REMEMBER DENALI! Part Deux

In my previous post, I explained our adventure from our first day.  God had blessed us with good weather during that time.  One of the reasons was to keep Phrenq safe I'm sure.  When Phrenq returned to our camp, we all went to bed. We woke up the next day and decided to continue our trek forward instead of retreating, because men don't retreat, they advance.

The trail became increasingly hard to determine where it was because it soon just became piles of rocks.  It also started to rain which in turn made it difficult as well to see where the trail was.  It was a light rain, especially compared to Indiana rain. So we were able to keep dry thanks to our handy-dandy raincoats. At points on this days hikes it was just a light drizzle, but as the day wore on, the rain seemed to very slowly pick up. After 5 or 6 miles of hiking we had decided it was getting to the point where we should look for a camping spot.  At this time we realized we had not gone eight miles the first day as originally thought, but more like 5 or 6. Which means we were behind schedule, we were supposed to be about 15-16 miles out by then instead of 12. It was an unknown blessing to be behind.

This pile of rocks is an example of the markers we followed.

So by the time we decided to set up camp, it was raining pretty good for Alaska standards. I'm pretty sure it was also around 50 degrees, maybe even colder. So with the rain, it was pretty chilly.  We had half the group set up tents and half prepare food.  Dinner that night was quick rice that wasn't fully cooked and burnt with summer sausage in it.  It sounds pretty gross, but at the time it was delicious. We were just happy to get something warm in our stomachs.  As soon as we were done eating we went straight to bed even though it was about 8 pm.  We were cold and the only way to warm up was to get in our tents out of the rain and in our sleeping bags and more clothes.

None of us slept well that night.  The ground was uneven, the wind and the rain picked up.  Our tents were not meant for that type of weather, for that much rain.  So as you can imagine it was hard to sleep. Around 5 am I realized I wasn't the only one still awake in my tent. All of my tent-mates clothes and other things were soaked. So we were cold. Soon after Ramon came to our tent asking if he could come in, we were fine with that. All of his stuff was soaked as well. He was probably in worse shape.  I was lucky since my sleeping bag seemed to keep me dry.  I eventually decided to take a look outside for myself since I was sick of sitting around and being cold.  I notice the tarp that was covering my boots were no longer covering my boots.  My boots had ice on them. ICE!  It was very cold out.  I somewhat freaked out and began urgently saying that we need to leave.  Other guys were also awake and agreed and we packed up as fast as we could, which was hard with very cold fingers. I tried to be optimistic and see the bright side of things, so I said "Hey guys, at least its not snowing!"  Soon after I said that it started snowing. It was snowing pretty hard with some large snowflakes. The biggest I've ever seen.  That increased our urgency to pack up and go. So as soon as everything was poorly packed, we headed off.

The snow also fell pretty fast.

We decided it was best to stay as one big group as we leave. Well, one group, plus three guys who went up ahead of everyone to get the vehicles.  I was one of the three who went up ahead.  It was about a mile or so to the emergency trail.  We were slipping and sliding the whole way there since it was very muddy. During that time I began praying.  Not for myself. Not really for the guys hiking.  But for my friends back home. My friends from Purdue, the Purdue campus, my high school friends. I should have been tired.  I should have been cold.  My legs should have been sore. My back should have been killing me since my backpack wasn't fitting properly since it was wet.  Taking my focus off of myself allowed me to push through, to feel no pain,  soreness, coldness, and to have a lot of energy. God really got me through that one.

After 3 miles on the emergency trail we finally made it to the end of the trail.  It was a good distance to our vehicles, so we decided to try and hitch hike...No one is going to pick up a few hitchhikers in Alaska, you know what happens when hitchhikers are picked up. That person ends up being a serial killer or something.  So we tried for half an hour and during that time the rest of our group caught up.  When they got to us, we flagged down a truck.  Cody and I went to the truck and began explain our situation. and get this!  Cody was explaining when he looked in the back and said "HEY! I know you!"  He had met this guy a few weeks earlier at work and had prayed to meet him again. How CRAZY is that?!?  God answered a prayer in such an unsuspecting, straight-up way, it was incredible.  Cody was able to get the guys contact information while we were they were getting the vehicles.

So those guys were nice and brought both vehicles back.  We then pretty much then stripped down naked on the side of the road and rode back to where we were staying in our underwear because that was all that was dry.  The sun came out 15 minutes after we began driving back. I guess God didn't want us backpacking. haha.  We had to stay at a church the last week in Anchorage, so we drove straight there.  We couldn't get in it for three or so hours, so we pretty much set up a hobo camp for everything to dry.  It was pretty ridiculous.

The guys posing with all our drying stuff.

So what do a bunch of guys who had just been hiking, almost died, and been miserable do now that they are back to civilization?  Go to Golden Corral!  We were hungry and a buffet sounded wonderful after eating trail mix, rice, and summer sausage.  So we went there and had a great dinner. And when we left, there was a double rainbow. No joke. The guy from the video was legit in his reaction. It was so cool! So bright, and vivid! All the way across the sky!!!

We took those rainbows as a promise.  A promise from God.  Sometimes, He has to take you through some crap before you turn back to Him, so we can learn something.  But He will ALWAYS bring us out of it.  And that may mean that we die.  Phrenq could have died the first night.  One of us could have gotten hypothermia or slipped on our way back. But God delivered us from it. He brought us on a great Alaskan adventure so we could point to Him even more. All glory to God.

For I am the Lord, your God who takes a hold of your

right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.

-Isaiah 41:13

 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all 

longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.

-1 Timothy 1:16

Crap is going to happen. It is a fact of life. But know this, as long as you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, the Lord and Saviour, you are going to make it through.  There is light at the end of the tunnel.

REMEMBER DENALI! Part 1

A side adventure...

It seems like a lifetime ago that I was in Alaska. Though it turned out to be an experience of a lifetime.  My life is changed because of that project and the other lives of men have been changed as well. Men's projects should be more prevalent. I do not think I would have grown as a man of God in the ways I did if it were a typical project with women.  I praise God every day for that opportunity I had.

It has been just over two weeks since I returned.  I haven't posted the best story from the trip because I had a desire to share it verbally with people.  Now that I have had that chance, I figure I would get it written down in a more coherent, more God-glorifying way.  I don't think the way I have told it in person has done that last weekend in Denali justice. Beware. This blog is long. But it is in fact very much worth reading both parts. God's power, beauty, and grace is shown through this story.  I am splitting it into two blogs with two separate stories of the backpacking trip. At the same time these are the same stories. The story of your life, my life, our lives all packed into one weekend.

My last blog was posted asking for prayer for my trip to Denali. A 5 day, 27 mile excursion.  The weather prediction was rain. Rain. Rain. Bear attacks had happened in that general area recently.  It was a dangerous trip. But. We are men. and what do men do? Dangerous things. :)

We drove 3-4 hours north to Denali State park.  We parked one vehicle at the end of the trail and the other two at the entrance. God blessed our first day and a half with no rain. We quickly began our trek forward into the wilderness. We were full of excitement.  Every step we were able to get another glimpse of God's glory.  It was truly amazing.  We separated into two groups.  I was in the faster group of 6. Which is surprising since I had always been in the slower groups or just slower in general.

At the beginning of our hikes it was pretty wooded

Soon we got above the treeline. Every step we could see more and more of Alaska Beauty.

Beauty like this river in the other direction.

The trail soon got rocky.

The trail eventually became all rocks. Then came boulders.  It was hard to see where we needed to go at times but we were able to figure it out due to piles of rocks.  Those were literally our only markers and indication of a trail for miles.  After about 5 or 6 miles we decided to wait up for the rest of the guys.  Around 5:30 pm we told one of our guys to go up and over the ridge we were at to see if there was water for an adequate camping spot. He did not return.

Around 5:45 the rest of the group caught up and we decided to go ahead over the ridge.  At this point we realized that Mr. Phrenq (his identity being kept "secret") was not with us and still gone.  So we quickly made a plan for two of our guys to set up tents while the rest of us went and searched for him.  We had three walkie talkies so we went in three groups.  We had a time limit for when to be back since it was dangerous for us to be out there.  During our search, one of our guys texted a friend back in anchorage to have her pray.  Her father is a retired search and rescue hero.  She gave us one hour to find him before she would call search and rescue.  We did not get back to her so she called.  At this point and time we were upset with Phrenq thinking he got off the trail, came back on and thought we were ahead and went off looking for us.

Around 8 pm the helicopter landed. We all then realized this was serious. Phrenq could have fallen, broken something, or just been killed. I have never known anyone very personally who died.  I was worried. But the Bible tell us not to worry in Philippians 4:4-7, but to pray.  So me and two other men on the project did just that.  We prayed for what you'd expect, safety and peace, but also that Phrenq would hear God in this experience. He had previously said that he has not heard God before and doesn't really understand how we hear God.  I figured all was in God's hands, so He might as well speak to Phrenq in this way as well.  Phrenq also had a cell phone, so a prayer went up for his phone to receive a text seeing if he was okay.

A blurry picture, but proof the helicopter did come.

Five minutes later, we received a text from Phrenq. It was something like "I'm okay. I'm by a highway and river." Almost immediately after we read the text, the helicopter comes out of nowhere and lands.  The rescue guys came over and we told them we had contacted Phrenq.  One of the rescue guys suddenly got 3G service and started exclaiming "I have 3G! I have 3G!" Which sounds ridiculous, but when you are in the middle of nowhere Alaska, that is pretty amazing.  It was a God thing for both of their phones to have service. The rescue guy soon called Phrenq and got a rough idea where he was.  It still wasn't easy finding him, but around 12:45 a.m. Phrenq was flown back to us. Safe and sound. Missing a glove and a bear barrel.

Remember those prayers? Many were answered. He came back safe and sound, his cell phone worked and...well. first I need to say this before I go on.  Phrenq is not your average cookie.  He really enjoys classical music and dislikes modern music.  While he was lost, God put the song "Lay Down my Pride" by Jeremy Camp in his head.  If Phrenq doesn't like that music, how would that song be put in his head? It was God of course.  That song also pointed out that he has been prideful in his ability to lead the group because of his energy.  He knew that came from God. So he heard from God, his pride was pointed out, and he was given an appreciation for modern worship music.


Sometimes God has to take us on a side adventure before we are really led back to Him.  He sometimes has to take drastic measures for us to realize what He is trying to say to us.  It ultimately points us to Himself and helps us realize how much we really need him. We could have lost Phrenq that night. Praise God that we didn't. God is good and there is a purpose for everything, as shown bluntly here.

This is it! AK SP11

The staff has been gone since my last post and we students have all been given various responsibilities.  Like I said before, I am an action group leader.  I have really gotten to know the guys who I have been living with, Rory, Johnny, Mark, and Ramon.  We have had some great discussions.

Not too terribly much has happened since the staff has left.  I do feel a whole lot more busy since I have responsibilities as an action group leader.  So with my job and cru responsibilities, I have learned to manage my time a lot better than I have in the past, which was much needed.  My group's outreach became interesting with only us three adults working it.  Nothing really turned out like we thought it would.  But at the same time, we feel we impacted the kids that came consistently in a positive way.  Our best way of reaching out to these kids actually happened after every time we met.  We would go to Taco Bell afterwards and pay for their meals and just talk.  It was great getting to know the kids and talking to them and trying to point them in the right direction.

The past three weeks we have been taught lessons on leadership and stewardship from the pastor of the church most of us go to, Faith Christian Community.  Steve had a whole lot of insight into being a leader, it was fantastic to hear. He revolutionized how I look at various passages in the Bible.  For example, read Genesis 1-3 to see God's examples of leadership.  Here are a few.

• Leaders use there words to initiate change (Genesis 1:3)
• Leaders have a plan (Genesis 1...creation order)
• Leaders know when to rest (Genesis 2:2, God didn't need rest because He is in fact God, but gave us the example)
• Leaders are life givers (Genesis 2:7)

There are so many more examples in there, it is amazing if you just go and look.  There is no realm of life you as a Christian are not called to have an influence.  In class, at work, walking, driving. Anything. Our words and actions to speak loudly. Are you going to stand up and lead in a Christ-like manner? Showing love and compassion?

 This past weekend we decided to drive up to the Artic Circle. 66.33 degrees latitude.  It was a 12 hour drive north, past Denali and Fairbanks.  We got there, took a picture and came back.  It was quite the trip.

This is a picture of the guys who went.  

Car 1...the roads were muddy! and quite bumpy. At that point it was half paved half dirt roads...we preferred dirt since the paved roads were very bumpy.

Then we drove back. Some of us decided to check out the hot springs since had some time. It was an hour out of the way, but we did it anyways.  Then we went to the North Pole on the way back. We stopped at santa's shop and met the guy.  He was great talking to. We found out he did Cru when he was younger and used the four spiritual laws, which we call Knowing God Personally now. Even Santa Believes in Jesus!

notice the light poles...in the North Pole!

The guys who went to the north pole

This past tuesday was also my last day of work.  We made it back from the Artic Circle at 2:30 am Tuesday morning.  I had to be at work at by 6.  I was and I ended up working until 5:30, so it was a long last day.  It was a day full of mixed emotions.  I was happy to be done, but at the same time I had developed some friendships between coworkers.  Some of those started rough, but ended well.  I never got to outright share the gospel with them since I had to be professional. But I hope my attitude and work ethic spoke for itself.  Every person I said goodbye to asked if I was coming back next year.  One guy even gave me his number just in case we come back.  The best way to put it is it was a bittersweet moment. I will miss those people as hard and stressful as it was at times. But I'm excited to be done.  I'm pumped to come home and start things back up at school.  I miss all my friends there.  I will miss all the brothers I've made here though. Leaving will be bittersweet as well.  I will probably never see most of these guys again this side of Heaven, which is a sad thought. But I'm happy to say I believe full and well that we will meet up again in Heaven.

That pretty much wraps up project until now.  Today we leave for Denali for a 5 day backpacking trip.  We will cover 27ish miles in the park in a traverse hike.  It is about a 6 hour drive there, but it is an enjoyable one in the mountains.   It definitely won't be a safe adventure.  Two weekends ago, some hikers were mauled by a bear.  But to put it plainly, they were stupid.  If we stay together as a group, we shouldn't surprise a bear and should be totally fine.  We have taken precautions, such as bear spray and a small shotgun just in case.

So prayer requests in regard to the trip.

• safe travel to and from Denali
• Good weather (the forecast is RAIN!)
• safety on the trails
• good communication as a group
• that our brotherhood would grow on the trip
• safe travel home

Well. This is my last post before I start my trek home next thursday.  Thank you all for following me on my adventures!  I plan on continuing writings on various things happening in my life.

Even Santa believes in Jesus!

Leaders are LIFEgivers

Until we meet again, may you bring God glory.

I'm going to miss you guys, my brothers, my band of brothers. I know there it may not be until we are all in heaven, but it isn't goodbye, but a see ya later. Praise God for that. Praise God.

Be Still and Know...

So in recent posts I have said what has been going on in project...so what has been going on in my life? What has God been doing??

Well one of the first things He taught me is that His plans are bigger and better than mine.  I may have to wait a good amount for it to unveil, I may not.  He first showed me this in Numbers.  The Israelites were being led to the promised land.  It took them a heckuva longer time to get there because of their lack of faith.  But it was so much bigger and better than they ever imagined.  He then showed me that in my life.  How you ask?  By giving me a job as a bellman.  I thought I was going to get a minimum wage job. Scratch that. I thought I would end up at fast food. Scratch that.  I thought  I wouldn't meet very many people outside my co-workers. scratch that. I didn't think I would really grow because of my job. scratch that...I get paid a good amount. So much, that God has answered a prayer to provide for the increase in housing this coming school year.  I am moving to a different dorm for ministry purposes and that is a $1000 increase in cost per semester.  I will make enough money to have some to spare.  I work as a bellman and I meet many many many people. hundreds. I even get a free lunch at work, which is a blessing in and of itself.   And also working 40 hours a week for ministry purposes changed my outlook on so many things.  I will not be so lazy for things that matter in the future...like school.  I will do it all for the glory of God.

The next thing He showed me may be the biggest impact this summer.  A friend of the project, Melissa, said some very wise things to me.  She is a person very in tune with the Spirit.  It is great to hear God speak through her.  She also went to Hillsong College and is now a worship director here in Anchorage.

So here is what she said to me:
"Ben, right now you are kneeling with your head down in front of Christ.  He is lifting your chin saying 'Stand up my son. Be proud, be courageous, stand tall in my name!  Go forth and do the work I have set out for you'"

Why is that so important?  It is so important because I have really been waiting to do what God wants.  I have always felt God has big plans for me.  I haven't just done them. And now I am.   God is giving me a chance to do so with the leadership role He has given me here on project.  The staff is leaving in a week and handing the project over to us.  When they do that, they give each of us various roles.  My role is an action group leader.  That means I lead the group of guys I am living with.  Pouring into their lives, lifting them up, seeking growth for them.  I will lead various discussion between those guys and help come up with reflection questions to look over every week to reflect on the previous week.

Isn't God so amazing that He just points out things like that and just gives me a shove??

The next thing God showed my on my backpacking trip the July 4th weekend.  The theme of the weekend was communication.  Communication with each other, like our whereabouts for safety reasons, and also so we are on the same page with things. and Communication with God.  We are all told how to pray to God so many different ways.  But one important thing often gets spoken of very little or not at all.  That is listening to God.  As simple as that.  Be still and know that I am God. God can speak through various things; His word, other Christians, His creation, worship, and other things.
We should also test what we hear with various things as well through; His Word, other Christians, having a holy life, and familiarity with the voice.

My backpacking group. Since we had a large group, we split our camps up.These were my boys...We got hot on the way down, so what else to do than take our shirts off?

This past monday we went on another hike.  We went up wolverine mountain just outside of Anchorage. It was a "moderate" hike.   I chugged a bottle of chocolate milk right before we started climbing, so needless to say, I didn't feel very well at first.  One of the purposes of this hike was to meditate on the scripture.

The verses I meditated on was Proverbs 16:9

In their hearts humans plan their course,

      but the LORD establishes their steps.

  Also, when we felt that the hike was getting hard (which it did quickly), we began praying for others....not for ourselves to have the strength to make it through.  By taking the focus off ourselves and praying for a friend in need, we were able to stop focusing on the pain we were experiencing and focus on God and His glory. Once I did this, it was kind of like I got a second wind and finished the hike quickly.  One of the things I learned here was a way to battle sin is by praying, not for yourself, but for someone else.  It sounds crazy, but it works. Try it!

Anchorage from Wolverine.

All the Glory to God.

rely on Christ completely

r.o.C.c. on!

Be still and know I am God

God's Plans are BIGGER than mine

WHEW!


It feels like I've been in Alaska such a long time.  Since I've last written, so much has happened.  Adventure-wise, we went fishing on the Kenai River.  Flyfishing to be exact. That means we just cast and reel...hoping to catch a salmon. fortunately I was able to catch one myself!  It was a beautiful place to fish.  A lot of people happened to be fishing there at the same time. A LOT! Like, hundreds.  It was cRaZy!  I also saw a grizzly bear and her two cubs a few times and even a black bear.  Overall it was a great experience.

I started my official project blogging before I got my job.  I've worked almost 3 full weeks now.  and boy is it tiring!  I worked around 48 hours the first week and over 40 the following 2.  I quickly learned a good amount about the city of Anchorage and in general, the state of Alaska.  I drive people to and from the airport and train depot, as well as stand at the door of the hotels and greet people for my job.  I've met people from all over the world. It is pretty amazing. I've even met a good amount of people from my country of heritage, Holland!!

I am Also getting to know my co-workers pretty well.  The receptionists at the front desk are great to work with.  They are fun young ladies to talk to...as much fun as you can have and still be professional I guess.  The other bellman have also been great getting to know.  We provide a 24 hour shuttle service, so I don't interact with them very often.  I've found that two of them are pretty passionate about basketball, as am I.  Hopefully I can play with them before I leave.

We also started our outreaches.  We have three different groups.  One is for Native Alaskans, one from the University of Alaska Anchorage students, and the other one is for youth.  I am a part of the group reaching out to the youth.  We are doing what we call the Ultimate Sports Club.  We play various sports to connect with kids.  Only two kids came to the first one (one reminds me of Jujuan Johnson, no joke, 6'7" freshman). This past friday, around 24 kids came! It was crazy! We had a blast.  We do this at the boys and girls club.

So some things to continue praying about.

• A Good attitude while working
• Strength and stamina during work
• Good sleep (I'm super busy and get very little)
• I survive those crazy work days
• that I have chances to share my faith
• Continued growth in relating to co-workers
• that God would work in the lives of students that go to our outreaches
• I would grow as a man of Christ
• That I would take a hold of opportunities to share my faith
• That I'd take a hold of my role as the staff leaves
• that I find to have with God, good solid quiet time to be refueled.

All the glory to God!

Alaska. The land where the sun don't set

I arrived safely in Anchorage around 1:00 pm local time friday June 10.  I have 5 other guys in my apartment, 2 of them being student staff guys.  There is a total of 14 guys on the project, so compared to other projects, it is a small one.  We live in apartments and each share a room within the apartments.  The apartments are on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus.

The friday we got there, we went on a hike.  The hike wasn't too bad. The sights were pretty awesome.  We left the apartments at 7 to go to the hike and got back after 11.  It was pretty weird since the sun didn't seem like it moved at all.  Here are a few pictures of what I was fortunate enough to see.  I even saw a moose!

We went to church on saturday.  It was a pretty good church.  Sunday we went out and shared our faith from door to door.  Most people didn't want to talk.  One man did want to talk and he was already a Christian it seems.  I feel I learned a great deal about my own faith from him, including the fact that I need to learn more myself.  The more you learn, the more you learn you don't know.

And throughout our time here, we have had scheduled scripture readings and scheduled messages.  I will probably post something about those sometime later this week.

Today prayers were answered for a job.  I randomly walked into a hotel tuesday and found out they were in desperate need of bell boys.  I was in a group of 4 guys and they took the oldest 2 guys.  Today I signed the papers and took the drug test.  So I pretty much have the job.  I am so blessed it came quickly and pays pretty well.  I will interact with a lot of people since I will pretty much shuttle people to and from 3 hotels, a museum, the airport, and the train station. My days will start at 7 or 5 am, depending on the week and go until 3:30 or 1:30, based on the start.  A big blessing for the job will be that lunch will be provided at the hotel.  Food here in Anchorage is pretty expensive, so I'll be saving about $40 a week (at least) if I chose to go out to week, or just time if I chose to make my own lunch.

So I'd like to thank you all for your prayer support! I'd like to ask that you continue to pray that God be working in my life and others and that doors are opened to share my faith.  Pray that my first week at my job next week goes smoothly, that I'm able to get there in a timely manor (I have to ride a bike the early days, and the bus other days).

The time is almost here...

Hey all!

I would like to thank those of you who supported me financially, I met my goal of $4000! Praise the Lord for providing!  I would also like to thank you for your prayers and ask that you continue to pray for me as the summer continues.

As the summer goes on, I hope to keep you all updated as to what God is doing in my life and the life of those I will be interacting with.  I will bring my camera, so expect some pictures as well! :)

I leave friday morning (June 10th) and I excpect to arrive in Anchorage around 1:19 local time.

I currently do not have a job yet.  The first week we will go out and look for jobs while there.  The area is familiar with Campus Crusade students and like them, so I should find a job somewhere.

Feel free to email me at ooms@purdue.edu if you have any questions or encouragement you want to send my way.
Also feel free to comment on any of my blogs that I post throughout the summer, the comment section is there for you all to do that!

Prayer requests as I began final preparations for Alaska,

• Safe travel to and from Alaska
• Safety in Alaska
• that I would rely on Christ completely
• that the Lord would prepare the hearts of those I will share with
• and for me to share with them
• For my brothers in Christ who will be on project with me
• That the Holy Spirit would just engulf me and I would allow it to guide me throughout the summer
• That I grow as a man of God this summer
• That I find a job quickly 
• and that I minister to my co-workers

Thank you all very much! All of you are such great blessings in my life and I am thankful for all of you.  I will keep all yall posted!


All the GLORY to God! Praise Him.

CHIC 2K9 Day 5

Day 5

It ain't over till it's over (and lets let God be the judge of that)

Last to speak at the conference was Efrem Smith.  He is probably one of my most favorite speakers of all time.  Maybe its because he's got soul. He's got some mmmph, that thanggg that just speaks to you.

His message was pretty short, so this note will be as well.  It was pretty much "Get up and go out and use what you learned this week and show what God has done in your life.'

Run full ahead with God.  It ain't always the easiest path, but it is the most self-fulling path you can take.  Actually, it isn't even self-fulfilling. It's God-fulfilling. We are all God called.  Now it is whether or not we take a hold of this calling or not.  With this calling, He gives us a new vision.  He wants us to see our school, community, and churches differently.  Once you answer the call, you realize everything isn't just dandy back home.  When Jesus comes back, it's the ultimate justice, but for now it is just us (living with the Holy Spirit)

You aren't scared to be crazy with friends, to lie, to be tough, but you're scared of really following this Jesus thing?

You have this power inside of you, this God given ability.  See the world in God's eyes and allow Him to go make changes.

CHIC 2K9 Day 4

Day 4

You are the most beautiful without makeup...

Next in the lineup to speak was Judy Peterson. She is the campus pastor of North Park University. Quite a wonderful gal full of wisdom.  She spoke about self (pretenders).  She began by asking, are you afraid of the real you? Truthfully, if most of us take this question seriously, most of us are afraid of the real us.  Pretending what protects you; protects you from the real hurt you have, facing a challenge, taking responsibility for your actions, doing what God wants, etc.  If you pretend in a relationship, isn't it a pretend relationship? I'm pretty sure it is.  So if you just go through the motions at church and youth group, trying to look it all and pretending to  be a Christian, then get this...you AREN'T really a Christian. Why? Because you have a pretend relationship with Jesus and pretend relationships aren't real.  There is no fruit in your life, no change at all due to your relationship.

At one point the night before Steven Furtick said something about it being Wow! if a drug addict homosexual abusive, angry, and downright terrible person says 'I need Jesus' (which is pretty horrible in the first place to say).  If you think about it, that is pretty cool, but...its pretty obvious they need Jesus to us Christians right?  It is so much more Wow! if a big business man CEO who has it all together says 'I need Jesus!'  Which is so true! so many of us are fake and pretend we have it all together and truthfully we don't!  We all need Jesus, from the pope down to Hitler, we all need Jesus.  If you don't confess your mess, you'll be alone in that mess.  Some think pretending means you won't have as much pain.  Well, pretending isn't without pain, the pain of holding back who you really are, who God created you to be. Once you confess that mess, you can deal with that pain, nail it to the cross (give it up to Jesus), and move on.

Who might be one of the ultimate pretenders from the Bible? King David. Yeah! thats right, little dude who threw the rock at the big guy, Goliath.  The KING, the cool Jewish dude. He has it all together, right? He has everything you could possibly imagine. A kingdom. Money. Power. God's favor. He has it all! Except one thing...that woman bathing on the roof over there whose husband is at war. David should have been at war as well...So what does he do? Obviously he sleeps with her. Gets her pregnant and then kills her husband by sending him to the front of the line to cover up. Yikes! now that is a man who does not have it all together. He couldn't man up to his mistakes earlier and confess.  Eventually he does and realizes the error of his ways and writes Psalm 51 as he asks God for forgiveness. Read it, its some good stuff.

We are selfish people. It's a shameful fact that will be true until our Lord Jesus comes back.  We focus on ourselves, on what we want, why the world isn't our way.  People wonder why the world is such a bad place, yet do nothing to fix it.  We are wasting all our energy on our own problems instead of what God wants. What He wants in your life.  He has a plan for your life, all you have to do is start praying and listening and take a hold of it.

Be honest with yourself and God, don't hide your sin.

At the end, she revealed her real self to her.  She wears makeup all the time because she is afraid of what people will think of her, her real face. So at the end of her message, she rubbed it off. It was a big deal to her.  Then she said, Jesus says you're the most beautiful without your makeup. Stop pretending!!

Are you AFRAID, afraid of the Real you?

CHIC 2K9 Day 3

Day 3

I ain't car jackin' foo (and you shouldn't too!)

Next up to speak was Steven Furtick.  Here is his profile (according to him...).  "He is married, has two kids, and leads one of the fastest growing churches in America, and he is still in his 20's!"  That is pretty amazing.

Even though he was not my favorite speaker due to what I thought was big-headedness, he has some good things to say.

He mentioned how more and more teenagers are having sex these days and when asked why, they say, I'm test drivin' before marriage.  Well, he looked around, chuckled and said, "Well, that ain't test drivin', thats car jackin'! Get away from that car!"  That was a pretty good point...I hope it got across to most of the guys (and girls).  He did seem to be putting down most of the guys though.  He was purty rough on us guys.

The scripture for his talk was 1 Samuel 14.  It talked about Jonathon and how he was like, "He, let's come out of hiding and perhaps God will help us."  And of course God did.   What I got from this is God's promise is bigger than your perhaps.  Our perhaps (or satisfaction of sin) is small and God is HUGE.  The creator of the universe.

He then told a story of how his son was afraid of bugs and whining.  So Steven was like, "how big is this fly?" dis big his son answered (showing two fingers together).  "How big are you?" Dis big his son answered again with his arms about a foot apart. So Steven says, "How big is daddy?"  DIS BIG his son answered opening his arms wide open as he catches on. Then Steven and his son chased the bug around and killed it.  So our problems really aren't that big when our god is so big. They may seem big to us at the time, but in reality they are not.

God's plan is bigger than your biggest perhaps.

Are you going to let God take control of your problems? He is bigger than your biggest perhaps, all you have to do is realize it and give Him control.  God is bigger than the boogey man! :p

CHIC 2K9 Day 2

Day 2

I am a Professional Lover

Next up on the list of big name speakers was Shane Claiborne.  What a strange, amazing God-loving fellow.  When you initially see him you know there is something different about him.  He has dread locks going to his waste, a bandana, a funny shirt, and funny pants.  He said he made all his own clothing.   He said at one point he was prom king and not that great of a kid.  Then he did a dangerous thing. He read the Bible! Eventually he became an ordinary radical, going around helping those who are less fortunate.

He talked about how he stood up for injustice by sleeping in parks and giving food to the homeless people, even when the authorities made it illegal!  He eventually got arrested for this. Pretty dumb, eh? I thought so too. So being the type of person he is, he got a homeless person to represent him in court.  The homeless man said one statement, "Jesus was homeless ya know."  The judge leaned over and said "I think you guys have a chance."  They won the case when it went to the supreme court and the laws were changed.

Then Shane told of how he made it to Calcutta, India...that is where Mother Teresa does her business.  He called many numbers trying to get her number.  He had to go through the top American nun to get it, Mother Victorious.  haha.  While he was in Calcutta, he befriended a little boy.  While Mr. Claiborne was there, the boy happened to have a birthday.  So he thought of what to give the boy and gave him an ice cream cone.  The kid was so excited that he started to shake.  He screamed "I have an ice cream CONEEE!!! Everyone come and line up!"  So the other children came and lined up.  The boy went down the line and gave everyone a lick. EVERYONE. Think about it.  This boy has nothing. When he was given the gift, he shared it with everyone.  Not just his best friends or the cool people. Everyone. How great is that??

At one point Shane decided to share about a high school reunion he went to.  He had to put down what his job was...Well...he didn't really have one. So. He put down lover.  Shane Claiborne is a professional lover. :p

So the three main things I learned from Mr. Claiborne.  The best things to do with the best things in life is to give them away so others can enjoy them.  Calcuttas are everywhere.  We just need to have the eyes to see them.  The cross, dove, fish, and lion have always been a symbol of Christianity, a chameleon never has been.

So get up, get out and find your Calcutta. Calcutta, Indiana. Calcutta, New York. Calcutta, California.  It could be in your backyard and you just don't realize it.

NOTHING you do can change God's love for you.

CHIC 2K9 Day 1

Covenant High in Christ 2009 (CHIC 2K9) was a great experience.  It is for the Evangelical Covenant Church denomination.  It was held at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.  It happens every three years.  Over 5000 high schoolers attended.  I wrote a few notes on facebook when I returned recapping each day and message.  In the next few days I'll post my recaps of what the messages where in my pre-senior year of high school thought and writing.  At the beginning of each day I may have a quote from that speaker.

Day 1

The first speaker was Erwin McManus.  He mostly talked about how everyone has dreams inside of us and we are what he called, dream incubators.  We just have to take that dream and run with it.  It can be used as we want it to be.  That dream is not really our dream per se, but God's dream, plan, for us.  God has a dream for each and every one of us. It is up to us to decide what to do with it.  Do we follow it? Do we take and run with it? Or do we throw it away and make our own dream? The 2nd choice is the best choice, the one we should take.  The first is okay...and the third is selfish and can become frustrating because it doesn't result in eternal satisfaction. Aka, satisfaction that lasts. That only comes with the second choice which is God's plan for your life. Are you gonna follow God's dream for your life?

So what are you going to do? Are you going to open your ears and listen to what God has to say? Pray and think about His plans for your life and just run with it? Or are you going to do what you want to do?

I'm choosing to run with it.

Dream Big, follow Christ's plan for your life.  Experience that Eternal Satisfaction

Freshman year over, Already?

Wow.  Freshman year sure did go by quickly. So much has happened. So many friends have been made. So much spiritual growth has happened. So much knowledge gained. Where do I begin?

College couldn't come any quicker for me.  High school was great and all, but I was ready to move on to bigger and better things. I  wanted Deep friendships where I was able to share whatever I could.  I was ready to grow spiritually.  I was ready to make new friends. To fall in love. All of those things happened and MORE happened , but falling in love. That will come in the Lord's good timing.

The only thing I'm able to say as a response. God is GOOD! All the glory to Him!

I begin by saying I am incredibly thankful for what has happened this year. Praise God!  The Lord brought me to David Burkett to room with in Wiley Hall. An older guy.  I learned a lot from him. Patience. Respect for parents.  Cru does things the way they do for a reason, they have experience. LOL means League of legends. How to be creative with our room (wireless light switch so we don't have to use the normal room light, its like a hospital light. and coloring on our windows).

I learned a lot from the Wiley men.  I heard some great poop stories.  I experienced my first real authentic Bible study.  Where it was led by a peer, where we really dive into the Word of God.  I learned how to take different views on the Bible.  I learned how to have a Godly discussion about the Word of God and be edifying to each other. I learned how to take constructive criticism. I found brothers in Christ.  I met great people...too many to name.  I learned being myself is fantastic from Phong. Its okay to know a lot of people and be social.  I was lifted up when I fell by these men. And I chose to leave them, which I am deeply saddened by. But I was called to a ministry in a different dorm...but I'll get to that little fact later.

Indy Christmas Conference came.  I learned a lot that week.  The first semester of college I hung out with girls a lot.  It always just happened, I never really tried to.  One thing I had been praying for since at least junior high was a best friend.  And at this conference I realized I needed to be more intentional. Intentional about hanging out with other guys.  The last night of the conference I felt like being by myself during worship. A now good friend, Cody Wilson, saw me and invited me to stand with him. He had no clue who I was. But that was the beginning of a beautiful friendship that developed this past semester.  Oh and my great friendship with Ethan also started here as well, when I just opened up to him about something that was bugging me.

In february was freshman retreat. The theme of it was "Audience of One."  So pretty much what I learned from that is it doesn't matter what you're doing, just do it for the Lord, for He is the only one who really matters. I also was an emcee for the last session. I happened to be sick, but I really enjoyed doing that with the one and only Andrea Devries.  I believe this retreat also sparked a great friendship between Tom Agler, Ethan Hall, and me.

During spring break I went on Big Break to Panama City Beach, Florida.  It was my first time to Florida and my first time really sharing my faith.  I loved it!  I learned so much about how to share my faith in an effective way that shows I really care about the person.  I learned God can use me, even if I feel like I totally messed up or I'm not good enough.  A way to state that is God uses crooked sticks to draw straight lines.

Early February I Bryan Searfoss accepted my offer to be roommates and I decided to move from Wiley to McCutcheon.  Mid march I started to go to McCru small group and late march to early April I really made the push to become a part of the group. I figured getting to know the Mcru people now would make first semester of Sophomore year easier. I also thought it'd be easier to focus on ministry then. I did become a part of the group. In fact I feel as if I'm a part of the McCru family and I love it! I look forward to the coming years in McCutcheon. I can't wait to see what God will do.

All this to say is WOW! God is good!


LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own;
   it is not for them to direct their steps.
-Jeremiah 10:23


God directed me to all these things that happened, especially McCutcheon. and I know big things that only He knows will happen. and I know He has a plan.


For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
-Jeremiah 29:11

I guess I'm a Blogger Now

First I should probably point out the main reason I have this blog is to keep my friends and family updated on what is going on during my summer project.  Hopefully I'll be able to keep this up during the summer.  I do plan on writing still after the project is over. Whether it be after a Cru conference or just what God is telling me to write or copies of things I've written in the past. I'm still going to use this.

Starting June 10th, I have an incredible opportunity to go on a summer project to Anchorage, Alaska.  It is one of three stateside (I'm unsure if there are international men's projects...I doubt it). Campus Crusade for Christ projects that are men's projects.  That means  about 20 other men and I will go to Alaska together.  It will be a rare opportunity indeed.  One I will be able to experience God's beautiful creation, Alaska. Alaska is one of the most amazing places in the U.S., even the world.  I will also be immersed in a community of Christian men unlike any other time in my life up to this point. And I will potentially never be immersed in such a community again.  This summer I will be bent and broken in ways only God knows.  I will grow as a man of God.  I will become more like the man God created me to be.

A big reason I am going on this project is to share my faith.  I will share my faith within my workplace and I will go out on the streets and share it there.  I will try and reflect Jesus with my actions and words in the workplace.  I will also share the gospel.  To do this, I will most likely use various tools Cru tools, such as perspective cards and the knowing God personally booklet.  A quick overview of what I will share is:

1. God loves you, created you, and has a plan for you.

2.  We have sinned and fall short of the perfection God calls us to. Therefore we are separated from God.

3. God sent His only son Jesus Christ to Earth who lived a perfect life and died on the cross and rose again three days later.

4. It isn't enough to just know this, we must respond. We must accept Jesus Christ as our only Saviour.

I need to raise at least $3150 or $3750 for the extra expenses.  That is a lot of money.  But I am trusting in my Lord and Saviour to provide.  He has blessed me with a large company of people who know the Lord and may be willing to support me on this adventure of a lifetime.

Now you my reader.  You may have the most important job of all. Prayer.  I ask that you pray for me.

• That I follow the Lord's will.  
• That I'm bent and broken, 
• that I grow as a man of God this summer. 
•  That I listen to God when He tells me to talk to people. 
•  That He'd prepare me to talk to those people
•  and those people to talk to me.
• Safe travel to and from Alaska...I'm flying
• Safety while in Alaska.

ALL the GLORY to God.

Amen.