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Wasting Your Life?

6 Oct

So I’ve been having thoughts that I’m positive are unpopular.

I read a book a few years ago by everybody’s favorite Calvinist (or not), John Piper. The book is provocatively titled Don’t Waste Your Life.

Piper’s premise in Don’t Waste Your Life is simple – all of us were created in the image of God and bought by Jesus’ blood to bring glory to God. You’re either a Christ-follower, or God is calling you to be one. Those who accept that calling will live lives that glorify God, and those who don’t will waste their lives chasing after things that don’t ultimately matter.

Words etched into a plaque that hung above his mother’s kitchen sink when he was young shaped his thinking from an early age:

Only one life,
‘Twill soon be past.
Only what’s done,
For Christ will last.

So here’s what I’ve been pondering: when Christ-followers inhabit the New Heaven and New Earth, what will we reminisce about?

Will our thoughts be dominated by past headlines? Will we reminisce about the deeds and policies of former politicians, kings, and princes? Will we debate which technological advancements played the greatest role is shaping past society?

Or could it be the only things we will judge worthy of remembrance were those things done in the name of Jesus Christ? Could it be that those are the only things that will, in an ultimate sense, have a lasting impact?

I like Apple products. I appreciate being able to reap the benefits of the technological revolution spawned by the inventions of a brilliant mind. I am a fan of creativity, and believe it to be a characteristic of God infused in a humanity created in His image.

But will any great inventor’s inventions, in themselves, amount to a hill of beans in eternity?

Will we reminisce about them in the New Heaven and New Earth?

Or did the architect behind Apple Computers, despite his great impact on everyday life, waste his own?

Why Most Christian Movies Stink

10 Feb

I spent a good portion of my day today reading through Behind the Screen: Hollywood Insiders on Faith, Film, and Culture for my Theology & Pop Culture class at Fuller. Doing so has caused me to laugh out loud quite a few times.

I’m sure you’re simply dying to know why (or not) – here are a couple of tidbits:

I was giving a talk at a Christian college, and young Jeremy had sprung up to his feet as soon as the question period began … “Tell me what I need to do to make the next Passion of the Christ.“

I suddenly had a whole new insight into the Gospel passage between Jesus and the rich young man. I think I kept the sigh out of my voice. “Give away everything that you have and are now doing so that you can throw yourself into mastering the cinematic art form. Get your act together spiritually, and then do everything you can to get into a top film school. Study philosophy and theology so that you have something real to say through your movies. Read lots of classic novels, and write hundreds of pages so that you achieve command of the language as a creative tool. Get your moral act together so that you won’t get tripped up too easily in the whirl of the entertainment business. Then, come and follow us by moving to Los Angeles. And in ten or fifteen years, maybe you’ll see your name on the screen appended to a movie of lasting value.”

Needless to say, like the young man in the Gospel, Jeremy’s face fell, and he too went away sad.

The Passion of the Christ did not come out of nowhere. It came thirty years into Mel Gibson’s filmmaking experience mainly at the top levels of the industry. It came almost a decade after he produced his Oscar-winning film, Braveheart. It came fifteen years after his profound conversion and the reorienting of his life to Christ. The film itself took ten years of a brooding, devastating, creative journey. Many people in the church have been asking me if, in the wake of The Passions’s success, will Hollywood produce many more such movies? “Hollywood” can’t! There will be no other Passions without other Mel Gibsons to bring them into being.

Barbara Nicolosi, Behind the Screen: Hollywood Insiders on Faith, Film, and Culture, pgs. 115-116.

The above excerpt made me laugh. Ahh, the naiveté that accompanies shallow zeal devoid of the will to make any real sacrifice could make any Christian minister laugh … or cry.

I choose to laugh.

And that tidbit isn’t nearly as hilarious as this:

Writer/director Robert Benton is not an evangelical Christian. Yet, His film incorporates “Christian themes” with more subtlety, artistry, and depth than the majority of films being made by professed Christians. It is not the only one. In fact, most films that successfully incorporate religious themes are made by nonreligious people.

Here are some of the better films with Christian messages or these from the past few decades:

  • Chariots of Fire (1981)
  • Tender Mercies (1983)
  • Places in the Heart (1984)
  • Hoosiers (1986)
  • The Mission (1986)
  • Grand Canyon (1992)
  • The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
  • Dead Man Walking (1996)
  • The Apostle (1998)
  • The Prince of Egypt (1998)
  • The Iron Giant (1999)
  • Magnolia (2000)
  • Signs (2002)
  • Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie (2002)
  • About Schmidt (2002)
  • Changing Lanes (2002)
  • In America (2002)
  • Bruce Almighty (2003)
  • The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003)
  • The Passion of the Christ (2004)

All of these films were critically acclaimed and/or box office hits. But with the exception of Jonah, Bruce Almighty and The Passion, none were made by Christian filmmakers. Christians, however, did make these films:

  • Gospa (1995)
  • Entertaining Angels (1996)
  • The Omega Code (1999)
  • The Joyriders (1999)
  • Left Behind: The Movie (2000)
  • Carman: The Champion (2001)
  • Megiddo: The Omega Code 2 (2001)
  • Mercy Streets (2001)
  • To End All Wars (2001)
  • Hometown Legend (2002)
  • Joshua (2002)
  • Left Behind II: Tribulation Force (2002)
  • Luther (2003)
  • Finding Home (2003)
  • Therese (2004)

Overall, these films are unwatchable. There are only a handful of good scenes among them. None had success with critics or at the box office. (What does it say about Christian filmmakers that one of their best-received movies features computer-generated vegetables who sing and dance?)

If Christians want to make successful films that incorporate their worldview, why not learn from those who are already doing it – non-Christians. So let’s ask: why are the best Christian films being made by secular filmmakers?

The first reason secular filmmakers are making better Christian films is because they are making them for mainstream audiences.

All of the films on my first list were produced for the mainstream market. They opened in either wide theatrical release (over two thousand theaters) or, in the case of the smaller films, an “art house” release of around one thousand theaters. The films on my second list were produced for the “Christian market.” A few were released into about three to four hundred theaters. Most went straight to video or to a “vanity” release in two or three theaters.

The idea that Christians will go see films targeted at them has not been borne out by the marketplace. Christians, it turns out, see the same films as everyone else.

And what about the success of the Christian music and publishing industries? They have succeeded because they take advantage of an infrastructure of Christian bookstores, through which music and books targeted at Christian audiences can be sold. But there are no Christian movie theaters, and Providence Entertainment, the lone Christian distribution company, recently imploded. In other words, films targeting Christians have to compete with mainstream films for distribution and, if they make it to the cineplex, for audiences.

But Christian filmmakers seem to believe that they do not have to compete in the mainstream market. Thus, storytelling and production values end up taking a backseat to the movie’s message. The films are merely bait to lure viewers to a homily or altar call, and this only ensures their failure.

Thom Parham, Behind the Screen: Hollywood Insiders on Faith, Film, and Culture, pgs. 54-57.

Ha! I just started reading this book today, and have found these industry professionals think most Christian movies stink for the same reasons I think most Christian bands stink! Either that’s a startling coincidence, or we’re both right.

I vote for the latter.

Have you seen any of the movies on the second list? I attempted to watch Luther one time, and distinctly remember turning it off about forty minutes in never to finish watching. Luckily, it’s the only one I’ve given a go. I’ll make sure to avoid the rest.

Also, this book came out in 2005. I wonder what Thom Parham (the guy who wrote the second excerpt) thinks about the success of Fireproof. Yes, the acting was below normal industry standards and the storyline was simplistic, but doggone it, that movie made money! The accompanying book The Love Dare has also done very well and even made it on a few bestseller lists.

Could it be that the same mindset (that sub-par is okay as long as the message is good) that’s given rise to a financially successful Christian music industry will also lead to a financially successful Christian movie industry? That’s definitely a possibility. Would this be a terrible development? Not necessarily, but it would mean that Christian movies will continue to stink!

Luckily, we’ll still have the non-Christian artists to show us how it’s done! :p

Okay, I’ll shut up now. :)

The Significance of Names in the Bible

9 Dec

The other day we had a lively discussion about the primary purpose of the ministry of Jesus.

In the original post I shared a semi-inflamatory audio clip of John MacArthur critiquing a message from Tony Campolo and used it as a launchpad for sharing my own thoughts.

In sharing those thoughts, I stated that I believe the primary purpose of Jesus’ ministry on earth was one of reconciliation. That is, Jesus’ primary purpose – His reason for coming into this world - was to seek and to save what was lost (Luke 19:10). I  believe seeking and saving the lost is an umbrella statement that covers everything else Jesus said or did.

I do not believe His purpose was ultimately to preach the kingdom, fulfill Old Testament prophecy, perform miracles, or glorify God. When I say those things weren’t His purpose ultimately, what I mean is that they don’t represent the end goal Jesus had in mind. He did do all of those things and I in no way mean to minimize their importance, but the ultimate purpose behind each of those actions was eternally saving souls. That is, restoring fellowship between a fallen world and the Father - eternally – was the end goal for Jesus.

I’m surprised no one brought this up in the original discussion. Have you ever thought about what the name “Jesus” means?

Names are significant in the Bible, and they have a variety of functions.

For instance, a biblical name could record some aspects of a person’s birth. Moses was given his name because his mother drew him out of a river (Exodus 2:10). His name literally means “to draw out.” Jacob and Samuel also serve as examples (Genesis 25:6; 1 Samuel 1:20).

Biblical names sometimes expressed the parents’ reaction to the birth of their child. Examples include Isaac (Genesis 21:6) which means “laughter”, and Abimelech (Judges 8:31) which means “my father is king.”

Biblical names were sometimes used to secure the solidarity of family ties. An example of this is found in Luke 1:59 when John the Baptist was nearly given the name of his father.

Biblical names could be used to communicate God’s message. The prophet Isaiah named his first son Shear-jashub which means “a remnant shall return” (Isaiah 7:3). This was in line with God’s message to the Israelite people that they would be reduced to a mere remnant of what they once were, and would eventually return from exile to the promised land.

Biblical names were also used to establish affiliation with God. All the names ending with -jah or -el (and there are many of those) are saying “with the Lord” or “with God.”

Then you have the giving of a new name. This was used to establish authority over another, or to indicate a new beginning or new direction in a person’s life. For instance, Pharaoh changed Joseph’s name to Zephenath-paneah when Joseph entered his service (Genesis 41:45), another Pharaoh changed the name of the Jewish king Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:24). While in Babylonian captivity, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were forced to change their names to Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 1:6-7). Name changes indicating a new life direction include Abram to Abraham (Genesis 17:5), Cephas to Peter (Mark 3:16), and some would say Saul to Paul (Acts 13:9).

Here’s the really interesting part: names were often used to express the nature and function of a person. They were used to indicate a person’s purpose in the world, and the greatest example of this type of naming is Jesus. Check it out:

Matthew 1:20-21
20 But after [Joseph] had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
(NIV)

“Because He will save people from their sins.”

 The name “Jesus” literally means “the Lord saves.”

What’s His primary purpose? What’s the overarching mission that every action falls under?

Just look to His name – “to save people from their sins.”

Why am I making a big deal out of this? I’ll explain in a future post.

Christians Enjoying Harry Potter – Good Idea, Bad Idea?

2 Aug

Is Harry Potter good or evil?

That question may sound silly to some readers, but there are many Christians who believe it’s wrong to watch movies like Harry Potter (some very close to me whom I love dearly feel this way). I know because I’ve seen every HP movie in the theater, and have had this discussion with more than one Christian after they heard I was a fan.

Some Christians believe it’s wrong because Harry and his friends make witchcraft look like fun, and guess what – I understand their point of view.

Witchcraft is a serious sin as the Bible points out – check it out:

Galatians 5:19-21
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Those who “live like this” – that is, those who practice witchcraft as part of their ongoing, unchanging lifestyle “will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Wow! Sounds like Harry Potter could be dangerous if it causes someone to want to practice witchcraft, but is it?

Patrick Mead made a post on Tentpegs today that I’d like to share with you … he writes:

… this is a timely question that came in recently via Facebook.

I saw on your Facebook page that you and your wife went to see the latest Harry Potter movie. How could you??? The Bible is very plain in condemning witchcraft. How can you support this evil with your money???

I’ve heard things like this many times since the first draft of Harry Potter was written on the back of napkins over lukewarm cups of tea. Why did I see the movie — and all the others? Because I’ve seen evil, and Harry Potter isn’t evil. It is a fantasy. I am just barely old enough to remember preachers condemning Rex Harrison and “Doctor Dolittle” for talking to animals (and, yes, there was even a Cincinnati preacher who railed against Mr. Ed for the same thing… and claimed that playing the song backwards revealed Satanic messages). I’ve read the articles written against C.S. Lewis for engaging in fantasy, calling him a supporter of witchcraft. Tolkien fought against the same charges.

Some people have a very hard time differentiating between fantasy and fun on the one hand and evil and darkness on the other. In the Bible, the witchcraft being condemned involved ritual murder, the killing of children, bloodletting, serial adultery, etc. I’ve met with witches (self styled), coven leaders, Satanists, people who were convinced they were Warlocks… and found them almost without exception to be sad, lonely people. They are the precursors to the lonely man/woman playing computer games where they are a twentieth level mage… while in real life they work at the Quiklube.

Then I have met others — sorcerers and necromancers and pagans of a different ilk. They were evil. You could see it in their eyes, hear it in their words, and watch them as they spread darkness wherever they could. I have seen photos and films made of butchered men, women, and children; pregnant women whose wombs were ripped open and their babies killed for the amusement of this or that army that stomped its way through their village, raping and burning all the while. THAT is evil.

Harry Potter — and thousands of other like minded books, plays, and movies — are allegories. They are stories of light versus darkness where light is treasured, heroism is lauded, and courage, honor, and loyalty are elevated highly. The characters are told to do the right thing, regardless of personal cost. TRUE darkness mocks the light and encourages people to follow the Satanic slogan of “Do whatever you want to do” (that is translated from their faux olde English styling).

You find witchcraft everywhere nowadays, but it is disguised as comedy, music, and drama. Watch carefully and you see that everyone’s problems are solved by self love, self esteem, etc. and by applying either sex or violence to the situation. Self sacrifice, humility, and grace are never in sight. Light is covered up in darkness. Witchcraft no longer uses brooms and the devil no longer cares about cauldrons and potions. Darkness has moved into the cultural center and calls itself light.

And if Christians can’t see that but, rather, spend their time fighting about Madeline L’Engle, C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, or Harry Potter… if they can’t tell the difference between metaphor, symbol, and reality… then we are in real trouble.

As Patrick points out, I don’t believe enjoying fantasy movies like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or the Chronicles of Narnia is the same as practicing real witchcraft.

But could Harry Potter and movies like it still be dangerous? I mean, the Harry Potter stories do glorify witchcraft by practicing it in the books and movies, don’t they? Could the books and movies cause a younger person (or even an older person) to become interested in looking into real witchcraft?

Of course they could.

But could watching the latest season of American Idol or America’s Got Talent influence someone to become obsessed with fame?

Could watching Jack Bauer handle business in 24 influence someone to commit an act of violence?

Could watching Judge Judy influence someone to act like a condescending jerk to everyone they come into contact with?

Yes, yes, and yes – the potential for evil is there in all of those things.

Here’s my feeling: almost any television show or movie a person watches has the potential to influence them for evil. I believe it’s up to individuals to decide how they’ll allow themselves to be influenced, and I believe it’s up to parents to do a good job teaching and explaining things to their kids (like the dangers of real witchcraft, and how Harry Potter is just a story that someone made up).

That’s how I feel, and I’m going to stop right there and ask you these questions:

Do you think Harry Potter be should be completely avoided by Christian families? Why or why not?

If you do believe it’s ok for kids to read the books or watch the movies, do you believe any precautions should be taken (i.e. should you talk to your children about real witchcraft before allowing them to read the books or watch the movies)?

What do you think? I’m interested in hearing from you.

Now, for no particular reason, here’s a picture of Harry Potter smoking a cigarette:

Harry prefers menthols ...

West Coast Witness Going Live on Google

19 Nov

This blog has only been around a couple of months and garnered readers mainly by word of mouth (by the way, thanks :) ).

When I initially launched this website, I opted out of allowing the content here to show up on search engines. In other words, you wouldn’t be able to find me (I thought) using Google, Yahoo search, MSN search, or any other search engine. You either had the link to this site or you didn’t.

I set it up that way because of the nature of some of the posts that are and will be made here. This is a blog where, in addition to ministry updates, I’ll often speak frankly about sin and the many different forms it takes – especially the kind I encounter in San Francisco. I thought that widespread public consumption of my writings could hurt the ministry in SF.

Here’s the scenario that ran through my mind: I write on a controversial topic – like homosexuality – someone in San Francisco who has gotten my business card Googles my name, comes here, and reads what I have to say becoming extremely offended. They may write me off as a result thereby negating an opportunity to develop a relationship and share Jesus with them.

This may sound silly to some of you, but a similar scenario has already played out with someone else there.

But alas, my plan to keep this blog private was foiled. You see, when other people link to your site using your name, your site shows up on the search engines. Several people have me on their blogrolls and links pages, and since almost everything on the net is associated with my name anyway (like my username for many websites), it’s next to impossible to keep this blog private.

That being said, I’m waving the white flag to Google today. I give up, you win. You’re too omnipresent to hide from.

Perhaps I was blowing this out of proportion anyway. If people were to spend time with me they’d learn what I think about certain issues, and if reading it here offended them that much they’d probably be just as offended in person.

Anyway, westcoastwitness.com is now live on the search engines. Expect more traffic, prying eyes, and lurkers.

Please play nice, don’t pick a fight, and if you’re 35 and still live with your mom get off the internet and get a job.

San Francisco weighs decriminalizing prostitution

21 Oct

From the AP:

San Francisco weighs decriminalizing prostitution

 

Oct 21 05:48 PM US/Eastern
By EVELYN NIEVES
Associated Press Writer

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – In this live-and-let-live town, where medical marijuana clubs do business next to grocery stores and an annual fair celebrates sadomasochism, prostitutes could soon walk the streets without fear of arrest.

San Francisco would become the first major U.S. city to decriminalize prostitution if voters next month approve Proposition K-a measure that forbids local authorities from investigating, arresting or prosecuting anyone for selling sex.The ballot question technically would not legalize prostitution since state law still prohibits it, but the measure would eliminate the power of local law enforcement officials to go after prostitutes.

Proponents say the measure will free up $11 million the police spend each year arresting prostitutes and allow them to form collectives.

“It will allow workers to organize for our rights and for our safety,” said Patricia West, 22, who said she has been selling sex for about a year by placing ads on the Internet. She moved to San Francisco in May from Texas to work on Proposition K.

Even in tolerant San Francisco-where the sadomasochism fair draws thousands of tourists and a pornographic video company is housed in a former armory-the measure faces an uphill battle, with much of the political establishment opposing it.

Some form of prostitution is already legal in two states. Brothels are allowed in rural counties in Nevada. And Rhode Island permits the sale of sex behind closed doors between consulting adults, but it prohibits street prostitution and brothels.

In 2004, almost two-thirds of voters in nearby Berkeley rejected decriminalization. But proponents of Proposition K say their proposal has a better shot in San Francisco, which they believe is more sexually liberal than the city across the bay.

After all, the world’s oldest profession has long been established here. During the Gold Rush, the neighborhood closest to the piers was a seedy pleasure center of sex, gambling and drinking known as the Barbary Coast.

These days, on certain corners, prostitutes sell their bodies day and night, ducking into doorways and alleys when police pass by. One recent afternoon in the Mission District, six prostitutes were plying their trade on a single block.

Police made 1,583 prostitution arrests in 2007 and expect to make a similar number this year. But the district attorney’s office says most defendants are fined, placed in diversion programs or both. Fewer than 5 percent get prosecuted for solicitation, which is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail.

Proposition K has been endorsed by the local Democratic Party. But the mayor, district attorney, police department and much of the business community oppose the idea, contending it would increase street prostitution, allow pimps the run of neighborhoods and hamper the fight against sex trafficking, which would remain illegal because it involves forcing people into the sex trade.

The San Francisco Chronicle editorialized against the measure, saying it could make the city a magnet for prostitution.

If the proposal passes, “we wouldn’t be able to investigate prostitution, and it’s going to be pretty difficult for us to locate these folks who are victims of trafficking otherwise,” said Capt. Al Pardini, head of the police department’s vice unit. “It’s pretty rare that we get a call that says: ‘I’m a victim of human trafficking’ or ‘I suspect human trafficking in my neighborhood.’”

The proposition would also prohibit police from accepting federal or state funds for sex trafficking investigations that involve racial profiling. Such investigations often arise from raids on brothels that advertise as Asian massage parlors.

“We feel that repressive policies don’t help trafficking victims, and that human rights-based approaches, including decriminalization, are actually more effective,” said Carol Leigh, co-founder of the Bay Area Sex Workers Advocacy Network and a longtime advocate for prostitutes’ rights.

But San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris said the ballot question mistakenly assumes prostitution is a victimless crime.

“The crime of prostitution does not exist by itself,” Harris said. “Along with it come pimps, johns and other crimes that really impact the safety of neighborhoods.”

If the measure passes, supporters say, prostitutes would not feel the need for pimps as protection. But opponents insist it would embolden pimps who trap drug addicts into prostitution by plying them with drugs.

“The proponents usually paint a fairly rosy picture of two consenting adults and a monetary exchange at the end,” Pardini said. “They don’t factor in the people that are being exploited and people that are being controlled, the ones manipulated both physically and chemically.”

 ——

I’m glad to hear the Chronicle and mayor are against this proposal, though I must say I’m a bit surprised to hear they are.

Gay marriage was recently legalized – please pray with me that prostitution continue to be treated as a crime in San Francisco!

Last Night With OutReach America and a Spoonful of Cinnamon

28 Aug

I had a good time speaking with the members Harding’s student organization OutReach America tonight.

 

They say ‘hi.’

I talked with them a little bit about the all or nothing relationship God desires to have with us, and the call of Jesus to true discipleship.

OutReach America is a group that challenges students to structure their goals after college around spreading the kingdom through team based, Harding graduate led church planting efforts. Tonight was the first meeting for OA to kick off the new school year, and it was fun helping them get things started. Marvin Crowson, founder of OutReach America and Harding University’s domestic missionary in residence, has played a vital role in seeing the work in San Francisco get off the ground. I’m proud call to he and his wife Judith friends, and look forward to hearing of many other plants occuring as a result of their motivation,guidance, and continued work with OA.

I also recieved a couple of really thoughtful gifts tonight. Marvin presented me with the Maxwell Leadership Bible (since he heard my other Bible flew off the top of my car in St. Louis – grrr) and he had everyone at the OA meeting sign it.

In addition to that, Rob Halbe got me something totally unexpected. He knows of my love for old comic books (particularly G.I. Joe and the X-Men), and he knows my favorite character of all time is Wolverine. That’s why I was very happy to get this:

 

 Yes, that would be issue #1! This is a collector’s item, and will no doubt shoot up in value after next summer’s new Wolverine movie (the first in a trilogy) gets kicked off in theaters. I can’t wait!

One last thing. Ever watched someone try to swallow a spoonful of cinnamon? Well, I did tonight, and I got it on video. Watch this:

Ha!

Monday at The Well

26 Aug
Yesterday marked my last day at North Little Rock’s River City Ministry for a while as we’re relocating to Texas for three months on Monday. My morning started off right. Here are a few pictures of the day’s events:

An early morning Bible study resulted in a homeless friend named Kleo giving his life to Jesus. This is the prayer before his baptism.

Me, Kleo, and Burly

Kleo having his sins washed away

Group Bible study before lunch - Downtown Church of Christ domestic missionary Don Williams preaches the Word.

Line of people waiting for lunch after the Bible study is over

Thousands of plates are served by RCM staff to the poor and impoverished in North Little Rock throughout the year.

 

Anthony Wood, a friend and the RCM staff evangelist, describes River City Ministry as a modern day well.

Most of you reading this are familiar with the story of the Samaritan woman in John 4. The woman comes to the well outside Sychar to draw water as she probably did every day, only this time Jesus is sitting there and she has and encounter with Him. She came to the well for one thing, but she got something else. She had an encounter with Jesus - it changed her life, and it changed the lives of many others in that city as a result.

River City Ministry is a well. The poor, impoverished, and homeless come for the food and services, but they find something else. With the evangelists doing their job they run headlong into an encounter with Jesus, and their whole world changes. Sometimes as ministers all we need to do is find a well, sit by it, and help the people that come for one thing find something else – an encounter with Jesus.

Just like RCM, today’s university campus is a modern day well. Students come for an education (at least that’s what their parents think), but with an evangelistic campus ministry present they find something else – an encounter with the Son of the Living God.

A meeting with Jesus.

Two things I’ve got to keep in mind: 1) my job is the point people to Jesus, and 2) I’m not Him.

I may try to be like Him, but I’m not Him. It’s good to be like Jesus in how you treat others, but proclaiming the reality of His presence must never be absent when attempting to help someone else encounter Him.

Want to help someone encounter Jesus? Open your mouth and tell them about Him! There’s supernatural power in that action!

The Big Move

17 Aug

I don’t think a person realizes how much stuff they have until they’re forced to pack it into boxes and stack them in a truck.

After a few days of work, the job is finally complete. I’m typing this from the dining room at my parent’s house in Searcy – the new residence for me, Airiel, and the kids for the next two weeks until we move on to Texas.

We had to vacate the other house a bit earlier than we wanted because school is about to start here and a couple of Harding students are lined up to move in tomorrow. That’s ok though, it’ll be nice to spend a good chunk of time with mom and dad before we move out of state for what will probably prove to be a long time – possibly a lifetime.

It’s still hard to believe that we’re actually moving to San Francisco in a few months, but at the same time it isn’t. After all, Airiel and I did pray about it together almost daily for three years.

I strongly believe in God, and, most of the time, my life revolves around my relationship with Him.

I don’t believe God sits idly by filing his nails on a cloud in some far away celestial plane uncaring about the happenings in this world, either. I believe He’s active in our daily lives. I believe He’s to be found all around us, and I believe if you pay attention you can catch glimpses of Him in the monotony of everyday living – but only if you’re going through life with your eyes truly opened.

In addition to that, I believe God listens to those who speak to Him – particularly those who are striving to do His will. Examples of this are found throughout Scripture.

I believe the only reason Airiel and I are moving to California is because God has listened as we’ve spoken to Him. He’s heard what we’d like to do on the west coast – especially San Francisco, and He’s said yes to it. He’s given the breath of life to our dreams, and I believe that’s because they’re honestly and humbly committed to Him.

Want to make plans for your life? Make sure they’re Proverbs 16:3′d.

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3

What are your life goals? Is the world a better place because you’re in it? Are people closer to Love because they have a relationship with you?

Those are questions that I’ve struggled with, and if your plans truly are Proverbs 16:3′d, you’ll be able to answer them in a positive way.

New Blog

14 Aug

Hello readers :)

There’s a new blog on the block – WestCoastWitness.com. As most of my friends know, the Woodell family is moving to San Francisco in a few short months to serve as witnesses for Christ in the bay area. Before moving there, we’ll be spending three months in Brownwood, TX, with members of the Austin Avenue Church of Christ – the congregation that will be overseeing our work in California and providing the bulk of the financial support.

Airiel and I are very excited and anxious to get to work, and this blog will focus on telling the story of our spiritual journey as well as our work on the west coast. We’ll be putting the westcoastwitness.com web address on all future literature related to the mission (like the newsletter that goes out via snail mail), and will share it with other supporting congregations.

If you’re a friend, supporter, or simply someone interested in what we’re doing, you’re invited to add this blog to your favorites list.

More to come soon!

-Wes Woodell

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