BC's Blog

Prayer

2009-11-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

Maybe it is true with all families with small children. Or, maybe it is just ours. Whatever the case, dinner time around the Coats house has many moving parts. Usually, unless it involves something on the grill or something for breakfast, Nicole cooks dinner. After 2-3 reminders, Kiley, Cailyn and I migrate towards the table from points throughout the house. We then spend 5-10 minutes pouring drinks, cutting and preparing food for Cailyn (she's almost two ...) and locating all the necessary condiments, untensils and supplies. We frequently sit down only to get back up, and rarely do we all sit down at the table at the same time to begin the meal. So, we start eating somewhat in shifts. At some point, though, all four of us will finally be around the table, and that's when Cailyn looks at us, put's her hands together, and says, "Pray."

Kiley filled the role nicely for several years, but it now appears our youngest has assumed the position of prayer police for the Coats clan.

Kiley is an excellent, very thoughtful pray-er, so frequently she'll pray for our dinner, and for all that happened during the school day, and for our family, and for our extended family, and for our friends, and for ... well, you get the idea. It's beautiful. Often, Kiley will finish her prayer, we'll all say "amen," there will be a short pause (perhaps even long enough to sneak in a bite), and then Cailyn will say "pray." As in, she wants to pray again. So what are you gonna do at that point? Of course we oblige. The second prayer is usually one she wants to say. She is becoming quite good at "God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food."

Believe it or not, we do eventually finish our dinner.

I write this partially because I know how fast life moves. Moments and times like these are precious - at least they are for me - and it helps me to take notes. Or write a blog.

I also write it as a reminder of the power of prayer. My wife (also an excellent pray-er) and my daughters remind me of that power not just at the dinner table, but all of the time. For instance, a couple of weeks ago, Kiley and I were chatting on the way to school. Somehow we got on the topic of things we worry about. I asked her what we should do when we worry. Kiley said, "Pray to God." Just as I was about to comment on how praying can make us feel better, Kiley said, "You know, so God will take care of the situation."

And there I was. Schooled in the power of prayer by a six-year-old. I was thinking we should pray so we can feel better, or release a worry or concern to God. Prayer does accomplish that, but it also accomplishes so much more, as Kiley reminded me that morning. Prayer can accomplish anything God can accomplish. Prayer activates God's power, and all things are possible with God. My motivation for prayer was a little too me-centered; Kiley's recognition of the need for prayer was very God-centered.

What are you praying for right now? How can I be in prayer for you?

Acuña

2009-10-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

One of the lasting images/memories from last summer for me is probably the first night of our mission trip to Del Rio. Three of the local pastors and church members that had been working behind the scenes to arrange work for us came to say hello and let us know what we'd be doing all week. After describing the various projects, they then said, "We're so glad you are staying in Del Rio, because most of time groups stay here but go into Acuña. There is great need on this side of the border too."

That statement left an impression on me, and then throughout the week I personally witnessed its truth. There was great need in Del Rio, and it was both saddening and uplifting to be a part of that world.

I am thankful we had that experience. I know it impacted me, and I know it impacted the youth. Now, I do not think we will take anything for granted, even when we return to Acuña.

That said, this winter we are going to return to Acuña. We are going on our annual family mission trip Saturday, December 19 through Monday, December 21. The need is great in Del Rio, but the need is tremendous just a few miles away across the Rio Grande. Some estimates have the unemployment rate as high as 60% there, as maquiladora plants have been closing the last few years as many American companies outsourced jobs not to Central and South America, but to Asia. In the coloñias we work in, most families live in cinder-block shacks. Not all have electricity, and most use latrines for bathrooms. Literally, it is a third-world country with third-world conditions.

So, this December, we will take the love of Jesus Christ into that world. The current plan is to work at an orphanage and in a nearby neighborhood. We are planning on doing evangelism through singing, children's Bible activities and prayer. We'll do some light construction and repairs at the orphanage, and like previous summers and winters, we'll host a fiesta.

I know there are some parents and some families that remain rightly concerned about the reports of violence in Mexican border towns. Indeed, it was because of those kinds of reports that we stayed in Del Rio in July. However, three First Methodist mission groups have been to Acuña this year, and their trips have been incident-free. This afternoon, I spoke with Moises Reyes, the mission director at First Baptist Del Rio, the church we stay at when we go down. He said the church is once again encouraging groups to go into Acuña. He also said he has not heard of any problems.

"Everything has been great," he said. "There have not been any issues - even the border crossings have been fine."

Nothing is ever guaranteed in life, of course, but we are doing due dilligence to monitor the safety in Acuna, and we will continue to do so right up until we go in December. If safety is a big concern, please keep in my mind that the winter trip is a family mission trip. I encourage you to go together as a family. We will leave Saturday and get settled in at FBC Del Rio Saturday evening. We will be in Acuña all day Sunday, and return to Del Rio that evening. Monday morning we will return to Houston. Hundreds of First Methodist adults and youth can attest to the blessing of spending time in mission the weekend right before Christmas. If you've never been and you mulling it over, I invite you to chat with them about the trip.

Often in Acuña we partner with WIDE Ministries, which is led by Dana and Liz Sweet. Describing summer 2009 events, they wrote this on their website: "The week that we were leaving for Zambia, we were blessed to have a team from Houston. This church has ministered in Acuña for years, and their love for the Mexican people is profoundly evident."

That's us they were writing about. Join us as we take that love back into Acuña. It is needed - to say the least.

Game On Series: Part II

2009-10-12T19:03:00.001-07:00

Video from Student Worship on October 11:

Game On Series: Part I

2009-10-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

Video from Student Worship on October 4:

IPray Series: Part III

2009-10-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

Video from September 20 Student Worship

Impact

2009-10-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

One more blog topic coming out of my time in San Francisco.

In addition to visiting Grace Cathedral, we also went to Glide Memorial United Methodist Church. Have you seen the movie "The Pursuit of Happiness?" The scene where Will Smith and his son sleep in the shelter was filmed at Glide, as well as several others.

It is a remarkable church, but not because it was featured in a movie. It is remarkable because of its outreach to downtown San Francisco. Glide operates 87 different social outreach programs to the city - everything from a DAILY free meal program to high-tech job skills training. It is impressive.

As I was listening to the Glide co-pastors discuss their church and its mission, I could not help but think about our church and its mission: To bring people to Christ, shape disciples and impact the city for God.

It seems to me that within the youth department, we spend a lot of time on the first two: Bringing people to Christ and shaping disciples. Our Sunday morning gatherings are for both of those purposes; small groups are especially for shaping disciples. On our foreign mission trips, we spend a considerable amount of effort seeking to fulfill the first one through concerts, testimonies and extending compassion.

That is all great, faithful stuff. But what about that last one? Certainly Glide Memorial is impacting San Francisco, CA for God. How well do we impact Houston, TX for God?

Actually, I think when it comes to any mission or vision, we can always be doing more or working harder. "The harvest is plentiful," Jesus said. So here are two quick ways a student at First Methodist Houston can work on impacting his or her city:

Get involved in PORT. PORT is an an excellent, established ministry to the PORT Houston neighborhood. Children and youth are invited to our downtown campus for games, activities, a meal and Bible lessons. PORT was started by Kristen Jones and other First Methodist youth leaders, and has a history of youth volunteers. More are always needed. For more information or to volunteer, contact Lynda West, the current PORT director.

Get involved in JOY Ministry. First Methodist has a special needs ministry that is well-known throughout Houston. Once a month JOY sponsors a Respite event, where parents of special-needs children can drop off their children and enjoy some much needed, well ... respite. Meanwhile, an army of volunteers (called JOY "buddies") surrounds the youth and children with love and fellowship. More and more youth are getting involved in JOY and becoming buddies. Have you had the opportunity to do this? Send Tanya Sterling, the JOY director, a quick e-mail, and she'll get you going.

Notice something about PORT and JOY: Both are ministries of First Methodist Houston. That is important, because you do not have to look far or go far to find places to get involved. A phrase like "impacting the city for God" can be a bit abstract and theoretical, but programs like PORT and JOY make it more real and tangible.

Incidentally, I think we need to start having conversations about even more ways we can reach out and be impactful. For instance, I think the Westchase campus needs to be connecting much more with all of the apartment complexes around us. How about if next summer we sent teams of 4-6 youth and adults to 4-6 of these complexes for a week and ran a Vacation Bible Camp for them in their clubhouse? What if we used our youth room missionally, and started after-school programs in there that centered on tutoring, computer training and creative arts?

What if ... well, what's your idea? Post it here. Let's discuss. And let's impact this city. For God.

Sacred Space

2009-09-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

I spent last week in San Francisco, California. I am part of a group called Bethany Fellowships – a beloved community of young (ish) pastors that gather twice yearly for prayer, fellowship and continuing education.

One morning we visited Grace Cathedral in downtown San Francisco. I have only been to two other cathedrals in my life – both of which are in the New York City area: St. Patrick’s Cathedral and St. John the Divine.

I am not really sure if there are certain needed conditions to being able to use the word “cathedral” to describe what is essentially a church. I could probably Google it and find out, but (a) I’m writing this on a plane, and (b) I’m really tired. So I’ll just guess. I would think that high ceilings, amazing architecture and beautiful stained glass are all involved. Grace is internationally known for reestablishing the Labyrinth movement in the United States, so it’s got that going for it. Perhaps it all can be summed up with the term “sacred space.” Here's some pictures I took on my phone:

I love sacred space. Again, maybe there is a more official, more intelligent definition, but the one I am making up right now is “a physical place set apart to remind all who come there of the Divine.” Certainly Grace fits that bill, as did St. Patrick’s and St. John the Divine.

I walked around Grace for about an hour-and-a-half. I gazed amazed at the majestic stained glass, the elaborate murals and the multi-sensory use of candles and color. I know it is just a building, but I truly felt like I was in the presence of the Living God while I was there.

We have started a new initiative in youth ministry at the Westchase campus of First Methodist Houston: Student Worship. We are about a month into it, and in my humble-but-accurate opinion, it is awesome. I love the music, the energy, the spirit, the fellowship, the prayer and the pancakes.

However, if you’ve spent much time in our youth building, you probably know that it isn’t exactly Grace Cathedral. However, I do believe it is possible to carve out some sacred space. So I have a couple of requests/challenges/opportunities for my few-but-faithful blog readers.

Request/Challenge/Opportunity No. 1: I think it would be great if in the middle of our worship space we had an altar each Sunday. What’s an altar? Well, it’s to a table what a cathedral is to a church. Let’s use candles, crosses, cloths, Bibles and other appropriate images to create something nice to gaze upon. Let’s create “a physical space set apart to remind all who come of the Divine.” Here’s the challenge, though: Much like we have a leadership team, a music team and an A/V team, I’d love to have a sacred space team. Youth, volunteers, parents – all are welcome. Maybe there is even someone out there that has an eye for this sort of thing and could take the point. That would be amazing. If you are interested, click here.

Now, I know Request/Challenge/Opportunity No. 1 may not be for everyone, but Request/Challenge/Opportunity No. 2 is: Look around and send us (OK, for now, “us” is “me,” but after the team is assembled, “us” will really be “us”!) some ideas for creating sacred space each week. Do a Google image search. Draw a picture. Something, anything – and then send it along. Seriously, I NEED you to do this … As much as I love sacred space, I am not overly gifted in creating it. But if we all work together on this, I’m thinking we could have something beautiful in our midst each week.

A quick point of order: If you know me, you perhaps know that I like to measure just about anything we do against the authority of the Bible. As pleasing as it is to the senses, is creating sacred space a Biblical practice?

I think so. Creation begins with sacred space. Genesis 1:31 says that God surveyed the sacred space that he spoke and breathed into being, and called it “very good.” In the second creation story (Genesis 2) that sacred space is given a name – the “Garden of Eden.” – and we are told that it was “pleasing to the eye.”

My time in San Francisco was memorable because of the man-made sacred space I witnessed - and I definitely would like that to be one of the practices of our youth ministry - but it was simply astonishing because of the God-made sacred space I witnessed. The bay, the ocean, the mountains, the trees - all under gorgeous blue skies and perfect temperatures - well, it called to mind those words from Genesis 1, and some words from Psalm 19:

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of his hands.
Day after day they pour fourth speech; night after night they display knowledge …
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
Which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.

Sacred space, indeed.

IPray Series: Part II

2009-09-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

Video from September 13 Student Worship:

IPray Series

2009-09-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

Here's the video from the September 6 Student Worship:

Let's Roll

2009-09-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

So here's how my day began:

"Daddy," said the six-year-old voice behind me as we drove to school at 7:25, "what do they mean by 'the anniversary of 9/11?"

Gulp.

Actually, my daughter and I had a talk about "the planes that flew into those buildings" earlier this year. So I reminded her of that talk, and how today was the eight-year anniversary of that sad event.

We then talked about how even though it was a sad, horrible day, there were also some good things. Like the heroism of so many firefighters, police officers and the like.

You need to know, though, that my daughter is very inquisitive and curious, so it's hardly like the conversation ended or shifted at that point. She asked why they flew the planes into the buildings, for example. Later, after we arrived at school, we prayed, and we thanked God that we live in a free country. She then asked if the men who flew the planes into the buildings were trying to take away that freedom. "Aren't their countries free too, Dad? Why would they do that?" I believe I mumbled something about how fortunate we are to be Americans, and then changed the subject, reminding her that Friday was pizza day.

Like everyone else, I remember where I was eight years ago today. I remember driving to the church I worked at in Kingwood and seeing images of the smoking buildings online. I remember going home that afternoon and staring at the TV images with shock and disbelief. That evening, I drove to seminary classes, and I remember all of the marquees at fast food restaurants read, "God Bless America." I remember calling family members for no other reason than to hear their voice.

All of those memories are still somewhat fresh, but life has changed - a lot. Since September 11, 2001, we've had two children. Those two children will never know life before 9/11. The world changed that day, and they must grow up in that world.

I suppose my dominant thought now, as I reflect on the events of eight years ago and the questions of this morning, is that I am more resolved than ever to nurture in my children a desire to know and follow God. To believe the creator of the universe has a plan and a purpose for their lives, and the creator of the universe loves them passionately, intimately and deeply, and revealed that love on the cross. Predictable, perhaps, coming from me, but here's why the motivation to do that is heightened today: Because I firmly believe God is sovereign. Towers fall; depravity, sin and evil sometimes seem to be winning, and questions are hard to answer, but in the midst of all of that and in the midst of all creation, God reigns. For that, we can rejoice. As the Psalmist writes:

God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
Though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging ...
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day ...
The LORD almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

In her book, Let's Roll, Lisa Beemer, the widow of Todd Beamer, who died on United 93 when that plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania, writes, "I have found safety and security in a loving heavenly Father, who cannot be shaken, who will never leave me nor forsake me, and in whom I can trust completely." Later, writing about her husband's faith, she said, "What made Todd different from other men who are merely religous was not the fact that he was willing to do die for his faith; the terrorists did that! No, Todd was willing to live for his faith. Better still, he was willing to live out his faith all the way to the end. Todd built his life on a firm foundation so that when the storm came on September 11 he didn't have to check the blueprints to see if everything he had built his life on was going to stand. He knew.

More than ever, my prayer is that my children find safety and security in a loving heavenly Father, and that they build their lives on a firm foundation - Jesus Christ - the place where all healing and all hope is found.

Praise Habits

2009-09-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

Here's the video from Student Worship on Sunday, August 30:

Stirring

2009-09-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

Sheesh. July 7. That's the last time I posted a blog. How did that happen?

Well, come to think of it, there's been just a little bit going on the last 60 days or so. Since I last blogged, I've been to Student Life Camp and to Oak Island, TX for a mission trip. That was my July, for the most part. In August, the youth led all parts of two worships and I preached on Youth Sunday. Last week, we kicked off fall programming with a new Student Worship experience on Sunday mornings.

Just a little bit going on.

Actually, though, all of that stuff is why I am blogging today. To let the blogsphere know that our God reigns. I know that, well, because the Bible tells me so (Psalm 47), but also because I have witnessed it - through many of the events and experiences I just named. For example, last week we had the largest gathering of students in two years. Now, I know one shouldn't focus too much on numbers - there are more measurements to healthy, faithful ministry than just how many people walk through the door - but numbers do matter. They matter to God (Luke 15:3-7), so they should matter to us. Probably lots of reasons why we had such good numbers - the start of the school year and the fact that it was Promotion Sunday probably had something to do with it - but it was very exciting to see so many new students. It might also have something to do with how we've revamped Sunday morning. All of those things may have played a part, but I believe there is, as someone described it to me this week, a "stirring." The Spirit of God is at work.

Here's perhaps even better evidence of that ... In the two years I have been their youth pastor, many First Methodist Houston youth have expressed to me a desire to find ways to share their faith more boldly and more often. Well, I talked about this in my sermon on Youth Sunday, but I am encouraged because they are doing that, and they are doing it on one of the most popular platform for sharing anything on the planet - Facebook. I see status updates and comments all of the time about youth group, church and about God! That is SO cool.

I really do believe there is a wind blowing in this ministry right now. A stirring. However we describe, it is clear to me that God is up to something.

So how do we respond? Well, one of the abiding actions of this group is just that - action. The mission season is so active because so many youth make it a priority for their summer to go on at least one mission trip. That's really encouraging, but I want to suggest that mission is not just for a season. I think the best way we can respond to the movement of God that seems to be present among us is to join the movement. To be involved. To serve. To be in mission.

And that can happen in Houston as well as Oak Island (or Nicaragua or Del Rio). Following Youth Sunday, there was a virtual outpouring of comments along the lines of, "The youth should do that more often," or "They should lead worship regularly." I agree, and so does Paul Clines. I'm sorry - P-squared. He has invited youth to serve in worship regularly - by reading scripture, being a greeter or an usher, serving Communion - there are all kinds of ways to be involved. If you are interested in any of those things, talk to me. Serving and leading in your home church is definitely missional. When you pass out a bulletin or say a prayer in worship, you are sharing Christ's love just like you are when you hug a child in Acuna.

Let me offer one more way you can serve, and then I'll sign off. If you have any musical inclination whatsoever - you can sing, you can play drums, you can yodel - we need you. We have a youth band, led by Patrick Brown, a youth choir, led by Andrea Brown (no relation), and a youth bell choir (led by Audrua Welch). The youth band meets after the 11:12 worship in the youth room, although you should get in touch with Patrick to find out more. The youth choir starts fall rehearsals September 13 at 1 pm at our downtown campus. The youth bell choir is going to meet during the 11:12 worship service for about 45 minutes. My suggestion - contact those leaders (they are all on Facebook) - and get involved.

God is most definitely up to something around here, and when you serve in your church, you are serving God. You are joining a movement. You are part of the stirring.

Change

2009-07-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

Howdy y'all. We are mission trippin' again. This time in Del Rio, Texas.

All of the First Methodist Houston readers of this blog (which I am assuming accounts for about 99.9%) know that there is a background story to our specific mission location. Normally, we stay in Del Rio, but go across the river/international border to Ciudad Acuna, a Mexican border city of about 250,000 people, for our mission and outreach.

We are staying AND working in Del Rio this year, however, and if you're thinking you have a pretty good idea why ... well, you're right. The drug violence you have heard so much about in places like Juarez and Nuevo Laredo is beginning to find its way to smaller, formerly-sleepy border towns. We heard enough frightening reports of drug cartel activity in Acuna to cause us to pull the plug on our usual trip.

Of course, a big change like that sort-of left us scrambling. Fortunately, the church that hosts us - First Baptist Del Rio - has a core value reflected in the tagline "gateway to missions." They have gone above and beyond to line up meaningful, needed work for us on this side of the Rio Grande. Today we hosted VBS for about 25 neighborhood kids, painted a church, sorted clothes, cleaned a yard and refurbished a wheelchair ramp.

Interestingly, change seems to be emerging as a mini theme for this trip. Our church has stayed at FBC for quite a few years, to the point that the Acuna/Del Rio veterans know the "drill" really well. When we arrived yesterday, the girls went to their usual "dorms" and the guys went to theirs. Except - the church had switched the places. Then, we worshipped in a new spot last night. It was pretty humorous, actually, to hear comments like "that's not the way we usually do it" coming from teenagers.

That's kind of an exaggeration, though, as for the most part they have embraced all of the changes that have been a part of this trip. One of the awesome things about a mission trip is that there are always some veterans, like the ones I mentioned earlier, and there are always some rookies. On this trip, we have three youth who are on a mission trip with this church for the first time, and we have two that are on their first mission trip altogether. For them, there are no changes, as they have not experienced anything else. As I scan the group and watch them share in some pre-dinner snacks and fellowship, it's clear that the group is already meshing into one, regardless of prior experience. They are sharing this unique trip and finding much life and reward in responding to the needs on this side of the border.

Paul calls this "one" that we are meshing into the "Body of Christ." Describing this body, he writes in Galatians, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

On this trip, we are headed to the place where there is neither veteran nor rookie, neither those who have experienced Acuna nor those who haven't, for we are all one in Christ Jesus.

And that is a very cool thing.

Feliz Cumpleanos

2009-06-25T05:38:00.000-07:00

Alright. As this is probably my last blog from Nicaragua, it is probably time for a confession. I have written each of these while sitting beside a pool. It's one of the best places to pick up a wi-fi signal here at the mission retreat center. Hey, someone has to do it.

As I write this one, there are about 15 girls from "Casa Havilah" and about five boys from "Casa Robles" swimming with most of the youth from our mission team. Casa Havilah and Casa Robles are girls' and boys' rescue homes, respectively, that are run by our missionary hosts, the Buzzbee family, and their ministry, Open Hearts (for more about Open Hearts, click here). The children live in these homes because they have been abused, neglected or mistreated. The children are orginally from La Chureca, the community on the city dump in Managua, where we have been putting tarps over shacks during the mornings this week.

Every afternoon, we have spent time at either Casa Havilah or Casa Robles - mostly Casa Havilah. We have painted, installed light fixtures, built shelves, taught VBS and generally loved on the girls. Today, all of the girls and boys boarded the bus with us and came back to the Buzzbees. We put on a puppet show, gave a concert and shared the Gospel with them, and now we are swimming and having a pizza party. I am pretty sure I have never seen a more missional use of a swimming pool.

Yesterday while we were at Casa Havilah one of the girls, Maria Eleana, had her eighth birthday. She moved to the home about 10 days ago. Melissa Buzzbee, the director of the school in the dump that the Buzzbee's run as well as the director of Casa Havilah, said that was probably the first birthday party or birthday cake Maria Eleana had ever had.

I've embedded a video from the party. As you can see, the look on Maria Eleana's face is priceless. The party was lifted up last night by several teenagers during worship as one of the moments yesterday where they most sensed and experienced the love and grace of God. I would second that.

Rhythm

2009-06-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

Tonight in our evening worship time, we sang a song called “Your Love is Extravagant.” There’s a line in that song that says, “I find I’m moving to the rhythm of your grace.”

One of the things I love about mission trips is that invariably the group ends up moving to the rhythm of God’s grace. We worship, work hard and enjoy deep fellowship. Each day has a similar cadence: Pray. Work. Eat. Play. Pray. Repeat.

This way of moving and living seems so much more in tune with how God created us to move and live. Today, for instance, I had about 30 minutes before dinner. I walked around a little bit, and then I sat in a hammock for a while. Really – I sat in a hammock. Who does that? I’m sure people do, but you don’t hear about it very much. I certainly do not.

While I was in that hammock, though, I saw two fireflies, had a deep conversation with a teenager about real stuff and connected with an adult about some upcoming ministry. It was very peaceful. It filled my soul. It was Sabbath.

Our fast-paced, text-messaging, microwaving culture has lost touch with Sabbath. As one author I like has written, “Busyness is a disease of our time.” We are all running around 10 minute late for life. That drains our souls, and it is not Sabbath.

I am writing this at about 9:15 pm. Soon, I’ll shut down the computer and go to sleep, eager for the morning to come. Our group gathers each morning on a roof-top lookout for morning devotional at 7 am. Believe it or not, I’m actually up almost 30 minutes or so before that, fully rested. I am recharged because when one is on a Sabbath schedule, one is actually able to completely sleep off a hard day of work. Around that time – 6:30 or so - I get up, get dressed and pour a cup of dark, delicious Nicaraguan coffee, and then I head to devotion. As I’m walking through this beautiful, lush ranch in the cool air of daybreak, I hear these words come to life:

“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty. Early in the morning, our song shall rise to thee.”

Now that’s living.

Ruby

2009-06-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Hello world. I'm coming to you from the ranch of Open Hearts Mission in Managua, and the 2009 First Methodist Houston youth mission trip to Nicaragua.

It is our second full day in Nicaragua. I am feeling a little tired, and a little hot, but I have the joy, joy, joy, joy. Down in my heart.

Really. I do. I have to. Ms. Ruby told me I do.

Yesterday (Saturday, June 20), a team of 24 missionaries from First Methodist Houston went to see Ruby Temple. Ruby is – and this really is a spot-on descriptor – a prophetess. She speaks truth, through prayer and through the Spirit, directly to people. Spending time with her is a remarkable, inspiring, somewhat-frightening experience.

We spent about three hours with her. Our team piled out of our school bus and piled into her cozy home. Along with her sister, Ruby welcomed each one of us personally. We then sang some songs together. Ruby, who stands about four-and-a-half-feet tall, I’m guessing, strummed a blue acoustic guitar and led us in about five songs. The last one was probably the crowd favorite, with these lyrics: One, two, three, the devil has no power/Four, five, six, I place him under my feet/Seven, eight, nine, I don’t care if he dies/Glory, glory, glory, glory be to God. The best part was when she told us we weren’t stomping our feet hard enough.

Following the sing-along, Ruby then divided the team. It was girls versus guys in Bible trivia. She asked us questions about Samson, Isaiah, and Jephtha. That’s right – Jeptha. I told someone that seminary was not this hard. The girls won by two points, although the official scoring system seemed to be a bit inconsistent at best.

Then the party really got cranked up. Ruby, who is originally from the “Mosquito Coast” of Nicaragua - invited her sister to stand beside her, and her sister handed her a vial of anointing oil. Ruby then invited the men, women, guys and girls on our team to come forward, two at a time, and be prayed for. Two by two, everyone in our group had hands placed on them and received fervent, Spirit-filled prayer.

Ruby prayed for the young people to be obedient and to be faithful. Every now and then she used the phrase, “God is telling you,” or "God has a message for you," and then she finished those phrases with something like “that he wants you to forgive a relative,” or “to let go of a past sin,” or “to fight for God.”

As you read this, it may seem that those words – words from God through Ms. Ruby - are somewhat general. However, I have now been ministering with these students for a year-and-a-half. In that time I have gotten to know them better and begun to share life more deeply. As I listened to Ms. Ruby pray for these young people, it was nothing short of amazing how she seemed to be speaking right into their specific lives. Amazing is one way to describe it. Spirit-led and Spirit-filled is probably a better way.

After everyone was prayed over, Ms. Ruby invited people to share testimonies. She invited us to share what the prayer time was like and what God was doing in our lives. One student seemed to capture the spiritual energy in the room when he said, “I’m ready to do whatever God wants me to do.”

That student spoke for just about everyone, I think. Thanks to Ms. Ruby, and the spiritual gift she obviously has, many of us have a heightened sense of what God is doing in our lives. These students are fired up – fired up for God – and we are only on day two.

Thank you, Ms. Ruby.

Thank you, God.

Pray please

2009-06-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

After a somewhat surreal summer start-up - I've usually done at least one trip by now - the real excitement begins tomorrow. At 5:50 pm, 24 of us from First Methodist Houston are boarding a plane and leaving for a mission trip to Managua, Nicaragua. While we are there we'll be working in a place called La Chureca, a community that borders the Managua city dump. The missionaries that we partner with in Nicaragua minister to the community via a school, clinic and church. We will do VBS-type activities, put on concerts, help with minor home repairs and basically share the love of Christ in any way we can.

I've been mission tripping for 15 years, and there is no question that this is the highlight time of the year for me. I love that we take the Gospel beyond the church walls, and I love to watch the faith of teenagers lived out with passion and compassion.

This year, I passed out the names of all of the missionaries to the church staff and asked them to pray for us. As best I can remember, that's the first time I have done that. Oh, I've certainly solicited prayer before - for mission trips and just about everything else - but I don't recall ever typing up the list of participants and handing the list to a lot of people. That's a practice I should have begun years ago.

I'd love for the blog community (both of you) to join the staff, parents and others in prayer for this trip. Pray for safety, sensitivity and spirituality. Pray for nothing less than revival - in Nicaragua, and among the young First Methodist missionaries. Pray that the love, grace, forgiveness and power of Jesus Christ is on vivid display next week.

I'll be blogging from Nicaragua, so check this space next week.

Strong Leaders

2009-05-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

I had to work on Memorial Day. For almost nine hours, actually.

Before you start feeling too sorry for me, I better come clean. I "worked" at a student leadership mini-retreat, and said retreat was around a pool in a church member's backyard.

Tough job, but someone has to do it. If it is any consolation, the water was a little chilly. But only a little.

The 2009-2010 Student Leaders - Garrett Nondorf, Daniel Nondorf, Natalie Dunn, Amanda Macune, Leah Wakefield and Chad Sledge (along with Caroline Shaffer, who is graduating and going to Baylor, but came to offer insight and wisdom as a student leader this previous year) - and I met for most of the afternoon and early evening to discuss future youth ministry at First Methodist Houston (Josephine Tran is also going to be on the team, but she could not make the retreat). We spent a goodly amount of time discussing four categories of students: Community, crowd, committed and core. We looked at ways to help community and crowd students become committed, core students. There were lots of strong, creative ideas. What excited me the most is the passion these students have for connecting with teens that might not even be going to our church yet.

I'll be sharing some of those ideas with you in this space during the summer. For now, I wanted to acknowledge the work these student leaders put in. Yeah, yeah ... We ate well, bounced on the trampoline, threw the frisbee, played ping pong and chased each other with water guns, but we also talked and prayed about making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Now that is my kind of work.

Holy Vows, Holy Living

2009-05-22T06:19:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday, May 17, was Confirmation Sunday at First Methodist Houston. 49 students claimed the name Jesus Christ for themselves.

So many words have been used to describe Confirmation Sunday. A "holy," "sacred" or "defining" moment have been some of the most popular. It is all of those things, and more. When a young person proclaims to their family, their friends, their church and to the world that they are a Christ-follower, there is no question that proclamation is holy, sacred and defining.

Sometimes it can be hard to put something so huge into words, though. Sometimes, images work best.

The image that might stick with me the longest from last Sunday occurred at our Westchase campus. We confirmed 26 students there, and of those 26 four were being baptized. As they were standing at the front of the church, Pastor Paul Clines asked the soon-to-be-baptized students if they believed in Jesus Christ. They all said "I do" boldly, except for one student. Eric Murdock, who deals daily with autism, did not respond at first. So Pastor Paul asked him directly, and Eric said, "I do." Paul then asked the students if they will strive to follow Christ daily. They all said, "I will," but again Paul wanted to make sure Eric understood, so he asked him directly again. When Eric said "I will" in a volume loud enough for everyone in the worship center to hear, it was powerful, to say the least. Later I noticed people posted on their Facebook statuses that they were crying at that moment.

As powerful as that was, that is not the image I am referring to. At least not the complete image. Following the baptisms, those four joined the other 22 to say their Confirmation vows. I could tell Eric was a little antsy and a little confused, as he had just had water poured over his head but was now having to stand in front of the whole church a bit longer. As he stepped back and joined the other confirmands, Daniel Woods, another sixth-grade student (like Eric), noticed too that Eric was nervous. He quietly and kindly reached and touched Eric's hand and whispered in his ear, and you could tell that gesture had a calming effect on Eric.

Now THAT was powerful. It is no small thing for one adolescent young man to reach out and comfort another adolescent young man, especially in front of 600 people. But that is just what Daniel did. What an image of what the church is supposed to be all about. What an image of what following Christ is supposed to look like.

Daniel gets it. So does Eric. And God is good.

All the time.

What It's All About

2009-05-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

Two nights ago the Westchase youth room was full of teenagers. In high heels and suits, no less.

FUEL, a junior-high Bible study and fellowship time, had a different theme each Wednesday this year, and the theme for the last one was “$10 prom.” Students were encouraged to spend up to $10 at a thrift store for a “prom” outfit. Also, an offering of $10 per student was collected to give to an organization dedicated to helping teens that cannot afford things like real proms (which some families pay anywhere from $100-500 for) - or even $10 proms, for that matter.

The night began like every FUEL does – with food and fellowship. The students ate pizza and chicken nuggets while they played Guitar Hero, ping pong and pool. Then, a short Bible message was given. The last hour-or-so of the event was spent on the dance floor. It was incredibly fun.

Audrua Welch, the First Methodist junior high intern, was in the middle of this high-octane (“FUEL” is such an appropriate name) youth ministry. Audrua, a junior at the University of Houston and life-long church member, had a vision for a weekly gathering like FUEL about two years ago, shortly after graduating from high school. For the last two school years, she has faithfully led this program, welcoming sixth, seventh and eighth graders each Wednesday evening to a time of fun, fellowship and study. She has planned and led almost every single FUEL for two years, and she has done a great job connecting young hearts to Jesus Christ.

Audrua is a model for what can happen in the crucible of faithful, passionate youth ministry. She is responding to a call to ministry, as in addition to her time on staff here, this summer she begins a youth ministry internship at another Methodist congregation in Houston. As importantly, she is also well on her way to mature Christian adulthood. I am convinced that Audrua will not be one of the 80%-or-so in her age group that grow up in a faith community but then disappear from church life for 10-15 years. Through participation in choir, youth group and Sunday School, she has been nurtured through the years by so many caring adults. Now, she is ready to spread her ministry wings, and I firmly believe she is going to soar.

In his Mother’s Day sermon, Dr. Wende challenged church members to invest in the lives of young people. Author after author and study after study offer evidence that this is the best way to make sure church-involved teens become church-involved adults. Audrua Welch is a great example of what happens when a church loves a young person through the awkward, challenging season of life called adolescence.

Taking the time to build a Christ-centered relationship of trust and love, as so many did with Audrua, leads to a beautiful cycle, as that is exactly what Audrua has been doing through FUEL. Now, after two years, dozens of younger teens that have taken part on Wednesday nights know that Jesus Christ loves them and died to save them, thanks to Audrua’s leadership, teaching and example.

Investing in the lives of young people so they can grow in Christ is really what youth ministry is all about. If you would like to be a part of something so life-giving, give me a call. I will give you a name of a teen to pray for and check in with on Sunday mornings. Who knows – someday that teen might become an Audrua.

Vaya Con Dios

2009-05-08T08:45:00.001-07:00

Many, many thanks to everyone who helped with the Grad Banquet last Sunday evening. I want to especially thank Monica Wakefield, who really organized the whole thing. She had a great team that helped her: Cindy Peterson, Karen Kelly, Shelley Harwell, Mary Julia Macune, Vivian Dunn and LaVonna Bowman all made the event a success.

As with just about every event at Westchase, we probably could not have done it - or at least done it well - without Mary Grace Randerson's help. Finally, Lyle Hart at Outback Steakhouse is a great neighbor, and we appreciate his support of this event every year.

Kristen Jones gave the seniors some wise advice in her keynote. I especially like how she challenged the seniors to realize that they are no longer children. As they move from high school to college or work, it is time, she reminded them, "to put childish things behind." She spoke with the conviction and love for young people that one might expect from someone who spent dozens of years in youth ministry.

My lasting impression from the evening might be Caroline Shaffer's talk. She clearly was impacted by her tremendous dedication and particiation in her youth group through the years. When she said, "I wouldn't be the same person if it weren't for all of the mission trips, Bible studies and camps," I got a lump in my throat. Caroline is a bright, faithful young lady, and thanks in part to her years in youth group, she is ready for what lies ahead. She knows that wherever she goes, God is already there.

Several people asked for a copy of the presentation. Here it is:

Redeemed

2009-04-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

At a church I served for several years, the youth group prepared an Easter Sunrise Service every spring. One year, they told me they wanted to sign a "really cool song they had just heard."

Now, perhaps you are wondering two things ... (a) Why did I not proof-read this blog more carefully before I posted it, because if I had I would have caught the typo in the word before "a" in that sentence? Shouldn't it be "sing"? ... and (b) What was the song?

(a) "Sign" is correct. The youth group used to sign (as in sign language, like ASL) songs ... When done together, the movement and rhythm is very pretty and quite worshipful.

(b) "Redeemer," by Nicole C. Mullen.

The youth were right. "Redeemer" was - and is - a really cool song. Really, really cool. Take a look-see:

We had a blast signing it and received much positive feedback from the gathered Easter crowd. One of the students liked it so much that she later signed it at her grandmother's funeral. Later, we had some repeat offerings in Sunday morning worship and on a retreat.

Personally, I became a big fan of Nicole C. Mullen's music after that experience. I have a couple of her CD's. In addition to "Redeemer," I especially like the songs "Call on Jesus" and "Witness."

This Sunday is Easter, and at First Methodist Houston, no youth will sign it. But that is OK, because Nicole C. Mullen will sing it. That's right - Nicole C. Mullen is joining us for both worship services (9 am and 11:12 am). I cannot wait. It is going to be an awesome celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Even though the words for "Redeemer" came from Mullen's personal devotional time around the book of Job (as she mentioned in the video), the words are SO appropriate for Easter, of course. Check 'em out, and then come and check out First Methodist this Sunday:

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
and Who told the ocean you can only come this far?
and Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening?
Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

Well I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives:
All of creation testifies
This life within me cry
I know my Redeemer lives, yeah.

The very same God that spins things in orbit runs to the weary, the worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory

Now I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within we cry
I know my Redeemer, He lives

To take away my shame
And He lives forever, I'll proclaim
That the payment for my sin
Was the precious life He gave
But now He's alive and There's an empty grave.

And I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry

I know my Redeemer, I know my Redeemer I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
I know that I know that I know that I know that I know my redeemer lives
Because He lives I can face tomorrow
I Know I know He lives He lives yeah, yeah I spoke with him this morning
He lives He lives, the tomb is empty,
He lives I gotta tell everybody

Lenten Devotionals

2009-03-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for the meditations I am posting each day during Lent, click here. Have no idea what I am talking about? Here's the blurb from "Linked", the weekly e-newsletter I send out:

Lots of people give something up for Lent. That is a good thing, because when we offer a small sacrifice during these 40 days, it hopefully helps us focus on the greatest sacrifice – Christ’s death on the cross.

This Lent, though, you are invited to not just give something up – but add something. Every day during Lent (except Sundays), BC will be posting a devotional online. These devotionals are actually short Bible studies, and you are invited to comment, and therefore create discussion. You can find the devotions on our Facebook group page (on the discussion board), or at linkedyouth.com (click “interactive” then “blogs”).

Commit to a regular time each day (perhaps when you first go online and check your Facebook profile …) of reading and responding. See if regular time each day around scripture does not help bring these words to life:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power … Put on your full armor of God … Take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” – Ephesians 6:10, 11a, 17b

Courage

2009-02-26T12:29:00.000-08:00

When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” (John 6:19-20, NIV)

Recently, my five-year-old daughter began moving across suspended bars at playgrounds with relative ease. This was a big deal, as she had been working on this skill for several months.

Every time I am with her, I always walk underneath her and spot her as she grabs each bar and swings to the next one. She expects that if she misses a bar, I will catch her. She knows I would never let her fall.

During the night the Disciples saw Jesus walking on water. They probably thought they were seeing a ghost. But if they had thought about all they had already seen Jesus do, they could have accepted this miracle. Faith is a mind-set that expects God to act – we know God will always catch us. When we act on this expectation, we can overcome our fears.

What is causing fear in your life right now? Take a minute to pray, asking God to give you courage to overcome your fear.

Beginning

2009-02-26T12:21:00.000-08:00

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. (John 1:1-2, NIV)

Beginnings are exciting. Think of the energy and anticipation that surrounds the first day of school, for instance, or the rush of adrenaline baseball players feel when the umpire says, “Play ball.”

Today we begin Lent with John’s profound announcement: Jesus (the “Word”) was with God in the beginning. Some of John’s other writings contain this idea (Jesus “was, and is and is to come;” He is the “Alpha and the Omega”), but only John’s gospel begins – excitedly – with this truth.

For the next 40 days we will spend time in the book of John. It is fitting during this season of Lent, as we journey to the cross, to read John, given his stated purpose: “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (20:31)

What does it mean to have life in Jesus’ name? How are you experiencing this life?