Globalizing Your Faith

Today I'll be doing a workshop at the Northwest Ministry Conference at Overlake Church.

Here is my Power Point.

My topic is "Globalizing Your Faith" and I will be discussing the unprecedented opportunities that are in front of Christians due to globalization, urbanization, communication development and Christianization (the rapid spread of global Christianity).

Four things to understand as a Global Christian:
Wineskins (Luke 5:36-39), Missions Principles (1 Cor. 9:22-23), Incarnational Change, and Apostolic Adaptation (Trade routes and Tent making)

Thailand Recap

Here is the recap from Levi's trip to Thailand.

The Amazing Race

Power Point is HERE.
Podcast is HERE.

Thanks Win for helping with the interviews this weekend!

Attention runners! This weekend my sermon will include stories from the men's marathon Olympic Trials, Western States 100, and a live interview with Win VanPelt. You might want to come and check it out! Should be fun...It's the first part of a series we're doing called "Reality" and my message is a reality spin-off entitled "The Amazing Race". The podcast will also be put on our website on Sunday afternoon (http://www.eastsidechurch.org/).

Attention non-runners! Why did God select the metaphor of a race when He described our lives? Apparently He thought it was something everyone could relate to, even if all are not runners. Consider Hebrews 12:1-3, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and 2 Timothy 4:7-8. These are the texts we will be looking at. Life presents us all with challenges that require perseverance.

See you this weekend (Saturday at 6 p.m., or Sunday at 9 a.m. or 11:11 a.m.).

Nothing to Give? - Real Rescue for Modern Slavery

It seems to me as though "Stop Human Trafficking" has become the most passionate cause for a lot of Christians. One of the biggest challenges is discovering what we can do (besides increase awareness). There are a couple people who I know who have been making a difference long before the cause became known. One is Ted Olbrich with Warm Blankets Orphan Care. The other is Emma who works in Athens with Nea Zoi. Here is her latest report.

Ten years ago, I landed at the Athens airport, pushed my way through the throng smoking around baggage claim, dodged the stray dogs sleeping in the airport, and anxiously waited to meet the Helping Hands people who would meet me. I remember being impressed by all the orange trees, the crazy traffic, and the noise of the city. Tasting my first chicken souvlaki at Pita Pan. Sunshine every day (almost!) My first Sunday dinner with no space on the dinner table for any more food, and fish with their heads on. I remember sitting on the balcony of our first apartment, watching all the people bustle by, and wishing I had something/someone to be busy with. Now, life is full. Barely any time to process all that has happened. But it's beautiful. I've met so many women and men with such suffering - but also people of faith reaching past their comfort zone for justice and compassion. God has pushed me past the limits of what I thought I could do with my life. I haven't reached the aspirations I once had, but I've seen even more amazing things than I could ever have planned. Discouragement and disappointment have been constant... but so have the sparks of hope that arise from small conversations with women like Anna. She's Nigerian, 22, met in an increasingly aggressive neighborhood in central Athens as we handed out cups of tea. She bounced up to me and demanded, "Pray for me!" When I asked what do you want me to pray for, she said, Ä helper! I asked her to explain what she meant, and she said she wanted someone to save her with lots of money. I told her I couldn't pray for that but I would like to pray that God would give her an opportunity to use the gifts and talents He gave her instead. She said that she came from a poor family and had nothing to give except her body. I told her that I could see she was a strong, brave woman, and for a moment, she was honest, told me that it costs her so much pain to be in this job. I prayed for her to be freed from the trafficker, and whatever else kept her from the life God intended for her. And we encouraged her to come learn computers on Thursdays. I am hopeful that women like Anna can discover their gifts and talents. After all, God has uncovered gifts and talents that I didn't think I had 10 years ago. My hope is that our vocational program Eisodos can contribute to that process in their life. Thank you for being part of this story. God shows His faithfulness through us to Anna and others. Emma

Why Pastors Should Use Twitter and Facebook

I'm still exploring the value and the validity of keeping up with emerging
social networking technology as it pertains to Churches and leaders.

Here is a great article you should check out if you're asking the question, "Why?":
Three Reasons Every Pastor Should Use Twitter.

HAPPY St. Patty's Day!! He was a great figure in church history.

Ballard Driving Academy - Almost Live

Been to Ballard lately? It's a good place to learn to drive.

Letting God Meet Your Needs

This is the sermon I'm preaching this weekend at Eastside Church. The timing is right for this message! Matthew 6:25-34 will be the text and it comes out of our series on the Ten Commandments (You shall not steal). The sermon will include muti-media drama and interviews.

Audio podcast is HERE.

Power point is HERE.

Study guide is HERE.

Video podcast will be posted next week.

On March 7th our daughter Alicia turns 18. I'm REALLY proud of her. Heidi and I bought her an iPod and are saving for the laptop that she'll get when she graduates in a couple of months. I figure those two things will have her ready for college. I might need to throw in a hot-plate and a case of Ramen noodles. At least that's what got me through college.

I am turning 40 on April 2nd and thinking about my options for a midlife crisis. Someone recently told me like I looked like I was going "clubbing": "Cool shirt. Are you going clubbing?" Ouch. It was pretty funny but I went with "conservative and professional" the next day. I can either look uncool or I can look like I'm trying to be too hip. Other options for turning 40 include getting a tatoo or a motorcycle. I love Heidi, so the midlife crisis will NOT involve her (too often when men have a midlife crisis they decide to become single once again).

The options for a midlife crisis are pretty dismal so I guess I'll pass on it. Just have to "go with the flow", be myself, and join with God in the next exciting season that He has for me. Being a Christian is far from boring...it is an incredible journey. What do you expect when you're following the Creator of the universe? Sure beats getting a tatoo.

This past week I started getting into Twitter. It's catching on real fast and worth looking into. Follow me if sign up (see sidebar).

This weekend I'll be preaching in all the services. Levi is playing guitar, Heidi's singing and Alicia will be in Oregon visiting grandpa Mark (and Dee Dee) with some friends. I'm also excited to hear Modern Mosaic play at KTUB tomorrow night.

What if Starbucks Marketed Like a Church? A Parable.