Category: Ministry Updates

Affirmative

HPIM6762There are volumes of virtual articles and actual books that examine the current generation of 18-35 year olds. Some of that work is highly positive, a lot of it disconcerting, and there’s a bit of it that is downright paranoid.

There are certainly things to be concerned about. If I wasn’t concerned I wouldn’t do what I do.

But, I am also deeply encouraged.

I see signs of hope all the time. During conversations over a cup of coffee, in students who wake up early on Saturday mornings to tutor kids, in our leaders, and on trips like we took to Joplin.

For 8 days I saw students who have grown up in the most self-centered, narcissistic era of all time (according to some), give and serve and sacrifice, and do it all with a happy heart, a cheerful disposition, and absolutely no complaining.

Which was amazing, but here’s my favorite part:

At the end of each spring break trip I’ve been on I’ve led groups through a simple exercise called “the hot seat.” When you are on the hot seat you silently sit and let the rest of the group speak words of affirmation and life into you.

It’s deeply moving.

Students today get all kinds of accolades and positive feedback from the culture at large (especially if they buy the right things, wear the right things, and say the right things on Facebook).

But, in my experience, as these cultural accolades increase, there is less space for
an actual person,
who actually knows you,
who has actually seen you in your element,
to say real and honest words
to your face.

In these moments you see the power of words, the power of real human interactions, and the greatness that resides inside each of these individuals.

We are blessed right now with some amazing students who God is using to do amazing things.

I’m grateful to just be here and to witness it.

Holy Ground

885637_551159211583285_352943300_oI’ve been on a lot of “mission” trips. I’ve been to Mexico, India, Kentucky, inner-city Chicago, etc. Each experience has been formative and important and memorable, no two trips alike.

But I have never had more fun on a trip than I did this last week leading students to Joplin, MO for the second spring break in a row.

What’s weird is that, in many ways, this was also the most stressful trip I’ve been on. The weather didn’t cooperate, most of our original work plans fell through, there were twice as many people as last year, and I was away from my wife and daughter for the longest time since Marina was born.

I have a couple of theories:there was little to no interpersonal drama, we had no complainers, and I love the staff I get to work with.

Those are all true, but here’s a brief version of what I shared with our team at the end of the week…

In Genesis 28, Jacob wakes from his “stairway to heaven” dream and says: “God was in this place, and I, I did not know it.” In Exodus 3, Moses walks up to a burning bush, meets God, and realizes he is on holy ground.

Here’s the thing: the bush is always burning…God is always in this place. Not just in the spectacular moments and the times when all our plans come together, the moments where you pass a set of key to a homeowner who has tears in their eyes.

No, God is in the mess
and the plans that fall apart
and the spontaneous conversations
and in the bad weather
and the late-night sonic run
and laughter
and spike ball
and banana grams
and sharing life on a deep level.

But, sometimes we don’t notice.

I think this is why Jesus talked about ears to hear and eyes to see.

This week was a good gift to me for a bunch of reasons, but it was a reminder that I love college ministry, I love students, and that no matter where we go…

the ground is always holy.

SojournBoston Leaders Being Awesome

We held our monthly leadership community gathering on friday night. We ate fajitas prepared with love by the legendary Cuban John. We shared stories from the past month. And, we celebrated what God has done through our community, in the community this year. I am so proud of the ways our students have invested in work that is ongoing all over the city: tutoring and mentoring kids, fighting human trafficking, building relationships with neighbors, serving the least. Beautiful stuff. We committed to finish the year strong and not let these issues become back-burner priorities as we begin thinking about the end of a school year, summer plans, etc. Good stuff!

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A New Year

Heading into a new year I found this to be helpful:

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9

‘Cakes for a Cause

At the beginning of November I challenged a few of our leaders at BU to think of throwing a christmas/advent conspiracy/fund-raiser/cause related event to end our semester. I gave some parameters and guidelines for how to plan out an event 6 weeks out, and then left the rest up to the team.

They pulled off a GREAT event. ‘Cakes for a Cause was held Wednesday night (12/12/12!), and raised $400 for Amirah Boston. If you’ve been reading my posts recently you’ve seen this name/cause pop up a few times now. SojournBU continues to do well in its partnership with this organization, and lots of great stories are coming from it.

I am proud of our leaders for several reasons. I’m proud of Bridget for setting the vision and the pace for this event…she’s stepped up her leadership game big time: taking risks, calling others to action, and inviting, inviting, inviting. I’m proud of Stef for her ongoing involvement in several of our causes and for championing Amirah. She’s set a strong personal example and is inviting others into that. I’m proud of Rebecca for her work on the details and the design (she’s got skills people). I’m proud of Faith for her help on the design too, for all of the risks she is taking in inviting people to Sojourn events, and for her servant’s heart on Wednesday night. I’m proud of Ruben for his willingness to do the dirty work and the worst jobs, and for reaching out to people during the event (and for making awesome signs). I’m proud of Jack for doing anything and everything to make the night run smoothly and for always being relational. I’m proud of Anna and Dorsa for all their help in planning, their endless promotion of the event, for being willing to look silly at the hot chocolate table, and for bringing people! (Special credit to Dorsa for photo bombing several pics).

One final shout outt: we are super grateful for the folks who donated money to help us supply the actual pancakes (mix and toppings) for the event so that all the money we raised could go to Amirah. We expected to get school funding and were rejected at the last-minute, so thank you so much for your generosity which helped make the night a huge success.

Enjoy the pics!

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SojournBU Being Awesome

As college students recover and discover the good news of Jesus we hope that they begin to shape their whole lives in response. This looks like everything from inviting friends to events, to stepping into roles of servanthood and leadership, to investing in neighborhoods and causes that help increase shalom in the world.

One of our students at BU, Stefi, has been responding to good news in this very way this semester. I had the opportunity to brag on her a bit in my last teaching at REUNION. The short story is that she read the book Half the Sky (also hugely influential on Amy and her decision to practice to women’s health physical therapy), and wanted to get more involved in efforts to combat the trafficking of women (especially for sexual exploitation). She has become an ambassador for Amirah Boston (you can also hear more about this in my REUNION teaching).

Stefi invited the BU crew to Amirah’s celebration dinner and it was a privilege to be included in this night of hearing stories of how God is at work bringing rescue and restoration to women through Amirah’s work (and the work of volunteers like Stefi). Good stuff!

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