The Taco Assassin

Catalyst Day 1-Just Labs?

2008-10-08T19:02:00.002-05:00

As I write this I have a fear that my brain is so tired that I am going to start writing in tongues! (if that is possible) It has been quite a day, but it was great.
I just wanted to share a few highlights:

Reggie Joiner-prelab- RJ did a great job with two mac computers showing the changes that have taken place over the years. He had an old system with a tiny screen that was one of the first apple computers and he had an airbook that is paper thin. He used this to correlate with the new wine in old wineskins passage to remind us of the importance of being relevant without compromising the message.

Scot McKnight- Session 1- SM explained his experience with a blue parakeet which illustrates the importance of how we are scared by certain passages in the Bible. He used Rorschach's ink blots to explain the danger of people reading their own interpretations into scripture. Seeing what their life experience made them see. He also looked at the Maestros (Masters, Teachers) of the Bible and discussed how we have to bring them together for a full view of who God is.

Ed Stetzer- Session 2- ES will have his notes posted on www.edstetzer.com on Thursday. Among his many salient points, ES talked about how we need to Re-Jesus church planting because it has become very easy to lose focus in all of our creative methodologies and superstar leaders. He also talked about how we need to continue to strive to reach the unchurched instead of the churched. Many of those who are joining Churches today are simply changing from one Church to another. "Upon this rock I will build my Church" means that God builds His Church and not any one person. Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.

Gabe Lyons- Session 3- GL is the author of Unchristian. He did a brief recap and then looked at some additional resources and observations. He talked about the rising suicide rate and how we have to address this as a Church. He also expressed concern over how our young people are becoming so oriented to video games, internet, and tv that they have less social skills than they used to. He challenged us to consider how we minister to "different" people (like the homosexual) in the context of our Churches. He referred us to www.Qideas.org

Mark Batterson- Session 4- MB's newest work is based on a Celtic reference to the Holy Spirit as a wild goose. It sounded a bit strange at first, but it is an interesting perspective. He looked at 1 Samuel 14 and other passages focusing on Jonathan and the passage that says, "perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf." This reminded him of how God blesses the worst of plans many times. He said, "If you want to make God laugh, show Him your plans." He also said when talking about their vision, "Jesus hung out at wells, coffee houses are the modern day wells." Starting a new work was a challenge that made him consider whether he would be frustrated over the lack of volunteers as they began a new work or celebrate the opportunity for God to raise up new volunteers.

This really does not do the day justice, but it gives you a taste of some of the good things that we were exposed to.

I hope that something encouraged you as you read them.
Two more days!!!

Building a Church of Small Groups

2008-09-07T21:17:00.002-05:00

I'm reading a book by that title right now. The authors are Donahue and Robinson from Willowcreek. Sometimes when I'm reading a book, I think that there are lines that are good enough to pass on. I hope this isn't some kind of illegal activity!

"Many of us in the church view community as optional. As Willow Creek's Director of Small Groups, I (Russ) talk with veteran Christians who resist being connected into what they call 'the system.' Both longterm 'Creekers' and churched people who have moved here decline formal connection to the church or a small group. We lovingly call them 'renegades.'
Some of them are 'church hopping renegades.' Applying consumerism philosophy to their church engagement, they treat Willow Creek like one item on a Chicagoland church buffet. Their agenda is to get themselves and their family 'fed,' the tastiness of the entree the sole measure of whether they will grace our establishment again. Life-transforming community is not part of the nutrition plan.
Granted, the church has done them few favors. We paint a picture of Christianity rightly lived as a simple matter of you and your relationship with God. Such minimalist, 'fire insurance' versions of faith may escape hell. But they have nothing to do with following Jesus. Following Jesus means following him into community. (p.27)

This quote says a great deal. My heart is to see the community that this book talks about fill the Church and go beyond the taste that we have in the gathering. There is much more and we are headed that way! May we never be lulled into a life of going through the motions of doing Church and lose the wonderful opportunities that we have to be and make disciples (aka missionary followers) of Christ.

Bigger than Big!

2008-09-03T10:33:00.003-05:00

Have you ever done something and you had no idea what God was going to do with it?
That is where I was with the Big Serve. I knew that people were kind of excited and that some were not. Regardless, I felt God's leading and had determined to follow through.

I am so glad that I did! The fruit is already being harvested in so many ways.
I will copy a few testimonies from an email that I just sent out:

Another couple realized that they still had food left over after feeding the firefighters for the Big Serve, so they found another firehouse to take food to on Monday. When they were delivering the food in their Big Serve shirts, one of the guys recognized the shirt and asked if they had delivered food to another house on Sunday. She explained that she was not, but that our Church had ministered all over Hampton Roads.

A student was in his Philosophy class at TCC (Tidewater Community College)on Tuesday morning when the Professor asked the class if they saw the article in the Pilot newspaper http://hamptonroads.com/2008/08/congregation-goes-out-practice-what-they-preach. The response was very good and the class was impressed by the ministry of our Church.

One member had an encounter with a neighbor in Suffolk while walking her dog. The neighbor was in tears describing the gift that her Mother had received at an extended care facility. The greatest surprise came when the neighbor shared that her Mother was in a specific residence in Chesapeake which was where that member had just served for the Big Serve!

Another member shared about how the Big Serve inspired her Bible Study Class to establish care groups and do more to foster inreach and outreach in their class.

A member who also serves on our support staff shared about how her husband read of our Big Serve project in the newspaper and cried as he was so deeply touched. He is not involved in our Church, but wants to serve when we have this opportunity again.

Our Hispanic Pastor, Vernig Suarez, shared with me that many in his congregation work 6 days per week and have not been able to assist with their VBS efforts or other missions work until the Big Serve. This opportunity to serve with their Church in Pembroke gave them a new excitement for missions and the ministry of their Church.

It just goes on and on. New ministries are being birthed. Ministries to the homeless, ministries to our public servants, and ministry being done by other individuals who just can't stop serving!

A fairly popular preacher is known for saying that he is about God's fame and that is what we are seeing in Hampton Roads. God is famous among the people of our community because His Church did the unexpected and loved people like Jesus. It may be controversial, but the fruit is undeniable as God's fame spreads and His glory shines in our region!

Keep praying that we can be a Church that washes feet like Jesus did. Not just one another's feet, but those of the lost, our enemies, the drug addicted, the mentally disturbed, and the list goes on.

Big Serve 08 Meditations

2008-09-01T14:23:00.003-05:00

So what do you say after seeing a 200+ year old Church take one of the boldest steps ever toward engaging their community with Christ? I don't know exactly. I am virtually speechless.

The one thing that I keep coming back to is Luke 2:

All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.

Mary heard the Shepherds' report about Jesus and was impressed with the way in which she could be a vessel for God's glory. It says that she kept these things in her heart. My heart is so full right now after seeing the Word become flesh and blood and move into the neighborhood (btw that's the message paraphrase) I'm not a hero or worthy of glory, God has chosen to show his favor because our Church has been faithful to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Our Pastor said it well last night, "I am so proud of you all." We challenged many to get out of their comfort zones and do some things that they had never done before, but God blessed exceedingly, abundantly beyond all that we could think or imagine. People said to me repeatedly last night, "Something is different here and I don't know how to describe it, but it is exciting."

My wife went to Farm Fresh the next day, Labor day, and crossed paths with Firefighters who were talking out loud about how they did not have to buy many groceries because First Baptist Church Norfolk had brought such a wonderful meal yesterday and they were still eating the leftovers! They walked up on Lori and saw her Big Serve shirt and could not say enough in gratitude for all that our Church did for them. I'm getting teary eyed as I write this. God's goodness touched lives through something so simple and everyone in the store heard about how First Baptist Norfolk said thank you to the firefighters in Janaf by feeding them on Sunday!

God is so good. He is moving. It is not about us. History is His Story. We are making history as we see the mighty wave of God's love pour into our community in an unprecedented manner. Some are asking, "When can we do this again?" To which I reply, "Don't wait for another Big Serve. . .just do it!!!" I received a report from a friend today that she and her husband saw another firehouse in their neighborhood and decided to serve again today by taking a meal to those guys. Its not a program, its a passion for taking the Good News to our world by being the Good News in the process.

As un-contemporary as it may sound, I wanted to sing last night, "I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God." There are families that you want to be affiliated with and others you may not, but I am very glad to be a part of the First Norfolk family and this is just the beginning!!!

Stay tuned. There is much to share about the Big Serve when I can figure out how to compress it into a digestible format. Keep checking on www.bigserve.org

Keep serving!

Graham turns 6! PERMEATE

2008-08-18T21:14:00.002-05:00

My Grahammer Jammer just celebrated his 6th birthday on Sunday and I am just amazed. He is growing rapidly and when I look at who he is as a young boy, I pray that he will grow to be the arrow that scripture calls us to be. Impacting the world with the gospel. His name is Graham for Billy Graham and Edward for Jonathan Edwards.

So what does all that have to do with a deep theological, church planting strategy blog like the Taco Assassin? Permeate. The Good News of Jesus Christ must PERMEATE everything that I say and do. It is not enough to do my Christian duty and then hang up my hat when I grow weary. When I go for walks with my kids on the mornings when time permits, I need to be talking to them about the faith. I need to share something with them that will bring them closer to my Savior. We have always been pretty "religious" when it comes to family devotion and reading the kids Bible, but the world that we live in necessitates more. We cannot trust that $2 worth of God is going to be enough to sustain our kids through their teenage years. It takes seeing a Mom and Dad who love God, love others, and live the mission. (our Church napkin, strategy)

I read this morning in Acts 17:16 where Paul looked at Athens and was physically distraught by the idolatry. I want to know that kind of distress. Eric, my pastor, preached on Sunday about the dangers of comfort in the Church and I believe that is at the core of the spiritual atrophy that has invaded our Churches. Atrophy carries with it the idea that unused muscles lose their strength, muscle mass, etc. when unused. That is my non-medical, ER watching, definition. The concept is very applicable. We have to use our missionary follower of Christ muscles constantly so that we will be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within us.

I had lunch with a friend whom I have known for only a few months. I met him in the hall at Church, saw him come to Christ, and have walked with him in discipleship over the past few weeks. He is preparing to return to NY soon and what he wanted to talk about was simple. How can he make decisions that honor God and how can he share his new faith with others. My mind is boggled by the concept of making disciples in that he is now going as a missionary to his family and friends because of the limited time that we spent walking together in discipleship. I am confident that he will face difficulty, but I also feel sure that God has a purpose and plan for him that is exceeding, abundant beyond all that I can think or imagine.

It's late and I am rambling a bit. The picture of Graham is a Chuck E. Cheese disguise that he insisted on wearing in the van. It did not last long as it made it home to be trampled under foot and chewed by Chewy the dog (named for Chewbacca and not his ability to Chew nor the nickname in Mexico for people named Jesus. . .Chuey).
We must cling to a faith that permeates our being. Not something that we wear for a while and allow to be trampled under foot by the traffic of idolatry or spiritual atrophy.

Have a good night. Don't stay up too late watching Olympics. Pick up some dance moves from the Jamaican runners. Buy more than one newspaper so that your wife can save $400 on groceries. Tell your family that you love them and cease each day for all that it is worth because one day a Church will have an event called the Big Serve and a Bible study class will come to visit you because you can't come to Church.

When God says Duh!

2008-06-23T21:48:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I wonder if God looks at us and says. . .Duh!
I had an incredible opportunity to share the Good News with a young guy who was visiting our Church recently and he prayed to receive Christ. All on a Sunday morning before worship. Not your typical Sunday, but I am humbled to see how God is working.
We met again tonight and he shared about how God has been speaking to him through the worship services and Bible studies that he has attended. He knows absolutely nothing about the Bible, prayer, etc. We are starting from square one. This is not someone from Africa, Germany, or even Mexico. This guy grew up in New York!

What amazes me is how God is speaking to my new friend and addressing his needs directly without my manipulating anything. I watched our Pastor share Bible study tonight for an hour and a half and everything he shared applied directly to my friend's life. I know that God knows the number of hairs on my head and my friend's head, but I forget sometimes that when He is at work. . .I may only be a small part of a much bigger plan. I have watched God sow seeds of truth in this guy's life that are like those small green balls on the movie "The Rock" with Nicolas Cage. If one of them fell and made contact, they would cause a ginormous explosion. I am seeing God's Word do that in this guy's life despite so many influences that are trying to pull him away. I am reminded once again of God's amazing grace that saved me. I did not know the Bible, how to pray, etc. Somehow God changed me and gave me the understanding that I needed to apply His word in my life.

These are all things that His promises tell us over and over. I know them, but to SEE them personally once again, I can just hear God saying. . .Duh! I told you that like a million billion times and you are still surprised? Wake up Craig! Have some faith that I am at work and can do great things when you trust in me! Have you forgotten that I am God? You are my messenger. People do not accept or reject you, they accept and reject ME.

I am just amazed to see God changing this young man's life right before my eyes in such a radical way that it is just miraculous. Oh that I might see more. I cannot be content with this isolated experience. May there be much more in the days ahead. Not just converts, but disciples. That is what the great commission is all about isn't it?

No ranting this time. Just humbled by all that God is doing. Thanks for your prayers.

Go Ed!

2008-05-06T21:09:00.010-05:00

I am reading Ed Stetzer's Breaking the Missional Code book and had to share page 80:

"Churches that break the code are paying a high price for reaching the unchurched/unreached. They are discovering that churches that focus on the unchurched/unreached often create a degree of discomfort among some churched/reached. In other words, you cannot have it both ways-either the lost like you or the satisfied religious crowd likes you.
We have pastored and been around many churches that have made a commitment to focus on the unchurched/unreached. In churches that move to Christian maturity, satisfied churched people often miss the point. Instead, they want to go 'deeper' with 'meat.' Ironically that 'deep meat' is often a focus on the obscure or unclear in Scripture rather than on the life-changing nature of what is clear.
The irony is that most people crying for 'meat' are really crying for minutia. They want to learn the deeper truths about the times of the rapture rather than how to live the Christian life. True meat teaches people how to be transformed by the renewing of their minds so that they will live like Christ, love like Christ, and leave what Jesus left behind. But believers in church-focused ministries often think that it is more important to teach about controversial subjects rather than transformational truths.
People who want life-transformational preaching and teaching will find such at churches that break the code. Furthermore, they can and do go deeper-through deeper biblical study in the church but also through their own study."

There is much more, but wow. . that pretty well sums it up.
Lord, make us a church that breaks the code. Help us to awaken from our religious stupor to see the world around us. Give us boldness and strength for all that lies ahead as we seek to move beyond minutia and leave what Jesus left behind!

Has it been 2 months?

2008-04-24T18:51:00.002-05:00

It is hard to believe that it has been two months since I last blogged.
I am amazed at how much time it takes to get things done when one is living in transition. We just found out that our furniture is going to be another week in transit after waiting three weeks already! We are doing fine and it could be a lot worse, but we are so ready to be moved in an focus on more than survival.
In the midst of it all I have had some good time to see God work here in Norfolk. People are starting bible studies (I just learned that "biblestudy" is not a word???)
and ministries are growing in their influence. As I write this, a bible study is about to start at an apartment complex called Gosnold for the chronically homeless.
If I had to choose a subject for this edition of the "assassin" it would be the new movie that is hitting theaters called "Expelled." Ben Stein does a great job exposing Darwinism for what it is. Challenging the experts on the origin of the first cell, molecule, etc. was fascinating. It amazed me how many resorted to some far fetched alien theory. It is easier to accept aliens than God. The other fascinating bridge was that between Darwinism and Nazi Germany. I had never considered some of the implications and connections that existed between these movements, but Stein does a pretty thorough job showing their connection. Then also with Planned Parenthood, we are challenged to consider what is behind these movements and what they have done to the faith of our society.
I pray that this is not just another documentary, but that we are going to see some ripples from this giant stone that has been cast into the waters of scientific complacency.
That's all for now. May the force be with you!
CC

Back in the Saddle

2008-02-28T13:40:00.002-06:00

I know, I know. . .it has been a while since I have blogged. Getting settled and finding a house has proven to be more of a challenge than we anticipated. Turns out finding the right combination of schools, price, and size in the housing market is more difficult than finding authentic Mexican food! We are trusting that God is in control in this process and that He will show is in His time and not ours.

So enough fluff. . .what is my latest rant? Not so much a rant today, but a call to repentance. I feel like the Rich man (only take away that rich part) in the account of the Rich man and Lazarus. He was worried about his friends and family hearing the truth of the scripture and was told that they had the prophets to guide them if they were inclined to search. (New Craig Version-NCV) I may be a little off on all of the details as I have not read that passage in a while, but what grabs me is the reality of the fact that we have THE WORD of God in our homes and lives every day. Yet we rarely take the time to cherish it. Our worship service Sunday used the statistic that the typical family spends 3 hours per day in front of the tele and less than 10 with God. I had the opportunity to visit with our Sr. Adult minister, Dick Baker on Tuesday night (great guy by the way. . .he is retiring this week after 26 years of ministry at this church! unheard of today). We visited a gentleman that is 80 years old and is now going blind. He can see shapes and that is about it (Dick was quick to tell him that he was the handsome one of the two of us).
The dear man was bemoaning the fact that he could not even read his Bible now. Little did he know that we have a ministry at our church that does Biblestudy by speakerphone and that we would have a copy of scripture on cassette. We are blessed with the WORD OF GOD in our lives, but do not give it the proper place that it deserves so many times. We place it on a shelf and say one day that we will read it. I pray that I never have such a wake up call. That the treasure of God's word would dwell richly (sounding pretty King James huh?) in my life and family every day. That is the secret of men like Dick Baker who serve faithfully and impact hundreds of thousands of lives through their ministries.
Sorry for the delay in ranting. I am speaking to myself more than anyone in this rant. That I might have regular, deep time in the loveletter of my Savior each day.
Keep crimefighting and I will see you again soon (hopefully). . .same bat time, same bat channel. If you get a chance, check out camfrog.com and see the free web conferencing that they offer with video/audio! Cool, hip, and all that Jive.
CC you later

Va means "Go!" in Spanish

2008-01-17T04:45:00.000-06:00

We are here! We have finally arrived in Virginia. It was a long trip, but the kids did great and I managed our 16' Penske moving truck pretty well. Only 16'? That is only part of our "stuff." Much remains in Old Mexico until we can retrieve it. We go today to search for a rental house to live in until we find our new house. Getting settled is crazy, but it is good. Being in Virginia with Phillip and Jan and the church here feels right and we are content in knowing that we sought God's direction and found it.

I am confident that it will not be easy. When I think of all that this ministry could encompass it is amazing. But it is also very exciting to see the church mobilized, people from various backgrounds reached, and hopefully missionaries sent from the Hampton Roads area. I don't have a full vision of all that God is going to do here, but I am confident that He has great things in store!

We are still living out of suitcases, so I don't have pictures from our meal at the purple cow or anything like that yet. The kids are beginning to gain a vision for living here also which makes it even more exciting. The hotel on the beach and the purple cow milkshakes didn't hurt anything!

For now I am going to stick with the Taco Assassin blogname as the premise has not changed. (You can go back to my first entry if you want the whole schpiel) I may need to branch out and do a hampton roads missions blog. . .who knows!

That's all for now. No deep thoughts from Jack Handy or even exposition from the Word. Just one thought for the road: "How do we get the salt out of the shaker?"

See you next time- same bat time, same bat channel!
CC

Missions in 2 Chronicles?

2007-12-21T07:19:00.000-06:00

Ok, so there are times when I blog cute things like my last blog, times when I rant, and then there are these times. Reading God's word this morning I was knocked down by 2 Chronicles 20. This is one of the more popular passages in this book. The passage where the choir goes before the army and God delivers their enemies into their hands.

I have been meditating on this passage this morning and thinking about Piper's book "Let the Nations be Glad." The fact that we have missions because we are not worshiping as we ought continually faces me. Don't hear me wrong I am not throwing stones at the church. I am realizing that I am just as guilty. My worship does not always extend beyond the walls of the church or my home as much as it needs to in order to reach a lost and dying (yes, I used the phrase. . .that is the baptist preacher in me) world. What does that look like?

In this passage the people faced a mighty army. Do I even face the army or am I content in my bubble just talking about missions all day? I have come back to that old analogy of the fisherman who learns to fish, fishes for a while, and then spends all of his time telling others how to fish. Yuck! May I never stop fishing (literally and figuratively). The call to discipleship is one that makes disciples at all stages of spiritual growth. Whether that be to call people out to face the army or lead the choir. The bottom line is to get our worship out of the church walls.

I get chills thinking about how the people marched singing and then arrived at the ridge to see the enemy conquered. May we at least show up to see the glory of God at work in our world. "Showing up" looks different for everyone. The bottom line is that we be who God has called us to be where He has called us to be.

The end of this passage has a commentary about King Jehoshaphat. "He did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight. During his reign, however, he failed to remove all of the pagan shrines, and the people never fully committed themselves to follow the God of their ancestors." We may not be Kings, but we have the opportunity to lead God's people to battle.

Are you worshiping? Does your worship make it out of the church building? That is largely what is going to reach our world!

Fleas navidad! Find an authentic Mexican tamale and eat it on our behalf!

Twas' the Night Before Christmas Mexican style

2007-12-15T15:50:00.001-06:00

‘Twas the night before Christmas y por toda la casa,
Not a creature was stirring-Ay Caramba! Que pasa?
Los niños were tucked away in their camas,
Some in long underwear, some in pijamas,
While hanging the medias with mucho cuidado
In hopes that old Santa would feel obligado
To bring all children, both buenos y malos,
A nice batch of dulces y otros regalos.
Outside in the yard there arose such a grito
That I jumped to my pies like a frightened cabrito.
I ran to the window and looked out afuera,
And who in the world do you think that it era?
Saint Nick in a sleigh and a big red sombrero
Came dashing along like a crazy bombero.
And pulling his sleigh instead of venados
Were eight little burros approaching volados.
I watched as they came and this quaint little hombre
Was shouting and whistling and calling by nombre:
"Ay Pancho, ay Pepe, ay Cuco, ay Berto,
Ay Chato, ay Chopo, Macuco, y Nieto!"
Then standing erect with his hands on his pecho
He flew to the top of our very own techo.
With his round little belly like a bowl of jalea,
He struggled to squeeze down our old chiminea,
Then huffing and puffing at last in our sala,
With soot smeared all over his real suit de gala,
He filled all the medias with lovely regalos-
For none of the niños had been very malos.
Then chuckling aloud, seeming muy contento,
He turned like a flash and was gone como viento.
And I heard him exclaim, and this is verdad,
Merry Christmas to all, y Feliz Navidad!

Pew Potatoes?

2007-12-15T09:19:00.000-06:00

I have been reading a pretty good book by Dallas Willard called "The Great Omission." (Not to be confused with other missions books/authors like Saint) It is not labeled a missions book, but has many implications for missional thought. I remember when I told someone in our regional leadership that I had a heart for discipleship and his reply was that I sounded like one of those Navigators. Little did he know that I was discipled by the navigators material! Does that mean that I have been influenced in an unhealthy way? Ever heard of the great commission? Making disciples=Discipleship

So that brings me to Willard's book. The title and subject intrigued me because people have varying ideas about discipleship today. Many center around how "churchy" we can make people or what christian guru (ie. B. Moore, H. Blackaby, J. Piper) is the most popular at the moment. I am not going to give a pat definition, but I will submit some thoughts and quotes that have impacted me from this work:

"Our responsibility is to implement the Great Commission right where we are, not just to raise efforts to do it elsewhere. And if we don't, it won't even be implemented over there." (p.xiii)

"The word 'disciple' occurs 269 times in the New Testament. 'Christian' is found three times and was first introduced to refer precisely to disciples of Jesus-in a situation where it was no longer possible to regard them as a sect of the Jews. (Acts 11:26) (p.3)

"Churches are filled with 'undiscipled disciples,' as Jess Moody has called them."
(p.4)

"The cross-shaped yoke of Christ is after all an instrument of liberation and power to those who live in it with him and learn the meekness and lowliness of heart that brings rest to the soul." (p.9)

"This heresy has created the impression that it is quite reasonable to be a 'vampire Christian.' One in effect says to Jesus, 'I'd like a little of your blood, please. But I don't care to be your student or have your character." In fact, won't you excuse me while I get on with my life, and I'll see you in heaven.' But can we imagine that this is an approach that Jesus finds acceptable?" (p.14)

"A contemporary wording of Jesus's comparison of God's kind of love, agape, and what normally passes for love might be 'What's so great if you love those who love you? Terrorists do that! If that's all your 'love' amounts to, God certainly is not involved. Or suppose you are friendly to 'our kind of people.' So is the Mafia! (Matthew 5:46-47) (p.25)

"Many well meaning people, to give an example, cannot succeed in being kind because they are too rushed to get things done." (p.29)

"You rarely find any person who has made great progress in the spiritual life who did not at some point have much time in solitude and silence." (p.37)

"The missing note in evangelical life today is not in the first instance 'spirituality' but rather 'obedience.' We have generated a variety of religion to which obedience is not regarded as essential." (p.44)

"Now many of you will know that the 'flesh' most often shows up in the scripture, not in association with 'cigarettes and whiskey and wild, wild women,' but with religious activities. When Paul in Philippians 3:3 says that he too has 'reason for confidence in the flesh,' he proceeds to give us a list of religious credentials that is quite overwhelming." (p.46 there is much more here that I wish that I could quote)

"What you see when the veil is drawn back on the many 'spiritualities' of our day is that they are so many versions of idolatry. They are nothing but human attempts to use human means to achieve identity and power for the individual. Idolatry is marked by the will to use God for our purposes." (p.48)

"The church of Jesus Christ is not necessarily present where there is a correct administration of the sacrament and faithful preaching of the Word of God. The church of God is present where people gather together in the power of the resurrected life of Jesus Christ. It is possible to have the administration of the sacraments and the preaching of the Word of God and to have it be simply a human exercise." (p51)

"'Discipleship' is a term that has pretty well lost it's meaning because of the way it has been misused. Discipleship on the theological right has come to mean preparation for soul winning, under the direction of parachurch efforts that had discipleship farmed out to them because the local church really wasn't doing it. On the left, discipleship has come to mean some form of social activity or social service, from serving soup lines to poitical protest to. . .whatever. The term 'discipleship' has currently been ruined so far as any psychological and biblical content is concerned." (p.53)

So in the words of the immortal movie "Cool Runnings," (the movie about the jamaican bobsled team) "Ya dead man? Ya man." I will stop the fire hydrant for now and let you meditate. (Yes baptists can meditate!)

Let me know what you think. This is some deep stuff. One or two quotes are zingers to get more responses from y'all.

Have a cool yule and fleas navidad! (yes I misspelled feliz)

P.S. I almost forgot. The picture with my Mom was just an unrelated freebie. Enjoy!

More Jesus. . .Less Crap

2007-11-28T22:23:00.000-06:00

Some of my "tens" of readers may be offended by the title that I have chosen for this edition of my blog, but this is the slogan for a church being planted in Pittsburgh, Pa. right now. The more that I heard, the more that I thought. . .AMEN!

Then there's tonight. I go to church to hear about the joys of killing Santa? Don't we have anything better to talk about? If you are doing your job in leading your family to know and worship Christ throughout the year, a cultural acknowledgment of Santa is not going to threaten that! Then we romanticize how the Catholics really know how to celebrate Christmas. While they may have the forms and some liturgy, they lack a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Savior. Any cursory study of Catholicism will reveal such. I am proud of my baptist faith and have found ways to celebrate the birth of my Savior without falling into the dead religion of times past.

This is another time in which my missionary experience has ruined me! You see when I served in Mexico, I watched Christians refuse to have nativity scenes in their homes because they were pagan. This experience convinced me that culture plays a central role in our knowledge of God and worship of Him. Most of us are so immersed in it that we cannot see it for ourselves. It took our living in a Catholic country to make me realize how much I have been influenced by my culture.

I say all of this to say as the church in Pa. has said: More Jesus. . .Less Crap! That is what we need to work toward. Stop chasing the shadows of sin and deal with your sin. Stop turning your back on the widows, orphans, and poor. Stop clinging to your religion so much that Jesus and the Bible has little to do with your life. Santa Claus is the least of our worries. Who did Jesus rebuke most when he was on earth? The Pharisees. Those who clung to the outward religion so much that they lost sight of what life was all about. Take time to read Colossians 2 some time.

May we all find a little more Jesus in our lives! (and a lot less of that other stuff)

When Thanksgiving Shuts Down Worship

2007-11-23T05:56:00.000-06:00

The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words:

“He is good!
His faithful love endures forever!”

At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. 14 The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of God. 2 Chronicles 5:13-14, NLT

It is black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, and I am actually THANKFUL!
Not because my wife found at 4am this morning the Leapster L-Max (x3) that Toys R Us had sold out of. (shhh don't tell the kids) I'm thankful for the time that we had with family yesterday and all that God is doing there. Areas in which there was great darkness, the light is now penetrating in my family after years of pain and sadness.

The passage above speaks of the culmination of the building of the temple. I feel as if my life is that temple. God has been building me for years and consequently building my family. This is not to say that we are a perfect family. We still have many needs, but I see light where there had not been light. I see family members who are so close to knowing the Savior that I know and they don't even know it.

When God showed up in the service described above, everything shut down. . . even worship! I had a family member tell me recently that I did not pray like a baptist. For my baptist brethren out there, I will tell you that she did not know how a baptist prays. What she wanted to say is that I did not pray like a churchy religious leader. That was the ultimate complement! When God breaks through the religion to show himself it becomes about Him and not about us!
Just as God's glorious presence filled the temple above and caused things to stop and focus on Him, I pray that the temple that is my life would be impacted by the powerful presence of God. And if need be. . .shut me down if necessary.

Don't Worry Be Happy

2007-10-29T22:02:00.000-05:00

Tis the season once again for Halloween. I haven't heard as much buzz this year as I had in years past about the pagan abomination that is the celebration of Halloween. . .praise the Lord!!! While it is good to know the roots of our celebrations, there are times when we can't see the forest from the trees. I chose a picture of the kids with some of the bears at Epcot (from the movie Brother Bear I believe).

Why bears? Sunday night as we drove to East Jackson/Law rd area to a church called Union Grove Baptist, Graham said that the forest looked scary. We said, "Really? Why do you say that?" He proceeded to explain that he thought bears lived there and that was why the forest was scary. We assured him that bears did not live there and even if they did, there would be little danger. We even vacation in a place called Gatlinburg, a common stomping ground for bears. Once he realized that he was cool.

We have placed a lot of bears in Halloween that are just not there. Is it a time when some of the darkest subcultures tend to raise their heads? Perhaps. I tend to think of all of this as one great thinker once observed, "The problem is not that the darkness is so dark, but that the light is just not BEING light enough." So many are on the defensive to combat the evils of Halloween while this is just a symptom of a greater problem. They do not need a lecture on the dangers of Halloween as much as a simple presentation of the Good News of Jesus Christ who died for their sins and can deliver them from their love affair with darkness. The church has to remember that the scripture says that the "gates of Hell will not prevail against" us. (Matthew 16:18) A gate is a defensive posture, not offensive. I may have written this before in one of my blogs but I just keep coming back to it.

So what are you going to celebrate this season? Some choose to focus on a harvest festival or fall festival. We have been celebrating for a few weeks now as we have lived for the last 4 years in countries where the leaves did not change color. So it has been a show for us to see how beautiful things can be in the Fall.

Maybe you are one of those theologian types. . .then don't forget that October 31 is the Lutheran holiday celebrating the Reformation. It supposedly is the day that Martin Luther nailed 95 theses (or grievances) on that Castle door at Wittenberg. Some consider this the birth of the protestant movement.
(read more at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformation_Day)
Having lived in a Catholic country, I now celebrate Reformation day. I thank God that we have broken away from a church that essentially tried to sell forgiveness of sin. That is only the tip of the iceberg. Baptizing babies and praying/worshiping Mary are commonplace in the actions of the people and the church. I am thankful for a doctrine/church that has realigned itself to the true doctrine of Christ.

So there is some food for thought for you Taco Assassins out there. Find a way to enjoy life. It is way too short. Your kids grow up fast. Go play light sabers with your son. Dress your girls up as Tinker Bell and Cinderella and tell them how beautiful they are. As the song says, "Give em' roots, give em' wings, and they'll grow up, to do great things."
Oh yeah and "DON'T FEED THE BEARS."

The Wonderful Guillotine

2007-09-17T14:32:00.000-05:00

We are celebrating Go! week this week at Union where we are living as missionaries in residence. Today was the first day and one of the songs that we sang summed up a lot of what we see as we work among our American counterparts. It is a beautiful song that begins with the hymn "When I survey the wondrous cross" and later sings a chorus about the "wonderful" cross. It is a wonderfully passionate song about the cross. I understand the sentiment completely as we celebrate the forgiveness/salvation that we have as a result of what Jesus suffered for us on the cross. It still strikes me odd as we sing like this about a cross. It is such a romantic view of an instrument of death. There just seems to be a disconnect somewhere.

So it is with missions. We have romanticized so much about missions today that we forget that many have surrendered to this call knowing that they may die in obedience to such. There are a lot of neat, clean definitions of missions out there today. I think on my first term and define missions as the following:

Missions is-

suffering the mocking of a people who often have less than a sixth grade education

placing your children in a situation where they could be in danger, mocked also, or just have to live without grandparents, close friends, etc.

seeing your wife exposed to inappropriate advances of men from other cultures with little recourse.

living among a people who lie on a regular basis and never knowing who you may trust and for how long.

dealing with illness on a regular basis because people refuse to wash their hands.

The list goes on. All of this is done for the sake of the good news and in obedience to the call of God upon someone's life. I would not take it back for a moment and I know that God planted many seeds through our first term on the field.

Next time we are tempted to romanticize the cross and missions we need to take another look and realize what we are really talking about. Jesus suffered an ugly death to pay the price for our ugly sin and we now have the call to face that same ugliness with the beautiful good news of Jesus Christ.

Stay ugly and just say no to the romantics out there!
Oh yeah and have a nice day. . . .

P.S. If you are wondering about the picture of Lydia at the beginning. I just love this picture and she is one reminder of the goodness of God in my life.

Preaching delirium

2007-08-30T10:02:00.000-05:00

We survived two birthdays and lots of parties. This pic is from time at the Grandparents in Clarksville. I am still recovering from speaking six times last weekend and a cold that followed so I am going to leave you with a link.

If you want to hear the first of three identical messages that I had the opportunity to preach last Sunday in Clarksville follow this link: www.fbct.org (warning: it was not my best of the three. . .it just happened to be the one that made the internet!)

Have a good week in the blogosphere! CC

Walking Backwards

2007-08-07T13:20:00.001-05:00

So have you walked backwards lately? The more that I walk, the more that I realize that my thoughts, actions, and life are so backwards to this world and even my own culture sometimes.

Oh no, the missionary is having culture shock in his own culture again. . .well maybe.
I am grieving the loss a dear young lady who passed unexpectedly this week. I use the term grieving even though I had little actual contact with her other than serving at her church for a while. She was one who was different at times, but she had a wonderful heart and love for people. The one thing that I fear in all of this is that people are giving flowers now that she has passed. We missed giving flowers while she was with us and getting to know who she really was.

We have special people all around us yet we fail to get to know them because at times they are different. This applies to our experience with the Latin people who live in our country. There are many special people who have sacrificed much to care for their families. Some have broken laws to do so. It is easy for us to judge them as we have never walked in their shoes. We have never known such desperation. If we can get past our legalism to see the real people, we would see so much more.

Who are the special, different people all around us? Perhaps, they are different because of a sin or some other circumstance. Why are we so quick to judge?
Sometimes it requires us to walk backwards against the cultural current to do the right thing, but I guess that is what Jesus did.

If God is my co-pilot who is driving?

2007-07-31T10:07:00.000-05:00

OK, So we are home right now visiting some dear friends. Many interesting conversations take place, but what I keep coming back to is simple: Are we about growing an organization or the Kingdom?

I had the pleasure of meeting a bi-vocational pastor in Mexico named Fernando. When I worked with him he did not worry about church growth. He offered his members for ministry for Kingdom growth even going so far as to offer to place the contact info from another church in our Gospels of John! Are we there yet? (as my kids so like to ask) I look around and see much more navel gazing than Jesus gazing. Where did we take this detour and how do we get back to the main road????

When we look at the churches God is blessing they are much more focused on Kingdom growth. Going to where people are living and meeting them where they are. How did Peterson translate John 1? "The Word became flesh and blood,and moved into the neighborhood." You may not like it because it is a paraphrase, but it hits at the core of who Christ was and, need I remind you, IS. The phrase has been used and misused, but it is true. . the great commission does not say, "Invite ye" but "Go ye!"

So go back to the Bible and look at the book of Acts if you are confused about what church is. The first building considered a Christian Church was not erected for around 300 years. Scary but true.

Blogging can easily become a showcase for those who have axes to grind. I hope that you hear my passion for the church as I desire to keep my ax sharp and labor for my Lord.

Keep looking in the mirror of God's perfect Word and don't forget what you look like.

Guard your heart!!

2007-07-28T13:46:00.000-05:00

I am amazed as I look around at my brothers who have served in ministry and realize how many great men have fallen in the past few years. Mighty men of God that I respected. Men that I listened to preach in my formative years who have succumbed to the bowl of beans that the world offers. All I have done is pray for grace to clothe me. If these great men have fallen what lies ahead for me? I am no superman. It is almost like the gladiators who awaited their turn at a match to watch lifeless bodies being dragged back out of the arena that were alive just a few minutes ago. Only the lion that I face is more dangerous than anything ever faced in an arena. My foe is often invisible and presents his attacks in various ways that strike in the most unexpected times and ways. I know that I am not without recourse, but I know how the mighty have fallen.
I must continually resolve to guard my heart. Be the man that I need to be. Spend time with my Savior and my family. Invest in the lives of some godly men who hold me accountable. Abide in Christ through my daily actions and decisions.

I have a friend who posts questions on his blog for people to respond to.
How many people do you know from seminary and/or a previous ministry start (ie. missionaries who were trained and left for the field) that are still serving?
I look around and am awestruck by those who have fallen out of the race. Many in ministry and even more in missions. Are we teaching disciples who are weak and malnourished on the Word of God because in reality we are the same? Have we accepted a form of Western faith that lacks substance and thus makes us even more vulnerable to the onslaughts of the evil one?
Food for thought. Don't choke!
Have a nice day!

Something brilliant

2007-07-26T16:01:00.000-05:00

I am going to put something brilliant here, but for right now, I just want to get a picture of me on my blog and I don't have a url to do so. Happy blogging!

The Clayton Family Singers Coming to a Church Near You!

2007-07-24T11:38:00.001-05:00

Yes, these are our three angels playing guitar. They have not engaged in formal lessons very much yet, but they are learning.
As I write this we are on stateside assignment in sunny Jackson, Tn. It has been an incredible time for us to work through what God is doing in our lives and how we can continue to stay plugged in to His will. We just want to be a part of His mission.

This picture is significant because it illustrates well our hearts. We have a passion for taking the good news to whatever rincon ("corner" for you gringos out there) that He leads us to. What does that look like? I don't always know, but I know that there are lost people everywhere who need to hear the good news. So we stayed plugged in and tuned in to what God says and go where the wind of His Spirit blows. Is that easy? Do we have all of the answers? Are we perfect like our guitar players above? No. But there is peace in knowing that you are doing that which God has anionted you to for that moment.

A dear, older family member recently asked, "Does God really want you to take your children to places in which there is danger?" I had to tell him that sometimes God does. We don't always understand it, but we know that there is no safe place in this world. We are lulled in to believing that the US is always a haven from the cold world, but it has its dangers also. We have enjoyed visiting the churches and fellow believers of our homeland, but at times we fear returning to a faith that has been called a few thousand miles wide and an inch deep could be more dangerous than anything for our children.

Many have church on the agenda, but are not really having church. When you talk about what God is doing it is almost a foreign concept. We as missionaries are not to be placed on a pedestal, but we are thankful for the opportunity to get out of our comfort zones for extended periods of time and realize how BIG our God really is. He is not just the God who finds good parking spaces for us at Target. He is the God who can strengthen a lady named Mary to go against the religion of her family to serve a living God through much persecution and trial. He is the God who can give us the grace needed when attacks are made physicallly and spiritually against our family.

He is the God who prompted Paul to write in Acts 14, "we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God." Do we even have a concept of that today? Sometimes I wonder. We value our conveniences so much more than what Christ did for us and the reality of a world suffering without him.

I could write much more, but I am going to begin sounding like an out of touch missionary who is experiencing culture shock as some have accused me of being. That is OK if out of touch means being in touch with the God of Bible rather than the God of Six Flags over Jesus. We have commercialized so much today that I am afraid people are going to look for Sam Walton on the throne when they get to heaven instead of the almighty.

I close with this thought. Will I finish the race with a coat like Paul's? We read in his letters where he requested that someone bring him his coat and the parchments. Can you imagine what his coat looked like by the end of his ministry? Blood and dirt from his missionary journeys. The parchments to stay in touch with the God who saved him and gave him the Holy Spirit. That is the faith I want. My outer shell warn for the journey while my inner man renewed daily by the power of the Word impacting my life. (For more on Paul's request read Chuck Swindoll's book on Paul- I just finished it and I highly recommend it). Blessings!

Impacting Celaya

2006-09-25T21:03:00.000-05:00

We have worked for almost three years to find the "resources in the harvest" but for one reason or another we have found very little. As our first term is coming to an end we have seen God work among the Pastors and Leaders in our region. While we would still like to see more new works in Celaya, we are attempting to focus on the good that does exist among the churches and the work that they have accomplished in the ranches and municipios surrounding Celaya. The mentality of Celaya's churches are similar to many in our own country as they would prefer multiplying by division than a Spirit led planting movement. I cannot hold that against them as it is what they have had in their DNA for years. We continue to celebrate all that God has done in our work and the lives that have been impacted.
Now we pray that God continues to impact the leaders of the city and take their vision beyond the walls of the church to where the people are. We need to invest in people with little concern for whether they are going to tithe to our church. Jesus had a compassion for the people that motivated him beyond an organizational perspective. Oh, that I would not allow a paycheck decide where I go and how I share the good news with people.

Chinese Rednecks?

2006-09-25T20:58:00.000-05:00

For those with sensibilities, I read this in an email for preachers called Preaching Now:

Who would have guessed that they have rednecks in China?

A Sept. 20 Reuters story tells the story of Zhang Xinyan, a Chinese migrant worker who had a little too much to drink -- four jugs of beer, to be precise -- then went to the nearby Beijing Zoo. Feeling a sudden urge to touch a panda bear, he jumped into the panda enclosure and startled Gu Gu, a sleeping bear, who proceeded to bite the 35-year-old man's leg.

At that, Zhang got angry and kicked the panda, who then bit his other leg. So the man tried to bite Gu Gu in return. "I bite the fellow on the back," Zhang told a local newspaper. "Its skin was quite thick."

Zookeepers subdued the panda by spraying it with water, and Zhang was taken to the hospital. He told a reporter he had seen pandas on television and "they seemed to get along well with people. No one ever said they would bite people. I just wanted to touch it. I was so dizzy from the beer, I don't remember much."

By the way, I understand that next season NBC will have a situation comedy called, "My Name is Zhang."

Fun stuff

2006-09-12T10:01:00.000-05:00

Actual label instructions on consumer goods:

On Sears hairdryer:
Do not use while sleeping.
(Gee, that's the only time I have to work on my hair!)

On a bag of Fritos:
You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside.
(The shoplifter special!)

On a bar of Dove soap:
Directions: Use like regular soap.
(and that would be how?)

On some Swann frozen dinners:
Serving suggestion: Defrost.
(But it's just a suggestion!)

On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on box bottom):
Do not turn upside down.
(Too late! You lose!)

On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding:
Product will be hot after heating.
(Are you sure? Let's experiment.)

On packaging for a Rowenta iron:
Do not iron clothes on body.
(But wouldn't that save more time?)

On Boot's Children's cough medicine:
Do not drive car or operate machinery.
(We could do a lot to reduce the rate of construction if we just kept those 5 year olds off those fork lifts.)

On Nytol sleep aid:
Warning: may cause drowsiness.
(One would hope!)

On a string of Chinese-made Christmas lights:
For indoor or outdoor use only.
(As opposed to use in outer space.)

On a Japanese food processor:
Not to be used for the other use.
(Hmm, now I'm curious.)

On Sainsbury's peanuts:
Warning: contains nuts.
(but no peas?)

On an American Airlines packet of nuts:
Instructions: open packet, eat nuts.
(have lobotomy)

On a child's Superman costume:
Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly.
(That's right, destroy a universal childhood fantasy!)

(from the Humorama newsletter)

Not in Kansas anymore!

2006-09-08T11:05:00.000-05:00

Many think Mexico is just a southern version of the USA, then we read things like this. Michoacan is about 3 hours from us and 30 minutes from friends of ours.

Michoacan Beheadings Continue
September 07, 2006 10:02 AM EST

By Sher Zieve – Five human heads are reported to have been thrown into a bar in Michoacan, Mexico on Wednesday night. The heads were said to have been tossed onto the floor of the bar, by armed masked men, where people were dancing.

The masked men shot rounds into the air and shouted for everyone in the bar to lie down on the floor. A note left with the heads is said to read: "The family does not kill for money. It does not kill women or innocent people. Those who die are those who must die. Everyone should know that this is divine justice."

These beheadings are in addition to thirteen other decapitated bodies found this year in Michoacan, which are believed to have been affected by drug dealers. However, the note's term “divine justice” is said to have additional terroristic undertones that may relate to something more than just a drug cartel.

La Fea mas Bella

2006-08-29T09:16:00.000-05:00

For my gringo friends out there, this means "the prettiest ugly girl." It is one of the most popular Mexican soap operas out right now and it is hilarious! This professional "La Fea" is completely different from everyone around her, yet she has this strange appeal to those in the show as well as those who watch.
Sometimes we feel like "La Fea mas Bella" as we live our lives and share the good news in Celaya. There is a love/hate relationship with the USA/Mexico in which there is a mutual respect, but there is also a jealousy that few admit that tends to cause problems at times. I have always been mindful of the need for those in Christian service to have thick skin, but the mission field has reinforced that beyond my wildest dreams. We have seen attacks from so many directions that we rarely know who our friends are. Jesus said it well when he said that he does not entrust himself to any man because he knows what is in a man. Wow! How do we live without entrusting ourselves or being vulnerable at times? It requires a balance, but life is going to hurt...it hurt Jesus to the point of the cross.
I am reading a good book that is challenging much about what we think of church and churchy things that we do: Organic Church by Neil Cole.
The first Christian church on the history books resulted from 300 years of work. Why can't we wait at least ten before we rush to build buildings?
In the children's book Frog and Toad Together the example is given of how we tend to labor in all of the wrong things when it is actually (the seed)God who does the work in His time. (p.84) Much of the work that we do is chasing after the wind when the true work is waiting for the Lord in prayer and living among the people so that they might see Christ in us and know him.
That is enough for now. Look up "La Fea mas Bella" online if you want to see pictures of what I have been writing about. (I chose not to put them on my blog due to copyright laws.) Keep praying for Celaya!
Ciao!

Make a Run for the Border?

2006-05-25T15:47:00.000-05:00

Growing up I always loved that theme from one of my favorite fast food taco places in the states. Now it has a whole new significance. As a missionary to Mexico I have found that we are caught on hostile ground with both countries. When we are in Mexico, there are those who choose to blame us for the actions on the border and when we are home, we shoulder the burden of defending those to whom God has called us to mininster to. It is a precarious place to be to say the least. (I don't use the word "precarious" very often, I hope that it is spelled correctly!) One of the best things that we have read on the subject was from a guy that works with Chuck Colson's organization, Prison Fellowship, in which he made the point that one of the things that makes our country great is that we have established laws and enforced them. It sounds really simple, but living in a country in which the police cannot be trusted and are often bribed has given us a whole new appreciation for this characteristic of our country. So am I on the side of the USA in this matter? No, I would not say that either. It is hard to choose sides as we see that there have been many benefits from those who have labored in my country and assisted our economy. I believe that if we are going to hire and utilize the labor, we should be willing to assist with things like healthcare and schooling as part of the package. We have become very prideful at times as Americans and have overlooked Jesus' call to us to care for the poor among us. I believe that extends worldwide and not only in our "poor" neighborhoods in the USA. It is very sad that many of those who leave their families for work in the states leave for such extended periods of time. Many families have suffered because of this tendency as well. A good pastor friend of mine in Celaya has counseled his men not to go to the USA because they may not find any better life there and their family needs them in Mexico. There are whole neighborhoods in our city that have few if any men because they all have gone to the USA.
I feel as if I am rambling a bit, but you can see how complicated this has become. Unfortunately, there are many that we work with in Mexico who are uneducated and at times can become very passionate about the subject, so we would continue to ask your prayers as we strive to show the love of Christ and stay away from politics. The press is extremely biased and the people have a very limited view of the whole situation. The problem extends all the way to the President of the country who continues to fight for immigration rights when he should be fighting to make his country greater so that people would not want to leave.
Well, I have said enough. I hope that you have found motivation for prayer and compassion for those in your midst who are immigrants. It has become a difficult issue and continues to worsen. Please keep us and our children in your prayers.
Perfect love casts out all fear.

Who do you say that I am?

2006-04-21T08:54:00.000-05:00

"Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip?"

Every type of work that I have ever had in my life has been fairly simple in terms of defining the objective. From cutting grass to bookkeeping, they all have not needed much explanation as I tried to explain to people what I did. Now I find myself identifying with Jesus. After two years, various sermons, and newsletters we continue to face a lot of ignorance about why we are here. As frustrating as this can be, we must continue to focus on what our call is and pray that God will give light as we continue to serve Him. We arrived in Celaya with a great desire to work with the churches, but it soon became apparent that the work outside of the church was to consist of missions points outside of the city. People/Pastors from the churches have cast dispersions upon our work saying that when we leave the works will die. I wonder if Paul had the same experience with the religious community in his day. I see so much pomp and circumstance in the celebration of Easter and then I see Jesus. He took time to sit with women at wells, demoniacs, and even temples of people who were not his followers. He did not worry about people's baggage or the way they were dressed. He just loved people. How much of our celebration of Easter is really about Jesus? Has anyone taken the time to ask Him how He would like us to remember His sacrifice? I choose to commemorate the day of the Resurrection this year looking upon the lost masses and asking Jesus how we can share the good news of His love with them. Lets set aside the fluff and tell everyone we can beginning with our children what Jesus did for us. Ask Jesus what he wants us to do differently as we live lives of worship. As our muchacha once said, "We shouldn't just go to church like a bunch of burros."

Fleeting thoughts

2006-04-17T22:16:00.000-05:00

A former employer of mine has a newsletter that always includes some interesting illustrations and true stories. Since my link section is not working on the old blog, I will just paste it in here: http://www.preaching.com/preaching/preachingnow.html

There were a couple of parts that I wanted to share:
In a recent edition of his TIPS newsletter, Philip Humbert writes, "Harry Truman didn't find a career until late in life. He didn't marry until well into his thirties, and before that he tried a variety of jobs and ventures, including farming and selling men's clothing. His clothing store went bankrupt and he referred to himself as a 'failed haberdasher' for the rest of his life. Because of poor eyesight, he barely made it into the Army, but served with distinction and courage in World War I. In his 40's and 50's he drifted into politics and served as a county commissioner, mainly dealing with road repair.
"He never had money and he and his wife spend most of their married life living upstairs in his mother-in-law's home. When he was elected to the U.S. Senate, he was seen as a party hack and given little respect. In 1944, Franklin Roosevelt selected him to run for Vice President after the 'better' candidates were all rejected. FDR thought so little of him, they never had a serious conversation and Truman was told nothing about the atomic bomb until several days after he was sworn in as the new President.
"And yet this 'common man' is often viewed as one of the greatest Presidents of the 20th century. How can this be? Truman himself often said that there 'are probably a million people more qualified than me to be President, but I'm the one with the job, and I'll do my best.' Throughout his life, he was always known for doing his best, and often astonished people by exceeding their expectations. Here are some of my observations about how he did it.
1. First, he out-worked everyone around him. FDR rarely got to work before 10:00 AM, but Truman was usually up by 5:30 and worked all day long. In his first days as President, the change caught the White House staff off-guard. From the butlers to members of the Cabinet, they had never seen anyone who worked so hard and demanded such from them. One key to his amazing success was simple hard work.
2. Second, he was decisive. Where FDR delayed and avoided decisions, Truman listened to advice, read the reports, made decisions promptly, and once they were made, he rarely changed his mind. He made bold decisions and once made, he knew how to hold a steady course.
3. Third, his personal integrity was beyond reproach. At the Potsdam Conference after the war, he went into Berlin and a staffer suggested they could go drinking or get some 'women of easy virtue,' to which Truman coldly responded that he loved his wife and didn't mess around on her. He kicked the staffer out of his car and never spoke to him again.
4. Fourth, he knew the value of loyalty. He was famous for his life-long friendships and personal warmth. He knew the names of staffers in the White House, and remembered their families. When members of his staff came under political fire, he ignored the newspapers and kept his team together.
5. Fifth and most important, he knew who he was. In the face of enormous pressures and criticism, Truman knew his goals and purposes, remained firm in his beliefs and seldom wavered. He had enormous personal courage and quiet confidence in his own judgment.
"Sooner or later, life confronts each of us with problems that seem beyond our abilities and asks us to meet them anyway. Whether from illness or business gone bad, or in some other form, eventually we must dig deep to see what we are made of. These 'impossible' challenges reveal our character and give us the opportunity to surprise ourselves. President Truman did it, and so can we." (Copyright © 2006, all rights reserved. Contact Humbert at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=vuuavubab.0.jspisnbab.9nnikbbab.12966&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philiphumbert.com or email to Coach@philiphumbert.com)

And then on a less serious note:

Some aspiring psychiatrists from various colleges are attending their first class and the professor is lecturing on emotional extremes.
"Just as an example," says the professor to one student from a major urban university. "What is the opposite of joy?"
"Sadness," says the student.
"And the opposite of depression?" he asks of a young lady from an Ivy League college.
"Elation," says she.
"And you sir," he says to the young man from an agricultural institution. "How about the opposite of woe?"
The aggie replies, "Sir, I believe that would be giddy-up."

Buenos Tacos y Hasta Lasagna!

The Strategy of Prayer

2006-04-16T13:26:00.000-05:00

Someone once said that prayer is the Christian's secret weapon. The more that I serve and live, I can see that prayer is the missionary's secret weapon also. I am amazed by all of the "strategies" that exist in missions circles. If you follow these ten steps then you should see a CPM (Church Planting Movement). It was the same sentiment when Rick Warren's book came out and my fellow seminarians were eating it up. None of these things are intrinsically bad, but they can distract if we do not keep the primary focus on Christ. Where I serve people pray to Mary because she has "special pull" with Jesus to get what they want. It is essentially a manipulation of Jesus by the use of his Mother. We also witnessed again this week the Holy week celebration in which people pay to suffer for their sins. I know, I know, why suffer to celebrate something in which the suffering was already completed. You will have to study your Catholic theology for that one, because I cannot explain it biblically. Anyway, whether your baptist or something else, we need to always keep Christ at the center as Matthew 6:33 teaches. I find myself longing for us to set aside our programs and focus on the basics of the faith. I saw this week several needs and concerns that God took care of as we worked with our friends from Goldsboro, NC. Is that to say that everything was perfect? No, far from it. We had illness attacking us from every side, but we remained faithful to what God had called us to. A friend lovingly has implied that we are not doing something right. While we know that we are not perfect, we also did not sense that what we were going through was punishment from God. Some people laugh at the idea of bringing a team from far away to come and pray, but we saw God raise up people of peace and break some really hard ground. We prayed for an area that is going to host a medical clinic in August and we think that we found a host that is not going to charge us for his facilities. We prayed for various needs through the week and God answered our prayers in some incredible ways.
So what idol will I turn to when I need God's direction for our city? What program or ten step method? I think I will stick with praying for His divine appointments, direction, and people of peace as I seek to serve Him in our city. That just makes the most sense to me. It may not make me famous, sell books, win me a promotion, or even see overwhelming response, but I cannot resist the feeling that anything less would just be another form of idolatry.

Strategically serving Him,
Craig

The flying bull

2006-03-12T19:58:00.000-06:00

This was an ad that resulted from an incident that happened in Mexico at a bull fight. "The Little Bird" as the bull was named, practically flew across all barriers into the audience! We are constantly reminded of how God has protected us from intoxicated people who have fallen in front of our van, bad drivers in general, wild farm animals, packs of dogs, and even flying bulls. We did not make that exposition, but are mindful of all that God has done in these three years of service outside of the USA.
The ad above is actually a joke that refers to the fact that the guys did not spill their beer in escaping the bull. We face people every day who are staring bulls in the face and we are worried about finding mac and cheese or grape jelly for our kids! God help us to be burdened for the lost of Mexico at the expense of our personal comfort.

Deeper Still

2006-02-20T22:26:00.000-06:00

I once read a quote by Corrie Ten Boom that read, "There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still." The pit of our first term on the mission field at times has been incredibly deep. Our children suffered repeat illnesses in Costa Rica causing many late night treks in search of a taxi at 2a.m. to get us to the emergency room. Lori lost her Mother to cancer while we were in Costa Rica also. We arrived in our new country of service to experience various robberies. Our children also have suffered strange illnesses to the extent that Lydia was in the hospital for three days. Now we have nearly lost our children and someone tried to break in our house one night after we moved to a "safer" area. So do I write all of this to say "poor me?" No, I write all of this to say that God is sustaining us. Through many prayers, email, calls, and even visits we are being renewed. I don't understand it all fully except to say that it has been a God thing in our lives. Some view us as heroes of the faith, but we prefer to just be seen as faithful. Emotionally, so much has transpired that we have wanted to scream at times. Yet every turn (teaching A Purpose Driven Life, listening to online sermons and a Beth Moore study, and time in God's Word) seem to contribute to keeping us on track.
So what has God said? He has chosen to remind us over and over that our faith is not based upon feelings, but promises. We must choose to stand upon the promises of God when the hurricane of doubt threatens. That is not what our flesh has wanted to do, but it has been what we have known to be the RIGHT thing to do.
Jacob has been speaking to us through our studies to remind us that when we wrestle with God He may allow us to win, but we may still walk with a limp. In a sense, we trust that nothing happens to us (or our children for that matter) outside of God's reach and purposes. So having wrestled with God about the safety of our children as we serve, we have resolved that all of our emotions do not change our call. We have said with Job, "Though he slay me, yet shall I praise Him." We won this battle as we can still kiss our children goodnight, walk down to watch the train, and walk the dog to the vet. That does not mean that we don't have a limp. I cannot explain all that our limp entails now, but we trust God to heal in His time.
The Apostle Paul listed a laundry list of challenges that he faced in one of his letters and at the end he noted that one of his greatest burdens was for the churches. We continue to be burdened for the churches that we are working to start as well as existing churches. We are amazed by the spiritual warfare in the Bajio due to the great amount of lostness in this area. The things that I have mentioned here are only the tip of the iceberg when thinking about the work here!
Keep praying, giving, and going.
Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches (not the buildings, but the body of Christ!)

Anointed Waiting

2006-01-24T21:11:00.000-06:00

How did so many people in the Bible wait so long to see God work in their lives, families, and/or surroundings? Some spent 40 years herding sheep or something other than preaching and actively serving their God in what we would call "ministry." Even Jesus himself spent his first 30 years working as a carpenter and waiting for the appointed time. We have been on the mission field for two years and are beginning to see breakthroughs, but what a long two years. It seems as if the floodgates are opening and we are seeing doors open in ways that we never expected. One lady who received Christ about 3 months ago has started her own Purpose Driven Life study and is close to starting a second in an area that we had been praying for. Another family, very religious, have expressed an interest in meeting with us one night per week to learn more about God's purpose for their lives. In this family there are two business owners who potentially could touch many lives. There seems to be story after story, door after door that is opening to the gospel, because we have hurried up and waited. We have weathered various storms including the loss of Lori's Mother to cancer so that we could serve in such a time as this. Rick Warren wrote in his book "The Purpose Driven Church" that serving God was like riding a wave. You can't really take credit for it, you just are there being faithful. How incredible it is to ride the wave that we have been given!

I've Arrived!

2006-01-13T07:29:00.000-06:00

Well I have finally arrived among the hip crowd. . .I have my own blog! I know, it really is not that big of a deal, but somehow I hope that it can be used to bring glory to the name of Christ. Some may be wondering about the name: Taco Assassin. It is not original. . .unfortunately. It originated here in Celaya just around the corner with a small taco restaurant that serves tacos made in a style derived from Mexico City. What I like about them is that they are different, original for these parts, and inexpensive. That pretty much sums up who I want to be as I share Christ with people. I want to be different, because the religion that they know here has not impacted their lives. I want to be original because the same old approaches to things have not worked thus far in reaching our city for Christ. I want to be inexpensive? Yes, inexpensive in that I do not take advantage of the people to build large, ornate buildings while some live in cardboard shacks. While our grace is not cheap (it cost Jesus a great deal of sacrifice), it is free for any person who will receive Christ as Savior.