Mission to Ireland

A response to the video "Why I hate religion and love Jesus": I love Jesus and His Church!

2012-01-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

If somehow you've missed it (especially if you are a Christian and have been on Facebook in the last 48 hours), watch this video first before reading the rest. Apologies for the length of the note, but it was really mostly for me to process and think through things - then I thought, "I might as well share.

I’m sure Jefferson Bethke is a nice guy. I feel like if we set down for a cup of coffee or if he came to my church that we would probably agree on a lot of things. He certainly seems likeable enough, and if the 6.2 million YouTube views (and counting) are any indication, his message “Why I hate religion but love Jesus” is certainly striking a chord with people – maybe especially with the young(ish) evangelical crowd, of which I, and many of my friends, would be a part of. People are loving it, but my reaction upon seeing it for the first time was different – like I felt something was missing or off base.

So what’s my problem? It’s certainly not the cool camera angles, the dramatic music, Jefferson’s talent as a lyricist, or the slick production of the video. Rather, it’s some of the gaping theological holes in many of his statements that people seem to be missing as the video goes viral through Facebook. There are some things that he says that I do agree with, but there are many that I do not. It’s not my intention to attack, but rather to just point out what the Bible says about some of these things. So here’s my take, verse by verse, of Jefferson’s poem:

What if I told you Jesus came to abolish religion

First I would ask what religion you were speaking about. Christianity? Next, I would tell you that you are wrong.

Here’s what Jesus said in Matthew 5:17: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”

Jesus came as a fulfillment of the religion that was began by God and handed down through the Mosaic tradition for generations. He didn’t come to destroy or end the religion, but rather to confirm and complete that which was set out by God in the Old Testament.

What if I told you voting republican really wasn’t his mission
What if I told you republican doesn’t automatically mean Christian

I would tell you I agree with those statements, although I don’t see the connection between an American political party known for its conservative social policies and religion. Of course, the Bible doesn’t say much about voting or how your political affiliations connect with your faith. It seems like this just makes a good sound bite for people to latch on to…and it kinda rhymes, so that’s cool, I guess.

And just because you call some people blind
Doesn’t automatically give you vision

Agreed. In fact the Bible (that great and ancient book written by religious men under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and canonized by religious councils to confirm the authenticity and divinity of the books) has something similar to say:

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.” – Matthew 7:5

In fact, it seems that maybe what Jefferson is railing against here is not “religion”, but is maybe instead hypocrisy and the church?

I mean if religion is so great, why has it started so many wars

This simply isn’t true. There are a few instances of religion being one of the primary motivations for warfare, but a quick check of history doesn’t back this claim up. The Crusades come to mind, as does the Thirty Years War. I’m no historian, but it seems to me that although there may often be appeals to “religion” to justify warfare, the central reasons are more often to do with nationalism, economics, racism, greed, and the lust for power.

What do you do with communist (and therefore atheist) regimes like that of Stalin, Mao, Kim, and Pol Pot that have slaughtered millions of innocent people? They are as non-religious as you can get – ironically enough, because of their political affiliation.

The religion upheld and expanded by Jesus gives this command: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” – Matthew 5:43-44

Why does it build huge churches, but fails to feed the poor

The majority of churches are not “huge.” In fact, the median size of a church in the U.S. is 75 people. Of course there are also around 1300 “mega churches” in the U.S., which would have attendance in the thousands. Admittedly, the religious people who give money to build churches and feed the poor could certainly give less to the former and more to the latter.

With that said, did you know that the largest charity in the US is Lutheran and that people who attend religious services are the most likely to be charitable givers? In fact, it was the early church (a religious community) that took the idea of feeding the hungry so seriously that they designated men to be responsible for this very thing.

Acts 6:1-3 – Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.

Tells single moms God doesn’t love them if they’ve ever had a divorce

I’m not sure how to respond to this. I’m not sure what “religion” says about divorce, but Jesus says it’s wrong. The Bible also says in Romans 5:8, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” I don’t know any religion, let alone any Christians who would say that God doesn’t love someone because they had a divorce.

But in the old testament God actually calls religious people whores

This is a bit misleading – I think he must be referring to passages like Jeremiah 5:7, but God says that because the people have strayed from His commandments – aka their religion – and had turned to idolatry. So in the Bible, it seems that God doesn’t hate religion, but rather takes it quite seriously and demands adherence.

Religion might preach grace, but another thing they practice

I’m not sure how “religion” preaches anything. Again, I think he must have hypocrisy in mind here? The religious leaders of Jesus’ day (whom he called hypocrites were notorious for not practicing what they preached. But Jesus told his followers to obey what they say anyway: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.” – Matthew 23:2-3

Tend to ridicule God’s people, they did it to John the Baptist

I can’t think of an instance in Scripture when John the Baptist was ridiculed. Please, correct me if I’m wrong. I do remember John the Baptist turning the heat up himself though in Matthew 3:7-10 – But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

They can’t fix their problems, and so they just mask it
Not realizing religions like spraying perfume on a casket
See the problem with religion, is it never gets to the core
It’s just behavior modification, like a long list of chores
Like lets dress up the outside make look nice and neat
But it’s funny that’s what they used to do to mummies
While the corpse rots underneath

I suppose if “religion” is looked at as just the acts of men trying to fix their own problems, I would agree. There is behavior modification that should happen as a result of the Christian religion, however. That won't be able to fix any of your problems, but a transformed life should be a result of the Christian faith. Christ does call us to keep his commandments: “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” – 1 John 2:3-6

Now I ain’t judgin’

Good to know.

I’m just saying quit putting on a fake look, cause there’s a problem
If people only know you’re a Christian by your Facebook

Agree.

I mean in every other aspect of life, you that logic’s unworthy
It’s like saying you play for the Lakers just because you bought a jersey

Again, I think this is speaking more to the idea of hypocrisy than religion.

You see this was me too, but no one seemed to be on to me
Acting like a church kid, while addicted to pornography
See on Sunday I’d go to church, but Saturday getting faded
Acting if I was simply created just to have sex and get wasted
See I spent my whole life building this façade of neatness

Yes – this is all of us. All people are sinners, including Christians. And we all come up lacking when presented with the righteous standard demanded by God’s holiness. Romans 3:23 – for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We simply can’t do it on our own, but that is not a license to sin. Believers are covered in Christ’s righteousness while growing in holiness themselves (sanctification). The hypocrisy happens when you pretend that you are something that you’re not. So you’re right to admit you’re a wretched sinner like the rest of us, but that doesn’t mean you can go on sinning without consequences.

But now that I know Jesus, I boast in my weakness

I think I know what Jefferson means here, as it echoes Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:30 – but as it follows a list of hypocritical sins in his poem, the meaning isn’t in the same context as what Paul is talking about. To clarify, this doesn’t mean that you can boast in your sins and failures before God – but that you should be humble in that it is Christ who triumphs amidst human weakness.

Because if grace is water, then the church should be an ocean
It’s not a museum for good people, it’s a hospital for the broken

OK, I can go along with that. A couple of questions then: Who are the good people anyway? The Bible teaches that there aren’t any that are good. And who are the broken? And how do you distinguish the hypocrites who are really broken, but “building a façade of neatness?”

Which means I don’t have to hide my failure, I don’t have to hide my sin
Because it doesn’t depend on me it depends on him

Actually, there is a tension between God’s sovereignty in salvation and man’s responsibility for his choices and actions. There is a great example of this dynamic in Philippians 2:12-13 – Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

See because when I was God’s enemy and certainly not a fan
He looked down and said I want…that…man

Agree – certainly echoes that passage from Romans 5:8 again.

Which is why Jesus hated religion, and for it he called them fools

Would like to see the Scripture reference for this one. We’ve already established that Jesus didn’t hate religion, in fact he was part of it – he did call out the hypocrites though.

Don’t you see so much better than just following some rules

I’d love to know what kind of rules Jefferson has in mind here. I would refer you again to 1 John 2:3-6.

Now let me clarify, I love the church, I love the bible, and yes I believe in sin

Love the church, but hate religion…ok. Someone might want to mention that the idea of the church, the book we call the Bible, and the idea of sin actually come from religion.

But if Jesus came to your church would they actually let him in
See remember he was called a glutton and a drunkard by religious men

Yes. Actually, we believe that he comes every Sunday. Seriously though, maybe I’m lucky, but I’ve never been part of a church where people were turned away at the door – even if they ate and drank too much. He was also called “My Lord and my God”, “Savior”, and “Messiah” by religious men, if that counts for anything.

But the son of God never supports self-righteousness…not now, not then

Agree with that. But the question is does being “religious” = being “self-righteous”? I don’t think so, in fact, it’s exactly the opposite of what Jesus’ religion teaches.

Now back to the point, one thing is vital to mention
How Jesus and religion are on opposite spectrums
See one’s the work of God, but one’s a man made invention

As is clear by now, I disagree that Jesus and religion are on “opposite spectrums.” Is the church a man-made invention, or established by God? In Matthew 16:18 Jesus says, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock (Peter’s confession of Christ as the Messiah) I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Parentheses are mine.

See one is the cure, but the other’s the infection

I would be more likely to classify sin as the “infection” rather than religion.
“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—Romans 5:12.

See because religion says do, Jesus says done

Agree and disagree. Certainly it is “done” by the standard that Christ’s work in salvation is finished. But Jesus and the apostles had a whole lot to say about the things that we should be doing.

Religion says slave, Jesus says son
Religion puts you in bondage, while Jesus sets you free
Religion makes you blind, but Jesus makes you see

Again, yes and no. We certainly are adopted as heirs and sons into the Kingdom. But really we are only set free from sin to become slaves to Christ. Romans 6:16-19 – Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.

I’m pretty sure Jesus and the apostles were speaking of slavery, bondage and being blind in reference to sin, not to religion.

And that’s why religion and Jesus are two different clans

Been there, done that.

Religion is man searching for God, Christianity is God searching for man

I like this in the sense that it rings true to that whole divine sovereignty/human responsibility tension, but I don’t think that’s what he was getting at.

Which is why salvation is freely mine, and forgiveness is my own
Not based on my merits, but Jesus’ obedience alone

Another yes and no for me on this. Yes to the fact that salvation is not based on your merits, but Jesus’ alone. No to the idea that salvation is freely yours – salvation isn’t free; it comes at a great cost. No again to the notion that forgiveness is your own as well. Forgiveness from sin comes from God alone.

Because he took the crown of thorns, and the blood dripped down his face
He took what we all deserved, I guess that’s why you call it grace
And while being murdered he yelled
“Father forgive them they know not what they do”

It wasn’t the crown of thorns or the blood or even the murder of Jesus that meant anything for us. Anyone could have done that. It was the full absorption of the wrath of God for the sins of all those who would ever believe in Christ that he took upon himself – the wrath that we deserved.

Because when was dangling on that cross, he was thinking of you

This is a nice and emotionally appealing sentiment that is prevalent in Evangelicalism today. In some sense it is true, but I would argue that that wasn’t the primary thing Jesus was thinking about on the cross. The whole idea makes it a bit too much about “me” than about Christ. Based on his own words from the cross, it seems that Jesus was thinking much more about the divine abandonment that he was about to endure (Mark 15:34), and by implication of his quoting the beginning of Psalm 22 – the promise that his death wouldn’t be the end of the story and that God would be greatly glorified.

And he absorbed all of your sin and buried it in the tomb

Which is why I’m kneeling at the cross saying, come on there’s room
No problems with that word picture. Although, I wonder what “there’s room” for if you hate religion. Room to not be at church or to gather with other believers? What about Hebrews 10:24-25? And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

So for religion, no I hate it, in fact I literally resent it
Because when Jesus said it is finished, I believe he meant it

Hate is such a strong word – and a dangerous launching point to start from when talking about religion. I too believe that when Jesus said “it is finished” he meant it – as regards his work in salvation. There is no indication that the work of the church – the religion that Jesus fulfilled and expanded is finished.

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
James 1:26-27

Well, if you made it this far – thanks for sticking with me! I hope this is more than just an issue of semantics. There are some ideas presented in the video which I think are not biblical. Perhaps what bothers me more – and I don’t mean this in any sort of “holier than thou”, judgmental way – is how quickly we Christians are apt to jump on board with the latest thing before we take the time to evaluate and discern the message. Grace and peace to you all!

One Year in Ireland

2010-07-27T03:16:00.001-07:00

I can hardly believe it, but exactly one year ago today our family arrived in Ireland!

And what a year it has been…

We settled in to a new home and had to learn things like how to get hot water and turn on the oven. We’ve adjusted from a hot, dry climate to a cool, wet climate. We’ve navigated through round-a-bouts and gotten used to driving on the left. We’ve drank more tea in the last year than in the previous 30 years combined.

We’ve seen our oldest child start school – and welcomed our youngest child into the world. We celebrated 10 years of marriage together. We’ve had a few visitors from home (and would love to see more). We’ve made lots of new friends and missed lots of old friends.

We’ve been challenged in our faith and forced to examine what we believe and why. We’ve been disappointed at what seems like a lack of results. At times, we’ve questioned if what we are doing is making any difference at all. We’ve prayed a lot. We’ve cried a lot. We’ve grown closer to God.

We’ve shared our faith with dozens of people. We’ve walked in a St. Patrick’s Day parade. We’ve walked 75 miles with a wooden cross. We’ve reached out to the community that we live in and helped meet needs. We’ve seen God speak into the lives of people here in amazing ways.

We’ve watched God provide for us time and time again. We’ve learned that being totally dependent on God is the best place to be.

Through it all, we’ve thanked God for using you, His people, to allow us to be here – striving, sharing, and serving. It is truly such a privilege – and we are both humbled and grateful for your partnership.

We have now reached the half-way point of our initial 2-year commitment to OM Ireland. Please continue to pray for our family as we begin to seek God’s direction for our next steps. That could be here in Ireland or perhaps somewhere else – we don’t know yet.

One thing we that we do know for sure is that we will follow wherever He leads.

Every Blessing,

The Bryant Family

May Quarterly Newsletter

2010-05-25T03:51:00.000-07:00

Some updates from our ministry in Ireland.

Bryant Bulletin May 10

Support OM Ireland! Click here to purchase a new song for St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-04T07:01:00.000-08:00

This is very cool! An original song put together by an all-Irish band, inspired by the writing on St. Patrick's breastplate.

Not only is the song inspiring, but the band (Mr. JAG) has given OM Ireland the rights to the single - which means that 100% of the proceeds go to support the ministry of OM Ireland.

Just in time to celebrate St. Patrick's Day! Please purchase this (only 89 cents U.S) and tell all your friends about it.

Click here to learn more about St. Patrick's Breastplate.

Here is the heart of the song, taken from the words on the breastplate:

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Bryant Family Newsletter - February 2010

2010-02-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

Bryant Bulletin Feb 10

Can You Hear Me Now?

2010-01-06T03:22:00.000-08:00

Greetings & Happy New Year from Ireland!

Recently Colm, one of our good Irish friends, went to an area hospital for a long-scheduled doctor appointment. He has a family history involving stomach cancer and was headed in for his annual procedure to check on that.

With the Irish healthcare system being what it is, just getting in to see the doctor is quite an ordeal in itself. Not every town has a hospital, and just because there is a hospital doesn’t mean that all services are available there. So to see his “local” doctor, our friend had to take a 1 ½ hour bus ride, and then waited at the hospital for another 1 ½ hours before his name was called. So before the appointment had even started, the exasperation and frustration were already reaching high levels! Imagine then what happened next…

Nurse: Right, then. Colm, we are ready for your hearing test.

Colm: What?!

Nurse: I said – WE ARE READY FOR YOUR HEARING TEST.

Colm: What?!?!

Nurse: I SAID-

Colm: I heard what you said, but I don’t understand what you mean. I’m not here for a hearing test!

After following her back to the waiting room, he was able to look at his chart and see that the hearing test was one that had been requested 2 years earlier as part of his bus driving certification (among other things, Colm drives OM Ireland’s Big Red Bus). So, since he was already there and the doctor wasn’t prepared for the other procedure that Colm had been expecting, he had his hearing tested. As it turns out, the testing they were able to do indicated that he wasn’t able to hear sounds at very high and very low frequencies and they recommended him for further testing. Interestingly, by having a test done that he wasn’t even expecting, a potential problem was identified and now Colm will be able to prepare for the next steps regarding that problem.

After laughing at this story (which you probably really have to hear Colm tell in his Irish accent to appreciate), I realized that sometimes God calls us in for unscheduled hearing tests too. A “spiritual” hearing test, if you will. Often, these tests can come at the end of long journey and/or a lot of waiting – just like when Colm went to the hospital.

Has that ever happened to you before? I know it has happened to me – when I am expecting something to happen, or asking Him for direction, or asking Him to intervene – and then God does something that is not at all what I want. He takes me in a totally different direction than what I was hoping for. In fact, sometimes it seems to me like the situation is made way more complicated, troublesome, tragic, etc. than it needs to be.

But then (usually after the situation has passed) you realize that if God hadn’t brought you through those circumstances in just exactly the way that He chose to, you would have missed the opportunity to learn something important about yourself and your relationship with Him.

It’s God’s way of saying, “I know you were expecting a different procedure, but my chart indicates you are overdue for a hearing test. Now concentrate and pay attention. Can you hear me? Are you listening to me?”

If you haven’t had your hearing checked lately, it may be time to schedule an appointment with the Great Physician. His office is always open, there is no wait, and there’s not even a co-payment to make!

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” – Matthew 11:15

Update on Us

2009-09-15T02:28:00.000-07:00

Wow...how the time flies by!!

We have been very busy in the process of getting settled in and have already been involved in quite a bit of outreach, training, etc.

Here is a brief timeline of what we have been up to since the last post in early August.

Aug 1st-15th: Involved with Big Red Bus and evangelism events with team visiting from Holland on a short-term trip
Aug 16th: We moved in to the house we are renting, in a place called Portrunny, near Lough Ree
Aug 24th: Dax's first official day at the office at Lacken House
Aug 24th: Met with one of the top basketball coaches in Ireland to see about getting involved with his program - very excited about the opportunities here!
Aug 30th: Finn's 3rd birthday!
Sept 1st: Liam's first day of school
Sept 3rd: Ran a basketball practice for a girl's high school team in Athlone
Sept 4th: Played late-night basketball with a group of guys from Athlone
Sept 9th: Liam's 5th birthday!
Sept 10th: Taught a class on the book of Acts to our "Immersion" class
Sept 11th: Shared a devotion for the team at OM Ireland and taught another class to Our "Immersion" team on the book of Revelation
Sept 12th: Sarah had a Dr. appt to check on the baby, everything went well and the doctor thought it could be any day now!

I am so excited to see what God is doing here in Ireland and how he is going to use our family and what we are going to learn from Him. It seems as though some doors are already opening for sports ministry here. God has placed one of the top basketball coaches in the country in my path and there is a great opportunity there to take part in the program he has established - which could go a long way to creating some inroads within the community. I am looking at a possible event near the end of November involving rugby if God works everything out. And further down the road, I am making contacts to partner with other groups in an effort to do some short-term work at the World Cup in South Africa next summer.

Sarah and the boys are doing well. Sarah, of course, is quite uncomfortable at the moment and really ready to have the baby. She looks absolutely beautiful! Liam is really enjoying school and seems to be blossoming there. Finn is adjusting to not having big brother around all day and is really surprising us with his verbal skills.

We have not managed to get Internet service at our home yet. For some reason, which no one at the phone company can explain to me, our phone line is "not eligible" for high-speed internet service. We are looking at other options and praying that God will provide in this - as we really would like to be in more constant communication with our family and support team.

One major item we have left to do is to buy a car for me. We had a car given to us after we arrived here which will work for the family car - praise God! I'm hoping to get this resolved in the next couple of days.

We are reminded every day that God has blessed us and provides for all of our needs. We can't say thank you enough to those of you who are praying for us and supporting us from back home.

Until next time...

1st Week in Ireland

2009-08-04T06:45:00.001-07:00

We have been here in Co. Roscommon for just over a week now and thought we would provide a little update on what has been happening. It has mainly been a process of adjusting to the time zone difference (8 hours ahead of US Pacific Time) and getting a bearing on our surroundings. We have also spent a considerable amount of time trying to find a suitable house for us to rent. There has not been a lot of luck in that area so far, but we do have 3 appointments this evening, so we are praying that one of them will work. At the moment we are staying in a 2 room chalet at the HQ, which we are grateful for but also anxious to find our own place. We also need a permanent address in order to find a doctor for Sarah and the baby and find a school for Liam.

Beyond that, I have been attending morning devotions with the team and just getting to know everyone a bit. I feel that once we get our house situation settled, I'll be able to get in to a routine and hammer out some details of what my ministry here will look like.

I attended a community meeting last week regarding a site called Clanmacnoise being submitted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of Clanmacnoise is pretty amazing and we were there to support the notion that the Christian heritage needed to be preserved and that it should be a place of living faith and pilgrimage. Their were other representatives from the community there as well, mostly farmers who fear that their land will be subject to severe restrictions. It was a very heated open forum meeting that climaxed in a "walk-out" after many speeches, cheering, and jeering.

Sarah and the boys are adjusting to everything pretty well. A lot of sleep and rest seems to be what they are needing and getting for the most part. Of course, they will be able to get in to a routine as well once we get the housing situation resolved. Sarah is enjoying the company of the 3 other pregnant women on the team and this fall promises to be very eventful as we welcome 5 new babies between mid-August and mid-October!

That's all for now...thank you for your prayers, support, and interest! We'll update again soon (hopefullly from our house!)

Goodbye Las Vegas, Hello Roscommon!

2009-07-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

What an exciting few days it has been for us! With the help of friends, we successfully packed up the house and got the U-Haul loaded. Sarah and the boys went to the airport at 4pm to catch their 5:40 scheduled flight....which ended up not leaving until 10:30! I don't know how she survived that one. I stayed the night at our friends house (thank you Wittwers!) and drove 14 hours yesterday in the truck and stayed in Baker City, OR with Sarah's brother, then continued on to Enterprise this morning and got the truck unloaded & returned.

Our car sold for more than we thought it would, which will help us in getting a car once we get to Ireland - that was a real blessing!

AND...we received the go-ahead from our sending agency to purchase our airfare to Ireland since our support is at 93% and the exchange rate has improved! We bought our tickets today and will be departing from Portland on July 26 to Dublin. Praise God!

We still have 7% more that needs to be raised to get us to 100% of our financial requirement - this is about $300 per month.

This is a quick post, but we are all feeling a little wiped out and there is still much to do to prepare for our journey.

We do want to thank everyone who has been supporting us financially and praying for us - without you, this could not happen. Our God is good and it is our prayer that you will be blessed as you are a blessing to us.

Will update again soon!

Update - July 1

2009-07-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

We are now at 89% of our financial goal - with about $300 left to get to 95% and be able to book our airfare. That could be just 6 more people contributing $50/month. That seems like so little, but at the same time it seems like a lot! In any case, we know our God is faithful and will provide abundantly for our every need.

We are still proceeding, in faith, that we will be departing at the end of July. The sale of our house is still going through and we have reserved a U-Haul to load up on July 6th to take to Enterprise, OR where we will store some of our stuff. Sarah & the boys will fly up that night and I will head out in the truck the next day.

Our commissioning service at our church was held this past Sunday and we were blessed with a special message from Pastor John and a charge from Dave McBride, who was there representing OM.

We are currently in San Diego spending time with Sarah's sister and her family and will return to Vegas tomorrow to continue packing up the house.

Please continue to pray that the remainder of our support comes in soon so that we can purchase our airfare quickly, for safety in our travels and moving, and for the boys as we go through all of these adjustments.

Closer...closer

2009-06-25T19:53:00.001-07:00

Praise God for another supporter who joined the team today and with his monthly commitment, raised us up to 87% of our goal!

Just $371 in monthly commitments are needed for us to reach 95% and book our airfare to Ireland!

God is great and the jump of 2 percentage points today was a real encouragement for us. I am reminded daily of how he is in control.

What will tomorrow bring?

June 23rd Update

2009-06-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on a few things that have been happening in our lives since the last post:

God has continued to bless our support raising and we are now at 85% of our required goal! Just a little under $500 in monthly commitments for us to be released to Ireland. The Lord keeps placing people in our path who have an interest in our ministry and want to partner with us in their finances and prayers.

With a lot of help from our church we had a successful garage sale, clearing out a lot of our stuff and making some money in the process to help with moving expenses. Special thanks to John & Angela Caprine, Stacy Bins, Stephanie Osowski, Kerri Wittwer, Jason Green, Shannon Howard and everyone who donated items to the sale!

I attended my grandfather's memorial service this past weekend. It was a great time of remembrance as we shared memories and stories of him with friends and family. I was blessed and honored to share the eulogy/message at the service for him.

This Sunday, the 28th, we will have our commissioning service at Summit Ridge Church in Las Vegas. Dave McBride from Operation Mobilization in Tyrone, GA will attend and help give the message along with Pastor John. This is a service that is totally being done in faith that God will provide the remainder of our support in time for us to leave by the end of July. If you are in Vegas, we would love to see you there!

The next couple of weeks we will be working on packing up the house and getting everything ready to load on a U-Haul to Enterprise, OR. We will store some of our stuff there at Sarah's mom's house. Before we leave, we will take a short trip to San Diego to say goodbye to most of Sarah's extended family. We'll spend a week or so in Enterprise and then a week or so in Marcola, OR before (God willing) flying out of Portland to Dublin during the last week of July.

Please prayerfully consider what part God would have you play in all of this as we look to wrap up the final bit of support raising. Stay tuned!

Support Raising Update

2009-06-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday God added 3 new supporters to our team which resulted in a 3% increase toward meeting our financial requirement. We are now officially at 80% of our goal!

Again, we must be at 95% of our goal in order to be released to Ireland. That is just $700 in monthly commitments to go! Another way of looking at it is 4 more people committing to $100/month and 6 more committing to $50/month.

Please pray that God will continue in His provision for the financial needs of our family. All in God's timing of course, but we would love to have the remainder come in quickly so that we can book our airline tickets soon and save some money that way.

If you haven't already done so, please prayerfully consider partnering with us financially. No monthly amount is too small at this point...it will all go towards knocking the remaining $700/month down. Even "special" lump-sum gifts will be applied to our monthly needs and spread out over the 2 year period we will be in Ireland. For example, if someone gave $2400 then that would spread out to $100/month.

If you are already part of our prayer & financial support team, THANK YOU! Please continue to pray for us and if you know of others who may have a heart for our ministry, let us know. Would you also pray about possibly increasing your commitment by a small amount? Another $5 or $10 per month multiplied by 50 people would have a tremendous impact on our remaining amount.

Looking forward to seeing what God will do in the days & weeks to come!

Psst...here's a short cut to getting on the mission field!

2009-06-08T16:17:00.000-07:00

Made you look! There are no short cuts!

It has been an interesting few days for us. Our support level is still at 77%. We have often remarked to each other that it would be easier if the remainder would just come in today, or if the exchange rate would improve, or if this or that... Basically, how nice would it be if there was some type of short cut we could take to get to Ireland like, tomorrow!

I'm reminded of a story about two lumberjacks, one who was young & strong and one who was old & wise. The young man was bragging about how many trees he could chop down in a day. The older man couldn't keep from laughing at the young man's boasting. With his pride offended, the youth replied, "What are you laughing at, old man? I could cut down more trees in a day than you could dream of!" This only made the old man laugh harder and they decided to make a wager on who could cut down the most trees in a day. The next morning on the word "Go!", the young man flew in to the forest and you could hear the crack of the axe echoing off the mountain as he attacked each tree. But the old man sauntered off to the tool shed, grabbed a file, and started sharpening his axe. At the end of the day, the old man had won.

There are several lessons here that apply to ministry/missions/evangelism. It is not something to be rushed in to, preparation is key, and it is good practice to keep your "axe" sharp. I believe anyone who is called to ministry or missions is also called to be successful in that endeavor, with God's grace. My definition of success here is to win people to Christ and bless the next generation - or in other words, reproduce reproducers who can share the gospel.

Here are some ways that I am looking to keep my axe sharp while I wait upon the Lord so that I am prepared for the opportunities that will come in His timing:

1) Practice faithfulness - I want to hold firm to the call that I believe God has given me. I want to offer everything that I am and have to Him, and allow Him to use me for a successful ministry. I realize that any success realized is not of my own skill or knowledge, but is a result of my faithfulness to His calling.

2) Be in prayer - Acts 1:14 "Those with one mind were constantly devoting themselves to prayer" Philippians 4:6 "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God"
I highlighted the words in red because what stood out to me here is to constantly be in prayer about everything! Bringing our requests before God is both our privilege and our duty. Jesus modeled intentional, fervent, and undistracted times of prayer - if Jesus needed to pray, how much more so do we!

3) Be in God's Word - The bible is a map to understanding God and His purpose for our lives. It shows us how to live with and love each other. I do not want to wander in the wilderness as we set out to the mission field - I want to vividly know and live by the best map there is!

4) Find encouragement - Some of this can be accomplished through the points already listed, but what I really mean here is being encouraged by other believers. I'm not talking about just going to church, saying hello, and being polite. I desire people that can share in the ups & downs of life and be there to encourage me, and I them - it is a two way street.

We very much want to be on the mission field, but I do not want any short cut and I do not want to be beating on trees with axe handles. I want to keep my axe sharp and "...be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work" (2 Timothy 2:12).

As strong as our desire is to get to Ireland, Sarah & I have been reminded that it is not about us. It is about the people there that will be reached with the good news as God uses us for His purpose. Ireland is a country in great need and our prayer is to be used to help meet some of that need. Our passion about our calling is stronger than ever and we remain faithful to He who called us. What a joy and an honor it is to watch God work!

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord

2009-06-03T09:57:00.001-07:00

So, today is June 3rd. We are two days past our self-imposed deadline of reaching 90% of our required financial support level by June 1st. I wanted to take a moment to provide an update of where we stand, what our remaining need is (along with our strategy to get there), and share our updated time line.

We are currently at 77% of our required support level. At first I felt disappointed that we did not achieve what we set out to do by June 1st. But I am reminded that this is not about our goals and our timetables, but about God's perfect plan for us. While I have no doubt that we are called to serve in Ireland and that God's hand has been upon this endeavor, I am ashamed to admit that I have doubted in His provision when things haven't gone the way I wanted them to go. God is faithful - I just need to remember that! In many ways, our support has been like manna from heaven. It seems as though we get just enough every day to keep the percentage ticking upward. I am thankful for all that God has given to us so far.

Our remaining need is that we are required to get to 95% of our support before we can be released to Ireland. That is another 18% of our goal to raise - which comes out to $872 in monthly commitments to obtain. That would be only 9 people contributing $100/month! There are a handful of people for us to contact and/or hear back from, but the fact is that our network of potential supporters is dwindling.

Our strategy to get to 95% of our goal is this:

1) Pray
2) Pray
3) Pray
4) Be prepared for opportunities that God provides to share about our ministry and to ask for prayer and financial support
5) Reach out to those who are already part of our support team with 2 things in mind:
A) Do they have friends, family members, co-workers who have a heart for missions and may be interested in our ministry in Ireland?
B) Would they be in prayer about increasing their financial support by as little as $10/month or 33 cents per day? With nearly 50 monthly supporters on the team, this alone would produce more than a 10% boost to our required budget!

Our updated time line is that we will be cleared to depart when 95% of our monthly support is committed. Our prayer is that God will provide in time for us to fly to Ireland while Sarah is still able to (due to her pregnancy). The last day that she can fly is July 29th. If we are not able to go by then, then we will need to have the baby here and then wait a couple of months to travel, which would put us in December/January.

Well, that's the latest. We remain encouraged and optimistic and we know that we will be strengthened as we wait upon our Lord!

By the Numbers

2009-05-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

We recently returned from a trip to Oregon where we spent 4 weeks connecting with family and friends to share about our upcoming ministry in Ireland and our prayer/financial needs. Here is a look at our trip "by the numbers":

3473.6 miles driven round-trip

950 dollars raised in new monthly support commitments

72 percent of our required financial need has been met

20 percent increase in support that God has provided so far as a result of the trip

18 percent of our monthly support is still needed by June 1st to depart July 1st

15 new supporters added to our team lifting us up in prayer and contributing their finances

6 days left to raise the remaining 18% of our required monthly support

4 different churches attended in the same number of weeks

3 is the total number of boys we will have after finding out the gender of the baby due 9/25

2 birthdays celebrated on the road (mine & Sarah's)

1 offer made on our house since we returned!!

Thank you to all of our new supporters and if you have been thinking about joining our team to help us serve God in Ireland, please let us know. For as little as $2-$3 per day, you can have a huge impact on the families and young people we will interact with during our missions work.

Truth, Knowledge, and Wisdom

2009-05-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

What is truth?

This is a fundamental question that has been asked countless times over the ages to which humans have come up with countless explanations.

In our current age, and really beginning with the Enlightenment, truth and fact are determined based on empirical evidence. Empirical evidence is part of the scientific method and is basically a fancy way of saying that something is true only if it can be experienced and tested through the senses - and that an observer must rely on the observation alone without any due regard for system or theory.

There are dozens of sources dedicated to utilizing empirical evidence to determine if God and the bible are true. Here is a quote I found on one of them:

“With every other object and phenomenon in our experience, we use the scientific method to determine whether it exists or not. For example, X rays are invisible, but we know that they exist. We can devise scientific experiments to prove that they exist. Then, once proven to exist, X-rays can be used predictably in all sorts of beneficial ways.
If you would like to hypothesize that God exists, then you should say to yourself, "Let's devise a repeatable scientific experiment to provide evidence that God exists." Every experiment we devise demonstrates, yet again, that God is imaginary”

Our God does not fit into this box. The very idea that somehow He is subject to our rules is just not plausible. He is invisible, immortal, and created everything for His purpose.

Colossians 1:15-16 – He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through him and for him.
1 Timothy 1:17 – To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

However, most of us have been indoctrinated with the scientific method of determining truth. But if we are followers of Jesus, how does this notion fit within our belief system? How do we reconcile what the bible says with the standard that the world uses to judge its truthfulness?

I think that to better appreciate truth, a distinction must be made between knowledge and wisdom. To paraphrase the notes in my study bible, "Knowledge tends to focus on correct understanding of the world and oneself as creatures of the magnificent and loving God, while wisdom is the acquired skill of applying that knowledge rightly, or skill in the art of godly living."

With that in mind, look at the following verses from Proverbs:
Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 2:6 – For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
The assertion here is that submission to God is foundational to the attainment of real understanding, an idea that is not present in a worldly pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.

The underlying issue here is that by taking God (or more accurately, the fear of God) out of the picture - we distort the truth. In Matthew 28:18, just before giving the Great Commission, Jesus says to his disciples, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Not some of the authority, not authority over certain things, but all authority. What does this mean? For me, it means that absolutely everything, on every level, is subject to the lordship of Christ. We reject that notion when we assert that our ways of determining truth and discovering knowledge need not involve God.

The bible is clear on the dangers of the arrogance and folly of thinking that truth is independent of Christ:
Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
Colossians 2:8-9 – See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Truth, knowledge, and wisdom are part of God's desire for us - as long we have the definition and context of those embedded clearly on our hearts. The truth around which all other truths come from is referred to in these passages:
1 Timothy 2:3-6 – This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
Ephesians 3:17-19 – so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith – that you being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

So what did our Mediator, our Redeemer, our Savior have to say about truth?
John 8:31-32 – So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Here we are not only dealing with biblical perspective on truth, but also some other ideas. Modern day society is big on things like relativism & tolerance - and they sound like good qualities to have. But there is no relativism here - there is no tolerance. There is no sense around there being one god, but many different paths. Jesus Christ says that he is the only way to God. This statement in its very nature is exclusive, and if you believe Jesus' claim, is absolute truth.

The question, "what is truth?" is asked in the bible in the context of Jesus being interrogated by Pontius Pilate before his crucifixion.
John 18:37-38 – Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world – to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”
How ironic that Pilate, whose job it is to determine the truth in the matter, sarcastically dismisses the relevance of truth in the very presence of the embodiment of truth in Christ Jesus.
I think that Romans 1:16-22 sums it up nicely:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools.

Just because we cannot see something or feel something or measure something does not mean that it does not exist. One of Satan's greatest deceptions is convincing people that he does not exist, which leads them to believe that neither does God.

Breathe In, Breathe Out

2009-04-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

Webster's Dictionary defines the word "breathe" as follows: to draw air into and expel it from the lungs or to inhale and exhale freely.

Have you ever heard someone respond to a stressful situation by saying something like, "I just need to breathe" or "I can't even breathe!"? Breathing, of course, comes naturally to everyone who is alive - it's not something that you typically have to think about - it just happens.

How often do you think about your every breath being a gift from God? Genesis 2:7 - then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

Man was not a living creature until God breathed out the breath of life in to him. If something does not breathe, it is not alive. The Christian faith is intended to be a living faith - after all, we worship a living Savior! Since Christianity is alive, it breathes, and therefore it needs to inhale and exhale freely.

I like to think of the Christian's "inhale" as time spent with other believers and in God's word. Spending time among believers includes going to church, Sunday school, small groups, bible studies, Christian retreats or camps, etc. Time spent in the Bible is certainly vital to the life of a Christian and 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." I like the idea of God breathing out Scripture and us breathing it in. For the Christian, the "inhale" is meant to build us up, strengthen us, and encourage us in Christ.

But breathing is a two step process of equally important parts. You have to inhale and exhale to stay alive.

The "exhale" of our faith in Christ should be in our neighborhoods, in our schools, in our workplaces, in our streets! The "exhale" needs to come in places where life happens and people need to be reached with the Good News. Often it is more comfortable for Christians to spend time only with other Christians. Oh, you can easily do that and think you are fine - just like you can breathe with one lung at a diminished capacity.

However, for our faith to be alive, we need to breathe out what we believe, not just breathe in.

Mark 16:15 - "And he (Jesus) said to them (the disciples), 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."

Europe as a Mission Field

2009-04-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

I was reading through some of the older posts on here and was reminded of what a need for Christ that there is in Ireland and throughout all of Europe. The need is great enough that Operation Mobilization has identified Europe as one of the 9 focal points for world missions. It is a mission field that is not thought about often, but this was a good reminder to me of why God has called our family to serve there.

The following is from the OM International website (http://www.om.org/):

Europe - Restoring Hope

Once, European Christians told the world about Jesus. Today's "Christian" Europe is spiritually bankrupt. The ruins of ancient churches symbolize a continent that has turned away from Christ.

Prosperous Europeans may seem content. But rising suicide rates, the desperate search for alternative spiritualities and the growth of other religions demonstrate the emptiness behind the façade.
Throughout Europe, nations are battling against the effects of crime, drugs and alcohol abuse while in places such as Bosnia, Kosovo and Ukraine whole communities have been shattered by war and poverty.

Yet, in the midst of brokenness, God is restoring hope to Europe. Across the continent OM teams are living out the reality of the Gospel as they provide practical help, build friendships and share truth.

Together with the European church, OM is transforming lives and communities in more than 30 nations by caring for the unwanted, loving Muslims, empowering the next generations, reawakening the religious and challenging the secular.

Once the sender of missionaries to the world, Europe is now the one continent where the church is shrinking. In most of the countries, including Ireland, less than 1% of the population is evangelical. But, there are open doors to share the Gospel with Europeans and a growing immigrant population throughout the continent.

In Ireland, while Catholicism is still a major influence over the country and culture, few have a living relationship with God. Traditional 'religion' has failed to tackle serious social problems such as alcoholism, teenage pregnancy and a high suicide rate among young men. Evangelical numbers have grown over the past 10 years and stand at 0.75% of the population, though according to Operation World, this is still the lowest percentage of any country in the English-speaking world.

Some Prayer Points to consider:

Please pray that God will restore hope to Europe.

Pray for workers reaching out to the marginalised people in Europe (homeless, refugees, immigrants, drug addicts, alcoholics and prostitutes) that they will be filled with compassion and will demonstrate the love of Jesus to those they meet.

Pray for God to raise up a new generation of Europeans who are on fire for Jesus and willing to share their passion for Him with others.

Pray for unity among European churches and a common commitment to reach out with the good news of Jesus.

Pray for the thriving churches in Eastern European countries such as Ukraine, Moldova and Romania to catch a vision for world missions.

Isaiah 58:12
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

Support Raising Update "40/40" Club

2009-04-13T07:42:00.000-07:00

I am excited today! In a way, I feel like today is the beginning of something big that God is going to do in our lives. It is the first day of my new "job", which consists of being 100% available to share our ministry vision for Ireland with interested friends, and watching God work.

Last night I was figuring out how many days we have left to get to 90% of our support raising goal (which is the mark we need to be at 30 days out from when we leave). We are currently at 50% of the financial requirement, so we need an additional 40%. Our goal is to get to Ireland no later than the last week of June - so 30 days backward from there is May 23, or 40 days from today.

So for everything to fall in to place as we believe God is leading, that means that 40% of our financial support must come in the next 40 days. I'm not a numerologist or anything, but I like the sound of 40% in 40 days!

There is no way we can do this on our own - in fact, it seems more than overwhelming to consider exactly how this is supposed to happen. Thankfully for us, it is God who will provide and we just need to be available to be used by Him for this purpose.

If you haven't joined our prayer and financial support team yet, would you pray about it? If you feel like this is something that God may be leading you towards being a part of, please let us know. If you think this is something that your church or family or friends would be excited about, please share it with them.

We are looking forward to watching the 40/40 club grow and keeping everyone updated on how God is working!

Trusting God

2009-03-31T20:07:00.000-07:00

The last four or five days have been filled with some big decisions that we have had to make. After much prayer and discussion, we believe it is God's will for us to be in Ireland before July 1 of this year. Of course, that is very soon and we began to realize just how much needed to be done for that to happen.

We were facing 2 major obstacles:
1) What to do with our house? - as you know, the market in Vegas is unbelievably bad.
2) How to continue our support raising efforts with my more than full-time job occupying most of my time?

I was reminded of King Jehoshaphat's prayer in II Chronicles 20:6-12. He is standing in the the court at the temple in Jerusalem having just learned that a great multitude of foreign armies is massing against his people.

...O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying "If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house - and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save." And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab, and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy - behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.

What a beautiful prayer!

Jehoshaphat reminded God of how he had brought His people this far and all that He had done for them. He trusted that God would keep His promise. Even though he did not know what to do, he was going to keep his eyes on God and trust Him to provide.

I found our current situation to be very similar. God has provided many affirmations over the last year that we are to serve His purpose in Ireland. I could not believe that He has brought us this far along only to not be able to go because of our housing situation. Or to let us fail in our support raising because my work schedule is not allowing me to spend time meeting with people.

So we went to God in prayer many times over the last few days, telling Him that "we do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you."

And we believe God will answer our prayer and deliver us, just like he did for King Jehoshaphat. We are trusting Him and have taken some steps that we feel are following His leading (even though it may seem crazy to us!)

Our house is currently listed for sale and we are trusting God to take care of the details. I also gave my 2 week notice at work so that we can have time to make our final push with our support raising. We are currently closing in on 50% of our goal and will spend the next few weeks here in Las Vegas meeting with friends who may be interested in helping us. Then we will be making a trip to San Diego and to Oregon to connect with more friends and churches to talk about our ministry.

So, that's the latest! Please be in prayer for us to continue to listen to God's call and direction.

Being Called

2009-03-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

I heard a great quote today in church from a visiting missionary who used to serve in Mali (West Africa).

"God does not call those who are qualifed, He qualifies those who are called."

Amen!

I know that I have wrestled so many times with feelings of inadequacy when I think about being a full-time missionary. There are so many others who are more educated, more articulate, or more mature in their faith than I. How is a sinner like me qualified to share my faith with others?

That quote above forces me to remember that is not about me - it is about what the Holy Spirit does through me (or maybe even in spite of me). I can only try my best to diligently share Christ with others and live my life in a way that allows me to be ready to witness when opportunities arise. No matter what I say, it is God who takes that experience, shapes it, and helps the person remember it along the way.

Most people do not come to Christ in a single moment. There is not usually a dramatic conversion story where lightning strikes, the earth trembles, and the voice of God is heard (Paul on the road to Damascus exluded).

More often, someone comes to Christ as a culmination of events and people who have played a part in their life. You never know how God may use what you say or do to influence someone a year or 10 years from now. And that is worth remembering when you pass by someone who you know could use encouragement, or you choose to hold your tongue when you know that taking a stand is the right thing to do.

I am so thankful that I do not have to be "qualified" to be called! God is qualifying me along the way and I am happy to be along for the ride.

St. Patrick - Missionary to Ireland

2009-03-11T22:04:00.000-07:00

With March 17th, just around the corner and our "open house" St. Patrick's day party this Saturday, I've been doing a little research on Patrick. Here are a couple of thoughts from what I have learned...

St. Patrick is undoubtedly the most famous missionary ever to be sent to Ireland. While there are many famous stories and legends surrounding the life of Patrick, there are two lessons we can draw from his circumstances that every believer can take inspiration from.

At the age of sixteen, Patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family’s estate. He was transported to Ireland where he spent six years as a prisoner. He later escaped back to Britain (after a 200 mile walk to the nearest seaport), only to return to Ireland as a missionary fifteen years later.

I doubt that Patrick knew what God had in store for him when he was kidnapped from his family and was held for six years in bondage. However, during his captivity, he became familiar with the Irish/Celtic language and pagan belief system. This knowledge helped him find broader acceptance and allowed him to be more effective when he returned to share the gospel. The important thing we can learn here is that God, in his divine providence, can prepare you to serve Him in ways that you can’t even imagine – often during times of great suffering and strife.

Patrick used his familiarity with the Irish language and culture and chose to incorporate traditional ritual into his lessons of Christianity instead of attempting to eradicate native Irish beliefs. For instance, he used bonfires to celebrate Easter since the Irish were used to honoring their gods with fire. Legend has it that he used the shamrock, a 3-leaf clover, to highlight the concept of the Trinity. He also superimposed a sun, a powerful Irish symbol, onto the Christian cross, so that the Irish would more fully understand the significance of the cross (we know this as a celtic cross today).

The important thing to learn here is to be able to understand the culture you are in and to be able to share Christ in a way that means something to people. For example, I have heard the phrase “the Bread of Life” that we are so familiar with be translated in to “the Rice of Life” in different cultures where that makes more sense. Certainly the integrity of the message should never be compromised, but every effort should be made to present the good news in a way that is true and relevant.

Missions is simply sharing the love of Christ with others – no matter where you live. The mission field begins right outside your own front door. I encourage you to look for ways to apply these lessons from the life of Patrick as you go forth in to the fields that are ripe for the harvest.

February Update

2009-02-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

We have had a very eventful last couple of weeks, so I thought it would be good to catch everyone up.

We spent some time in Oregon during the last week of January with Sarah's family sharing laughter and tears as we honored the memory of her father, Joe. The memorial service at Enterprise Christian Church was wonderful and the support of the church family and community was overwhelming. One of my most cherished moments during our time there was spending an afternoon with the family and Pastor Bruce as he encouraged us to tell stories and talk about different memories we had of Joe. It was a blessed time of healing that we all shared. We will miss him dearly and remember him faithfully.

We are headed to San Diego on Friday to participate in another celebration of Joe's life with the large number of family and friends that live in that area.

We will come back on Sunday or Monday because I have to be at work on Tuesday. That's right...this week I got a job! It will be comforting to have some income flow and health insurance! God's timing is truly incredible, as I have been looking for work for 7 months now.

During that 7 months I wasn't able to find a job - but we were able to move ahead quickly with our venture in to the mission field. We would not be where we are at now without God's perfect plan. I traveled to Ireland in July for 2 weeks, then in September, our family went (along with Angela Caprine) to Atlanta for a week of missionary training. October saw the whole family head to Ireland for 2 weeks and in December we were able to visit Oregon and spend time with Sarah's dad over Christmas. In January, Sarah was able to go to Oregon again to spend the final week of Joe's life with him. There is no way we could have accomplished all of that if I had been working during that time.

Starting in November of '08, we began raising financial support for our journey to Ireland. As of today, we are at 35% of our goal. God is moving ahead and we are thrilled to be along for the ride.

If you would like to join our financial support team - maybe at $100, $50, $25, or even $10 per month - please let us know. We would love to get you more information on how you could share in our ministry.

God Bless!

The Old Rugged Cross

2009-01-22T14:38:00.001-08:00

This morning at 7am, Sarah's dear father, Joe Collins, succumbed to the cancer in his body and passed from this life in to eternal life with our Heavenly Father. His wife, Diana was by his side along with other close family and friends. There is so much that could be said about this wonderful, God-honoring man who was cherished by so many. We will certainly miss Joe, but are also relieved that his suffering is over and rejoice that he is now in heaven. Although our grief is great, how much greater is the hope & promise that we have!

One of Joe's favorite hymns was The Old Rugged Cross. It is a song that most of us know or at least have heard before. For me, it's easy to sometimes sing these familiar songs on auto-pilot, without giving much thought to what I'm saying. I was looking at the lyrics this morning with a different perspective and wanted to post them here for all to see. It is bittersweet whenever someone you love dies and they are a believer in Christ. The words below help me remember what life is really about and the glory that is to come for those who follow Jesus!

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He'll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I'll share.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

E-mail from Sarah

2009-01-17T15:10:00.000-08:00

Many of you are aware of the health situation with Sarah's dad (Joe Collins). Not everyone received the email that she sent yesterday before flying out today to spend a week with her dad in the hospital. I wanted to post the email here in case you didn't get a chance to see it.

Hi friends,

I am writing this to ask for prayer for my father. He was diagnosed with stage 4 Melanoma over Thanksgiving after a scan revealed spots in his lung. After attempting to start an intense chemotherapy on Jan. 5th, he had a severe reaction and was eventually sent home with the news that further treatment will not be pursued.

After a day at home, he took a turn for the worse and is now in his local hospital where they are managing his pain via morphine drip and in general making him more comfortable. This morning the doctor told my family he has a month at the most and will likely not see February.

I am flying up to Oregon on Saturday morning for a week to be with my siblings and parents and hopefully spend some quality father-daughter time with my dad in the hospital. Please pray for my dad, my family, and me as we attempt to say good-bye for now, until we all dwell together with the Father in heaven.

Please pray for a gentle passing for Dad, and that he can look forward to that day very soon when he is healed and whole, pain-free, and in the presence of his Savior. My parents both love and trust Jesus; my dad has worked all his life to share that with others.

There are so many who love my dad, including those who are unbelievers. Please pray for these people as this may be a time when their hearts will be touched, and that God will be glorified specifically in that way through this situation. As much as we are grieving, we so want to be able to share with others about our eternal, unshakable hope that ensures my dad's salvation.

I wish I could describe accurately in words what a wonderful, beautiful man my dad is, but I'll just share a quick story - When he was admitted and settled into the hospital yesterday, the nurses asked if he would like to be moved to a room with a mountain view (the same view from his bedroom window at home). He looked straight at my mom's face and with a grin replied, "I have the only view I need right here." So pray for us as we spend this last, sweet bit of time together.

Pray for Dax as he will be tackling the boys alone this week, and possibly sacrificing his opportunity to say good-bye to his father-in-law in order to give me that time. Brave man, and husband of the year, for letting me go!

Love in Jesus,
Sarah Bryant

Update on us!

2009-01-11T15:44:00.000-08:00

Time is quickly flying by! Here is a summary of what has been going on with us since our last post:

We were officially accepted by our mission agency - Operation Mobilization - to serve in Ireland and have begun raising support from interested friends and churches. Currently we are at 20% of our required amount, so there is still much work to do. We are targeting a late spring/early summer departure. If you have an interest in supporting our work in Ireland, please let us know so that we can get information on how to do that.
We spent Thanksgiving with family in San Diego and had a wonderful time there. However, during this time we found out that Sarah's dad (Joe), who has leukemia was feeling poorly and some spots were found on his lung. This turned out to be melanoma that had metastasized and will need some form of treatment.
We spent the month of December traveling through Oregon to visit with family and friends, as well as raise support for Ireland. The Lord blessed our time and we spent 3 weeks with Sarah's parents and had a full house for Christmas (19 people!). We spent about 10 days with my family and then returned to Las Vegas on Jan. 6th.
Sarah's dad began treatment in Portland, OR on Jan. 5th, but his body did not react well. He is currently still in the hospital there and the doctors need to stabilize his condition before they can discuss any further treatment options. We urgently covet your prayers for this situation.
One of our supporters donated a laptop computer for us to be able to use here and while we are in Ireland. This was really an answer to prayer as our other computer was aging and impossibly slow. We had been talking about our options when out of the blue, a laptop was offered to us - our God provides!
I am still "between jobs", although I have been actively looking for work. We still have enough in reserves to last us through March, but really need to find some source of income before then. Your prayers in this area are much appreciated as well!

That's quite a bit to digest, I realize. We are glad to be back in Las Vegas after over a month on the road and really enjoyed our 1st Sunday back at Summit Ridge Church today. Until next time...

Election Thoughts

2008-11-05T07:11:00.000-08:00

There is no doubt that we just went through one of the historic moments of our lifetimes with the election of Barack Obama to President of the United States. As a believer, I am conflicted about my feelings on this. On the one hand, it is a great testament to our country - that anyone, from any background, race, etc. can achieve their dreams. It is a tremendous exclamation point on the civil rights movement that started not so long ago. And he is certainly a motivational and inspirational juggernaut.

However...who is he and what does he stand for? Below is a transcript from a commentator I heard on Fox News last night during the election coverage. It helps capture some of my thoughts:

KRAUTHAMMER: Obama, the Charismatic New American Leader
As seen on FOX News on November 4:CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER, SYNDICATED COLUMNIST/FOX NEWS CONTRIBUTOR:
He’s almost entirely a self-made man. Here’s a man that nobody had heard of a few years ago, with no special resources or with “machines” or background or history. And who created himself. He beat the Clinton machine entirely on his own — with the force of his intelligence and charisma, of a kind I don’t think anybody has seen since Pierre Elliot Trudeau did it in Canada 50 years ago. It’s absolutely remarkable. And he carried himself all the way to the presidency. I think it’s that force of personality which is so interesting and so important about him. But it’s also what makes him opaque and unknown. Which way will he go as president, nobody knows. Because we really don’t still know who he is and we’ll discover that after he occupies the Oval Office. We don’t really know who he is and what he believes but we know of his intelligence and ambition. And I think that will probably lead him to be a president who is pragmatic, not ideological. And who may act as a restraint on the ideologues who will now be running the House and the Senate.
What’s so interesting is that all of this is speculation. And the reason is that he has so little history. I don’t think we’ve ever had a president as unknown, as new, as untested as him. And we will see.

My concern is will he be the man and President that he says he will be? Or will he be the man that he has shown himself to be in the short time we have known about him? A man who has stood with his party, leans very far to the left, who is able to drop life-long relationships and beliefs to suit his needs (Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayers, primary campaign remarks)?

Thanks be to our God that only He is in control. As for the rest, indeed, we shall see.

What I do know is that is our duty to support our President when we can and to look for solutions when we don't. I am praying for God's will to be done and for his hand to guide our great country.

Time Coming to an End

2008-10-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

How quickly our time here in the Emerald Isle has gone by! We feel that we have accomplished a lot and are excited to get back home to share our vision for ministry here with everyone. We have had a couple of free days that we have used to explore a bit more of the country.

Yesterday we drove to the west coast to a town called Galway and then up to a smaller town called Cong. Cong is famous as the town where the movie "The Quiet Man" was filmed. A great movie, or so I am told by Pastor John. I will definitely have to watch it now. There are also some ruins of a 12th century abbey and some nature paths that wind through the surrounding woods that the boys really enjoyed. Just down the road is Ashford Castle, which is truly a sight to behold. It is very well maintained, sitting right on a lake and is quite upscale. Ronald Reagan stayed here when he visited Ireland and Pierce Brosnan had his wedding here as well.

Today we drove up the road to a small town called Boyle and visited the Lough Key Recreation Area. There were a lot of areas for the boys to explore here, including some tunnels that had led to the basement of a mansion that has since burnt down, a tower to climb that allowed us to overlook the lake and grounds, and a "tree-walk" that wound through the forest about 10 meters off the ground. We had lunch there, and then drove back to Lacken House.

Tomorrow we are leaving to spend the day in Dublin and stay with some American missionaries that I met when I was there in July. Then the next day we are off to the airport early for the long plane ride home. So this afternoon we will be doing laundry, packing, and trying to keep Liam & Finn occupied!

We thank everyone who has been praying for us and can't wait to see you!

God is in the details!

2008-10-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

The last couple of days have been a real blessing as God has been revealing more of how we would be serving in Ireland when we arrive. We have had some very good conversations with a few of the team members here about how our vision for ministry fits in with the goals of the organization. We also realized a few nights back that whatever our best-laid plans are, we need to yield to how God would best use us. This lead to a discovery of a need that the team here has for someone who can help recruit, interview, and mobilize Irish people to serve in missions. My experience as a manager in the business world fits very well with this need - and having just gone through the process myself, I'm aware of the particular needs of how this process should look from a missions perspective.

We feel so blessed because as I sat down to put some concrete ideas on paper about sports ministry, I realized that it will most likely take more time than I thought to build the relationships and trust that it takes to get something like that moved forward in this country. It certainly would not be enough to keep me busy full-time at first. So we are extremely grateful that God presented this need and that we will be able to help fill it. We also learned a little about how Sarah can use some of her background with bookkeeping and office work to contribute to the work here. It has just been a fantastic revelation to us and we are so excited.

Furthermore, we were able to nail down some more specific numbers for our financial needs - which are separated in to ongoing monthly support and one-time "start-up costs", which are things like airfare, training, getting a car, etc. It is a great feeling to be equipped with this information as we look to start raising support shortly after our arrival back in the States.

And finally, we learned more about when our arrival time might be - or rather, the flexibility that is allowed. With our organization, they typically send new missionaries at 2 times during the year so as to coincide with international training conferences. In our case, the field here would be willing to accept us before those traditional dates so that we could begin working here and then travel to the conference when it was going.

It has truly been great to move along and get some firm answers to questions we have had and to see how God continues to provide for our needs and light our path. Looking forward to sharing more details with everyone when we return.

Rainy Days - Bearing Much Fruit

2008-10-20T03:26:00.000-07:00

We really feel like our time here is flying by, yet we have accomplished quite a bit already. We are feeling a little more confident with driving around the countryside on roads so narrow that when you pass a car going the other way you both have to put your outside wheels off the edge of the road. We've visited a couple of little towns around the area where we would be living and are getting a feel for what the housing situation would be like. The boys are just now getting adjusted to the time difference and schedule, so that is making things a bit easier on us as well.

We were able to find a park in the town closest to us that the boys really enjoyed and they were also able to explore some castle ruins nearby, that date to the late 1200's. They are also having fun with the new flavors of food that are here (one type of chips is flavored "bacon rasher" and looks - and smells - like shriveled up bacon pieces).

Last night, I had the opportunity to drive in to Dublin with the Director OM Ireland to help manage a booth at a Keith & Kristyn Getty Concert. OM was one of of the sponsors of the event, along with Focus on the Family and Compassion International. We also had the privilege of attending the concert and it was incredible to hear some of the hymns that were sung. There was a full orchestra and choir to accompany the singing as well. "In Christ Alone" sounded very powerful, and it was neat to see so many evangelicals gathered in one place in Ireland (there were over 500 in attendance).

Over the next few days I expect to be meeting more with the leadership team here and talking about more specific details in regards to how we may best help serve here, budget details, etc. We appreciate your continued prayers and are comforted to know that there are many who are interested in how God is moving in our lives.

Catching the Vision

2008-10-17T02:30:00.000-07:00

Our family has been in Ireland for 3 days now, at a place called Lacken House - which is the Irish headquarters for the mission group we will be working with. The intention of this trip is to meet the people we would be working with, make sure that our vision for ministry fits within the larger purposes of the work they are doing, get more detailed information about budget needs, and experience some day-to-day living in the country.

We arrived in the Dublin airport after a very long day of travel with the kids. We rented a car and loaded up (minus one missing suitcase with the kid's clothes in it - which finally showed up yesterday). We had an exciting start to our drive, as it was the beginning of rush hour as we pulled on to the motorway in Dublin. Our destination was the Irish countryside, near the town of Roscommon - which is almost exactly in the geographical center of the island. It is about a 2 hour drive from Dublin, and actually went pretty well, considering that I had never driven on the left hand side of the road before!

We arrived at Lacken House around 7pm, just as it was starting to get dark. One of the families that works here had prepared us a meal that we were able to warm up in the stove and enjoy before we crashed and went to bed. We are staying in a little chalet on the property that has a main room, a bedroom, and a loft. The next day we headed in to town (bundled up to keep the chilliness in the air at bay) and went grocery shopping.

There were some definite differences in the shopping experience, but not as great as I had pictured. Of course there were different products and brands, most things were packaged smaller, and we had to "rent" the trolley (read, shopping cart) to use. We also picked some "wellies" (read, rubber boots) for the boys since we quickly learned that their tennis shoes would not hold up long in the wet grass and mud.

And so we have been spending some time just getting to know the people who are working here, exploring the area a bit, and just doing some daily living. We are excited to see how God leads us as we start discussing more specifics around what our work here will look like. It is encouraging to see God working in this place and to talk with other believers about their journeys.

I will continue to post throughout our time here to keep everyone informed. We are scheduled to fly back to the States on the 28th.

We would certainly appreciate your prayers for our family as we look to make some major life changes in the near future! Please feel free to email us or facebook us, as we'll be able to check these regularly.

Catching Up

2008-10-17T02:20:00.000-07:00

This poor little blog has been severely neglected!

Many things have happened since my last post back in (ahem) August. Since then, we have continued our application process with the mission agency we will serve with. In fact, in September, the whole family went to a week-long training session with the mission agency near Atlanta, GA.

It was an incredible experience to be there and gather information about the organization and to meet people and hear stories about how God is working around the world. Incredibly, our pastor's wife, Angela , volunteered to come with us for the week and watch the kids. That was a tremendous blessing and allowed Sarah and I to experience everything together instead of having to skip sessions to take care of the kids.

We found out the following week that we were officially accepted by the mission on the USA side! That was fantastic news and our next step was then to schedule a vision trip to Ireland with the entire family.

See the next post for details on that trip.

Mission Trip Follow-Up

2008-08-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

I've been back from Ireland now for a couple of weeks and have had time to process my experience. And what a great experience it was! I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to go on this trip. I gained some valuable insights and experiences from missionaries already serving in Ireland, learned a lot about myself, and hopefully impacted some of the kid's that I got to know while I was there.

I was able to share a little about my trip last Sunday at SRC and I was surprised at the emotions that were triggered while I recounted some of the stories and photos. As I struggled to hold it together, it really hit me that this experience was so satisfying and rewarding. I have no doubt that this is the kind of work that I need to be doing. I feel so fortunate that God has revealed a path for me that allows me to combine so many things I am passionate about and to be able to use those passions for His glory!

Sarah & I are finishing the application process with a mission agency for long-term service in Ireland. We had our phone interviews this week and yesterday we were given the official invitation to attend a training conference at their HQ near Atlanta, GA. We will be flying with the kids on Sept. 14th and returning on Sept. 20th. It should be a great time to get training, loads of information, and network with people. The final part of the process will be a face-to-face interview for Sarah & I together. Then the following week we will be notified if we have been accepted.

We are both so excited and feel like things are moving quickly ahead. Of course we have questions about some things - for example, my lack of a job at the moment - but we are so ready to see God at work in our lives! Please be praying for us that our time would go well at the conference and that God would continue to provide for our needs.

I will continue to add updates as I get more information.

Last Day of 2nd J.A.M. Camp

2008-07-25T09:50:00.001-07:00

We just finished up the 2nd J.A.M. camp this afternoon and I have to say that it went very well. It is really neat to see how the kids progress throughout the week and to watch the seeds being planted. This was a good group of kids and I had a lot of fun interacting with them. On the last day we hand out awards to the campers for different categories, but the best one is the "JAMVP" which goes to the camper who most exemplifies what the camp is all about. This is a great moment because the award does not go to someone who is necessarily the best basketball player - but it's the award that we make the biggest deal about and comes with the best prizes.

I am so thankful for the opportunity I've had over the last couple of weeks to come to Ireland, participate in sports ministry, and hang out with people who are serving on the mission field. I have learned a lot and I will leave feeling encouraged to pursue the vision that I have for using sports as a Christian outreach. I have met some outstanding people and am honored to be able to call some of them friends now.

With that said, I am anxious to get back home - even though the heat will be a shock to my system. I have missed Sarah & the boys, so it will be great when I pick them up from the airport and get to hang out with them. I'm also looking forward to seeing my Summit Ridge family on Sunday and sharing some of my experiences with you. I need to say thank you again to those of you who supported me financially and/or in prayer, which helped make this trip a success.

God Bless & hope to see or hear from you soon!

2nd J.A.M. Camp - Day 1

2008-07-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

Well, after a long weekend in which I finally had a free day to do some sight-seeing, we are back in camp. This time we are in a community north of Dublin called Portmarnock. The camp is run by Jerome Westbrooks, who Todd helped lead to Christ. Jerome & his family are originally from Chicago, but moved here 25 years ago. Jerome is recognized as one of the best basketball coaches in Ireland and his kids are among the best players in the country as well.

Portmarnock is a different community than the place our last camp was held. This is outside the city and has more of a small town feel to it. We had nearly 40 kids today and this time I am in charge of the boys & girls that are 11-12 years old. We had a good first day and this group of kids is not nearly as rowdy as the group I had last week. Our first "Coach's Corner" went well today as I spoke a little about courage.

I am also in a different location for lodging this week. Randall Fudge is a missionary from the States who is helping at the camp and lives a lot closer than Todd does. So I have moved in with Randall & his wife Carolyn for the remainder of my time here. Talk about a small world...the Fudge's are from Berne, Indiana and remember Paul & Jean Biggers leaving several years ago to start a church plant in Las Vegas!

On my sightseeing tour I was able to visit some very interesting places that were loaded with Irish history. I visited Trinity College, where I saw the Book of Kells - which is a illuminated copy of the 4 gospels that dates from around 800 A.D. I also went to the Chester Beatty Library where I was able to see some of the oldest Christian manuscripts that are known, including some Pauline letters that date to 180 A.D. I also visited the Guinness Storehouse and the Kilmainham Jail, where many of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Uprising that led to Irish Indepence were held and later executed.

That's all for now - please continue to keep me in your prayers and to pray for the kids that are at the J.A.M. Camp!

My New Irish Vocabulary

2008-07-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

I just got back from church and thought I would post some of the new terminology I've learned during my first week here. There are 2 main languages in Ireland - English, of course and Gaelic (or Irish as they call it here). The Irish language is one of the last surviving Celtic languages and is mostly spoken in the western counties, however all Irish school children must learn the native tongue and all signs are in both Irish and English.

The name of the church that Todd started here is called Ca'irde Christian Fellowship. Ca'irde is pronounced "kord-ja", and is an Irish word meaning "friends". Some Irish words are easy enough to figure out when you see them on the signs, but are pretty difficult to pronounce correctly unless you hear someone say it. For example the word Caislean (pronounced cash-LOIN) means "castle" and Oifig an Phoist (pronounced UFF-ig un fwisht) means "post office". A common Irish girls name at the camp I helped at last week was Niamh, which is pronounced "Neeve".

So I'm obviously much better off speaking English, but as some of you may know there is an entirely different terminology here - so some things mean something totally different than what I'm thinking it does and some words I've never heard before. A few of my favorites are below - the word used in Ireland is in bold and what it would mean in the States is on the right:

chips = french fries
crisps = potato chips
biscuits = cookies
chipper = fish & chips shop
cuppa = cup of tea (which is taken 3-5 times a day)
deadly = cool (this was a frequent word at camp with the kids, as in "that shot was deadly")
slag = make fun of (another camp word, as in "relax, I'm only slaggin ya")
messer = trouble-maker (keep an eye on that kid, he's a real messer")
minerals = soda
garden = backyard

Gotta run - I've been roped into playing in a softball game this afternoon! Looking forward to camp next week and will post again in a few days.

End of 1st Camp

2008-07-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

We just wrapped up the first camp this afternoon and I think it was very successful. Every day the kids started to open up a little more and share things about their lives. They also seemed to be willing to listen about my experiences. It was really a remarkable progression from the first day when I didn't know any of their names until today when I was able to share my testimony and encourage them to take the next steps in their faith journey. Hopefully some of them will take me up on the invitation I gave them to come to church on Sunday.

Of course, we managed to have a lot of fun at the camp this week as well! One of the highlights for me was a game we played called "Knock-Out". Everyone lines up at the free throw line and the first two people in line have a ball. The object is to knock the person out who is in front of you by making a basket before they do. Each age group would have the top two finishers compete against the coaches in front of the whole camp.

Yesterday there was a little guy named Michael, who is around 8 years old, very quiet & shy, and quite Irish looking with red-hair and the whole bit. Well, it was pretty amazing that he finished in the top two in his age group. But then he actually went on to win the whole competition, beating all of the coaches! He was so excited and all the other kids were cheering and clapping for him. He was the hero of the camp because his victory guaranteed sweets and candy for everyone that day! I just knew it was one of those moments that he will remember for a long time.

In one sense, I feel like a lot was accomplished this week - but in a way I feel like the work was just beginning and it would be nice to see it through, build relationships, and get more involved. Obviously, that's not possible when I'll only interact with those kids for a week. I have to trust God that somehow a seed was planted that Todd and others can follow up on to see these kids come to a relationship with Jesus. For a lot of them, the foundation is already there thanks to a strong Catholic tradition. It's just not personal for them and there's a big disconnect about how salvation is not something that is earned, but rather a free gift by God's grace.

And so, it was through a little bit of teary eyes that I said goodbye to the kids for now - praying for them and the family situations they are walking into. My prayer is that it will not be a final goodbye and that I will see them again in God's Kingdom.

I'll have a couple of days to rest up before the next camp starts on Monday. I'll try to post again Sunday afternoon after church. I hope all is well for everyone back home and thank you for keeping me in your prayers!

J.A.M. Camp - Day 3

2008-07-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

We've been running the basketball camp now for 3 days in an area of Dublin known as Ringsend, which is a poorer section of town down by the harbor and docks. There are about 30 kids who have been coming and most all are from the neighborhood. I'm in charge of the oldest boys, of which there are 8. I've been told that Irish boys are more physical and rowdy by nature and this group definitely lives up to that reputation. I think they are good kids, but just come from some tough family and economic situations. There was one boy the first day that I know did not have a lunch to bring, but he wouldn't admit it and wouldn't take food from me either. Another boy's mother throws away the bible verse magnets that we send home with them to memorize each day.

Anyhow, either I was very lucky that first day or the Holy Spirit was with me because I actually made some amazing shots that really got the kid's attention. The reason it was so cool is because from that point on they started listening more closely to what I had to say. Every day we spend about 30 minutes in "Coaches Corner" and we are able to share a bit about the theme for the day. So far we have covered courage, character, and commitment. Tomorrow we will cover the topic of conviction and the last day we present the gospel.

The camp has been so much fun and there are opportunities to interact with the kids 1-on-1 as well. At the end of each day though I end up feeling pretty exhausted. You basically have to keep them moving and busy every minute or things break down pretty fast. But there is no doubt that all the work is worth it as I am starting to see some of the kids ask more questions and show an interest in this whole Jesus thing.

Yesterday I was able to meet with some of the leadership team from the mission agency we are applying with. They just purchased a new property to serve as their headquarters and it is located in the geographical center of the country. It was about a 2.5 hour drive from Dublin and is very rural - exactly like you would picture Ireland to be with rolling green hills, stone fences, sheep, etc. We had a nice visit and I got a lot of good insight in to the ministry they are doing here. I left feeling very encouraged and excited to continue the application process with them.

Well, that's the update for now. I thank everyone for their continued prayer support. Please be praying specifically for the kids I am working with. That God uses this camp to somehow touch them and give them the hope that we share in Christ.

Greetings from Dublin

2008-07-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

After a long day of travel on Friday, I arrived here in Dublin around 10:30 on Saturday morning. A special thank you to Paul Biggers and Joe & Linda Bessenbacher for a trip to the airport and breakfast to boot - It made for a great start to my trip!

The first thing I noticed when stepping off the plane was that it is cold!! The temperature was 51 degrees which was quite chilly compared with the 113 degree day I had just come from. My Oregon friends would think I've gotten soft from living in the desert. Hopefully I will toughen up since I only packed one pair of long pants and a light jacket.

Anyway, I met up with Todd at the airport and we went to his house where I will be staying this week. I have my own little room and everything has really been quite nice. He had some errands to run in the city center, so I tagged along to see some sights and get a feeling of the lay of the land. I was making every effort to stay awake as late as possible to fight off the jet lag, and ended up crashing around 8:30pm.

Today we went to the church that Todd planted, which turned out to be a wonderful experience. They are a small church of about 30 people that meet in a community center in a poor area of the city. When we arrived early to set-up we found that the building was still locked. As the time passed and people began showing up for church it became apparent that no one was coming to unlock it! Undeterred, everyone loaded in to their cars and drove to the house of a family in the church who lived nearby.

About once a month, the teens in the church lead the service. Today was one of those days and about 6 of them had just returned from a short term mission trip to Hungary and they were going to do a presentation on that. So while they got prepared in the kitchen/sitting room, the adults and younger kids hung out in the living room. Once they were ready, we all gathered together and sang worship songs, listened to the stories about the mission trip, watched a slide show, prayed, and then enjoyed some Hungarian tea that they brought back - which tasted a lot like hot apple juice.

I was so impressed with this group of people who showed tremendous flexibility and determination to make church happen despite the obstacle of a closed building. The teens did a brilliant job at articulating how the mission trip impacted their lives, the worship time was great, and of course it was very enjoyable for me to meet and talk with the Irish people that I met there.

Later this afternoon I met with the other coaches who will be helping to run the basketball camp that starts tomorrow. Todd has done a tremendous job organizing what will be a very fun and meaningful experience for the kids who attend. I feel very encouraged and am ready for the camp to get underway!

That's the update for now - I will plan on posting again around mid-week after a couple of days of camp and my visit with the folks at the mission agency we are applying with.

God Bless!

Final Preparations

2008-07-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

Well, this is it. Tomorrow morning I will be on a flight to Dublin and ready to start the mission trip! The last 2 days I have been making lists, checking them twice and scurrying around to make sure that I have everything I need. Sarah usually helps me make sure that I don't forget anything, but since she & the boys are with her folks in Oregon, it's all on me this time :) One of the most important things I am packing is a picture of them to take along, since will be the longest we have ever been apart. It will be nice to have that when any homesickness starts to creep in.

I want to thank everyone again for their continued support of our family and this mission trip. It has been a real blessing for us to see our church raise the financial amount needed to make this trip a reality and to send me off with prayer. In fact, it is our church family who is even dropping off/picking up me at the airport (thanks Joe, Linda, & Bill). I would be honored if you would continue to keep the Bryants in your prayers. If you are looking for some specific things to pray about, here are a few that come to mind:

Pray for God to open my heart and mind to follow the plan He has laid out for me. That this time in Ireland would be used to get a sense for the future direction of our lives.
Pray that God might somehow use me to impact the kids and families in Dublin for His glory.
Pray for Sarah & the boys as they stay with her parents in Oregon - it's going to take a lot of patience and perseverance with those little rascals!
Pray that the Lord keeps us safe as we travel.
Pray that above all, God's will be done.

The next post will be from Dublin - I am so excited for this opportunity to share Christ and maybe bring a little of Summit Ridge across the Atlantic too. God Bless!

Miscellaneous Updates

2008-06-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

There has definitely been a lot going on in the last couple of weeks for us. I can't believe how quickly July 11th is approaching! Here are some updates on some of the major happenings around our lives and the mission trip:

Job(less) update - My last official day of employment is 7/15 & we have resolved to not worry about the hunt for a new job until I get back from Ireland. This has been a good time for Sarah & I to prayerfully consider what God wants us to do with our lives. We still have a lot of questions and (dare I say) doubts, but we sincerely desire to learn and grow from this experience.
Support Raising update - As of today, 88% of the support for the mission trip has been given. There is only about a $300 gap between the goal and what has been given so far. God has truly blessed us with a supportive and generous church family and it is such an encouragement to have people partner with me in this trip. I am so excited to see what God does with all of this in the coming weeks.
Wristband update - I ordered and received the wristbands that I will be taking along to give to the kids at the basketball camp. They turned out really well and there will be enough to last several years for Todd (the missionary I'm going to help) to use.
Long term missions update - We are in the 2nd phase of the application process with a mission agency for consideration of becoming full-time missionaries to Ireland. This is a very exciting opportunity, but it is also a little scary because of the huge change it would mean to our lives. Please pray for us as we continue to trust God to lead us.

Wow - this post is really full of random thoughts! Honestly, there has been so much swirling around in my head that it just feels good to get a few things out there. By the way, please feel free to leave any comments or questions that you may have and I'll do my best to respond.

I haven't even left for Ireland yet and I am already amazed at what God has done so far. It is such a blessing to see His hand at work and to be able to share the ups & downs along the way. Thank you for keeping the Bryant family in your prayers!

OK God...now you have my attention

2008-06-20T20:52:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday of this week, I found out that the department I work in was getting shut down - meaning that I am losing my job effective July 15th. Even with all of the problems in the mortgage industry, this still came quite unexpectedly and was pretty shocking to us.

Interestingly, I had been saying to Sarah over the last couple of weeks, "What would we do if I lost my job?" We both decided that if for some reason that happened, it would be a pretty clear signal that God was nudging us in to the next stage of our lives on the mission field.

We have many decisions to make in light of this situation. First of all, I am sure that I am still going to Ireland this summer as planned. If anything, this experience has strengthened my conviction that I need to make changes in my life and continue down the path that God is leading me.

I also wanted to share a couple of things God is teaching me so far through this:

Humility - This is a big one that I'm learning. I have been very blessed with a successful career. I always thought that if you worked hard, did the right things, and "played the game" in the business world that you would continue to move up the ladder and enjoy success. But just like in our Christian walk - you cannot earn your salvation by how hard you work at being a Christian or by doing the right things. Playing the game of going to church means nothing unless your heart has been changed by the grace of God. Anything you have is not because of your own merits, but because it is gift from Him. A gift that He can give and also take away.

Trust - I know that if we are going to be serving in the mission field, we need to know how to trust God completely. This experience will be a good opportunity for us to walk the talk and learn that God is in control. Last night I was praying that God would help me to trust Him. This morning in my devotion I was reading Psalm 56 and was comforted by these words: v. 3-4: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, In God I trust; I shall not be afraid." (ESV).

Please pray for us as we go through this challenging time. Pray that God would use this situation to build us up, to teach us, and to help us learn more about what He has in store for our lives.

One Month to Go!

2008-06-12T21:21:00.000-07:00

In just one short month I will be touching down in Dublin to begin working with kids and their families to share the love of Christ! I thought I would share a quick update on some of the details of the trip and how God is pulling everything together.

God is faithfully working through His people to raise up the support needed for this trip to be successful. $2500 is the amount necessary to cover the costs of the trip. So far 44% of this amount has been received - praise God & thank you to those of you have contributed already!
Todd James, the missionary I will be working with, is graciously allowing me to spend the first week at his house. Not only will this help keep the cost of lodging down, but it will provide an opportunity for me to spend some quality time with Todd and get a real feel for the work he is doing and a sense for the mission field in Ireland.
I am ordering 1000 silicone wristbands (similar to the "Livestrong" bracelets we've all seen) to take for the kids. They will read "J.A.M - Phil 4:13". J.A.M. is the name of the basketball camps that we will be running and stands for "Jesus And Me". I am also looking for some cheap, used basketball trading cards that I could take to hand out to the kids.

I continue to be humbled and thankful for the work God is doing and for the strong church family that he has surrounded me with. Just 30 days to go!!

Trusting God

2008-06-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

I expect my work in Ireland this summer to be a test of my faith in several different ways. Will I be able to impact the lives of the kids I will interact with? Will my family be alright while I am away for 2 weeks? Will He faithfully raise the financial & prayer support needed for this work?

One thing I struggle with is letting go and instead, "letting God". I have such a bad habit of wanting to figure everything out on my own and being in control of my situation. Even though I should have learned by now that when I do this - nothing happens. Or at least, nothing good happens!

James 4:13-15 comes to mind - "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'---yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.' (ESV)

If I am confident about something as big as God changing the direction of my life to be involved with His work in Ireland, why do I have such a hard time letting Him take care of the details? I have been so worried about support raising, where I will be staying in Ireland, how my family will be while I'm gone, and on & on. My God is the King of the universe - I think He can take care of all that!

Philippians 4:6-7 says: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (ESV)

I am so thankful that I serve a God that listens to my requests and provides for my every need. Please pray for me to remember that this summer!

So...why Ireland?

2008-05-13T21:36:00.001-07:00

Isn't Ireland already a "Christian" country? Is there really a mission field there? Sounds like more of a vacation than a "mission".

I have to admit that these were some of my thoughts as God began laying this place and people on my heart. It turns out there is a lot about this country that I did not know! For example...

Ireland has the lowest percentage of evangelical Christians in all English-speaking countries in the world. Within a country that has over 4 million people and growing, only 30 thousand or so (less than 1%) say that they have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In addition, Ireland ranks toward the top of European countries in regards to teenage suicide, teenage pregnancy, drinking, smoking, and unwed mother rates. Cocaine & heroin use is on the rise among all socio-economic levels, and divorce (previously illegal until 1997) is a new difficulty that families are adjusting to.
Ireland is young, growing, and global. 40% of the population is under the age of 25 and 60% is under the age of 40. Due to the economic boom over the last 12+ years known as the "Celtic Tiger", the Irish are experiencing new high-paying jobs and increased opportunities. Wealth and materialism have contributed to an increasingly secular lifestyle for many. This phenomenon has also created a vacuum for less desirable jobs, attracting immigrants from other nations that bring their various beliefs and faiths with them.
Revival is beginning to happen! While Catholicism is still an influence on the culture and country, few people have a living relationship with God. As little as 40 years ago, evangelical pastors were persecuted and imprisoned. More than 60% of evangelical churches have started within the last 25 years; 40% have started within the last 10 years. Most of these churches are very small - between 20-50 members and sometimes without trained or paid leadership. Today, there are approximately 400 evangelical congregations in Ireland (an increase from 150 in 1980).

So...why Ireland? The real reason is because that is where I feel that the Lord is leading me. However, in my research, I was amazed at the need that is present there! I just pray that God will use me this summer to draw people closer to Him.

Welcome!!

2008-05-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

This is my first go at the whole blogging thing - but I wanted to provide a forum to document and share what God is doing in my family's life - so this is it!

Over the last several months I have felt a calling to share the Good News of Jesus Christ by using the universal language of sports. This summer, God has provided the opportunity for me to live this out as I travel to Ireland to work alongside a church-planting missionary there.

Todd James and his family have lived in Ireland for over 20 years and have started a church in Dublin. Todd has discovered that an effective outreach is running basketball camps for young people in the summer. You can check out the missionary organization that Todd works with at www.friendsmission.com. I will be coming along-side Todd to assist with coaching these camps and sharing the message of love, hope, and salvation with the kids who attend them.

There are still several details to be worked out, but I am so excited to have this chance to see God's plan and provision in action!

I plan on posting updates regularly - up to and through my assignment that begins July 12th and ends July 26th.

Thank you for checking out the blog and for your interest in our lives. God Bless!