Sunday, December 28, 2008
Communion, Tierra Nueva Style
So, I was leading the bible study tonight at church and then communion. We usually have bread that is given to us by the local bakery but the weather and holidays have kept it from coming so I ran across the street to Los Antejitos grocery and grabbed a couple small breads from their bakery. The only ones without frosting had sesame seeds so I figured that would work. As I spoke of Jesus taking the bread and giving thanks and breaking it, I broke the bread and found it was filled with cream cheese and jalepenos! Now, that is communion! Jesus is hot!
Morning Reflections
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the authority to become children of God...
I wonder how many ways, all day long, I don't recognize Jesus, or receive Him. It is hard, sometimes, for it seems like it takes a lot of attention on my part; a lot of work to turn my attention away from so many things to Jesus, and then to feel like Jesus isn't there in the way I'd like; that my time with Jesus isn't necessarily or obviously fruitful. Reading scripture feels this way often. I know I am looking for the dramatic, or at least a clear interaction.
Even as I wrote that on December 26, the image that came into my mind was of a soaking hose watering a garden. The watering isn't fruit, but it is necessary to produce fruit in the garden. And a soaking hose isn't a gusher. A gushing hose waters only the top inch of soil, while the slow, regular soak goes deep and takes the roots deeper for better plants.
As the rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is My Word that goes out from My mouth. It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
There are many parts to the producing of fruit in my life, and when I focus on one over the others, especially one I can't control... God is at work in the things that don't seem to be giving the big payoff. Soak up the Word - it need not be "revelation!" for your spirit to receive it.
I wonder how many ways, all day long, I don't recognize Jesus, or receive Him. It is hard, sometimes, for it seems like it takes a lot of attention on my part; a lot of work to turn my attention away from so many things to Jesus, and then to feel like Jesus isn't there in the way I'd like; that my time with Jesus isn't necessarily or obviously fruitful. Reading scripture feels this way often. I know I am looking for the dramatic, or at least a clear interaction.
Even as I wrote that on December 26, the image that came into my mind was of a soaking hose watering a garden. The watering isn't fruit, but it is necessary to produce fruit in the garden. And a soaking hose isn't a gusher. A gushing hose waters only the top inch of soil, while the slow, regular soak goes deep and takes the roots deeper for better plants.
As the rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is My Word that goes out from My mouth. It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
There are many parts to the producing of fruit in my life, and when I focus on one over the others, especially one I can't control... God is at work in the things that don't seem to be giving the big payoff. Soak up the Word - it need not be "revelation!" for your spirit to receive it.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Tierra Nueva Christmas
Our bi-lingual service has become tri-lingual - English, Spanish, Mixteco - its beautiful! As I read the story of the birth of Jesus in a manger among the poor and the outcast, it comes in sharp relief as I sit there among the poor and marginalized and I see that the gospel is truly good news for the poor; that Jesus would come and be one with them, one of them - not born in Jerusalem in a royal family among people of power, lofty and unapproachable. Jesus is the one who comes to the Mixteco families living in Mt. Vernon in an apartment without heat and a few blankets and little food.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Answering Prayer
Sunday evening was the bi-lingual worship service. We spend an extended time in praise and then in prayer with teams moving around the room praying for people. We heard the testimony of Florentino who lost his job because of a work-related back injury. Last week he came to the Spanish language service and Jesus healed his back. Now we are praying for a new job!
This week I was teamed with Gracie Ekblad. The first person we prayed for was Lolitto, a friend from Honduras who lives in the building. He had a lot of pain from a knot in his neck that spread down his arms and across his ribs. As Gracie prayed in Spanish, I prayed in tongues, asking Jesus to lift off the things that were burdening him. Lolitto said he was depressed, so I prayed for the Holy Spirit to come as Comforter, and he began to feel heat. We continued and in a few minutes the pain was all gone and he was feeling fire down his arms and hands. He has no pain today - thank You, Jesus!
We prayed for a single mom, who had come in after hearing that we communicate with spirits. Gracie was very clear that we communicate only with the Holy Spirit, so we began to pray for the Spirit to lift various things off her. She said she felt something pulled out of her and felt much better afterward. We strongly encouraged her to turn to Jesus and ask Him to inhabit all the rooms in her and for her to turn away from anything but Jesus so He could close all the doors that let those other things in, but she wasn't willing to do that. Jesus, continue to call her to Yourself.
This week I was teamed with Gracie Ekblad. The first person we prayed for was Lolitto, a friend from Honduras who lives in the building. He had a lot of pain from a knot in his neck that spread down his arms and across his ribs. As Gracie prayed in Spanish, I prayed in tongues, asking Jesus to lift off the things that were burdening him. Lolitto said he was depressed, so I prayed for the Holy Spirit to come as Comforter, and he began to feel heat. We continued and in a few minutes the pain was all gone and he was feeling fire down his arms and hands. He has no pain today - thank You, Jesus!
We prayed for a single mom, who had come in after hearing that we communicate with spirits. Gracie was very clear that we communicate only with the Holy Spirit, so we began to pray for the Spirit to lift various things off her. She said she felt something pulled out of her and felt much better afterward. We strongly encouraged her to turn to Jesus and ask Him to inhabit all the rooms in her and for her to turn away from anything but Jesus so He could close all the doors that let those other things in, but she wasn't willing to do that. Jesus, continue to call her to Yourself.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Keepin it real, prayer
Talking with Ramone a few weeks ago about a big problem he was headed into, we turned to prayer. As we began, Ramone prayed, "Jesus, I know You heard everything I said; so don't act like You didn't..."
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Parable of the Good Norteno
What Must Juanito Do To Live? A true story from my co-laborer, Chris Hoke, in the fields of the Lord.
I met my friend Juanito in the county jail. Short, fiesty, tattoes all over. His head, too. Big lips, even some freckles. Kicked out of his house by age 9. His street name is "Travieso," or Naughty, Mischevous.
I've grown to love this guy. More than most. I feel God put an irrational, compulsive love in my chest for him two years ago, compelling me to chase after him, find him, call him, love him, prophecy over him long before he was able to receive it. He's receiving now. The love's mutual now.
At age 21, he's a leader of the gang I work with: Florencia chapter of the Sureños (South Siders). He's facing 219 years. That's not a typo. He's accused of a drive-by shooting. That's 60 years for each of three bullets that landed on a human limb. Plus a drive by charge and unlawful possession of a firearm. He's told me if he goes to prison, there's no point living, and he would probably run until a rifle put him down.
Thing is, as much as this guy's done, he didn't commit this crime. On top of that, the gospel has so hunted him down and penetrated his frightened heart that he's considering breaking with the gang and trying to be part of our coffee project to start a new life with his family. That is, IF he gets out of this. So he's faced with THE question--the one that often gets tossed at Jesus: "What must I do to live?" What do you do?
I think people forget that this is the question that launches the "Good Samaritan" parable. The man questioning Jesus seems to be asking for the secret to spiritual success, "eternal life." But when he offers 'love God and love your neighbor' as a test reply, Jesus affirms by saying, "Do this and you will live" (Luke 10:28). When the man presses for clarification on who "the Other" might be whom he must love, Jesus spins the story around on the poor guy, and us as well. We are not the ones walking down the road, wondering if we should pick up the beat-up body (as is often the way its taught) as "Good Samarita" do-gooders. Our situation when we ask what we must do to live is more desperate than we thought, Jesus implies with his story: we're dead on the road, completely screwed, helpless and terrified. What do we do?
"Damn," Juanito said into the telephone, staring straight into my eyes through the visitors' glass (I no longer have a contact room for visits). He was tracking with the story, as he's seen his share of guys "with their domes cracked open" from being beat up and robbed in the street. I modified the story to a more relevant context for him, since he didn't have a Bible with him. "That's kinda like you right now, huh?" I ask. His eyes raise. He rubs his face and nods.
There's another twist to Juanito's story. He has no evidence in his support except for one witness that could turn the entire case in his favor: a Norteño, an enemy, who was shot in the leg during the drive-by. If he came forward and said, "I know who shot me, and it wasn't Juanito," Juanito would be free and would live. But there's a small chance an enemy would come forward and pick up a Sureño. About as likely as a hated, enemy-race Samaritan would pick up an Israelite dying in the street, I thought. Might as well tell the story to Juan.
"So Jesus breaks it down for this guy by telling this little story. The man's bleeding in the street, dead if no one comes to pick him up soon. He'd totally dependent on someone else to help him. Who do you think he's used to being helped by? Or who do you think he is hoping shows up?"
"I dunno, his homies?"
"Yeah, sure. People from his part of town, his gang. So sure enough, he bends his bloody head back and sees a guy coming down the sidewalk from his barrio." That is, a priest, a Jew. His own blood and religion. "But he crosses to the other side, like he doesn't even know him, and keeps walking."
"That's f---in' cold...!" he states with eyebrows raised, visibly affected.
He's never heard these stories in Sunday school, like most inmates I read with, so there's a level of suspense in their retelling that invigorates me, as well, with how relevant Jesus' teaching is on the streets. I go on to retell how this happens a second time with another leader from his own clique (a Levite, insider to Jesus' listener's social grouping).
"But then a Norteno comes down the street..."
"Ahhh, shit, Chris, why does it gotta be a buster [derogatory term for their Norteno enemies]? Well, so what happens? He gets his head kicked in worse? I thought you'd have a good story for me, homes."
He's surprised when he hears that the enemy Samaritan (as I explained it wasn't exactly a Norteno) walking down the street, who Jews couldn't have anything to do with, is the one who picks him up, puts him in his car, takes him to the hospital and offers to pay the bill, not using the bleeding man's insurance (if he had any).
"So that's kinda like your situation now, Juan," I look at him. "You're dead. There's nothing you can do. Someone needs to save your butt." He hangs his head then looks back up at me. "But it's God's style to save us with the very person or people we have the most judgments against. So what did the guy in the road need to do to be saved?"
"Nothing," he thinks. I smile, wondering if there is something. "Well...he let his enemy pick him up. He didn't cuss him out or say he'd rather die or anything."
I asked him if he were desperate enough to LET his enemy--who God's chosen--get close to him. There's a world of spiritual hatred, enmity, division between you and him, I said. "I don't doubt that's what's keeping this guy from coming forward and getting in contact with your attorney. Are you willing enough to renounce your judgments against all Nortenos, renounce your hatred, and bless this enemy, pray for him?" I pressed.
He shook his head and said, "Damn," and more quietly into the phone, said not yet. Asked that I pray that, for now. He'd think about it.
A week later I met with another ganster inmate, Richard, who asked me right off the bat: "You seen Juanito yet? Man, he's hella happy, Chris!" Why? "His court's suddenly looking real good. Said some guy is talking to his attorney who could save his life." I laughed, and told this whole story to Richard, thrilled about what this meant. God is saving, scooping up his children through their enemies, inviting a wave of forgiveness that's freeing many like Juan from spiritual chains of unforgiveness and hard walls of social division.
Two weeks went by. And this last week Juanito showed up in our jail Bible study, out of solitary confinement. He almost pounced on me with a hug, hammering my back in overzealous show of dude affection. In the circle he asked me to play a song, "that's about forgiving your enemies and shit. You know, Chris...?" He was letting me know the step he'd taken without others getting wind of his betrayal of gang allegiance and law.
I'm asking that you pray for Juanito. That you bless the Nortenos, the prosecutors, the judge. So that Juan may live, be free, to praise God in the streets and let his testimony be a light to even more shocked gangsters that there is freedom for the captives.
I've told this story in a church recently, and found myself inviting them to consider ways their career, their church, their denomination, or their family may be dead in the gutter no matter how they try--and to consider that God may be wanting to save them through the person, people, denomination, race or kind of criminal they've judged all their lives. I asked them how desperate they were to see new life--to LIVE--and if it was enough to start renouncing their seemingly-justified judgments, praying for and blessing the rapists, Penetcostals, Republicans, Democrats, tattoed gangsters (as the church members named vulnerably) that God may be wanting to use to save them.
--And I invite you to ask God to show you who He wants you to drop judgments against, and risk blessing them--in solidarity with Juanito, together being saved, healed and freed.
Love,
chris.
I met my friend Juanito in the county jail. Short, fiesty, tattoes all over. His head, too. Big lips, even some freckles. Kicked out of his house by age 9. His street name is "Travieso," or Naughty, Mischevous.
I've grown to love this guy. More than most. I feel God put an irrational, compulsive love in my chest for him two years ago, compelling me to chase after him, find him, call him, love him, prophecy over him long before he was able to receive it. He's receiving now. The love's mutual now.
At age 21, he's a leader of the gang I work with: Florencia chapter of the Sureños (South Siders). He's facing 219 years. That's not a typo. He's accused of a drive-by shooting. That's 60 years for each of three bullets that landed on a human limb. Plus a drive by charge and unlawful possession of a firearm. He's told me if he goes to prison, there's no point living, and he would probably run until a rifle put him down.
Thing is, as much as this guy's done, he didn't commit this crime. On top of that, the gospel has so hunted him down and penetrated his frightened heart that he's considering breaking with the gang and trying to be part of our coffee project to start a new life with his family. That is, IF he gets out of this. So he's faced with THE question--the one that often gets tossed at Jesus: "What must I do to live?" What do you do?
I think people forget that this is the question that launches the "Good Samaritan" parable. The man questioning Jesus seems to be asking for the secret to spiritual success, "eternal life." But when he offers 'love God and love your neighbor' as a test reply, Jesus affirms by saying, "Do this and you will live" (Luke 10:28). When the man presses for clarification on who "the Other" might be whom he must love, Jesus spins the story around on the poor guy, and us as well. We are not the ones walking down the road, wondering if we should pick up the beat-up body (as is often the way its taught) as "Good Samarita" do-gooders. Our situation when we ask what we must do to live is more desperate than we thought, Jesus implies with his story: we're dead on the road, completely screwed, helpless and terrified. What do we do?
"Damn," Juanito said into the telephone, staring straight into my eyes through the visitors' glass (I no longer have a contact room for visits). He was tracking with the story, as he's seen his share of guys "with their domes cracked open" from being beat up and robbed in the street. I modified the story to a more relevant context for him, since he didn't have a Bible with him. "That's kinda like you right now, huh?" I ask. His eyes raise. He rubs his face and nods.
There's another twist to Juanito's story. He has no evidence in his support except for one witness that could turn the entire case in his favor: a Norteño, an enemy, who was shot in the leg during the drive-by. If he came forward and said, "I know who shot me, and it wasn't Juanito," Juanito would be free and would live. But there's a small chance an enemy would come forward and pick up a Sureño. About as likely as a hated, enemy-race Samaritan would pick up an Israelite dying in the street, I thought. Might as well tell the story to Juan.
"So Jesus breaks it down for this guy by telling this little story. The man's bleeding in the street, dead if no one comes to pick him up soon. He'd totally dependent on someone else to help him. Who do you think he's used to being helped by? Or who do you think he is hoping shows up?"
"I dunno, his homies?"
"Yeah, sure. People from his part of town, his gang. So sure enough, he bends his bloody head back and sees a guy coming down the sidewalk from his barrio." That is, a priest, a Jew. His own blood and religion. "But he crosses to the other side, like he doesn't even know him, and keeps walking."
"That's f---in' cold...!" he states with eyebrows raised, visibly affected.
He's never heard these stories in Sunday school, like most inmates I read with, so there's a level of suspense in their retelling that invigorates me, as well, with how relevant Jesus' teaching is on the streets. I go on to retell how this happens a second time with another leader from his own clique (a Levite, insider to Jesus' listener's social grouping).
"But then a Norteno comes down the street..."
"Ahhh, shit, Chris, why does it gotta be a buster [derogatory term for their Norteno enemies]? Well, so what happens? He gets his head kicked in worse? I thought you'd have a good story for me, homes."
He's surprised when he hears that the enemy Samaritan (as I explained it wasn't exactly a Norteno) walking down the street, who Jews couldn't have anything to do with, is the one who picks him up, puts him in his car, takes him to the hospital and offers to pay the bill, not using the bleeding man's insurance (if he had any).
"So that's kinda like your situation now, Juan," I look at him. "You're dead. There's nothing you can do. Someone needs to save your butt." He hangs his head then looks back up at me. "But it's God's style to save us with the very person or people we have the most judgments against. So what did the guy in the road need to do to be saved?"
"Nothing," he thinks. I smile, wondering if there is something. "Well...he let his enemy pick him up. He didn't cuss him out or say he'd rather die or anything."
I asked him if he were desperate enough to LET his enemy--who God's chosen--get close to him. There's a world of spiritual hatred, enmity, division between you and him, I said. "I don't doubt that's what's keeping this guy from coming forward and getting in contact with your attorney. Are you willing enough to renounce your judgments against all Nortenos, renounce your hatred, and bless this enemy, pray for him?" I pressed.
He shook his head and said, "Damn," and more quietly into the phone, said not yet. Asked that I pray that, for now. He'd think about it.
A week later I met with another ganster inmate, Richard, who asked me right off the bat: "You seen Juanito yet? Man, he's hella happy, Chris!" Why? "His court's suddenly looking real good. Said some guy is talking to his attorney who could save his life." I laughed, and told this whole story to Richard, thrilled about what this meant. God is saving, scooping up his children through their enemies, inviting a wave of forgiveness that's freeing many like Juan from spiritual chains of unforgiveness and hard walls of social division.
Two weeks went by. And this last week Juanito showed up in our jail Bible study, out of solitary confinement. He almost pounced on me with a hug, hammering my back in overzealous show of dude affection. In the circle he asked me to play a song, "that's about forgiving your enemies and shit. You know, Chris...?" He was letting me know the step he'd taken without others getting wind of his betrayal of gang allegiance and law.
I'm asking that you pray for Juanito. That you bless the Nortenos, the prosecutors, the judge. So that Juan may live, be free, to praise God in the streets and let his testimony be a light to even more shocked gangsters that there is freedom for the captives.
I've told this story in a church recently, and found myself inviting them to consider ways their career, their church, their denomination, or their family may be dead in the gutter no matter how they try--and to consider that God may be wanting to save them through the person, people, denomination, race or kind of criminal they've judged all their lives. I asked them how desperate they were to see new life--to LIVE--and if it was enough to start renouncing their seemingly-justified judgments, praying for and blessing the rapists, Penetcostals, Republicans, Democrats, tattoed gangsters (as the church members named vulnerably) that God may be wanting to use to save them.
--And I invite you to ask God to show you who He wants you to drop judgments against, and risk blessing them--in solidarity with Juanito, together being saved, healed and freed.
Love,
chris.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
The Presence of God in the Skagit County Jail
I wish you could have been there. During the two hours on Thursday night, we (Bob, Chris and I) sat, studied and prayed with four different groups from different pods. Chris would start by playing guitar and Bob and I would go around and pray quietly for each man, asking Jesus to touch them.
In the two larger groups, I felt a powerful outpouring of the love of God for these men, these outcasts - even feeling like Jesus was there wearing red jail clothing, loving these sinners. Romans 5 says, And hope does not disappoint us for God has poured His love into our hearts by His Holy Spirit. It felt like I was a conduit for this love by the Holy Spirit as God poured His love into their hearts. I know this is generally true but I usually receive it by faith. This time I felt it strongly - the Father's deep, unconditional love really comes home in a place like this.
As I prayed for one young man, I immediately had an image of an older blond woman who was very sad and the strong sense that this was his mother. Being my first time in the jail, I didn't say anything but quietly prayed comfort for his mom. After we sat down I turned to him and asked, "Is your mother okay?" He said, "No, she is really distressed that I am in here," and went on to share some of the details of his charges. So I prayed more for him and his mother.
It is also amazing to see what a culture of openness to the work of the Spirit that Bob and Chris have helped to cultivate. Many are so ready to do the radical work of forgiving their enemies; something I don't see much in many churches. Perhaps the hardest thing for these men is for them to forgive themselves. Not only are there the things that have led to their being in the jail, there is much going on outside that has contributed to their brokenness.
As we prayed with one young Latino man, Chris asked him about his relationship with his father. Both Chris and Bob had an image of a hand with a stick in it - and led this man to forgive his father for physical violence against him. A young Russian who has been running, (Bob got the word, Jonah), from the call of God on his life since he was 16, found himself encouraged to turn and embrace the good news of a Jesus who would seek him out in the jail.
In the two larger groups, I felt a powerful outpouring of the love of God for these men, these outcasts - even feeling like Jesus was there wearing red jail clothing, loving these sinners. Romans 5 says, And hope does not disappoint us for God has poured His love into our hearts by His Holy Spirit. It felt like I was a conduit for this love by the Holy Spirit as God poured His love into their hearts. I know this is generally true but I usually receive it by faith. This time I felt it strongly - the Father's deep, unconditional love really comes home in a place like this.
As I prayed for one young man, I immediately had an image of an older blond woman who was very sad and the strong sense that this was his mother. Being my first time in the jail, I didn't say anything but quietly prayed comfort for his mom. After we sat down I turned to him and asked, "Is your mother okay?" He said, "No, she is really distressed that I am in here," and went on to share some of the details of his charges. So I prayed more for him and his mother.
It is also amazing to see what a culture of openness to the work of the Spirit that Bob and Chris have helped to cultivate. Many are so ready to do the radical work of forgiving their enemies; something I don't see much in many churches. Perhaps the hardest thing for these men is for them to forgive themselves. Not only are there the things that have led to their being in the jail, there is much going on outside that has contributed to their brokenness.
As we prayed with one young Latino man, Chris asked him about his relationship with his father. Both Chris and Bob had an image of a hand with a stick in it - and led this man to forgive his father for physical violence against him. A young Russian who has been running, (Bob got the word, Jonah), from the call of God on his life since he was 16, found himself encouraged to turn and embrace the good news of a Jesus who would seek him out in the jail.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Weekend at the Firs
It was a powerful and beautiful weekend at the Firs Chalet near the Mt. Baker ski area. I was invited to speak to a group of 20-30s from my old church, University Presbyterian (Seattle). And I got to share the things I am most excited about in my relationship with God in the past eight years - receiving our identity as beloved daughters and sons of our Father (apart from any performance on our part); receiving empowerment from the Holy Spirit to move in supernatural ministry; and learning to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. It was a stretch for a large number - actually the most difficult thing is to receive our identity from the Father. The most exciting thing for me was that it wasn't simply about trying to receive/believe a teaching - we had opportunities after each teaching to invite God - Father, Spirit, Son - to come minister to people. While the teaching created a context of understanding, it is the Presence of God that brings life, and it is beautiful to watch it happen.
It was also a tremendous gift for Susan and me to be received as co-ministers and to have such rich opportunities to minister to people together and one-on-one.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Beautiful Spirit of Adoption
One of the things I hear a lot around here is that we are sons and daughters of the King. Paul tells us in Romans 8:15-16 - The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again, rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirits that we are children of God.
Our head coffee roaster is a former heroin addict, meth cook, dealer and white supremacist. One of the young guys he works in our coffee project with is a hispanic gang leader. It is a work of supernatural grace to see the two of them together as the formerly hate-filled roaster is now filled with the love of the Father and speaks sonship into the gangster. This young Latino has heard his whole life that he is a piece of crap and he has believed it. There have been months and years of speaking and showing the scandalous love of the Father in Jesus into his life. He would say all sorts of negative things about his situation and prospects, and our roaster would say, "You need to stop that stuff from coming out of your mouth. You are the son of the King." Slowly, he is believing it and it is transforming his life.
Later in Romans 12, Paul will say that we are to no longer be conformed to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Changing the way we think and bringing our internal dialogue into agreement with what the Father says about us is what transforms us and always precedes true transformation of "behavior."
It is amazing to sit with them in my office and pray together as we bring our needs to our Father who protects and provides for His kids. If you saw them together you might not think anything about it, but knowing where they have come from, our little gathering is nothing short of miraculous.
Our head coffee roaster is a former heroin addict, meth cook, dealer and white supremacist. One of the young guys he works in our coffee project with is a hispanic gang leader. It is a work of supernatural grace to see the two of them together as the formerly hate-filled roaster is now filled with the love of the Father and speaks sonship into the gangster. This young Latino has heard his whole life that he is a piece of crap and he has believed it. There have been months and years of speaking and showing the scandalous love of the Father in Jesus into his life. He would say all sorts of negative things about his situation and prospects, and our roaster would say, "You need to stop that stuff from coming out of your mouth. You are the son of the King." Slowly, he is believing it and it is transforming his life.
Later in Romans 12, Paul will say that we are to no longer be conformed to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Changing the way we think and bringing our internal dialogue into agreement with what the Father says about us is what transforms us and always precedes true transformation of "behavior."
It is amazing to sit with them in my office and pray together as we bring our needs to our Father who protects and provides for His kids. If you saw them together you might not think anything about it, but knowing where they have come from, our little gathering is nothing short of miraculous.
Friday, September 26, 2008
My dad died six weeks ago. I wasn't there when he died and didn't see him before the end. Part of me didn't believe he was dead because there was no visual sign for closure. I even had a dream last week where my dad looked healthy and younger and I told him, "I knew you weren't dead!"
Last weekend, my three sisters and I converged on Sunriver, OR - my dad and stepmom's summer home. As we got closer to our destination, I felt heavier and heavier. It was my doom approaching. I knew that once we arrived at the house and he wasn't there, that his death was real. I was almost suffocating with it by the time we arrived. Friday night was tough.
Last weekend, my three sisters and I converged on Sunriver, OR - my dad and stepmom's summer home. As we got closer to our destination, I felt heavier and heavier. It was my doom approaching. I knew that once we arrived at the house and he wasn't there, that his death was real. I was almost suffocating with it by the time we arrived. Friday night was tough.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Prayer is where the action is!
I keep having these opportunities to pray with people in amazing ways.
We just had a group of pastors from around the world who work with the least, the less and the lost, come visit and we got to pray for them. One pastor, who works in Camden, NJ asked for prayer for his foot which was afflicted with gout. We prayed and he could move his toe without pain. Yes, Jesus!
Last week I listened to a man from Tijuana who had come up here to get away from his family who had deeply wronged him, and a pastor who had betrayed him. We have been talking about how the hardest thing Jesus calls us to do is to forgive those who have wronged us, and to bless our enemies, but that this is the way of Jesus. I asked his forgiveness on behalf of the pastor who had wronged him and he was deeply moved. He is not ready to forgive, but he knows that he is in his own prison until he does. Pray for him to have the grace he needs to forgive.
We just had a group of pastors from around the world who work with the least, the less and the lost, come visit and we got to pray for them. One pastor, who works in Camden, NJ asked for prayer for his foot which was afflicted with gout. We prayed and he could move his toe without pain. Yes, Jesus!
Last week I listened to a man from Tijuana who had come up here to get away from his family who had deeply wronged him, and a pastor who had betrayed him. We have been talking about how the hardest thing Jesus calls us to do is to forgive those who have wronged us, and to bless our enemies, but that this is the way of Jesus. I asked his forgiveness on behalf of the pastor who had wronged him and he was deeply moved. He is not ready to forgive, but he knows that he is in his own prison until he does. Pray for him to have the grace he needs to forgive.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Today we are feeling the rest that comes after a long awaited conversation has happened and gone well.
Tierra Nueva is in the midst of a paradigm shift - moving from being solely a mission outreach to including a growing faith community, a more intentional community living in the building, and a training center. All this has happened without planning but has grown to a level where it requires new organizational structures to help facilitate and cultivate it.
We have been blessed by the presence of Dr. Bruce Murphy (former pastor of Bethany Presbyterian in Seattle, former Provost for SPU, and former President of a Christian Liberal Arts University in Iowa - the name escapes me at the moment). He has sweet skills (bow hunting, etc...) Between Bruce listening and processing so succinctly what he heard and working through it with Nick Bryant, Tierra Nueva's resident community herald - what came was a gracious and hopeful forum giving some shape to TN going forward. And with that promise of shape comes a sense of rest.
Tierra Nueva is in the midst of a paradigm shift - moving from being solely a mission outreach to including a growing faith community, a more intentional community living in the building, and a training center. All this has happened without planning but has grown to a level where it requires new organizational structures to help facilitate and cultivate it.
We have been blessed by the presence of Dr. Bruce Murphy (former pastor of Bethany Presbyterian in Seattle, former Provost for SPU, and former President of a Christian Liberal Arts University in Iowa - the name escapes me at the moment). He has sweet skills (bow hunting, etc...) Between Bruce listening and processing so succinctly what he heard and working through it with Nick Bryant, Tierra Nueva's resident community herald - what came was a gracious and hopeful forum giving some shape to TN going forward. And with that promise of shape comes a sense of rest.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Turn arounds
Its hard to say the how, the when or the why it happens. We've been feeling stuck lately, sorting out schedules, needing to make some significant changes and feeling lost in that, and dealing with the death of my dad two weeks ago. It has been heavy and depressing, even as we pressed in in prayer for so many people who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses - Ben Towne, Marina Mitskevich, Tina Thomas, Jason Mattax, and Pete Sheldrup.
Pastor Bill Johnson noted on Jesus' parables about prayer:
Pastor Bill Johnson noted on Jesus' parables about prayer:
- the friend who comes to his neighbor at midnight asking for a loaf of bread for his guest; the neighbor won't give it because he is a friend, but because the neighbor is going to wake the children if he continues
- the widow who comes to the unjust judge for justice; he won't give it except that she keeps coming and bothering him, so he gives her what she asks for
Johnson says that there are prayers that God answers because we are His friends, and prayers He answers because He is the just judge, but there are prayers that are only answered because we persevere and press in for the answer.
While we haven't seen the level of healing that we are pressing in for, as I pressed in to Jesus this morning, I felt a cloud lift and a lightness of heart that I haven't felt for a while. I saw Jesus standing there, glorious, full of the fire of love and holiness, and had to look away as the cloud dispersed. His presence moved my eyes away from focusing on all that is before me as though it were telling me the truth of things. His invitation is to keep seeking Him, to keep pressing in, to keep asking, seeking and knocking; but to look to Him and keep looking - the Author and Perfecter of our Faith.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Wet Saturdays in August
Things are moving forward at Tierra Nueva. What that means is that we know things need to change and are having conversations about it, but not clarity as to what the change is to look like. There have been plenty of prophetic words about thinking "outside the box" and "beyond what we can imagine" so how do you get your thoughts around that?!
One thing that is clear that seems to be preparatory for this change concerns the tension between "entering the Kingdom as a little child" and growing up in Jesus. The Spirit is moving people away from a reactionary stance on all things that smack of the Law, for "those who are led by the Spirit are no longer under the law." But this still means submitting, obeying and following the Spirit.
There is also a realization that Tierra Nueva isn't what it used to be, which was solely a mission outreach. It is becoming a church. The image we discussed was the strawberry plant - each plant sends out runners so that a strawberry patch is a vast colony of one plant. In Latin, the runner is called an apostolos. Go figure. For years, TN has functioned as a para-church, but what we are discovering is that in the going, something has taken root and a mission community is growing that has all the parts of the plants, all necessary and equally valued. This is a big shift.
One thing that is clear that seems to be preparatory for this change concerns the tension between "entering the Kingdom as a little child" and growing up in Jesus. The Spirit is moving people away from a reactionary stance on all things that smack of the Law, for "those who are led by the Spirit are no longer under the law." But this still means submitting, obeying and following the Spirit.
There is also a realization that Tierra Nueva isn't what it used to be, which was solely a mission outreach. It is becoming a church. The image we discussed was the strawberry plant - each plant sends out runners so that a strawberry patch is a vast colony of one plant. In Latin, the runner is called an apostolos. Go figure. For years, TN has functioned as a para-church, but what we are discovering is that in the going, something has taken root and a mission community is growing that has all the parts of the plants, all necessary and equally valued. This is a big shift.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Blasphemy!
There have been days when I find myself the older brother in Jesus' parable of the prodigal son - actually that is most days... grace is hard for me. I try so hard to be right. And it seems as though one of the reasons we are at Tierra Nueva is to begin to dismantle that as I am regularly confronted by a love and acceptance of others, and an accompanying theology (as it were) that scandalizes me. My friend and co-worker, Chris, is a wondeful vehicle of this for me. I find that one of my regular responses to some things he says is, "I'm really not comfortable with that idea." He smiles and says, "Let's dance!"
Last week I was reading in Mark 2, where the four friends bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus and tear the roof off the house so they can get him close to Jesus. This is one of my favorite encounters in the gospels. As I was reading, I was thinking my thoughts about it, thoughts I have had in the past, good thoughts, insightful thoughts, but my thoughts. I stopped and asked Jesus - "Jesus, I know what I think about this passage. What do You want to show me here?" And very quickly I heard Him say, "I want you to see that they called Me a blasphemer."
I realized that I have not been scandalized by Jesus - and that is a scandal itself. Other than His claim to being the Way, the Truth and the Life (an exclusive claim), my thinking about Jesus has often glossed over the things I don't understand or am not comfortable with. I have stuck with the things with which I am comfortable or feel I can explain. In other words, I have a Jesus that is made in my image. Jesus was considered a glutton and a sinner by the religious leadership. And I am part of today's religious leadership. Thomas Jefferson made his own version of the bible where he removed everything supernatural or miraculous, probably because that scandalized his intellect. But I think we have all edited the gospels and the person of Jesus to fit (or even justify) our religious and cultural worldview. We need to let Jesus expose those cultural justifications and versions of Himself in our thinking. And that is really hard while we are still immersed in that culture. It is so ingrained in our thinking and living that it is like asking a fish to describe water. I can talk about it as an idea but living it feels like it takes more and much will resist it. I feel the resistance in me even here. I am just like the disciples who don't get it, not just about Jesus as the Son of God, but about the scandalous love of God the Father that sent His Son into the world. Jesus, friend of sinners.
I think we need to leave. We have been given the gift of leaving and having our cultural and religious assumptions regularly exposed. It would be more difficult if Tierra Nueva had come to our Seattle church and done a conference and then left. It feels like Peter and James and John leaving their family businesses, and Matthew leaving his tax booth. Is Jesus calling you to leave in order to follow Him?
Last week I was reading in Mark 2, where the four friends bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus and tear the roof off the house so they can get him close to Jesus. This is one of my favorite encounters in the gospels. As I was reading, I was thinking my thoughts about it, thoughts I have had in the past, good thoughts, insightful thoughts, but my thoughts. I stopped and asked Jesus - "Jesus, I know what I think about this passage. What do You want to show me here?" And very quickly I heard Him say, "I want you to see that they called Me a blasphemer."
I realized that I have not been scandalized by Jesus - and that is a scandal itself. Other than His claim to being the Way, the Truth and the Life (an exclusive claim), my thinking about Jesus has often glossed over the things I don't understand or am not comfortable with. I have stuck with the things with which I am comfortable or feel I can explain. In other words, I have a Jesus that is made in my image. Jesus was considered a glutton and a sinner by the religious leadership. And I am part of today's religious leadership. Thomas Jefferson made his own version of the bible where he removed everything supernatural or miraculous, probably because that scandalized his intellect. But I think we have all edited the gospels and the person of Jesus to fit (or even justify) our religious and cultural worldview. We need to let Jesus expose those cultural justifications and versions of Himself in our thinking. And that is really hard while we are still immersed in that culture. It is so ingrained in our thinking and living that it is like asking a fish to describe water. I can talk about it as an idea but living it feels like it takes more and much will resist it. I feel the resistance in me even here. I am just like the disciples who don't get it, not just about Jesus as the Son of God, but about the scandalous love of God the Father that sent His Son into the world. Jesus, friend of sinners.
I think we need to leave. We have been given the gift of leaving and having our cultural and religious assumptions regularly exposed. It would be more difficult if Tierra Nueva had come to our Seattle church and done a conference and then left. It feels like Peter and James and John leaving their family businesses, and Matthew leaving his tax booth. Is Jesus calling you to leave in order to follow Him?
Friday, July 11, 2008
Troy's Art Show
It was really amazing how the crew at Tierra Nueva transformed our space into an art studio! This was the unveiling of the mural he has been working on for two years in its various manifestations - and it was truly astounding to hear him talk about all the things that had been part of his journey in living and working with people from the margins that make up the mural. It was the gospel message - we should have had an altar call instead of an auction! But the auction and sales of other of Troy's work will give him plenty of money for his trip. He leaves for France on Sunday for a year. I didn't really appreciate what a treasure he is. I will miss him.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Intercession
Twice now I have been on my way out the door on a Monday evening when our co-worker, Chris, stops me and asks me if I have time to pray for some of the guys he works with. Intercession is new for him. He says that most of his life he believed "praying for" people--from a distance--was kinda useless. "I'll keep so and so in my prayers," he'd always hear. Yeah, right. "Will you keep me in your prayers?" Um, probably not. What does that even mean or look like?
Chris heard from his friend's girlfriend that after finishing his first year at college (which is a miracle in itself, having gone through gang drive bys, hospitals, jail, deportation prison with me, and having lost all his scholarships all within six months before enrollment) he was back in his dad's trailer, drinking, drunk, being visited by the old gang members, and threatening to give up on everything before his immigration trial that is fast approaching. Chris freaked out.
Normally, he'd feel guilty, like he hadn't done enough, and jump in the car to go find him, scoop him onto his shoulders like a lost sheep, and bring him to some place of safety where he could try to fix all his problems in the name of Jesus. But something in him for weeks has been telling him he needed to learn how to intercede for guys, that the battle is a spiritual one devouring them, preying on them, and his footwork is pathetic against the principalities.
Now, I've been praying more in the past years but I quickly realized that I haven't been so closely attached to the "results" or fruit of my praying. But as Chris and I went to pray in the sanctuary I found myself with an ache in me for Jesus to really show up for this guy right then and save him from all that was coming against him. I felt powerless and overwhelmed. I knew my quiet praying was too small, so I crossed over and began shouting in tongues. I didn't know what else to do.
Then I heard Chris pray; Chris who doesn't feel like he knows how to pray. Chris prays scandalous prayers (he's a scandalous guy and works with scandalous guys). Chris prays, "Jesus, I tell these guys about You all the time; that You love them, that You show up to save, and if You don't do this I'm not sure I want to follow You." (!) My eyes sprang open! Dang, I'm not very comfortable with that, but it reminded me of one of David's psalms. My version is more like "come on God!" And I know how much Jesus loves Chris and Chris' guys.
Chris heard from his friend's girlfriend that after finishing his first year at college (which is a miracle in itself, having gone through gang drive bys, hospitals, jail, deportation prison with me, and having lost all his scholarships all within six months before enrollment) he was back in his dad's trailer, drinking, drunk, being visited by the old gang members, and threatening to give up on everything before his immigration trial that is fast approaching. Chris freaked out.
Normally, he'd feel guilty, like he hadn't done enough, and jump in the car to go find him, scoop him onto his shoulders like a lost sheep, and bring him to some place of safety where he could try to fix all his problems in the name of Jesus. But something in him for weeks has been telling him he needed to learn how to intercede for guys, that the battle is a spiritual one devouring them, preying on them, and his footwork is pathetic against the principalities.
Now, I've been praying more in the past years but I quickly realized that I haven't been so closely attached to the "results" or fruit of my praying. But as Chris and I went to pray in the sanctuary I found myself with an ache in me for Jesus to really show up for this guy right then and save him from all that was coming against him. I felt powerless and overwhelmed. I knew my quiet praying was too small, so I crossed over and began shouting in tongues. I didn't know what else to do.
Then I heard Chris pray; Chris who doesn't feel like he knows how to pray. Chris prays scandalous prayers (he's a scandalous guy and works with scandalous guys). Chris prays, "Jesus, I tell these guys about You all the time; that You love them, that You show up to save, and if You don't do this I'm not sure I want to follow You." (!) My eyes sprang open! Dang, I'm not very comfortable with that, but it reminded me of one of David's psalms. My version is more like "come on God!" And I know how much Jesus loves Chris and Chris' guys.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Visitors
It's been a time of reconnecting.
Susan dove headfirst into Facebook and found connections with her old Camp Firwood - http://www.thefirs.org/index.php?page=camp_firwood - so we went down for late night on the Fourth of July, got to hear 4th graders talk about what they learned about God at camp that week and connected with old staff, some of whom are still there.
Kevin and Rachel Kreiss came up for the day on Saturday - our last opportunity to hang out as they prepare to go to Duke in North Carolina in August for Rachel to start nursing school and Kevin to discover the next thing God has in store for him and them.
Yesterday Jonathan, Tiffany and Madeleine Werner were our first visitors to not come to Bellingham, but who came to the English worship service at Tierra Nueva. It was great to show them around so they could see the place they were praying for.
Susan dove headfirst into Facebook and found connections with her old Camp Firwood - http://www.thefirs.org/index.php?page=camp_firwood - so we went down for late night on the Fourth of July, got to hear 4th graders talk about what they learned about God at camp that week and connected with old staff, some of whom are still there.
Kevin and Rachel Kreiss came up for the day on Saturday - our last opportunity to hang out as they prepare to go to Duke in North Carolina in August for Rachel to start nursing school and Kevin to discover the next thing God has in store for him and them.
Yesterday Jonathan, Tiffany and Madeleine Werner were our first visitors to not come to Bellingham, but who came to the English worship service at Tierra Nueva. It was great to show them around so they could see the place they were praying for.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Bondage Breaking
I've begun meeting with a couple of the young Hispanic men who are part of Tierra Nueva having come from the jail ministry, and started reading through Neil Anderson's The Bondage Breaker together. At the end of our first discussion and time of prayer, one man quoted, "there are many Christians like me out there leading lives of 'quiet desperation' due to the attack of demonic forces." He said, "that's me!" I told him that many people live in the quiet desperation because they don't believe in demons who come to steal, kill and destroy. He was amazed, "Don't they read the bible?" I said yes, but we have explained away demons with scientific and medical explanations. He said that we are supposed to believe the bible and then he laughed and said, "I think they have a demon." I agreed that it might be true. Then he said, "If I was a thief and was breaking into someone's house, I would wipe down my fingerprints and every trace that I was there."
Friday, June 27, 2008
Rosetta Stone
We are pretty excited that our edition of the Rosetta Stone language learning software arrived this week. Its as basic as it gets with vocabulary but uses no English, just pictures, reading, writing, pronunciation, etc. all coming from several angles and repeated plenty. We're looking forward to getting some of this under our belts. Salvio, one of the outreach workers who is originally from Mexico, encourages us as he works on his English: "Your pronunciation is very good," he says. We tell him "thank you for speaking so highly of the three words we have mastered!"
We've been talking about learning Spanish for years, with all the trips to Tijuana to build houses, but there is nothing like having it around you all the time to get you motivated!
Dios te bendiga!
We've been talking about learning Spanish for years, with all the trips to Tijuana to build houses, but there is nothing like having it around you all the time to get you motivated!
Dios te bendiga!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Dialogical
So, I had my first opportunity to "preach." I put it in those terms because the sermon here is what is called "dialogical" or it happens as a dialogue. This is a style of teaching that you will find in books such as Reading the Bible With the Damned and The Academy of the Poor. To put it plainly, it functions as a bible study dialogue instead of a sermon monologue. I can work with that - the thing most challenging to me is the role of the "leader" is to facilitate engagement with the passage, not primarily to introduce ideas. The importance of this approach is significant:
- I have tended to read the Bible with people like myself looking for the "right answer" or to lead people to the "right answer." This approach disempowers people who have not been trained by the academy or the church and creates a culture that seeks someone in power to mediate the text rather than allowing and trusting the Spirit of Jesus to teach us. So the dialogical approach helps to give voice to those who have had no voice.
- Also, in reading the Bible the way I have, I have not humbled myself or opened myself to what the Spirit may say to me through people who have a different context or experience than I do. So the dialogical approach also says that I have much to learn from the poor and people on the margins that the lens of my small experience and context will not have taught me.
Walking that out creates a tension for me as I discover the gospel that is good news to the poor and still feel that there is a need or space for a more classical teaching. Ithink it is important to understand our contexts and to know that we engage the Bible through those lenses, but also to recognize that our experiences and contexts don't necessarily yield truth. There is my tension!
Anyway, it was a good experience. I worked with Salvio to translate my questions for the Spanish service - now that was challenging!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
God's Provision
It is a risky thing, this getting out of the boat. We hear the invitation of Jesus; we are feeling gutsy, feeling the call, feeling faith and the possibility of the miraculous rising up in us even as Jesus is standing there. The first step seems like the riskiest one - I mean, its water after all. Maybe it is enthusiasm or even momentum that gets us going. Its not until we've taken a few steps and are committed - too far from the boat for it to be a fall back plan and not yet to Jesus - that we realize what a risk we have taken. We start to look at where we are and fear comes crashing in - we see the wind and the waves. What are we doing out here, we think, and we remember the security of the boat (though further from Jesus) - nice, solid wood planking beneath us. Something "real" to trust in. Yet, there is Jesus standing there like the water is as solid as the boat. Whether we walk or swim, we are out of the boat because we want to be closer to Jesus.
Our call to Tierra Nueva feels a lot like this in many ways but the most tenuous one is financially. It is strange even to say it right now because we will get paid this month thanks to the support of our many friends, and especially one time gifts. Bob and Gracie are two months behind in their salary. If I had my way, I would want all our support for the next year already lined up (and secured). Bob has been saying that God has been asking him, "Do you want a salary or do you want Me to provide for you?" The only way I learn that God provides is to follow Him into the wilderness where He must and then He does. It requires fixing your eyes on Jesus and getting out of the boat to discover that you can walk on water.
I prayed with a friend regarding my fear of economic insecurity. He said that decisions made out of this fear will not be Kingdom decisions. Everyone who steps out like this experiences this panic. Our fears are never as great as the outcome. Get closer to God, lean on Him, ask Him about the details. He said the Holy Spirit would give us a sign that He is providing. Within a week we received a significant check from a source we hadn't expected. God is good.
Thank you for adding your faith to ours as we get further from the boat and closer to Jesus.
Our call to Tierra Nueva feels a lot like this in many ways but the most tenuous one is financially. It is strange even to say it right now because we will get paid this month thanks to the support of our many friends, and especially one time gifts. Bob and Gracie are two months behind in their salary. If I had my way, I would want all our support for the next year already lined up (and secured). Bob has been saying that God has been asking him, "Do you want a salary or do you want Me to provide for you?" The only way I learn that God provides is to follow Him into the wilderness where He must and then He does. It requires fixing your eyes on Jesus and getting out of the boat to discover that you can walk on water.
I prayed with a friend regarding my fear of economic insecurity. He said that decisions made out of this fear will not be Kingdom decisions. Everyone who steps out like this experiences this panic. Our fears are never as great as the outcome. Get closer to God, lean on Him, ask Him about the details. He said the Holy Spirit would give us a sign that He is providing. Within a week we received a significant check from a source we hadn't expected. God is good.
Thank you for adding your faith to ours as we get further from the boat and closer to Jesus.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Spring Cleaning
A few weeks ago, after our friends from France left, we were talking about how to continue the work of deliverance and cleaning house, personally and as a ministry, that the Lord had initiated through them. So last week people fasted during the day and cleaned the physical space of Tierra Nueva's building and broke their fast in the evening together each day. On Friday we spent time worshipping and asking the Lord what sort of spiritual cleansing He'd like to lead us through in the building. It was a significant time of worship, prayer and repentance, forgiveness and blessing, even as we felt the resistance in the air around us. There is still more to be done, and we thank Jesus for His victory and leading.
This week one of the ways we are walking in the new order brought into the building, is to rearrange offices so that Susan and I have a space to work. I guess that means we've arrived when we have a desk - we just don't know which desk, yet.
If you are interested in praying for Tierra Nueva and its ministries, Bob Ekblad and his daughter (13) Anna, are flying to France this Friday for four days, then to South Africa for three days, then to Mozambique for two weeks to teach for Iris Ministries' pastors training school. Please pray for them and for us while they are gone.
This week one of the ways we are walking in the new order brought into the building, is to rearrange offices so that Susan and I have a space to work. I guess that means we've arrived when we have a desk - we just don't know which desk, yet.
If you are interested in praying for Tierra Nueva and its ministries, Bob Ekblad and his daughter (13) Anna, are flying to France this Friday for four days, then to South Africa for three days, then to Mozambique for two weeks to teach for Iris Ministries' pastors training school. Please pray for them and for us while they are gone.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Well, I'm in. After jumping through the hoops in the process with the North Puget Sound Presbytery:
- meeting with the committee on ministry to share with them what I am being called to do (COM oversees the relationships between pastors and churches,
- giving written responses to my ordination questions,
- applying for "validated ministry outside the jurisdiction of the church" which means that I am ministering but not in a Presbyterian church
- being interviewed by a sub-committee of COM about my written responses
meeting with individuals from COM
I went before the Presbytery this afternoon where they could ask me any question, and when no one said anything, Diane Kuntz who has a prayer ministry through North Creek Presbyterian Church, asked me to talk about my experience of prayer and the Holy Spirit - in a Presbyterian gathering! Awesome! They voted me in.
At lunch I was speaking with Diane, Paul Strong (pastor of North Creek), Denise Easter (who works in the prayer ministry with Diane, and Bob Ekblad about the need for prayer and healing in the churches in North Puget Sound. As they began to formulate ideas it was suggested that we spend some time gathering and praying and asking the Lord what He wants to do and how He might have us partner with Him. So, I quickly find myself in a group similar to the one I started in Seattle Presbytery to intercede for the work of Jesus in the churches. It is no accident. Bless You Jesus for how You connect us and for Your timing.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
The End of a Full Week
Along with finding a new home, we have had the deliverance ministry of Gille, a pastor in the Reformed Church of France, and his team this past week. It has been powerful and timely. The Spirit of God has been preparing Tierra Nueva for a new season and Gille's coming has helped remove some of the obstacles that have kept certain things from moving into a greater fullness of true freedom and liberation. As a result, some significant changes are afoot in the way things are structured and how things happen. God our Father is good to be provoking things by His Spirit in order for us to walk free of them in Jesus. We are in an exciting time and are looking forward to seeing the fruit of this week.
A New Home
After many months of searching with unsatisfying results, we have found a home and signed the lease. We have been living with Susan's mom, Kathy Lea (thank you so much for your hospitality, mom!) for the past three weeks. When we moved out of our Ballard house we put our stuff in storage in Bellingham and came here with no prospects in sight. A few months ago I was complaining to the Lord about it and asking Him what He was doing about it and I felt like He said, "I am preparing a place for you." Okay. So, is that the heavenly mansion place or something a bit sooner...
We had another one we had been looking at in the same area but weren't feeling completely settled about and it would have been a much longer wait for it. We hadn't specifically named an area when we prayed, but had commented on several occasions that the Fairhaven area would be great for many reasons, including that it was the southernmost exit and closest to Tierra Nueva. Susan had also asked the Lord if it was okay to really love the place and not just settle for something. When this new place appeared on Craig's List, we set up an appointment immediately. When we signed the lease on Thursday, our landlord said that he hadn't had anyone living in it for a year because he had been working on it - the kitchen is completely remodelled with new appliances and cabinets, there are new hardwood floors and new carpeting - and he loves Border Collies and has owned several over the years.
So, we move in tomorrow morning. Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your great and generous provision - for preparing this place for us for the last year, and for what You are preparing to do in us and through us in this place. We dedicate it to You, Jesus.
We had another one we had been looking at in the same area but weren't feeling completely settled about and it would have been a much longer wait for it. We hadn't specifically named an area when we prayed, but had commented on several occasions that the Fairhaven area would be great for many reasons, including that it was the southernmost exit and closest to Tierra Nueva. Susan had also asked the Lord if it was okay to really love the place and not just settle for something. When this new place appeared on Craig's List, we set up an appointment immediately. When we signed the lease on Thursday, our landlord said that he hadn't had anyone living in it for a year because he had been working on it - the kitchen is completely remodelled with new appliances and cabinets, there are new hardwood floors and new carpeting - and he loves Border Collies and has owned several over the years.
So, we move in tomorrow morning. Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your great and generous provision - for preparing this place for us for the last year, and for what You are preparing to do in us and through us in this place. We dedicate it to You, Jesus.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Busy week at Tierra Nueva
This week we have visitors from Paris - Gille, Od, Linda, and Jan. They have a ministry of healing and deliverance and are working with the staff, and will be doing three days of teaching and ministry starting Tuesday. They met with staff this morning and already I know I have much to learn. I especially appreciate Gille's response when I ask him any formula questions, such as, "When you are in this situation, do you do this?" His response is always, "I don't know, you must ask the Lord."
Last night was the bi-lingual worship service and potluck. We had beautiful weather and so ate outside with plenty of good food to go around. We brought Susan's mom, Kathy, with us for Mother's Day and because she wanted to see where we now are. After the teaching time we entered into a time of worship and waiting on the Lord. I felt the presence of the Spirit and offered to pray for Kathy's foot - she has painful arthritis in her toe. As we prayed for her, it was clear the Lord was touching her in ways she was unused to and deeply. She hasn't felt any pain in her toe since then. Thank You Jesus.
Last night was the bi-lingual worship service and potluck. We had beautiful weather and so ate outside with plenty of good food to go around. We brought Susan's mom, Kathy, with us for Mother's Day and because she wanted to see where we now are. After the teaching time we entered into a time of worship and waiting on the Lord. I felt the presence of the Spirit and offered to pray for Kathy's foot - she has painful arthritis in her toe. As we prayed for her, it was clear the Lord was touching her in ways she was unused to and deeply. She hasn't felt any pain in her toe since then. Thank You Jesus.
Home at Last
It looks like we finally have a place to live in Bellingham. This is such an answer to prayer. Thank You, Jesus. While we hadn't prayed specifically about this neighborhood, we had breathed a request late one night driving into Bellingham past the first exit, which is Old Fairhaven Way, saying that we wished that was our exit. It looks like it will be and could be as soon as next week, which is nice because we have to be out of our present location for the week of May 21-27 while Susan's mom hosts visitors from Norway. Anyone want to help us move again?!
The new place is 1301 17th Street in Bellingham.
The new place is 1301 17th Street in Bellingham.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Tattooed men with dark pasts
This is how the brochure for Tierra Nueva's Underground Coffee Project starts... are now local, underground artisan coffee roasters...
I'm drinking my morning coffee (now TN Underground) while I write. The brochure in front of me gives a better explanation than I did earlier.
The Tierra Nueva Honduras community of growers is the fruit of a 25-year long grassroots movement in the district of Minas do Oro. TN promoters reach out to poor farmers in neighboring villages, teaching them how to grow this coffee and other basic grains without chemicals, how to protect rich topsoil, use biodiversity and tree planting for shade-grown, bird-friendly crops such as this.
These growers are paid more for their beans than Fair Trade standards would require. We are looking for more than fair market trades: our mission is to invest lavishly in the communities of both the Central American farmers who grow the coffee and the local ex-offenders who roast and bag it here in the Pacific Northwest. Coffee is just one part of this larger movement for social renewal.
Men from our jail and migrant ministry are dismissed by employers: bad records, tattoos or societal status. So they go back to old habits. But we see how God is recruiting these gangsters, recovering addicts and those in other hidden places to experience spiritual renewal and become original ministers of unexpected love to the streets. This is underground discipleship.
As I said earlier, it is a beautiful thing, and good coffee. You can order it from the website: www.tierra-nueva.org or email Chris Hoke - chrishoke@gmail.com.
I'm drinking my morning coffee (now TN Underground) while I write. The brochure in front of me gives a better explanation than I did earlier.
The Tierra Nueva Honduras community of growers is the fruit of a 25-year long grassroots movement in the district of Minas do Oro. TN promoters reach out to poor farmers in neighboring villages, teaching them how to grow this coffee and other basic grains without chemicals, how to protect rich topsoil, use biodiversity and tree planting for shade-grown, bird-friendly crops such as this.
These growers are paid more for their beans than Fair Trade standards would require. We are looking for more than fair market trades: our mission is to invest lavishly in the communities of both the Central American farmers who grow the coffee and the local ex-offenders who roast and bag it here in the Pacific Northwest. Coffee is just one part of this larger movement for social renewal.
Men from our jail and migrant ministry are dismissed by employers: bad records, tattoos or societal status. So they go back to old habits. But we see how God is recruiting these gangsters, recovering addicts and those in other hidden places to experience spiritual renewal and become original ministers of unexpected love to the streets. This is underground discipleship.
As I said earlier, it is a beautiful thing, and good coffee. You can order it from the website: www.tierra-nueva.org or email Chris Hoke - chrishoke@gmail.com.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Why are we here?
Last February we were sitting in on Bob Ekblad's Regent class, Exodus and Liberation. He pointed out that the Hebrew word, rahah, which means to see shows up several times in the first three chapters of Exodus and is connected to liberating acts. In chapter one the Hebrew midwives see the Hebrew baby boys and disobey Pharaoh's command to kill them before they are born. Moses' mother sees Moses and hides him then puts him in a basket. Pharaoh's daughter sees Moses and has pity on him and raises him as her own. In chapter two Moses sees the Hebrews being treated harshly by the Egyptian overseer and kills him. And in chapter three at the burning bush, Yahweh says, "I have seen... I have heard... I am concerned... I have come down... I have seen" and this leads Yahweh to send Moses.
At the end of the day we did an exercise called The Meeting Place. Try this for yourself. Close your eyes and imagine your favorite place to meet with Jesus. Picture yourself there. Picture Jesus there. What do you want to say to Him there? Now ask Him, "If You could meet with me some place different, where would You want to meet with me?" Does the place change? Ask Him why? Or why not?
When we did this exercise I started with Jesus in the Enchantments, one of the most beautiful places in Washington, high in the mountains outside Leavenworth, WA. One of my favorite places. When I asked Jesus where He wanted to meet with me I suddenly found myself in a garbage dump! This is neither what I expected or wanted. I asked Him why there? He said He wanted me to see. Rahah.
Later, one student in the class told me of a trip he and his wife made to Egypt. They climbed Mt. Sinai hoping for a spiritual experience but found it hot, dry and dusty. But later they were invited to a ministry that takes place in the dump where many people live and found the Presence of Jesus there.
So, here I am, beginning to see.
At the end of the day we did an exercise called The Meeting Place. Try this for yourself. Close your eyes and imagine your favorite place to meet with Jesus. Picture yourself there. Picture Jesus there. What do you want to say to Him there? Now ask Him, "If You could meet with me some place different, where would You want to meet with me?" Does the place change? Ask Him why? Or why not?
When we did this exercise I started with Jesus in the Enchantments, one of the most beautiful places in Washington, high in the mountains outside Leavenworth, WA. One of my favorite places. When I asked Jesus where He wanted to meet with me I suddenly found myself in a garbage dump! This is neither what I expected or wanted. I asked Him why there? He said He wanted me to see. Rahah.
Later, one student in the class told me of a trip he and his wife made to Egypt. They climbed Mt. Sinai hoping for a spiritual experience but found it hot, dry and dusty. But later they were invited to a ministry that takes place in the dump where many people live and found the Presence of Jesus there.
So, here I am, beginning to see.
How We Got Here, Prophetic Words
To speak prophetically is simply to listen to what God is saying and speak it out. Paul is clear in 1 Corinthians 14 that the gift of prophecy is for three things: building upon the foundation of Jesus (edification), encouraging, and consolation. It's hard to go wrong with that. Of course, we always hear and speak through the lens that is us, so it is often good to frame things by saying something like, "I don't know if this connects for you, but this is what I am sensing/hearing/seeing/feeling." Paul reminds the Thessalonians not to despise prophecy, but to throw out the bad and hold on to the good - so there is bad prophecy, or a mix that is too full of me and not enough of what Jesus is saying. We've been reading a great book by Brad Jersak called Can You Hear Me? on tuning in to God's voice. It is the most accessible book on this that I have ever read - full of "tuning in" exercises that help you to give Jesus your attention and may surprise you as to how much you are already hearing from Him.
I say all this because we received many prophetic words in the past six months that have pointed to where we now are and have been a great confirmation that we are where God has planned.
Words from August 15
You are being reassigned. It is advancement, but not as the world sees it. The deep things you have prayed and desired will be birthed when you step into the new thing.
Words from August 16
Green meadows north - Psalm 23. Rest in Jesus and trust, trust, trust. Know you are not alone, the Holy Spirit is with you and ahead of you - trust! Risk = advancement; the Lord will provide. It will be different than what I am used to; green pastures, country not city... different ministry... answers to prayers from years ago. Praise Him!
Words from November 11
You will be a pastor of a church without walls.
Words from December 20
It's coming, and it will surprise you. Not what you expect; but it will be exciting.
We weren't looking for Tierra Nueva. Following the idea of senior pastor positions, that is what we were looking at. We were looking for a church with walls (and a regular paycheck!). We were looking for the next step (which would amount to advancement in the world's eyes). We were looking for city and not for country. Yet, it was as we took this time to rest in His Presence and simply desire more of Him, that His plans came to the surface for our attention - the only thing that came into focus was our growing connection with Tierra Nueva. One thing that set this apart from othe possibilities was that Susan is called to be here, too. It is exciting to be a team!
I say all this because we received many prophetic words in the past six months that have pointed to where we now are and have been a great confirmation that we are where God has planned.
Words from August 15
You are being reassigned. It is advancement, but not as the world sees it. The deep things you have prayed and desired will be birthed when you step into the new thing.
Words from August 16
Green meadows north - Psalm 23. Rest in Jesus and trust, trust, trust. Know you are not alone, the Holy Spirit is with you and ahead of you - trust! Risk = advancement; the Lord will provide. It will be different than what I am used to; green pastures, country not city... different ministry... answers to prayers from years ago. Praise Him!
Words from November 11
You will be a pastor of a church without walls.
Words from December 20
It's coming, and it will surprise you. Not what you expect; but it will be exciting.
We weren't looking for Tierra Nueva. Following the idea of senior pastor positions, that is what we were looking at. We were looking for a church with walls (and a regular paycheck!). We were looking for the next step (which would amount to advancement in the world's eyes). We were looking for city and not for country. Yet, it was as we took this time to rest in His Presence and simply desire more of Him, that His plans came to the surface for our attention - the only thing that came into focus was our growing connection with Tierra Nueva. One thing that set this apart from othe possibilities was that Susan is called to be here, too. It is exciting to be a team!
How Did We Get Here? Part 1
After living in the Seattle area for 27 years and working in ministry at four different Presbyterian churches over 23 years, we were a part of a new church on Capitol Hill that was a marriage between Church at the Center and Westminster Presbyterian. We were staffed for growth, which means among other things that we had more staff than we could afford, and after a year we realized that things needed to change for the church. One of the results was that two associate pastor positions were eliminated as of October 15, 2007. While this was a reasonable financial decision, it is much bigger than that.
During the time of that decision making by church leadership, it was clear to us that this was God's plan for us and for the church. He has more for all of us and it necessitated our leaving. As we initially wrestled with this, God spoke very clearly to me. A number of people, starting with my wife, were asking me if I'd ever considered being a senior pastor. I had never desired this. The same day that these conversations were piling up on me, my friend Eric, taught on taking risks, saying, God always wants to take us to places where, if He doesn't show up, it all falls apart. I realized that I didn't risk much in my job (it's hard for associate pastors to do that).
The next morning I was on my prayer walk - this was a regular rectangle of blocks in our neighborhood - when I got to the northwest corner, instead of turning, I felt a strong pull in me that I was to go an extra block. I had no idea what for, but followed that sense. As I came around the block and was getting back on to my regular route, I complained to the Lord - I don't know what that was for! I'm sure You were doing something in the unseen realm and I may never know about it... when I heard footsteps behind me and turned around to see my senior pastor, James, on his morning run. We have never encountered each other in our morning times and if I had done my regular route I would have been heading south by this time and would have missed him - so I was on alert.
As we talked, he said that he was glad that we had a level of trust in our friendship so that he could tell me the things he needed in my staff review that week. I wondered what required a level of trust but he didn't say, so I told him about conversations I'd been having lately and about Eric's talk on risk. James blurts out, "Okay, here is the thing - as I am running this morning, right before I saw you, I was praying for you and I was praying about the fact that you never take risks!"
So, God orchestrated our morning to give me the message that it was time to take a risk. As this message coincided with several conversations about senior pastor positions, I began to look and get my resume out for some. I felt a great sense of freedom and inadequacy - it wasn't my idea after all. If it was going to happen, Jesus would have to make it happen and would have to equip me.
During the time of that decision making by church leadership, it was clear to us that this was God's plan for us and for the church. He has more for all of us and it necessitated our leaving. As we initially wrestled with this, God spoke very clearly to me. A number of people, starting with my wife, were asking me if I'd ever considered being a senior pastor. I had never desired this. The same day that these conversations were piling up on me, my friend Eric, taught on taking risks, saying, God always wants to take us to places where, if He doesn't show up, it all falls apart. I realized that I didn't risk much in my job (it's hard for associate pastors to do that).
The next morning I was on my prayer walk - this was a regular rectangle of blocks in our neighborhood - when I got to the northwest corner, instead of turning, I felt a strong pull in me that I was to go an extra block. I had no idea what for, but followed that sense. As I came around the block and was getting back on to my regular route, I complained to the Lord - I don't know what that was for! I'm sure You were doing something in the unseen realm and I may never know about it... when I heard footsteps behind me and turned around to see my senior pastor, James, on his morning run. We have never encountered each other in our morning times and if I had done my regular route I would have been heading south by this time and would have missed him - so I was on alert.
As we talked, he said that he was glad that we had a level of trust in our friendship so that he could tell me the things he needed in my staff review that week. I wondered what required a level of trust but he didn't say, so I told him about conversations I'd been having lately and about Eric's talk on risk. James blurts out, "Okay, here is the thing - as I am running this morning, right before I saw you, I was praying for you and I was praying about the fact that you never take risks!"
So, God orchestrated our morning to give me the message that it was time to take a risk. As this message coincided with several conversations about senior pastor positions, I began to look and get my resume out for some. I felt a great sense of freedom and inadequacy - it wasn't my idea after all. If it was going to happen, Jesus would have to make it happen and would have to equip me.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Coffee Project
I just spent time with Zach, Jesse and Chris who are heading up the Coffee Project. Tierra Nueva has imported 3,000 pounds of Honduran coffee and is roasting small batches (6-8 lbs) while they learn the art of coffee. It is really good stuff. This is the full integration of Tierra Nueva Honduras with Tierra Nueva Washington and 25 years of dreaming. The project gives guys who are coming out of jail a place to recover and restore their dignity with a level of being discipled at the same time. This is a marriage of ecological concerns with social justice and spiritual development. Its really beautiful.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Getting Started at Tierra Nueva
It is finally May and our much anticipated start date with Tierra Nueva - check them out at http://www.tierra-nueva.org/. It has been an adventure getting here and the adventure continues. We moved out of our house in Ballard at the end of April still having found no place that feels like home in Bellingham, so we are being hosted by Susan's mom (thanks mom!) in Snohomish for a few weeks. Bob thinks that we are supposed to live in Skagit somewhere closer to TN. I have to admit that being closer to the community appeals to me, while the intent to build connections in B'ham toward future ministry there also calls to us to be rooted there.
While our call to Tierra Nueva has been clear, our sense of what we would be doing there has been vague. Things stirred up among the staff over the past two weeks and revealed a desire for more hands on direction and mentoring, so it appears that we will be "pastoring" the staff in the process of our being immersed in the workings of TN. The directors, Bob and Gracie Ekblad, welcome this and I think would appreciate the support themselves.
So, our first few days have been connecting with some of the staff - Chris, Amy, and Ryann. The group have fascinating stories of how God brought them to TN out of a deep dissatisfaction and pain in their experience of the Evangelical Church. One pointed out their depression over the emptiness of their experience with the world's solutions for social justice issues and the denial and complacency of the church. Much of the main stream reading of scripture, Bob has summed up as being moralist, heroist, exemplarist and domesticated. (For more on these read Bob's book, Reading the Bible With The Damned)
I find myself a bit of an alien among this group. I have so much to learn about a world view from the margins, so I am new on that front. But my dissatisfaction with evangelicalism has not led to a break with it but a longing to see the Spirit poured out more and more so that it would no longer have a form of godliness but denying the power therein. Susan and I had dinner with some friends weeks ago - the husband listened to our stories of what God's Spirit had been doing and said he realized that his faith had settled down to wishing/praying good thoughts for people and hoping to get something out of the sermon on Sunday.
So, here we are, stepping out more and more into the MORE that the Spirit of God is calling us into, praying that the eyes of our hearts would be opened to the Presence of Jesus in all we are doing. Today we walked with the Farm Workers Solidarity March in Skagit Valley.
More later...
While our call to Tierra Nueva has been clear, our sense of what we would be doing there has been vague. Things stirred up among the staff over the past two weeks and revealed a desire for more hands on direction and mentoring, so it appears that we will be "pastoring" the staff in the process of our being immersed in the workings of TN. The directors, Bob and Gracie Ekblad, welcome this and I think would appreciate the support themselves.
So, our first few days have been connecting with some of the staff - Chris, Amy, and Ryann. The group have fascinating stories of how God brought them to TN out of a deep dissatisfaction and pain in their experience of the Evangelical Church. One pointed out their depression over the emptiness of their experience with the world's solutions for social justice issues and the denial and complacency of the church. Much of the main stream reading of scripture, Bob has summed up as being moralist, heroist, exemplarist and domesticated. (For more on these read Bob's book, Reading the Bible With The Damned)
I find myself a bit of an alien among this group. I have so much to learn about a world view from the margins, so I am new on that front. But my dissatisfaction with evangelicalism has not led to a break with it but a longing to see the Spirit poured out more and more so that it would no longer have a form of godliness but denying the power therein. Susan and I had dinner with some friends weeks ago - the husband listened to our stories of what God's Spirit had been doing and said he realized that his faith had settled down to wishing/praying good thoughts for people and hoping to get something out of the sermon on Sunday.
So, here we are, stepping out more and more into the MORE that the Spirit of God is calling us into, praying that the eyes of our hearts would be opened to the Presence of Jesus in all we are doing. Today we walked with the Farm Workers Solidarity March in Skagit Valley.
More later...
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