Should Christians Oppose Arizona's Immigration Law?
Jenny Hwang argues why Christians should oppose Arizona's new immigration law. http://bit.ly/cKTlBT
Dream a Little Dream Part Deux
In a previous post with a similar title I spoke about the passion I have to see God change a people, a city, and a region. I have such a huge desire to see this happen. I long to live in a city and truly be a blessing to it. I long to train youth workers to do youth ministry differently - To be a part of a city and to help contribute to the remedy by serving with no agenda. To invest into the lives of students and to give them a story, something bigger than themselves to be a part of. Not to just talk to kids about making a difference and about being light to the world but to actually do it ourselves and to call them along for the ride.
We moved to Salem Oregon over two years ago with this passion, this dream. I have to tell you something, dreams can be difficult, they can down right suck. Not just any dreams mind you, but big dreams, dreams that are out of your hands. Dreams that require money, unified workers, endurance, and behind it all, God. These kind of dreams consume you and they keep you on your knees.
I have had dreams in the past of growing a youth group or speaking nationally or writing books... These dreams are great - why? because they're all about me. I like dreams about me. But when the dream you have is offensive to the enemy, the imposter, who will do everything to keep light from conquering darkness - well then, that dream is a wonderful nightmare. Its wonderful because its from God but its a nightmare because at every corner you face problems, heartache, stress, temptation, drama, and sleepless nights. Its wonderful and awful all at the same time and I wouldn't change a thing about coming here and pursuing this dream.
We went a year without pay for this dream and when we got paid, it was way too short of what we needed. Finances can be a pain in the ass, can't they?! But recently things have been coming together, the stars have been aligning, and I felt like maybe we were over the hump.
But last Tuesday I was called in for a meeting with My father, the pastor and an elder. They sat in front of me and told me the financial situation the church has been in. Our church is losing $12,000 per month - the economy has killed our congregation. They looked at me, with tears in their eyes and told me they were going to have to lay me and another pastor off. I have never been laid off before, let alone by my father, but I have to tell you - I felt peace - a weird kind of peace.
So what about the dream? I don't know but I can tell you I'm weary. I'm weary of carrying this thing on my own. I'm tired of not paying my bills. I'm tired of my wife being stressed and constantly having to give her vision for this mission. But right now as I write this I can tell you I still have that peace the passes all understanding. I trust the journey that God has us on. I trust this God who brought us to Oregon to heal our hearts from a bad church experience. I trust this God who has taught me the true meaning of faith.
The future? I have no idea but I'm open. Not too open though. See, I'm still dreaming about partnering with people who long to make impact (not just in a church - that's way too small) - impact in a way that is big, too big to do it on our own. I long to invest in young youth workers and I long to see teenagers heads lifted, their eyes open to an amazing God who has an amazing mission for them. I can't wait to do this - wherever and whatever this is. I'm ready!
Away in the Philippines
I'll be away in the Philippines for the rest of the month. I'll try to post something at the end of the month. Thanks!
