Gal•van•ize

My latest project

2008-08-21T04:55:00.009+01:00

So, I started trying my hand at woodworking. First, I checked Craig's List and found a great deal on a skill saw. Then I built a work bench. (if I'm going to be working on building things out of wood, I need a work bench right?) Finally, I spent the last 3 months building a rocking horse for Christian that was only going to take 3 weeks. I still don't know why it took so long. But I'm done and very happy with the finished product. Check it out.

The Wee Race

2007-09-27T20:54:00.003+01:00

Golfing in Glasgow

2007-09-22T19:18:00.000+01:00

My brother, his wife, and their cute little girl (my niece!) are here in Glasgow visiting us! We are having a blast together. The Mills cousins are playing nicely, the women folk are doing women folk things, and my bro and I went golfing. This was one of the things on his top ten list. The list goes like this:

• Meet my nephew for the first time!
• Watch my daughter play with my nephew!
• Hug and kiss my beautiful sister in law
• Hang out with and be there for my brother
• See all the amazing things involving Jason and Megan's ministry & life
• Visit Scotland with my wife
• See a castle
• Taste a bit of whiskey
• Play golf in Scotland
• Not turn my phone on for more then a week!

Well, we did a good job with most of the list, but playing a round of golf was not going to be easy. First we are hurting on transport and funds, so the course is going to have to be close and cheep. Next we don't have any clubs, and the cheep courses don't hire out clubs. Finally, this is Scotland and finding a day to golf that is not raining is a miracle.

Well, God provided a wonderful day with sun and blue sky, google maps provided a close course that was just the right price, and two amazing friends provided us with the use of their clubs. (Thanks Tim and Andy!)

It was a great day of golf, I haven't played in well over a year and Aaron plays all the time, and at the end of the day I was only one stoke behind him. A great feat! Another first is that I took home the same ball I started out with. (I lose at least 2 golf balls every time I play)

Well, next up lawn bowling!
It is so fun having family

History, Hatred, & Hexagons

2007-08-11T14:59:00.001+01:00

In July I flew to Ireland to attend the wedding of a friend and fellow team-mate. This being my first visit to Ireland, I wanted to see the sites. In doing a little research I found a few sites worth visiting, namely the famed Giant's Causeway. Legend has it that Finn MacCool, Ireland's notorious giant built the causeway to challenge the great giant of Scotland Benandonner, Finn's greatest rival, to a fight. As Benandonner was crossing the causeway Finn realized the massive size and strength of his opponent. Being no match, Finn fled home. His very cunning wife Oonagh, devised a plan. She dressed Finn as a baby complete with a giant bonnet and booties, when Benandonner arrived, Oonagh invited him in and asked that he not wake their sleeping baby. Looking at the baby, Benandonner thought, "if this is the child, I have no wish to meet the father." So he ran all the way back to Scotland ripping up the causeway as we went. I found the Causeway, spectacular! It is amazing to see hexagon shaped rocks. I was told of how they were scientifically formed, something about lava being cooled by the ocean, but I like the legend better.

Another place I visited was Dunluce Castle. Surrounded by cliffs and ocean on 3 sides, this castle was virtually impregnable. In fact, history says that it was not until the invention of gunpowder that this castle was finally taken over.
After touring the northern coast of Ireland, I made my way to Belfast. When searching for things to see and do in this city, I was at a loss. Most of the information I came across was not tourist in nature but violence, hatred, & political sectarianism. Driving around with some members of my team, we soon came face to face with some of the remnants of the North Ireland "Troubles." The Troubles refer to the years of violent Catholic and Protestant conflict. However, the various groups in opposition with each other are more nationalistic and political then they are religious. This is seen in the likes of the UVF and the IRA. We drove through neighborhoods which to this day are still separated by a giant fence, with "Catholic" bourghs on one side and "Protestant" bourghs on the other. One street in particular, Shankill Road, displayed numerous murals depicting tribute to fallen "solders" and hateful slogans. Burned out buildings, smoldering, rubble filled lots, and police stations with 30 foot security fences are all common place on Shankill Road. In the eerie silence of the street we could faintly hear U2's song, "Sunday, Bloody Sunday" playing in the backs of our minds. It was eye opening to witness a Western country with smoke still rising from acts of terror and hatred preformed in the name of the "church."

After my tour I went to the wedding, ate some cake, and toasted to both bride and groom, with the best Guinness to ever touch my lips. Laying in bed that night my mind stirred with thoughts of all the beauty in God's creation, even hexagon shaped rocks, and the splendor of man's potential through out history, with castles and skyscrapers- why can't we accomplish one simple thing- love? Instead we continue to fight with each other like giant babies! Paul wrote that, "Our struggle is NOT with flesh and blood..." So when we find ourselves fighting with each other, we are engaged in spiritual friendly fire and not fighting the real battle.

"God, may your Church once again live up to it's name- being unified as one, and loving one another. So that the world may know that You are God and Jesus is Your Son!"

Christian has been a wee bit cheeky lately.

2007-08-03T10:32:00.001+01:00

So yesterday, Megan was doing a load of laundry and I was doing some reading and all of a sudden Christian ...

Christian loves to dance!

2007-07-24T21:48:00.003+01:00

Rember when?

Something I've learned about community

2007-04-06T01:18:00.000+01:00

In serving 3 years as a missionary I have learned that there is much to learn about God, Christianity, living a life of faith, and sharing what I've learned with others. I don't claim to know much about any of these things, but the little I have learned has been of great help to me.

One of the most important things I've come to know is: I can't do life alone.

It is not God's intent for any of us to do life alone. In fact, that was the only "not good" thing about the first 2 chapters of Genesis. ( 18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.") So the truth that we need each other has been very important in ministry, not to mention my own Christian walk.

I WAS MADE FOR RELATIONSHIP

Most people find this difficult to believe, but one of the hardest things for me in school was not mathematics, but making friends. I suffered from a fear of rejection that hindered my willingness to make new friends. Over time, I've come to learn that this fear is very common in most people. The desire for friendship is overcome by the fear of rejection.

PEOPLE NEED TO BE KNOWN
PEOPLE NEED TO BE LOVED
The fear is that people will not love me once they come to know me.

I've often under estimated the power of play. I enjoy a good laugh and I love a good time, but I also am left wanting when the only reason people gather together is for superficial and worthless things. However, when I stoped to answer the question, "What gatherer's people together?" My eyes were opened to the profound simplicity of the answer- What gathers people together is usually what people have in common.

Community or Common-Unity, starts with something in common.

Every other Friday night, Megan and I host a "LOST night." (There seems to be irony in that name) We gather all who are interested, and we project on to our wall an episode of the TV series, "LOST." You will be amazed how many people are interested in that show. It really is a good show. There is an underlining spirituality, and thread of faith throughout the series, but more important then the opportunity for spiritual discussion is the common place for people to gather and share an evening where we can get to know each other, love on each other, and build relationships with each other. It really is in those relationships that opportunities arise for words of prayer, a listening ear, shoulders to cry on, arms to embrace, and a God to point to when all else seems hopeless.

Could a TV show really help create relationships with people that provide opportunities to point to God? They can if you invite another person to join you as you watch it.

Who knows, maybe God can use a show entitled, "LOST" to help people become FOUND.

Well, again, I don't know much, but with the little I do I've seen God use for wonderful things.

Team Time!

2007-04-05T23:45:00.000+01:00

On Wednesday evening we hosted a little gathering for Lauren (the Nieucommunities apprentice whom Megan is coaching.) As I looked around the room an astonishing thing happened. I noticed that our whole team was gathered together in one place at the same time! Now for a missions team this should not be that astonishing, especially one who's very name includes the word "community" however, for our team this has been a very hard thing to do for a very long time. There are busy schedules, children of all ages who require babysitting, or lots of child-proof space, and most importantly it requires that our team make the sacrifice necessary to facilitate us being together. Satan has played his hand well at proving this difficult, but recently, the proverbial penny has drooped, and for the first time in months, our team gathered together to just be with each other, and love on one of our own.

Call it conscience, (I don't believe in conscience) but just as we entered the Nieucommunity learning posture of Contending, the need for us to contend for each other was over whelming. Our attention has moved from fighting with each other, to fighting for each other, from striving for our voice as individuals, to uniting our voice as a community. We contended for one of our apprentices to fight the temptation of giving up and going home and have seen her pull through with the love and support of key people on our team. We taught about Spiritual Warfare, and then moved out of the classroom and on to our knees to engage and experience the very thing we talked about. It has been a very hard 7 weeks in this learning posture, but this Thursday evening we came to a close with a celebration dinner. We ate, we played, and we celebrated our victories. We also held close to our broken hearts, our very real losses, only we did so as a team!

The Contending posture has past, and we are now moving on to the posture of Imagining. We will be imagining what the new future holds for a broken but victorious, struggling yet stronger, Christ united team.

God contend for us, as we continue to contend for each other.

Important dates in History!

2006-12-22T13:07:00.000Z

So on the 17th of December, at 18:50 (that's 6:50PM for us non military Americans) my son Christian James Mills was born! It is amazing! Megan did a great job at bringing him out into the world and the hospital staff was very encouraging. There was one moment of absolute horror and fear for me, but Megan and baby are fine, and now that the whole ordeal is over, I feel like the most blessed man on earth. Christian is great! So much better now that he is on the outside. Megan is in her element as a mother. She has had two years of experience mothering me, feeding me, and picking up after me. I think she is now making me pay for it through doing so with this little guy. But this is no chore at all. You got to see the two together, they are beautiful.
Well, I am going to make my blogs about Christian short so people don't get board and keep coming back.
see ya soon.

My Mac is sad

2006-12-21T21:06:00.000Z

So, if you are wondering why I have not been posting for a while it is due to two things: One, my son is born! Christian James Mills is here! I will blog about that when I have a better photo of him and when I put him down to take time to do so. (he is helping me type this as we speak) So look for that post later. Two, my mac is sad! 2 weeks ago my MacBook broke. This is not necessary a bad thing. It has given me more time to do other things like, eat, sleep, and go outside once in a while. So I am reading again, helping clean the house, I've even made dinner- once. :) I wonder when the computer is fixed if Megan might take a hammer to it?! Well, I will have to make sure that does not happen by not spending so much time on it.
Once it is fixed I will have a whole bunch of photos of Christian, the family, and our Christmas and Hogmanay celebration.
Anyway, Christian is wanting Mommy so I better go.

[nieuCommunities stuff] Spiritual Wrestling

2006-10-22T20:39:00.000+01:00

"We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

I really don't spend much time thinking about powers of darkness, or spiritual forces of evil unless I am watching Lord of the Rings! I mostly live out my day doing what I believe needs to get done, and on a good day I'll spend a chunk of it talking to God and reading my Bible. But when I come to verses like this one in Ephesians, I am compelled to ask myself if I believe it. Do I truly believe that my work in ministry is not against the doubts of people, or the hardness of hearts, or the secular culture, or sin focused media. But the struggle is really against demonic powers, rulers and authorities? I'm afraid my answer is too often, "No."

Three weeks ago, Megan and I started up another Christianity Explored class. This time with 6 guys from the City Mission. I was very excited to see 6 Mission guys on fire about Christianity and learning more about Jesus. However our first week we were already missing 2 guys. My friend Wade gave a strong encouragement, and warning for them to put this day and time first in their weekly routines. It is very important, and now that they have shown interest in turning away from drugs, alcohol, and violence to seek God, Satan will do everything in his power to stop them. I was amazed at how fast Satan acted! That same week, one of the guys got in a fight and was kicked out of his housing. He called me the next week to drop out of Christianity Explored. Another gent was tossed into prison, while still another turned back to drugs and was strung out all week. We are 3 weeks in and only 1/2 the guys are showing up. So far C.E. has been competing with family, drugs, football, clubs, and only God knows what else.

Still, for the 3 guys who show up consistently, I am proud and encouraged. They are seeking fast after God and I know He has a firm hold of them. This past week we read Mark 4 and the Parable of the Sower. It is interesting to actually witness first hand some of these things happening to the excitement of these guys. A few guys were picked off the road before they even set foot in the class or church. Another has fallen away quickly due to no firm root. I am sure there will be others who leave what God has to offer due to what the world has. But I am holding out for that last seed. My prayer is that the word of God finds ready soil in the hearts of these 3 remaining guys, and that they in turn, produce a harvest 30, 60, even 100 times!

Please join me in this prayer, and pray that God saves the others who are struggling to find their way. This struggle of theirs is not easy, it is dark, cold, lonely and terrifying. Indeed it is one against evil darkness. Glory to God for He has overcome evil and brought His own LIGHT!
Amen

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Posted by Jason to nieuCommunities stuff at 10/22/2006 07:59:00 PM

Does God want us to be Rich?

2006-09-16T12:09:00.000+01:00

So I picked up an issue of Time Magazine because the cover image was a Rolls Royce with a cross as the hood ordainment. The title of the article is, "Does God want you to be Rich?" Automatically my mind went to verses like Matthew 6:19, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth ..." and Matthew 16:24, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." So at first my answer to the question was, "No!" But then I began to think about verses like Rev. 3:18 & John 10:10 where Jesus talks about buying gold, and linen and having life to the fullest. But do these verses really mean He wants us to have a Rolls Royce lifestyle?

I read the article and was intrigued by the verses quoted by the writer. I was also turned off by the prosperity theology that the article focused on. But it was a good insight into American Christianity and the values we as a country are living and teaching our children. Most Americans I know poke fun at men and women who dance on the television and preach a "Name it and Claim it" message. But then again I wonder how many of us actually live our lives in a similar way, maybe to a much smaller degree.

I know when things are going well for me I thank God for His blessing and praise Him. But when things are going poorly I am so easily enticed to ask God, "why?" and hesitate to praise His "good works." In a sense this is the same thing. It is self centered rather then God centered. It focuses on my own comfort or security or desire for a way of life rather then faithfully accepting the life God chooses for me and desiring that. I don't believe most Christians buy into the preaching of such men who preach "Wealth and Health." But I do fear that many Christians loose focus on the hope of the life to come and make this life out to be more then it should. It is a thin but firm line between being an instrument of Gods Kingdom on earth here and now and slipping into living this life to "my" fullest. The key is focus. Do I have God's will as my focus? Or do I have anything else? Anything else is breaking the first commandment and that is what it boils down to really.

So to answer the question, "Does God want you to be rich" I must first be asking, "What is God's WILL for you?" Know that and you will know the first.

What is God's will for us?
I'd be interested in your comments.

[Bible] Galatians & Ephesians

2006-09-10T13:57:00.000+01:00

Ok, so how do I just share one thing? I can't so I am going to share 3 things:

1) I like in Gal. 1:10 that Paul is pointing to the fact that he is not seeking the favor of men but of God. Too many times I think I do things ... or don't do things because I want people to like me or not think bad of me. But do I live this way for God? Do I want to please him as much as I want to please others?

2) Ch. 5 vs. 1 tells us that, "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Why do we keep turning to things that enslave us? Do we need a master? Many times we desire to be our own master but are slaves to money, power, lust, greed etc. How God longs to be our master. He set us free from these things and desires for us to ask him. I like that ... "Stand Firm!" don't let anything enslave you but be Gods slaves for he is a Good Master.

3) There is so much good stuff in Ephesians ... but I made a decision that when ever I am to say anything about Ephesians it is going to be about my good friend Buzzy! (Hey Buz) So, Buzy likes tattoos. And he decided to get one that honored his wife. What better verse to decorate your body with injected ink that honors your wife then the Ephesians verse that says, "Husbands love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." And we all know that this verse is Ephesians 5:25. Well, maybe we don't all know that this verse comes from Ephesinans 5:25. Because Buzzy had his mind set that this verse was Ephesians 6:25 and told Sid, (THE tat guy) "No, I don't need to look it up, come on! I'm a youth Pastor" (Famous last words) And so the story goes, that night Buz had a special moment with Beth where they both admired Sid's work and then grabbed a Bible to look up the verse and low and behold ... There is no Eph. 6:25! It stops at 6:24! Oops. Well, good for Buz that he kept it for a month to serve as a humbling reminder and lucky for him Sid is good at what he does and turned a "6" into a "5" (sort of) That's all I have to say about that.

LOVE ya BUZ! Thankx for the good story! And yes, I did meet my wife on the Internet!

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Posted by Jason to Bible at 9/10/2006 01:38:00 PM

[Bible] 1 & 2 Corinthians

2006-09-10T13:36:00.000+01:00

I love these books! Ok, so I say that about every book of the Bible. (except maybe Lamentations) But Paul rocks! I believe one of my favorite verses in the Bible is 1Cor. 11:1 " Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ." What a statement! Not only does it say, 'My goal in life is to be like Christ!' but it also asks you to look at my life as an example of Christ's! WOW! Can I truly say that? It is what we are called to do. It is what Megan and I are supposed to do, desire to do... truly want to do. God help us to life our lives in such a way that we ask all who are around us to:

" Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ."

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Posted by Jason to Bible at 9/10/2006 01:36:00 PM

[nieuCommunities stuff] I once heard it said...

2006-09-04T23:58:00.000+01:00

Trying to do NieuCommunities can be a lot like:

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Posted by Jason to nieuCommunities stuff at 9/04/2006 11:57:00 PM

[nieuCommunities stuff] Road Trips

2006-09-04T16:46:00.000+01:00

Road Trips

This summer our team hosted and ran 3 Road Trips.
A Road Trip is not like a mission trip. They are journeys that invite people to be a part of. The total number of R. Trippers was 28! Each one was lead by a different person and involved a classroom experience, a look into what our team is doing in Glasgow, and volunteering in various ministries in the city. (mission, prayer walk, acts of kindness etc.)

Basically, these act as mini Nieucommunities experiences. Not everyone can be a part of a 42 week experience, but a 10 day experience in communion, community and mission seems more realistic. Our aim is to increase availability, impact, and turn over. We want more and more people to become infected with the sense of being a "called" one.

The last Road Trip of the summer involved two friends of mine! I was excited when I heard that Sarah was going to come join us for 10 days! I was even more happy to hear that she was going to stay an extra few days with us! It was a joy to have her be a part of our lives, see our ministry, and put her to work; praying, baby-sitting, and flat cleaning! HA. (I'm not joking)
The second friend was Erica. She is a long time family friend. I may have had something to do with Sarah joining us... but I had no idea Erica was interested in this kind of a trip. She heard of it through her church Rock Harbor. I heard she was coming only a few weeks before she was to fly over. Again, it is so good to have friends and family come and join our lives in Glasgow.

Maybe you could be next?
Come check out these Road Trips ... and come check out what is happening in Glasgow.

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Posted by Jason to nieuCommunities stuff at 9/04/2006 04:29:00 PM

[God Stuff] Minister or Missionary?

2006-05-02T22:06:00.000+01:00

In 2004, after being a participant of the Nieucommunities program and once my year internship with CRM was completed prier to leaving for the missionary field in Scotland, I was issued a certificate of ordination with the title, 'Minister of the Gospel.'

I was a little confused, because I signed up to be a missionary, not really a minister. Not wanting to get caught up with words I accepted yet at the same time all sentimental ideals of formal Seminary and a grand Ordination Service went out the window as I was handed this piece of paper. I paid little attention to the four words of this new title.

Later, as I filled out all the forms and underwent the stressful process of obtaining a UK visa, I saw those words again. Only revised to read, 'Minister of Religion.' I chose instead to tick the box labeled, Missionary.

Almost two years later God granted me the opportunity to take a short missionary trip to India. I was excited, and full of awe as I pondered all that God would do, and I experience. It was not long after that I realized how difficult it is for someone who had a, 'Missionary' visa to even enter India. However, it was in India that I came face to face with the urgent reality and importance of baring the title, 'Minister of the Gospel.'

Up until this point my missionary experience was full of teaching, training, volunteering and only a few raw conversations that presented the gospel. Here in Scotland, the 'Good News' was already heard, and many people have chosen to reject it. Presenting the gospel in a new 'fresh' way was my job as a missionary in a Westernized 'Post-Christian' country.

In India, this good news has not been heard, and yet everyone who caught a glimpse of it accepted. It seemed to be almost, (dare I say) 'easy' to be both a missionary and minister of the gospel. This thought stayed with me as I boarded the plane back to the UK.

'How can I be a minister of the gospel here in Scotland?'

I have avoided this title for many reasons, and it seemed that missionary work had lots of other, easier things wrapped up in it, but there simply is no getting around the core importance as a missionary to be a barer of the Gospel, the bringer of good news!

It was Gods timing, and symbolic that in April the UK government agreed to renew my visa for 4 years! This time I had no choice but to be titled Minister of the Gospel. After my India experience I finally became proud, and held with utmost importance and respect these four words and all that goes with them.

Despite a simple informal paper saying I am ordained
Despite the lack of a seminary degree
Despite the lack of formal credentials

I proudly adopt the title, Minister of the Gospel!

It could be due to my calling,
It could be due to my experience, (as limited as it is)
Or perhaps it is like Paul when he says,

'Does it sound like we are patting ourselves on the back, insisting on our credentials, asserting our authority? Well, we are not. Neither do we need letters of endorsement, either to you nor from you for you yourselves are all the endorsement we need. Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read just by looking at you. Christ himself wrote it- not with ink, but with Gods living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved onto human hearts- and we publish it!' 2Cor.3:1-3 the Message

Am I a minister or a missionary?
I am both!

And as I work hard to define and create what that looks like in this Westernized Post-Christian culture, I will not neglect the letters of endorsement I have received thus far. The amazing changed lives of those here in Glasgow whom Christ has written on their hearts, His eternal & wonderful Good News!

It's Positive!

2006-04-16T12:28:00.000+01:00

So, last Tuesday Megan sent me on a wild goose chase running errands so she could get me out of the house. Little did I know she was planning on taking a pregnancy test!

She was hoping to surprise me with the news when I got home. When I did get home I found her sitting on the edge of the bathtub, filing her nails nervously and staring at the test results on the counter. I asked her what she was doing and looking at the test she said, "Waiting for the results of a pregnancy test."
She looked up at me and asked, "So, what do you think?"
I saw a small strip of paper with what looked like two red lines and my reply was, "What should I think?"
It was a moment of 1) I don't really know what two red lines mean, and 2) if it means what I think it means, I was hoping to get from her the "correct" response I should present! We both stood there in silence for a few moments as our brains were tyring to catch up to our current situation, and then we did the classic 'avoid & accommodate' response- we talked about how our day has been going.

Finally, I wised up and gave her an excited smile. I pulled her of the edge of the tub and we hugged! "We're going to have a baby!" I exclaimed.
She shyishly said, "I know, I can't believe it!"

Her next comment was, "What do you think it is going to be?"
I told her quite confidently," A girl."
She said, "Good, because I already know what I want to name her if it is a girl."
"Lucy"
I was racking my brain for all the Lucy's I know to see if that was an acceptable name. She then told me how she thought it was classic, cute, and simple. An adorable name for a small girl. I was just hoping all the re-runs of 'I Love Lucy' would finally end by the time she was in Jr. High.

"Sounds good" I said, realizing that when it comes down to it, I really don't have a say in the naming of our little girl. If she carries and delivers it, I should be happy if I get to see her from time to time!

So, it is going to be a little Lucy if a girl, and Megan is going to let me have the boy name I like if it turns out to be a boy. I've always like the boys name, "Christian."

Well, that is our story. We are very excited and are so looking forward to starting a family here in Scotland. The culture here is perfect for having a child. It is free! It is a slower pace of life which allows for community to help raise children. The schooling is free and very accommodating. And we get a mid-wife for up to 2 months I think. I am not too sure what a mid-wife does, but because of the name I am hoping to get her to do the cooking and cleaning! (It's not mid-mother, right? so that sounds more like a task for a mid-WIFE)

You know I am just kidding about the mid-wife thing, right? Ok.

[nieuCommunities stuff] Christianity Explored

2006-03-28T22:12:00.000+01:00

It is the last night of our first go at Christianity Explored. I have been very encouraged by this group and how they are so eager to learn. The mix is mostly young new believers as well as those just peeking at Christianity. My hope is for most to take the next step on their walk towards Christ by joining a new Bible Group. And for the others to start attending our church Re:Hope

In conversations with people who have been faithful by coming week in and week out, I am told they do not want to stop! They enjoy the group, the discussion, the times together, and that we care. I am very pleased to hear this because it is a direct answer to a prayer Megan and I had before we started our first lesson. Our prayer was that no matter the discussion, no matter the content, we asked that God would move in the hearts and lives of those who came, and that we would create a place where people wanted to remain.

What does it look like to be so intentional at creating a place that encourages others to abide in Christ so that once they are brought there, they do not want to leave? That was our hope. In our service, our hospitality, our love, our listening, our caring, in our interest in their lives we wanted to show Christ, and show them how to abide with Him. I believe that through the help of the Spirit that has been accomplished! Now, I have a new prayer.

Please join me in praying that we may hand these young men and women over to others who will continue to teach and develop them into imitators of Christ Jesus. I pray that they continue to grow and mature in faith and that we, along with others on our team may be obedient to what St. Paul says,"Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it."

God has answered our prayers for this group, and I believe we have begun to fulfill our ministry to them.

Trying to do NieuCommunities is a lot like ...

2006-03-24T17:11:00.000Z

[God Stuff] What is your diet like?

2006-03-19T13:40:00.000Z

This week, I've started to count calories. Not that I'm watching my weight or anything, I'm just curious. To my amazement, I am taking in almost 5,000 calories a day! For some reason I thought I was closer to 2 or 3 thousand. I'm not gaining any weight so I suppose I need not be too concerned. However, it has pointed my attention to what kind of foods I am eating that are so high in calories. Most of my diet is made up of carbs and sugars. I suppose I should start being more concerned- I'm not getting any younger. Sooner or later my weight will start to catch up with my metabolism. It would be a wise idea to start making the change to more healthier food now.

This got me thinking about my spiritual diet as well. What sort of things am I putting into my mind and soul as it pertains to spiritual food? I thank God that He has taught me to love the Bible, and to be reading it on a daily basis. It is my main source of "spiritual food." But what other things am I feeding on?

In the reflections on pride from St. Augustine's BOOK OF PRAYER, he says that DISOBEDIENCE is, "Refusal to learn the nature of God or will as revealed in Scripture, expounded in instructions or expert advice, or discernible through prayer, meditation or the reading of religious books. Absorption in our own affairs, leaving little time, energy or interest for the things of God."

I can't say I have ever considered my not reading christian books or seeking instruction or "expert advice" as disobedience, but to think of it as, "refusal to learn of God's nature..." Then yeah, I can see that as disobedience. We are to be the people of God, who know God, and learn of His unfathomable ways! If we put it off, delay, or out right refuse, we are in disobedience.

This thought has made me increase my spiritual diet, and include more instruction, and ways to discern the nature of God. Now if I can start eating more vegetables I might soon be considered more healthy all around.

[God Stuff] Bono speaks at the National Prayer Breakfast in D.C.

2006-03-17T21:31:00.000Z

The lead singer of one of my favorite bands, "U2" spoke at the 54th Annual National Prayer Breakfast on the 2nd of February. Bono's words were humorous, insightful, and nothing less then powerfully convicting. He challenges the US nation, along with the world to not just live up to human law, but to step up to, "a higher law."

One of Bono's sobering comments points to where God is and challenges us to position ourselves there as well. He says,

"I mean, God may well be with us in our mansions on the hill- I hope so. He may well be with us as in all manner of controversial stuff-maybe, maybe not- But the one thing we can all agree, all faiths and ideologies, is that God is with the vulnerable and poor."
"God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house- God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives- God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war- God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them."

Here is a man who is chasing after God, and knows where to find Him- "God is with the vulnerable and poor." And he challenges us to go there and do something about it. Bono has no seminary degree, does not choose to be titled a Christian, yet believes in the One Almighty God, and his life shows it more then most. Dare this entice me to get out those old albums and put away the Christian "self-help" books? After reading so many, there are times I'm tempted to say,
"I still haven't found what I'm looking for."

You can listen to Bono's address at the Prayer Breakfast and then leave a comment below to carry on the discussion.

(thnx. art for pointing me to this!)
j.

Wee snowmen ... uh, sorta

2006-03-13T17:33:00.000Z

Yes, those are pens, and yes again, the nose's are green pepper stems, and yep the buttons are pistachio nut shells! Man you're good at this

Snow Day!

2006-03-13T16:39:00.000Z

Yesterday it snowed.

Now, I don't usually get all uppadee about snow but it was a lot of snow! This was not the first snow day this year in Glasgow, but it is the first day it stuck for longer then one day! It is amazing how one can wake up all tired and kinda gloomy, but once the curtains are opened and fresh gleaming white snow is seen through the window joy, excitement, and childhood glee comes rushing over. It was so much fun walking in the snow, taking my time playing with the neighborhood kids, helping people dig their cars out and taking pictures of everything as it looks so different covered in white.

Truly Glasgow is a different place in the snow. People are happier, fun, and smiling. It is like a bunch of old grumps were turned young again... a kind of cold Neverland. It is also a great analogy of a great awesome God who can turn even a dark, dirty, Glasgow in to a white winter wonderland. What an amazing day to go to Church! Everything feels new, clean, like a do-over. And the best part is that on Monday morning... it was not a dream, for it is still gleaming white outside!

"...I know my transgressions... my sin is ever before me...... purify me...wash me and I shall be whiter than snow." Ps.51

Journal Entry for: Feb. 4th Bethel House

2006-03-07T17:25:00.000Z

Wade & I are laying on our beds 1/2 awake 1/2 zombie sleep!
Outside the noise of Rickshaw beeping & motorcycle horns finally gave way to crickets chirping and inside our small room is an echo of the fan spinning and an occasional "SLAP" for mosquito's. Bethel House is a primary school for orphaned girls and the home of a very generous family who has allowed us to stay for 3 nights. Our room is on the rooftop over-looking the shabby neighborhood. It makes me think how Jesus and his disciples might have spent their nights, sleeping on the roof tops and spending nights in prayer.
"SLAP!" I got one! A mosquito that is, already I can count 7 bites on my arms and neck ... just seven reminders to take my Malaria pills.

It was around 8:00AM when we were finally picked up from the airport. We arrived at 1:40AM. Six hours of waiting, and wondering if we made a mistake coming to India with no contact info for those who were supposed to pick us up! After 2 hours of looking at a sea of strange yet beautiful black and brown faces, we pulled our resources and thoughts together to solve this problem of being lost in India. We had one mobile phone with only 3 pounds on it, no local number, no contact number, no hotel name. We were not even sure what Jeff looked like. We called 3 continents, use up the 3 pounds, found out how to use the local phone services, and finally got what we needed to wake up 3 people in the middle of the night over a span of 300 miles in India to find one person who could pick us up. I am doing a real injustice at retelling this story, but the end result was God showed up in BIG ways to save our dumb bums.

When we pulled up to the home where we were staying I was thinking to myself, "Finally, a place where we can lay down horizontal with out the fear of being robed, or bugs crewing all over us." We were greeted by our hosts, and those who were supposed to pick us up. I believe the words from their mouths were, "Un-Believe-Able!" Yeah, my thoughts exactly. We ate breakfast, got caught up on each other, and then started the day!

Wade and I have had a combined sleep of 6 hours in almost 3 days! We did not sleep at all this past night and we were going to get started on the day?!!!! Ok, lets go then.

The day was to be spent at an AIDS shelter for men who have AIDS and or use drugs. It is to help educate those who have it, and prevent those who don't from getting it. It is also a place where real hurting people can receive the real love of Jesus Christ. The SHELTER is an acronym for (Society for Health Education Leadership Training Environment research and Rehabilitation.) This was one of maybe 15 different acronyms I believe Solomon has. Kinda funny, and not sure if this is an Indian thing or just a Solomon thing. Here at the SHELTER, the men are given education, food, health care, friendship, awareness and most of all- the opportunity to commit the rest of their lives to Christ. For the 10 men we met today, that was not a lot of time. All of the men we met with were HIV+. They are all drug users, some hoping to clean up, but all of them are in desperate need of Jesus. With the strong stigma attached to AIDS in the Indian society, people here already declare them dead. Today we had the chance to share what a new life with Christ was, and all 10 men showed willingness to accept Christ, and the life He offers.
Our team was made up of 4 individuals and we all got to share. Some shared a testimony, others a story, and another a particular Bible verse. But all of us shared one thing in common- Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was told there was going to be a good chance that I would be asked to talk in front of a crowd, small group, church, or even large meeting of people. Unaware of what to say, or where to even begin, God assured me that at the time, He would provide me what to say. He proved Himself faithful and I got the chance to see all 10 men accept Christ.

Afterwards, we shook hands, exchanged hugs and laughs... and one man shared how happy he was that Americans would leave their families, come over here and share Jesus with a bunch of dying men. And if that were not enough, they would look us in the eye and even hug us! I was not sure what moved these men more, our message, or our love. But I do believe they are one in the same.

When the day came to an end, I got back in the jeep and we headed for home down a bumpy dirt road. I believe it was that moment, where for the first time in my life, I actually felt like a missionary.

Thank you God, for allowing me to be in a place to share the love You so graciously give to me.

Sunday, Feb. 5th 9:00 PM : Still ONLY Day Two

2006-02-18T12:52:00.000Z

We visited Solomon's church this evening. It was a very special time. The church was held in the home of a man named Dan. Dan was a banker for 20 years in the States. He was born in India and God called him to return back to his country and share Christ with his people. So he and his wife moved back to India, helped start a church, and adopted 13 girls! Only with the divine help from God could a family adopt 13 girls! They all live, worship, and minister in the same home. The church service started with 3 of the girls leading worship. There was no piano, gutair or any other instrument. We all sang acapello. Well, I say,"we all" but truly it was not I who sang. I tried but couldn't. You see, the girls started with the song that states,
"Lord, You are more presious then silver, Lord You are more costly then gold, Lord You are more beauitful then dimonds, and nothing I desire compares to You."
I tried to sing that song... but I could do nothing but think of how these orphaned girls will never own silver or gold and yet they can and do sing these words to God! How sweat these words must sound to our Lords hears. There is nothing they desire that compares to God... and these girls have nothing but Him! I sat there in the seat of honor that they gave me... and with my hands over my face, I again cried like a baby. I did not count myself worthy to sing alongside these angles. So I just shead tears for them instead.

Sunday, Feb. 5th 4:30 PM : Day Two

2006-02-18T12:01:00.000Z

Today we were excited because we took a group of orphans to the beach! (How cool is that?!) I love that my ministry allows me to do something like hang out at the beach with Indian orphaned kids. Not only were they the eleven of the cutest kids all dressed in traditional Indian cloths, but they all played a game to remember our names. It brought a smile to my face to hear these children say my name out loud. One girl, who's name is, "MOE-GA-NA-SOON-DA-RE" was the first to learn all of our names. She took it upon herself to teach them to the other children. She had much patience with me as I learned hers. I ended up just calling her, "Soon-da-re" and she allowed me to call her "Soon." Soon has a smaller brother and the two of them are the only ones of the eleven who have not lost their parents to AIDS. They have a mother that they live with, however she is a prostitute who brings clients into the home. Living in a small two room hut, there is no doubt in my mind that Soon, and her brother often see what is done to her mother. It was this very reason we took them out to the beach. We wanted to give them a fun, and healthy day. Our team is made up of four individuals who came along side a local man named Solomon. It is one of Solomon's dreams to build an orphanage where these children can be taken out of the slums and provided a safe, and healthy environment. We loaded up a van and took eleven kids to the beach. We played Frisbee, jumped rope, and splashed in the water! The kids played in the sand, and kicked around a football. It was a normal child's typical day at the beach, but for these children it was a wonderful experience that they don't often have. Later, we went to an indoor market place and road an escalator! It never ceases to amazing me that no matter where you go in the world, children love to ride up and down on escalators! We ate lunch and then started back for home. Home for these kids is with relatives, or neighbors who put them to work to earn their keep. Some of them go to school and all of them suffer. You see, it was not until the end of that day, only after I built relationships with these children did I learn that every one of them is HIV+. They all have AIDS! When I heard that, I just sat there in the van, looking at each of there smiling faces and I cried.

It was my only reasonable response. We dropped off 1/2 of the children and I waved good-bye through the window. I prayed to God that they would get to know Jesus. I hope to see them again one day knowing that if I do, it would be in heaven where they would have arrived years and years before me. The van let us out at the home Wade and I were to stay and drove off with the rest of the kids, all of who's hands were out the window waving good-bye to us. It saddened me to see them go, but I was encouraged to know that Solomon was in their lives, taking them out of their poor situations and letting them enjoy life's simple pleasures, even if it is only for a short time. To these kids, this is life. To Solomon, this is the way he shows them love and introduces them to the Author of Life.

India was AMAZING

2006-02-18T11:19:00.000Z

India was AMAZING!

Thank you for all your prayers, letters, and emails. I got back on Feb. 14th, Valentines Day and was happy to see and spend time with Megan again! It was a good reunion. I decided to give people updates on my trip by sharing my journal entries for certain days while in India. So, if you are interested pick a day and read what happened in India! The photo is of me eating ... something given to me wrapped up in a louts leaf. It looks horrible, but tastes very very good! Sweat!

Enjoy the photos, read the blogs, and leave a comment.

India

2006-01-19T17:50:00.000Z

Well,

My passport and my money is in the hands of the Counsel of India. The plane ticket is on hold until ... well I guess today, and I am not really sure if this trip to India is going to happen. But I did get my shots!

I should now be protected against: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid! I wanted to get Hepatitis B, and Rabies... well, I wanted to get the vaccination for them.. but that would have cost me about $120.00 and I am not sure if I really needed them.

About 2 months ago it was suggested to me that there might be a possibility to take a trip to India and be a part of a ministry to over 180,000 people! There will be a huge Evangelical crusade and we were going to try and ride on it's wake. Training pastors of local Church's, encouraging Bible students, visiting Orphanages, AIDS hospitals, and even preaching in Church's, markets, and where ever the opportunity arises. There have been eye witness accounts of miraculous healing, demons being cast out of children, and entire families being saved! How amazing it would be to just witness this, let alone actually be a part of it!

So here I sit, waiting, bruised, wondering, broke and praying that if God wills....

Meanwhile, my dreams are full of wonder and God's word, my prayers are passionately seeking the Spirit to move behind the scenes and stir in the lives of the people who will attend this week long event... my times with the Father are real, alive, and faith testing!

Even if God should not allow me to take part in this February event ... He has begun a work in me worth the cost of a rejected Visa, busied arm, and deflated anticipation.

However, if He hears my prayers, and faithfully fulfills my desires after testing my faith... and allows me to go!!!!! How I will not stop praising His name and telling others of the wonders our God is capable of. Who knows? Maybe I too shall come back with visions and eyewitness accounts of Gods authority and power even in this day and age!

Join me in prayer for India
Join me in prayer for faith to increase.

"Lord, I belive, please help me with my unbelief!"

Back at Blogging

2006-01-19T16:26:00.000Z

I've started up my Blog again. It has been a while since I've last posted anything for myself. I have been helping a number of people on the team, my wife, my mother, mother in law, sister in law and various others create, start up, and maintain their own websites and blogs. It has been fun and I am learning a lot, but boy does it take time! I am really interested in how easy it is for someone who does not know how to write html code or make web pages, to use

Blogger

and have their thoughts, info and pictures on the WWW! I'd love to be able to assist missionaries overseas to use this as a way to keep in touch with friends, family, and supporters back home.

Well, I hope all is well and untill next time!
J.

Picture Show

2005-09-25T14:59:00.000+01:00

look INTO nieucommunities

2005-01-15T14:08:00.000Z