Some days I just wonder...

For any of you who may be unaware, we are currently in a recession. In fact, we are facing the largest recession since the little one we had back in the '30s. As a result we've seen Uncles Sam bail out the banks, and now possibly the auto industry. Foreclosures are a daily occurrence, gas peaked at almost $4/gallon, and our cable bill went up $5. What is the world coming to?

Thank the Lord for the rock of stability that is the New York Yankees. Even in these pressing times, when the common man is struggling to put food on the table, they are quick to remind us of what is truly the most important thing...solid starting pitching.

The Bronx Bombers signed C.C. Sabathia this week to the tune of $160 mil. over the next few years. Now, some may see this as absurd (possibly any of you who have logic, morals, or decency), but you are plainly wrong. Without starting pitching (especially in the A.L.), you are doomed to failure. The Yankees HAD to make this move, as pitching has been their Achilles heel since Giambi stopped shooting steroids in the buttocks. Chicks may dig the long ball, but they alone will not help you reach your final destination!

For any of you who may be interested, you can click here to see how long it would take ol' C.C. to make your salary. I think he has to pitch half a game or something to make mine. I just hope he can pay for gas in his private jet. Poor guy!

'Tis the Season

I love the holiday season.  It's great.  You eat, you see family, you eat, and you get to witness the absurd.  At what other time of year can you read about the trampling of a Wal*Mart employee? Or fist fights over Barbies?  Truly absurd.  Aren't we civilized?

As Christians we live in a constant dichotomy between the birth of Christ and American consumerism.  It is difficult to find a balance, and we oftentimes seem to stray too far to one side or another.  I saw something today that reminded me of the challenge.

I drove by a church that had a huge sign out front encouraging folks to, "Keep Christ in Christmas."  Not a bad thought.  Right next to this sign was another encouraging folks to attend their annual Christmas Party/Festival;  where they could get a photo with Santa.  

'Tis the season!

My Mono Monologue

I realize, as I write this post, that it's been well over a month (in fact, nearly 6 weeks) since I wrote my last blogpost.  My apologies.  However, I do have a very good excuse.  A singular excuse.  Dare I say a mono excuse.

Mononucleosis, such a wonderful word.  I had not, until this point, fully understood the depth and breadth of the term.  I now, painfully, do.  But, it wasn't all bad.  I always wanted to watch 16 hours of T.V. back to back to back to...you get the idea.

So, with that being said, I am well on the road to recovery and hope to get the ol' blog up and running with some weekly posts.  Hope you enjoy!

The Death of Independent Barry

I showed this short to my girlfriend, and here is the "sympathy" card I received in the mail as a response...

What can I say?  I think she's great!

Consuming Religion

I'm currently in the 4th chapter of Alan Hirsch's book "The Forgotten Ways" and was so captivated by his section on the Consuming Church I felt I needed to post if for your consideration.  Just to preface, Hirsch argues that the major "religion" counteracting the work of the church today is the modern "religion" of consumerism.  To quote, "If the role of religion is to offer a sense of identity, purpose, meaning, and community, then it can be said that consumerism fulfills all these criteria" (Hirsch 107).

Hirsch further argues that, rather then reacting against consumerism, the church has adopted consumeristic practices and principles as the norm of how things are meant to be done.  So, with that as a preface, I refer you to the rather lengthy quote below.  Hope you enjoy!

The problem for the church in this situation is that it is now forced to compete with all the other ideologies and -isms in the  marketplace of religions and products for the allegiance of people, and it must do this in a way that mirrors the dynamics of the marketplace-because that is precisely the basis of how people make the countless daily choices in their lives.  In the modern and postmodern situation, the church is forced into the role of being little more than a vendor of religious good and services.  And the end-users of the church's services (namely, us) easily slip into the role of discerning, individualistic consumers, devouring the religious goods and service offered by the latest and best vendor.  Worship, rather than being entertaining through creatively engaging the hearts and minds of the hearers, now becomes mere entertainment that aims at giving the participants transcendent emotional highs, much like the role of "feelies" in Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, where people go to the movies merely to get a buzz.

Church growth exponents have explicitly taught us how to market and tailor the product to suit target audiences.  They told us to mimic the shopping mall, apply it to the church, and create a one-stop religious shopping experience catering to our every need.   In this they were sincere and well intentioned, but they must have been also totally ignorant of the ramifications of there counsel-because in the end the medium has so easily overwhelmed the message.  Christendom, operating as it does in the attractional mode and run by professionals, was already susceptible to consumerism, but under the influence of contemporary church growth practice, consumerism has actually become the driving ideology of the church's ministry.

The very shape of the church building gives us away.  Ninety percent or more of the people who attend our services are passive.  In other words, they are consumptive.  They are the passive recipients of the religious goods and services being delivered largely by professionals in a slick presentation and service.  Just about everything we do in these somewhat standardized services and 'box churches,' we do in order to attract participants, and to do this we need to make the experience of church more convenient and comfortable.  It is the ultimate religious version of one-stop shopping-hassle free.  But alas, all we are achieving by doing this is adding more fuel to the insatiable consumerist flame.  I have come to the dreaded conclusion that we simply cannot consume our way into discipleship.  Consumerism as it is experienced in the everyday and discipleship as it is intended in the scriptures are simply at odds with each other. And both aim at the mastery over our lives, only in marketing it's called brand loyalty or brand community.

Alan Hirsch.  The Forgotten Ways.  pgs. 109-110.

Hope that gets the wheels-a-turning!  For a greater depth and scope, read the book. =) However, I believe that this quote is a great challenge for all who work within the church. Have we simply sold out?

Just a Thought...

I was reading today and stumbled across this quote...

"The greatest proof of Christianity for others is not how far a man can logically analyze his reasons for believing, but how far in practice he will stake his life on his belief." - T.S. Eliot as quoted in "The Forgotten Ways" by Alan Hirsch

How far are we willing to go?  To trust?  To risk?  What are our lives saying about our belief?

I think I'm a Genius!

I had worked on a serious blog, but it didn't turn out quite the way wanted. I'm currently reading through Alan Hirsch's, "The Forgotten Ways" and I was going to delve into that a bit, but, well, yeah, maybe in a couple of days.

Until then I wanted to share with you physical proof that I am, in fact, on the verge of becoming a bona fide genius!  Now, if you kindly notice that the photo above is of on Albert Einstein.  I think that the name more than speaks for itself.  What I would like for you to notice, however, is the state of his hair (facial, head, and eyebrows).  In a word...outrageous.

Now, for my proof that I am, in fact, a blossoming genius.

Bear with me...

Just a little further below...

LOOK AT THAT THING!

If you are wondering the answer is yes, that is my eyebrow.  All one inch of it.  Disgusting?  I think not.  Amazing?  Most certainly.  A couple more of those bad boys and I'm well on my way to Einstein 'brows (the true sign of a genius).

Faith's Review and Expectation

Sometime in the 1790's a former slave ship captain turned preacher named John Newton penned the most famous hymn in all of modern church history.  Originally dubbed "Faith's Review and Expectation" the hymn is based on Newton's reading of 1 Chronicles 17:16-17. Today, we know the hymn by it's first line, which became it's popular name (I guess "Faith's Review and Expectation" didn't really roll off the tongue).  However the common name, "Amazing Grace," does.

We recently had the opportunity to watch the movie "Amazing Grace" in youth group. Ironically, the movie doesn't focus on the life of Newton, rather it focuses on one of his most influential parishioners, William Wilberforce.  Unbeknownst to many, Wilberforce was one of the key voices in the English Abolitionist Movement.  It was through the tireless work of Wilberforce that many slaves saw their eventual freedom throughout the English empire.  It is really an amazing story, and one that I would highly recommend.

This film is, by far, one of my favorites.  I love the passion with which the actors portray their respective characters.  Wilberforce, consumed by his mission, sacrifices his very youth and health for this cause.  He is driven by a desire and a cause that is greater than himself.  Newton, a broken man, lives with the constant reminder of his previous life, and states he lives in the company of "20,000 ghosts."  

As I watched I couldn't help but marvel at the mysterious ways in which God works.  Who would have ever thought that a boy, who sat at the feet of a slave captain turned preacher, would one day be the sole force in abolishing the very trade that once employed his pastor?  Now that's amazing.

Have you Ever seen the Wind?

Living in Western PA, I've never had the opportunity to experience a hurricane.  After feeling the effects of Hurricane Ike this past Sunday, I don't think that I ever really want to.  The 79 M.P.H. winds (clocked at the Beaver County Airport, which I can SEE from my house) devastated our local community.  Power was lost for over 100,000 homes.  Many families, two days after the storm, still do not have power.  Trees have fallen everywhere, and many families had limbs (or entire trees) fall onto their homes, sheds, or cars.  Yikes!

To be honest, I didn't think, at the time, that the storm was going to be that bad.  I say "storm" with tongue in cheek, as we received very little rain.  It was primarily all wind, all the time.  I had an inkling that things might be taking a turn for the worse when we lost power (and with it the Steeler game) at around 10PM.  No Steeler game?  God must've been ttiiccckkkeeedd!

Anyway, after the game ended (we listened on my roommates flashlight radio) I took a quick look outside.  The wind nearly blew off all my clothes and, for the sake of all humanity, I hurried back into the house.  

I awoke the next morning to more damage then what I could've imagined.  Trees were uprooted and debris was scattered throughout neighboring yards.  As I surveyed the damage I was struck by two distinct impressions.  First, wind (and the God behind the force of that wind) is powerful indeed.  We experienced only a taste of a hurricane, and that was plenty.  Secondly, I was again reminded of just how dependent we have become upon all of our regular household comforts.  

We have the nicest of homes, the most modern of technologies, and comfort rules the day.  It's a rarity that an event occurs to somehow disrupt our regular routine.  I was ticked that I couldn't watch the second half of the Steeler's game!  As if it were somehow someone's fault that the God of creation saw fit to send heavy wind through my area and disrupt my agenda for the evening.  I mean, the nerve!

I guess, in the end, what it really comes right down to it we, as Americans, don't have to depend on God too much for anything.  Occasionally we are reminded that we are not as in control as we may think.  Interesting...

Tim Tebow

Don't know if you had an opportunity to see this ESPN interview with Heisman Trophy Winner Tim Tebow, but it's worth a look.  It's nice to see someone living out their faith...

Tebow Special on ESPN's Outside the Lines

"When I Became a Christian" by Adrian Plass

When I became a Christian I said, "Lord, now fill me in,
Tell me what I’ll suffer in this world of shame and sin."
And He said, "Well, Your body may be killed, and left to rot and stink,
Do you still want to follow me?" I said, "Amen! – I think.

I think Amen, Amen I think, I think I say Amen,
I’m not completely sure, can you just run through that again?
You say, my body may be killed and left to rot and stink,
Well, yes, that sounds terrific, Lord, I say Amen – I think.

But, Lord look, there must be other ways to follow you,” I said,
“I really would prefer to end up dying in my bed."
"Well, yes," he said, "you could put up with sneers and scorn and spit,
Do you still want to follow me?" And I said, "Amen! – a bit.

A bit Amen, Amen a bit, a bit I say Amen,
I’m not completely sure, can you just run through that again?
You say I could put up with sneers and also scorn and spit,
Well, yes, I’ve made my mind up, and I say Amen! – a bit.

Well I sat back and thought a while, then tried a different ploy,
Now, Lord, I said, the Good Book says that Christians live in joy."
"That’s true," he said, "you’re gonna need the joy to bear the pain and sorrow,
So do you still want to follow me?" I said, "Amen! – tomorrow.

Tomorrow, Lord, I’ll say it then, that’s when I’ll say Amen,
You see I got to get it clear, could we just run through that again?
You said that I will need the joy, to bear the pain and sorrow,
Well, yes, I think I’ve got it straight, I’ll say, Amen – tomorrow."

He said, "Look, I’m not asking you to spend an hour with me,
A quick salvation sandwich and a cup of sanctity,
The cost is you, not half of you, but every single bit.
Now tell me, will you follow me?" And I said, "Amen! – No, I quit.

I’m very sorry, Lord, I said, I’d like to follow you,
But I don’t think religion is a manly thing to do."
And He said, "You forget religion then, and you think about my Son,
And you tell me if you’re man enough to do what he has done.
Are you man enough to see the need? Are you man enough to go,
Are you man enough to care for those whom no one wants to know?,
Are you man enough to say the thing that people hate to hear?
And battle through Gethsemane in loneliness and fear.
And listen! Are you man enough to stand it at the end,
The moment of betrayal by the kisses of a friend?
Are you man enough to hold your tongue? Are you man enough to cry?
And when the nails break your body – are you man enough to die?

Man enough to take the pain, and wear it like a crown,
Man enough to love the world and turn it upside down,
Are you man enough to follow me, I ask you once again"
I said, "Oh Lord, I’m frightened”, but I also said “Amen”.
Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen,"
I said," Oh Lord, I’m so frightened," but I also said, "Amen."

What is Mission?

So, I'm currently reading through "Exiles" by Michael Frost.  So far, it's a great book.  In doing some research I stumbled across this video of his on YouTube.  I caution you, watching this movie may spur you to action.  That action could very well wreck your life.  Funny how Christ can do that...

Or click here...

If you have some time...

So, if you have about an hour or so, I would highly encourage you to watch the video of Tim Keller posted below.  Keller presents a short dialogue on his newest book "The Reason for God" to the folks at Google.  I haven't read the book as of yet, but rumor has it that it's a wonderful rebuttal to the new atheism.  It's long, but still shorter then reading the book! =)

Transparency

I was riding home in my car tonight trying to control the mass of emotions that were (and still are) pounding in my chest. God, in His infinite wisdom, brought this song to mind, and it took everything in me to keep driving through the tears as I listened. I pulled into the driveway an absolute mess. Very rarely will a word, a phrase, or a song so clearly encapsulate my thoughts and prayers. Be careful what you pray for. If you ask for the passion and heart of Christ, God may give you a glimpse of what that means.



My life. My calling. My passion.
Luke 4:17-21
2 Corinthians 3:18

May I never go back to living on my own ability.

Mmm...Poetry

So, I was reading today and stumbled across this poem, and I really enjoyed the passion it sparked within me. I don't agree with every line and stanza, but I do agree with much of it (especially the last 3 lines and those I've italicized). It's worth the read...

What is, therefore, the task of the preacher today?
Shall I answer: "Faith, hope and love"?
That sounds beautiful.
But I would say-Courage.
No, even that is not challenging enought to be the whole truth.
Our task today is recklessness.

For what we Christians lack is not psychology or literature,

we lack holy rage.

The recklessness that comes from the knowledge of God and humanity.

The ability to rage when justice lies prostrate on the streets...

and when the lie rages across the face of the earth-

a holy anger about things that are wrong in the world.

To rage against the ravaging of God's earth,

and the destruction of God's world.

To rage when little children must die of hunger,

when the tables of the rich are sagging with food.

To rage at the senseless killing of so many,

and against the madness of militaries.

To rage at the lie that calls the threat of death and the strategy of destruction-Peace.

To rage against complacency.

To restlessly seek the recklessness that will challenge and seek to change

human history until it conforms with the norms of the Kingdom of God.

And remember the signs of the Christian Church have always been-

the Lion, the Lamb, the Dove, and the Fish...

but never the chameleon.

- Danish Pastor Kaj Munk from the book Exiles by Michael Frost.

Britney

I'd like to thank Mark Helsel for the head's up on the new song "Britney" by Bebo Norman.  Every Youth Pastor, Worker, and Parent should listen to this song and talk about it with their kids.  If this song strikes a chord, check out "Girl America" by Mat Kearney.

Check Out Britney by Bebo Norman

Check out Girl America by Mat Kearney

Kingdom Come...

I apologize as this blog will be a bit disjointed.  I'm still trying to gather my thoughts about the whole thing...

I've just returned from an absolutely amazing trip through New England, and I cannot begin to describe the myriad of ways in which God shifted and moved people and events to speak directly to my heart.  Of course, it's difficult to not think about the creator of the universe while surrounded by the most breathtaking of scenery, but I digress.

I was amazed to the glory of God shining forth from the cracks in Boston and to see His Kingdom breaking out through urban renewal in Williamsport.  His power was strewn across an early morning sunrise in the easternmost of U.S. Cities.  I found His pleasure on the docks and fishing ports, as folks gathered in the most simple of small town communities.  And God was even present in the front of a Police Cruiser, caring for one wounded by His family.

It's amazing where God can be, if we would only take the time to look.

I think that sometimes to truly understand God, we must be taken out of places of comfort.  Sometimes we do this willingly (as I just did with vacation), and other times God rips us away for His glory and our edification (OUCH!).  Regardless, when we are in the unfamiliar and unknown, we search for God.  We seek  Him, and His Kingdom is always able to be found.  Heaven on Earth.  Jubilee.  The Year of the Lord's Favor.

Henry Blackaby says we should see where the Kingdom is breaking out and join in there.  

I was encouraged to see the Kingdom in the most unusual of places.  It challenged me to consider where God may be breaking out in my community.  Perhaps in places I have previously written off?

'Thy Kingdom Come,

Thy Will Be Done,

On Earth

As It Is In Heaven'

Momma said there'd be days like this...

T-minus 3 days until vacation, and I can't wait.  In fact, I'm pretty much counting the hours until I get to get away for awhile.  It's been an interesting past couple of weeks, and some time to reflect and relax is precisely what the doctor ordered.

This year for vacation, my friend Scott (a.k.a el Tigre) and I will be traveling through the sheer cliffs of the northeastern Maine.  Our "goal" is to drive east through Boston, maybe have dinner at Cheers, and then head North to Maine.  After that, God only knows.  We're going to camp, hike, and try our best to get completely lost.  I'd also like to go fishing, and maybe see some whales.

Now, many of you may be asking if we have a plan.  Of course we have a plan.  Our plan is to get to Maine.  And that's about it.  You see, as youth pastors, our lives are about planning, thinking, evaluating, and all that good garbage.  We refuse to do that on our vacations.  We just go and see.  Adventure, it seems, finds us.  And, to be honest, we like it that way.  We have a map, a car, a tent, and a cooler (and maybe some fishing poles).  What more could we possibly need?

Not to make this discussion sound all "theological" but I think a freer vacation really allows for God to have room to teach us a few things.   For example, since we have no schedule we can stop at a beautiful sight and journal for a bit.  Sometimes, on previous getaways, we walked through the forest in silence and ponder why we ever got into ministry in the first place.  And we've even been able to bask in the morning dawn and weep about the kids we feel we've lost.  

For us, a vacation is not just about a renewal of the body, but also a cleansing of the mind and a refreshing of the Spirit.  Maybe that's why we pick destinations where we'll be the furthest away from people.  It's not that we don't love people, but too many can drowned out the voice of God.  Maybe we'll drive and worship on this trip.  Or just read through scripture.  I have an awesome prayer book I'm looking forward to working through.

If I'm honest, I need this vacation.  My mom always worried that I wouldn't have enough time to be alone.  Mom always had me pegged; she knew I needed silence.  She said there would be days I'd need to get away.  She said there'd be days like this.  

I need some solitude.  I need time away.  I need to get away from the noise of this world. Thanks to the advice of my mother, I hope I'll be able to hear the still small voice of my Father.

An Olympic Reflection (Just for Fun)

In case you've been living in a cave for the past, I don't know, 3 years, allow me to inform you that the Olympics are about to be held in Beijing, China. I don't know about you, but I typically don't get too hyped about the Olympics. Sure, it's great that we can all come together out of love and competition, but I generally don't care how far a guy can throw a pie pan. Really. Don't care. In fact, I haven't really been into the Olympics since Dan Vs. Dave. Remember that marketing ploy? Anybody ever wonder where they are today? Me neither.

However, the Olympics do occasionally produce some wonderful, and dare I say inspiring, story lines. Jesse Owens winning everything and the kitchen sink during the 1936 games in Berlin is just such an example. Or who can forget America's Golden Boy, Dan Jansen, finally grasping the gold after years of tumbling about the ice. I can still see him circling the pond in Lillehammer, his torso draped in an American Flag.

While heartwarming, all of these events pale in comparison to one monumental Olympic moment. Allow me to set the stage. Well, before that, allow me to explain how this whole event came to be. I, being younger than my sister by 2 years, was oftentimes forced (upon threats of imminent death) to relinquish all rights to the television. My parents, being the wonderful and loving folks that they are, devised a system by which we (as their children) could determine (somewhat peacefully) who would control the magic box for the evening. Their solution was that whoever fed the dog that day would have unequivocal rights to television control. Archaic? Perhaps. Effective? Definitely. And so, on this particular night in question, my sister had the remote and I was forced to watch the Olympics. *Sigh* Put a starter pistol to my head.

But, anyway, back to setting the stage. The United States Women's Gymnastic Team held to a commanding lead over the Commies. (Ok, so the Cold War was over, but indulge me. I mean, I was really bored and had to invent some side stories. It was gymnastics for crying out loud. How can it be a sport? There's not even a ball involved!). Anyway, since it was the Russian team (who possibly could have been on steroids), no lead was enough. In order to maintain the lead, and seal the gold, the team needed to nail their vault routine. Enter Kerri Strug, all 5 feet 65 pounds of her.

On her first vault attempt Strug sprinted down the padded runway, nailed the springboard, flipped over the pommel, spun through her routine, and biffed the landing. Yep, totally biffed the thing. In fact, biffed it so bad that she twister her ankle. Not a good thing. Now, if I'm honest, I was a young teenage boy who was slightly immature at the time. Ok, really immature. So, I can remember making some crack about Kerri's misfortune. I can also remember my sister coming at me like a ninja wielding a pillow, but *shudder* we've moved on.

Strug now face a dilemma; should she withdraw from the competition or throw caution to the wind and attempt a second vault. In great American fashion, she decided to go for it. An entire nation held it's collective breath as we all watched this tiny girl prepare for certain death. If I'm honest, I was riveted to the screen. I'd just seen this girl bend her ankle 90 degrees the wrong way. If she had enough guts to do this again, I would gain a newfound respect for little girls doing crazy flips.

I can still replay the moment in my mind. Strug approached the runway, steeled her petite figure, and hurled her body toward the springboard. Total mind over matter. She hit the springboard at a dead sprint, vaulted over the pommel, spun through her routine, and nailed the landing. Absolutely nailed it! The crowd roared, her teammates cheered, I shed a small, but noticeable tear. In a rare moment of complete and uninhibited jubilation, I hugged my sister! And then Strug collapsed on the ground, writhing in pain. The world stopped. We all paused, fearing the worst. Would she ever walk again? Could she recover in time to do the uneven bars?

Her coach, Bela Karolyi, rushed to her side. I can still see him picking up her frame and helping her off the stage to receive medical care. I can even remember him carrying her to the medal stand; her ankle wrapped in an ace bandage. The moment was simply electric. As the national anthem began to play, I can remember thinking about my newfound respect for the Olympics and for gymnastics. It is a moment that I will never forget.

Now, with all of that being said, you may be wondering if I will be tuning into the Olympics this year. Will I be waiting with baited breath to watch this crop of young gymnasts? Will I again be riveted to my T.V. screen, awaiting hours of floor, vault, and the balance beam routines? Will I stay up until ungodly hours to, perhaps, catch history live via the internet? No, not at all. Not unless my sister feeds that dog that day.

An "official" endorsement

I would like to recommend to you a blog written by fellow blogger (and B.Falls resident) Russ Warren. In his blog "The Beaver Falls Manifesto, Part 2" Russ outlines some wonderful insights concerning the "C"hurch in our area. I would recommend that you check out his post, as it got me thinking, and even led to a wonderful discussion today. Check him out by clicking on his blog in my blogroll. Happy reading!

Honduras Two

Some more photos...

On Tuesday morning we felt more prepared.  We had learned what to expect (buses never showing up on time, school times changing, transitioning between skits on-the-fly).  In short, whatever we had planned would ALWAYS be changed.  It was Island time (which is ironic, since I never saw a clock), and we were learning how to trust and be faithful even when we had no idea what was going on.  It was, in a word, incredible.

Tue Morning.  Playing with the school kids

Isn't she cute?

Dave and I lost in Honduras.  So, we took some pics.

For some reason our power went out every night.

Tue. Afternoon. The biggest high school we went to.

John Love giving his testimony.  About 1,000 in attendance at this God-Man showing.

By Tuesday evening we were tired, but beginning to adjust.  The heat wasn't as bad as it had been, we were getting used to the food, and most of us had embraced that fact that "the runs" were here to stay.  We knew we'd only have one more day of ministry, as Thursday would be a travel day back to San Pedro Sula.  We were looking forward to hitting it hard, and were surprised to hear that we'd have a nice break Wed. Morning.  We had handed out nearly all of our Books of Hope, so we were able to have a "resort break." at Turquoise Bay.  It was BEAUTIFUL.  By far, one of the most gorgeous places I've ever been.

Wed. Morning at the resort.

Nice, much needed break.

Wed. afternoon, back to work.

Our second sweet ride.

Logan with Ivonne and Ingrid.  The two girls were our interpreters.

Our last school.

Playing with the kids before the final God-Man showing.

Jitters blowing bubbles with the kids.

Walter, our fearless Honduran leader.

Me with my buddy Austin.

And, so, we arrived back late Wed. night.  We were tired and thirsty, but energized by all that we had experienced the past few days.  In fact, as we talked, many of us wished we could stay longer.  However, we knew it would be "goodbye" as we would leaver shortly after breakfast the following morning.  On Thursday we would head back to the boat, and then have at least a 4 hour bus ride back to San Pedro.  

Group photo in front of the restaurant following breakfast.  Thur. Morning

Thur. Morn.  Dave and Anne wait for the boat.

Thur. Afternoon.  Back on the mainland.  

Once back on the mainland, we said goodbye to some of our friends we had made on the trip. They had flights out either late Thursday night or early Friday morning.  This left Friday for us to hang out in San Pedro with the Michigan team we'd worked with all week.  It was a fun day to unwind as we went to an open air market, the mall, and even saw a movie!

Fri. Morning, open air market!

Fri. Evening.  The Mall!

Saturday morning it was up early and off to the airport.  We made our way through Honduran customs and waited for our plane to Atlanta.  The rest of the day was spent in airports, carting luggage between custom agents, and a LOT of sitting.  It became very apparent that, especially on this trip, part of the ministry WAS traveling.  I've never moved luggage so much in my life.  

We landed in Pittsburgh at around midnight Saturday.  Back home, and never the same!

Honduras One

Several folks have been asking about our recent mission trip to Honduras.  Our main goal on the trip was to work with local churches to spread the message of Christ.  During the day we would travel around to local schools, perform skits, and pass out the Book of Hope (the gospel of John in an age appropriate magazine form).  In the evening we would show the God-Man video (story of the life of Christ) at a local church.  It worked out really well as we would oftentimes see many of the same kids and their families at the God-Man that we had met at school earlier in the day.  It was also nice to get them plugged into a local church.  I would love to tell you more, but, since a picture is worth 1,000 words, I decided to post a few on the blog to tell the rest of the story.  I hope you enjoy!

Friday Morning. Getting ready to leave from Pittsburgh!

Honduras from the air.

Honduran housing.

Gas anyone?

Our "hotel" in San Pedro Sula

Mmmm...Power Chicken.  Our first meal in Honduras was incredible.  And, we discovered banana pop.  Yeah, it sounds icky, but it's amazing.

John and Emerson

Beth and Angie

Our sweet ride

By the end of Friday night we were def. in culture shock.  Plans had changed and many of the skits we'd learned were actually not the ones we were going to use.  Oh, and we had to learn a few new ones...in Spanish.  In short, we felt overwhelmed.  But, I've never been more proud of our team.  Faced with some pretty great adversity, the marched stoically on.  They were willing to change on the fly and looked toward the new challenges in a mostly optimistic light.  I, as the group leader, felt a bit sick.

5:00AM Saturday Morning.  3 Hour bus ride to Port

Ah, yes, the Barf Boat.  Only a 1 and a half hour ride!

First view of Roatan from the boat.  Saturday Afternoon.

On Roatan.

Yay!  Time to eat.

We don't know either.  But, it was good!

Waiting for the bus.

Skit practice at a local church.

John being John.

By the end of Saturday we were pretty worn out.  It had been a long bus ride followed by the boat ride, where nearly everyone got seasick.  Oh, and did I mention it was hot?  Add to this that we didn't have any down time, and most were nearing the end of the rope.  It was physically, emotionally, and spiritually demanding.  I was praying, and hoping those back home were praying as well.

We were able to show a God-Man that evening, get some food around 10PM, and head to bed. Sunday was spent helping to run Sunday school at a local church, more skit practice, and then back to church in the evening.  By Sunday evening, we were exhausted.  We were ready for ministry to start on Monday morning.

Our first school, Monday morning.

Our second school.

John and Em, sick in bed.  Heat+Travel+Little Sleep=SICK!

Fish head soup, anyone?

Some Roatan scenery

By Monday night we had completed our first 4 schools, and had the opportunity to show our first God-Man with only our team.  The ministry was re-energizing.  It was awesome to worship with local Honduran Christians, and it was amazing to see how hungry others were to hear about Jesus. John and Emerson were on the mend (thanks to over-the-counter purchase of some antibiotics), and the team had a higher moral.  We went to bed Monday tired, but hopeful.