better.

It has been a pretty good day, really. Lisa and I went on a 45 minute date tonight just to get out and hang with each other. It was great. We ate yogurt and talked. I love her. I love that Noah and Ava have a mom that will move heaven and earth to do whatever she has to for her kids. She is an amazing woman and a gift from God that I never deserved, but somehow was blessed enough to have. I will forever be grateful that she decided to marry me. It was a great little get away from the crap of the last 2 weeks.

Ava continues to improve from surgery and begins some of the treatment plan next week. I am looking forward to getting rolling. We are still believing God for a miracle and know that He can do it however He wants. I go to bed every night knowing that God has her right where He wants her. She is not frustrated or in pain. She actually is quite liking everyone doing everything for her :) She will begin regular physical therapy fairly soon and she is showing great improvement in her left arm and leg muscles. I'll shoot a video tomorrow so you all can see how well she's doing. You won't believe how great she looks. She is a trooper.

Thanks again to all of you for your kind messages, well wishes and prayers. We read every single one of them even if we can't get back to you...know this, we are grateful and humbled by your love for us.

Keep praying!

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Matthew 7:7-8  -  (Jesus) “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."

Friday Camp Update

We had babies at camp this week!  Left to right the "Moms" are: Brooke Curry (with Jada), Amber Cox (with Ruby) and Angela Keim (with Lydia).  

Jeff Myers is a multi-tasking-audio-video-technical-Student Ministry- GSM -genius. He's also a photographer. He's also brilliant. He's also a video-editing wizard. He's also hilarious. In this picture he's either calculating the half-life of the space/time continuum, or he's putting power-point song lyrics on the screens for worship; it could be either one, but I'm guessing "space/time continuum"...

I love hearing DC bring the Gospel Story to students. When he's finished, no one wonders if he believes what he's saying.  I love that.  Passion counts for something, and when DC speaks - it's easy to hear God's invitation into His Story.

DC took this picture of me. I was preaching...and making a point by wearing a camper's hat. I'm not sure the kids got the point, but they seemed quite fascinated by my curious willingness to wear a kids' hat during a sermon.  I thought the hat made me quite dapper, but apparently, I was mistaken. As it turns out, that line you've often heard that, "The clothes don't make the man," is true. So, I gave the hat back.

See that black cast? It's on the leg of the camper holding her entire group in a levitating state of suspended animation. Hayley had that cast on when she came to camp but she didn't let it stop her from having one of the best weeks ever. No complaining. No whining. Hayley is awesome! 

Holy Communion concluded with prayer and worship last night.
Every time I'm here I'm amazed at the love and friendship that blossoms during camp week. Some of these kids will be friends for life - all because of what Jesus did for them during this week at camp. 

At the end of our communion celebration I always bless the counselors. Then we close ranks and pray. This picture captures that sacred moment of consecration.

No middle school summer camp should deprive the kids of an opportunity to run in the dark without lights, knee pads, helmets or Kevlar. So we played "Capture the Flag" after sunset. No injuries. Amazing.

Paintball markers shoot marble size balls of paint at speeds sufficient to explode the paintball shell and "mark" the opposing players. Middle schoolers much prefer "shooting" over getting "shot," but hey, who doesn't? 

The annual tradition continues. Friday evenings are for the "Slip N Slide" and the counselors have as much fun as the campers. As you can see, the rules clearly state: "Only one person can go down the hill at a time." 

Being the consummate "rule-keeper," Ty Robbins knew it was against the rules to stand up going down the hill.  So he went down and got up on his hands. Honestly, I've never seen anything like it. I'm trying to refrain from asking Ty for his autograph...

I'll remember this summer of camp for the rest of my life.

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Deuteronomy 4;9bc  -  Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live!

What Hope Do I Have?

 

What can wash away my sin?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

What can make me whole again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh! precious is the flow

That makes me white as snow;

No other fount I know,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
 

- From a hymn composed by Robert Lowry

James 5:16  -  So admit to one another that you have sinned. Pray for one another so that you might be healed. The prayer of a godly person is powerful. It makes things happen.

It's All About Who You Love and Who You Serve.

 

"O Jesus, I have promised,

To serve Thee to the end;

Be Thou forever near me,

My Master and my Friend."

- From a hymn by John E. Bode
 

1 Timothy 3:13  -  Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

The Day After...

This morning we woke up to good news!  

1. First (and best). Lots of campers, counselors, leaders and helpers took steps toward Christ last night! God was in the house!
2. They worked on the air conditioning at the Lodge and it's better! Wahoo!

I secured a camera at the ceiling and triggered it with a Super Clamp and Pocket Wizard to get this shot. Of course, that information is considered irrelevant by 99.9% of the population, but the .01% of us suffering the malady of "Chronic Camera Syndrome" know such detailed information is vital to our peace of mind. Without knowing how this picture was taken, .01% of us would be unable to read the rest of this blog.

Wednesday is the day we cook out over an open fire. The quality of each group's lunch is determined by the number of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts among them. Have you ever eaten a cold hot dog? (Yes, I know that's a contrarian's oxymoron, but the question is still relevant.) Those who've eaten cold hot dogs are always the most determined fire starters at camp. 

DC's sermon last night was inspired and inspiring. He said, "Jesus doesn't want your religion. Jesus wants your faith. Jesus wants your heart."  He's right.

My mom always told me, "Many hands make light work." She wasn't talking wattage. She was talking about teamwork. I saw the truth of her words when all these campers picked up their lunch boxes, water coolers and fire-starting kits and carried them to their sites in the woods. 

Where did you learn to worship? How do you express your praise to God? How do you grieve your sin and express your resolve to live for Jesus? 

Let me ask you this question. When and where do you expect your children to learn to worship? Who will teach them? Who will model authentic praise? Who will show them the way? 

Seth Bible reading the Bible. Kinda' cool, eh?

Hands of praise.

Wednesday morning John Keim spoke about God's plans and our plans. He challenged us to consider changing our plans when we discover our plans conflict with God's plans. "We should always seek God's plan and follow God's plan," he said. "God's plans are the best plans." 

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Jeremiah 26:13a  -  "Reform your ways and your actions and obey the LORD your God." 

Wednesday At Camp / A Quick Update

Every Wednesday night at Camp Adventure is dedicated to helping people take their next step toward Christ....together.  Of course, it's known as "Commitment Night" by many, and that's alright with me. Deeper commitment to Christ and His Kingdom is a good thing.

The worship at camp has been incredible. We've lost the air conditioning. Someone thought it was a good idea to build a Lodge that has no windows that open. (Seriously. They can't be opened. It's impossible. Really.) The camp provides no fans. It's 95 degrees outside and much hotter inside, but that heat isn't close to the white-hot blaze of worship. These kids are on fire, and I'm not talking about the weather.

Tuesday Night is Skit Night. When some of the "right-brain-creative-types" portrayed our current GSM staff as they might appear several decades from now (crutches, "Depends," slowed-down-a-bit) it was absolutely hilarious.

Just before lunch any bit of shade is greatly prized. Lindsey's girls are "Happy Campers."

OK. You can see the bump Josiah Weber is offering Ted Bryant during the staff volleyball game. It's a beautiful thing to see. What you can't see in this picture is what Dr. Bryant did with the ball once it was hanging over the center of the net. (Oh yeah, Ted's got a Ph.D and knows more than you can imagine about the chemistry of the brain. He's a professor at Bethel when he's not volunteering as a counselor at Camp Adventure.)   For those on the other side of the net, facing Ted's spike was like being on the receiving end of The Hammer of Thor. It was ugly.
Special note to parents: Have no fear. Ted is very gentle around children and small dogs. The campers love him.

One of the great joys of Camp Adventure is quite common. It happens again and again, all week long. It probably seems like an unusual way to say it, but a very "common" experience at camp is one of the must joyful experiences of our life together. Every time I am privileged to worship Jesus, in the congregation of campers who've gathered for one of these sacred weeks of camp, it changes things. It changes me. It changes your kids too.

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Psalm 29

Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, 

       ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; 

       worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

The voice of the LORD is over the waters; 

       the God of glory thunders, 

       the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.

July Camp Adventure 2010

Since I'm at camp (and the internet is less than reliable) I'm posting a few pictures when I have the opportunity. Before I head to the afternoon activities, I want to give you a "visual update" on the adventure we're sharing at Camp Adventure.

I'm not sure who first thought this was a good idea, but it has become customary for everyone to go outside on the 1st day of camp, stand under the balcony of the lodge, and look into the sky so we can take a picture. Remember when your mom told you not to stare at the sun? Yeah, well, this is camp.

It's hard to imagine anyone getting more fired up about gathering for lunch than DC. And I'm not just talking about dynamic leadership enthusiasm. DC's passion gets expressed physically too. If I bent over like that my spine would snap like a rotten twig.

I've discovered you can't ever have too much protective gear for Paintball. Though I've not personally tried this concealment strategy, I've already seen the benefits of red "camo" PJ's utilized during yesterday's competition. I'm reserving my opinion on the matter.

Paintball strategists have a brilliant plan for teaching middle-schoolers to play the game. They load the kids up with safety gear and safety instructions prior to their first competition. Once the kids have been "marked" by a paintball, and the first game is over, the trainers bring them into a safe area and tell them how to strategize for a "win."  It's amazing to see how intent the campers become as they listen for ideas that'll help them win. Middle-school-kids love winning!

 
More instruction from the trainers in the Paintball Safe Area. (Notice the white socks, pulled high on the calves of this experienced camp-paintball-guru.  Surely this is a sign of cautious wisdom, proving once again that as surely as a wound just above the ankle took down the great Achilles, a paintball strike to the unprotected calf can be a man's undoing.)

I caught these guys one their way to the canoes. The weather man says we'll hit 90 degrees this afternoon. Nobody is complaining about being on the water today.

I've been a leader at Camp Adventure for 40 years running. It's been a great journey. I've nothing but cherished memories of the people I've met, the worship I've shared, the campers I've encouraged and the young leaders who've taught me so much. Jesus has changed me - and my world - at Camp Adventure. I met God here. I raised my kids here. I learned to lead here. 

Doing the math I realize 40 years at Camp Adventure, multiplied by an average of 150 attending each of those weeks, equals 6,000 middle-schoolers I've seen through a week of summer camp. Occasionally accused of being a "Burned-Out-Youth-Pastor," I contend I'm not burned out at all. I LOVE the young people of the next generation.

Sometimes people ask me if I am concerned about the future of the Church.  I'm not. In fact, I'm more confident than ever. God has already raised up the next generation of leaders and I've met a lot of them. They're strong. They're faithful. They're determined and they will succeed. Gender doesn't matter to them. Ethnicity doesn't matter either. 

What matters to young leaders is Jesus. He towers above all their other concerns, affections and values. He is the Lord of emerging leaders, apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers.  Of this one thing I'm sure; the Church is in good hands. Christ's ministry to the next generation will flourish under their capable leadership.

Four great young leaders I love and trust met up for a quick conversation yesterday afternoon. I caught their rendezvous in this picture. Left to right: Stephanie Rorie, John Keim, Jeff Myers and DC Curry. (All are GCC staff leaders for GSM.) I'm honored to serve Jesus beside them.

No worries. Our children are in good hands. 

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1 Timothy 4:12  -  Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

One Of Our Veterans

 

- Photo by Jeff Petersen -
 

My friend Jeff Petersen captured this picture of Judge Miller during our first service on the 4th of July weekend. It's such a wonderful reflection of his reverence, joy and dignity, I had to share it with you.

We honored him - and all the vets in our services - this weekend. 

The Judge (awarded a Purple Heart for his injuries received in combat) will be 90 this December. He's giving everything he's got to help homeless veterans in Michiana. What's become "Miller's Vets" was birthed the moment he saw the recent photo of a homeless man in a coffin-like box on one of South Bend's streets. The Tribune stated it was 18 degrees outside when the picture was taken. Judge Miller thought, "That could be a vet." Such an offense prompted action, and the Judge told me he didn't have time to mess around. 

Now GCC is partnering with The Center for the Homeless, and Miller's Vets, on the 747 Project. Our plan is to renovate the building at 747 South Main Street in South Bend so we can serve selected homeless vets, renewing their spirits and helping them get a fresh start in life.

My deepest appreciation goes to Judge Miller for his lifetime of contributions to his country and community. He is worthy of honor.

Proverbs 29:23  -  Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.

July 4th at GCC

 

If you weren't able to attend one of our Saturday services, I encourage you to join us for worship on Sunday, July 4th.  You can participate at our Elkhart campus, Granger campus, or on-line.  

You don't need to wait until the sun sets to know the explosive thrill of freedom. Start your 4th of July celebrations early.  We'll honor our veterans and worship together. 

Invite every veteran you know. It's a great service.

Galatians 5:1  -  It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

Can You Help Us Find A Way Through?

 

When guides shrug their shoulders and say they're not sure which way is the best way to go, what do you do?

What does a father do when his daughter has cancer and she's fighting for her life?
   He prays. 
      He cries.
         He comforts his little girl.
            He holds his wife close.
               He asks where the "good way is," so he help his daughter walk in it.

Josh is asking for help. He's asking for research assistance. We need to find a way to beat this monster. If you're interested in helping, please go to Josh's Blog here and have at it.  

My entire family is grateful for your prayers, your love and your care.  Sheila and I thank you - from the bottom of our hearts.

Jeremiah 6:16  -  Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.

From Ava to You.

"Thank you for praying for me."

Gratitude fills the hearts, and pours out of the mouths of appreciative people. If Ava can get into her princess PJs and say "Thank you," from her hospital bed, I wonder if I should write a note or two, thanking the people who help me, partner with me, watch over me, encourage me and pray for me? 

Ava inspires me. 

Colossians 4:2  -  Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.