Serving with JOY!

This is my favorite photo I have ever taken of a group of interns. The five of them served with us at El Refugio the summer of 2015. I love the picture so much because of the sheer joy you can see on their faces. They enjoyed being together, they loved what they were doing, and in this moment things were just funny. I was blessed to capture the moment with my camera!

I think in ministry sometimes we can forget to enjoy ourselves. At times we can take ourselves too seriously.

The truth is, we should enjoy what we’re doing and make sure we’re having fun, laughing, being silly from time to time, and living into the JOY that Christ offers us!

In Philippians 4:4-7 it says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

We should be in a constant state of rejoicing! In a world filled with so many people suffering from anxiety and stress, we need to remember that God cares about us, he wants to hear our prayers, and he offers to guard our hearts and minds. He wants us to enjoy the world he has blessed us with, and he wants us to be filled with JOY!

Now, I recognize there are difficulties in life. In Romans 12:15 it says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” And we should! Just as Christ goes with us into those darkest, hardest places we go through, we should do the same with those we’re living life with. We don’t deny the difficulties or pretend everything is fine all the time. At the same time we can look around in our every day lives and recognize that there are blessings and things that should fill us with joy all around us.

So, take a moment to laugh today! Praise God for the ministry you’ve been called to! Tell a joke to a co-worker, or share a funny moment that happened to you recently. Tickle your kids! Roll around in the grass with them! Step away from the computer screen and your ‘work responsibilities’ and connect with someone. Play a game, go for a walk, or read a good book.

 Be filled with JOY and laugh today!

Each new day of life is a gift from the Lord and a blessing— and we get to share those gifts with an incredible team of people here at Youth World!

Peace and Joy,

Jim

The Importance of Discipleship

In 2005 my wife, Suzy, was an intern with Quito Quest for 8 months. I remember coming to visit her and getting to see Ecuador for the first time. She told me one day that we’d be going over to the Miller’s house and that she’d be watching their daughter, Hannah for a few hours. I was a little confused. Who are the Millers? Why are you doing this? Suzy explained that Brad and Sandi were the team leaders and that Sandi was her mentor. Over these months she had been and would continue to meet with Sandi, being discipled by her. Part of discipleship meant not only being invested in, but also serving and helping when needed.

In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus told his disciples,“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” These were his final words before ascending to heaven, which in essence communicated: I discipled you—now go do the same. We want to take those words seriously!

When Suzy and I arrived in 2012 Brad Miller took us to Corfu during our on-boarding and we talked about what it’s like to be a part of Youth World. On a side note, we ran into a guy named Len Kinzel in the line and Brad introduced us to him as the pastor of a church called ‘EFC.’ Brad reminded us that day that discipleship is central to Youth World. He challenged us to always pursue a mentor for our own spiritual growth while also investing in others. This is what we do! It matters! It was true back then and it’s still true today: We as team members of Youth World want to keep growing spiritually and relationally with someone investing in us, and we want to be that person for others. That model—being discipled and discipling others—is the way of Jesus, and it’s still our calling today.

So here’s my challenge: Who are you discipling? If the answer is “no one,” ask God to show you someone in your life who needs encouragement and guidance. And here’s my invitation: Who is discipling you? We all need to be loved, supported, and invested in. If you don’t have that person, start seeking one—trusting Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:8: “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Start knocking on doors and seeking out that person today!

Be discipled—and disciple others!

In Christ,

Jim

Leading and Serving from a place of Health

At our staff gathering this past week I took some time to introduce myself as Youth World’s new Director with the hope that as a team you might get to know me better and understand certain things about me.

One of the pieces I mentioned was a concept that has historically been a part of Youth World’s DNA. Specifically, the concept is leading and serving from a place of health. This is something I so profoundly value. We are blessed and privileged that the God of the universe has chosen to use people like us to represent him in this world and we need to remember that we will be better stewards of that if we’re not burned out, exhausted, or unstable. Jesus came that we might have life and have it to the full. So, we work hard, we steward well what the Lord has entrusted us, and at the same time we prioritize and look for opportunities of rest. 

I recognize that leading and serving from a place of health doesn’t just mean being well rested. We want to strive to be healthy in a holistic way— physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. But, if we are to start somewhere, I suggest following the model that Christ gave us. In Luke Chapter 5:15-16 it says, “Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” 

In the following chapter Jesus heals a man's shriveled hand and then it says, “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” (Luke 6:12) After giving and ministering Jesus needed rest and connection with his Father. So, what did he do? He prioritized it and made it a rhythm that defined his ministry.

Friends, I want to encourage you today to do an inventory of your time. Are you prioritizing times to withdraw from the busyness of ministry? Are you making space to go to the mountainside and pray? Jesus invites you into that rest and into that intimate space of relationship with him. In Matthew 11:29-30 he clearly states, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

If you aren’t prioritizing that rhythm of rest and connection into your daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly rhythms, start today! Take the first step and carve out some time to step away from your work and be with your Savior. 

Let’s all pursue together this concept of leading and serving from a place of health.

In Christ, Jim

The Rainbows & Volcanoes of God’s Promise

Just like everyone else in this world, I have good days and bad days. There are even times when our bad days can turn into bad weeks, bad chapters, even bad seasons of life. But, in recent years I’ve noticed something on those bad days— especially the ones that start out with the potential of being the worst. First, let me give you some context.

Every day my wife and I take turns dropping our kids off at school. Our daughter’s school is about a 3 minute drive, just down the road. Our son’s, however, is about 15 minutes down the mountain, making it about a 30 minute ordeal from start to finish. The road we take opens up into a breathtaking panorama of the town below at a certain point. Before the view, it’s a bit of a ‘straight-away,’ where on a clear day you get the first glimpse of the snow-capped volcano known as Cayambe. In that tunnel-like road, Cayambe towers above you and looks huge and impressive. After leaving that straight section, however, the forced perspective changes as you look into the valley below with the remarkable view. Interestingly, Cayambe looks smaller, but is now in context to the broader surroundings, painting the backdrop to the town below and mountains all around. It’s a breathtaking panorama. 

The thing is, the number of incredibly clear days here with no clouds in the sky are fewer than one might imagine. Certain months are better for being able to see the various snow-capped volcanoes here in Ecuador, but regardless, even those of us who live here year-round get excited when the snow-capped volcanoes are ‘out.’

Let’s go back to those ‘hard days.’ I often think of Noah who was trapped in that ark with so many animals waiting for the day that he and his family could once again step out onto dry land. The day finally comes, and God blesses him with the rainbow: His promise never to flood the earth again. His promise of faithfulness— a simple reminder of His presence and involvement in our lives. In the same way, I can’t deny that God reminds me of that same promise on those days that I head down the mountain to drop off my son, and suddenly see her: Cayambe, in all of her glory, towering above me. All creation declares the glory of God! Just as the rainbow serves as a reminder of God’s promise, those days that I am burdened, stressed, losing hope, and in great need of a reminder of God’s presence— those are the days that I head down the road and am blown away by the majesty of creation as I stare at the snow-capped volcano, Cayambe. 

The doubting Thomas in me wants to chalk it up to coincidence or something less ‘holy;’ but, it has happened dozens of times now, and always on those days I need it the most. The ironic thing is that I always forget. You would think I’d come to anticipate it, now. But, I’m usually so caught up in myself or my problems, that as I drive down the road with the weight of the world or negative attitudes I’m carrying, I’m surprised and taken aback every time as my eyes see the mountains. It’s not fabricated. I truly believe it’s God reaching down to earth and involving himself in my life. And, the thing is He does that for all of us on a daily basis— if we simply stop to look around and recognize the many blessings that surround us.

We have running water. We have warm homes. We have cars, tv’s, phones, hot food, access to almost anything we can imagine. And yet, we so often feel alone, upset, and desire to have more than what we already possess. We can become so inwardly focused, we often forget to include God in our daily conversations, decisions, and thought-life. He’s right there— waiting. Waiting for us to acknowledge Him, waiting for us to accept His peace, His joy— the things that He offers us so freely. Yet we’re constantly distracted by our modern ‘conveniences’ and don’t recognize the need to daily invite our Creator to take part in our everyday lives.

What is weighing you down today? What burden are you carrying? What has constituted a ‘bad day’ for you recently? Your Heavenly Father invites you to lay your burdens down, to open your eyes to His goodness and peace, as He longs to remind you that He’s there. He’s caring for you. He’s providing for you. He’s protecting you. He has plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Perhaps the clear view of a snow-capped volcano is what you need as a reminder of His presence— or perhaps it’s simply taking in what’s around you and recognizing the blessing of His provision, His creation, the people around you who care. Take the time today to really take in the things around you. Choose to see the rainbows and volcanoes of God’s presence and promise. He is with you and He loves you.

An Easter Reflection

As we sat in bed with our kids last night after having our Bible story time together, Kaia turned to me and asked, “Is Easter the best holiday?” I asked her why she thought that, and her response was quite logical, “Because Jesus died on the cross for us, but he’s alive so we can go to heaven!”

About every other year on Good Friday I like to sit down and watch the movie, the Passion of the Christ. Every year seems a little too much— a bit too often, somehow. So, last night we watched it together, just Suzy and I. 

When you step back and look at it, Easter is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. Palm Sunday we’re riding high, the last supper is incredibly meaningful but heavy, the garden of Gethsemane takes things to an even deeper level, and then the road to the cross is a dark and emotional one. Our Savior dies. And then, just days later, he’s alive. He is risen! And we celebrate. 

It’s an emotional investment to remember, reflect, and emotionally engage with all that took place so long ago. It’s much, much easier to simply go to church on Easter Sunday to hear the ‘happy’ sermon and go about your day with the Easter bunny and egg hunt rituals that follow in tow. The thing is, I think the emotional journey is a good one. Not easy— but good.

Suzy commented multiple times throughout the movie that it’s just too gory. I agree that it’s gory. But, I also think it very well could have been that bad. It may not have been quite as intense as Mel Gibson painted it— but it could have. And if anything, it led me to reflect on the pain that He chose, the pain He didn’t escape, the pain that my sin and your sin weighed on Him. He suffered to free us from our wrongdoings. He suffered so we wouldn’t have to.

I’m active on several different social media platforms. Today I enjoyed seeing several friends post statuses and photos with words or Bible verses reflecting on this day. One that was posted by a few people said, “It’s Friday. But Sunday is coming.” How simple. It acknowledges Good Friday— not simply glossing over it— but it points us to what happens on Sunday. Because if Sunday doesn’t happen, Christianity simply wouldn’t be what it is. 

Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” I suppose that’s the attitude that I hope to take on and embody. I want to mourn. I want to feel the weight of what Jesus suffered— for me. I want to cry. But, I don’t want to stay there. Jesus is not in the tomb. He did not remain dead. His brilliant light shines brightly and He is alive! He is alive in you, and He is alive in me. I not only want to believe that; I want to embrace it, celebrate it, and radiate that brilliance. I will celebrate! 

So, on this day before Resurrection Day, I invite you to take the emotional plunge with me. If only for one day— engage with the Word and mentally, emotionally, spiritually walk through what your Savior did for you. And don’t jump into ‘part b’ where the stone is rolled away, just yet. We have an Easter book for kids called The Week that Led to Easter, and Kaia mentioned to me twice throughout the day today, “Daddy, we forgot to read the last two pages of this book!” We didn’t. We intentionally left them for tomorrow. Close the book. Let the discord and sadness settle in a little. Feel the weight of it.

And tomorrow, leave your tears, your worries, your burdens behind. Because Jesus has conquered the grave. And we celebrate that fact! He is risen. He is alive. He created a way for us to be forgiven and to live with Him eternally. Praise God!

Hiking Uphill

Last year we chose the camp theme of ‘Ascend.’ The story we painted was that our lives are like a hike. Christ is the guide hiking alongside us, and we are aiming to summit the mountain which we clearly see set before us. The ‘surprise ending’ to this story is that once we get to the peak of the mountain, there are many more mountaintops beyond that come into view. Life doesn’t stop there on the mountaintop. We enjoy the view, rest, and pick up our pack to take on the next mountain.

Today is a day of reflection for me. I hiked 30 minutes uphill on the El Refugio property to get to the campsite where I’ll be spending the day. You might not see where this is going right away, but bear with me. I have a love/hate relationship with running. I dread doing it because it’s work and I often think I could be spending that time in a better way. But, I love the results of running and the experience itself is usually very rewarding. I always know it will be worth it— I just don’t really like doing it.

Hiking is basically the same for me. I know it’s good for me, I enjoy it when I’m doing it, and I often question if there’s a better way to spend my time. Actually, if I’m not hiking with a pack, I’ll probably jump at the opportunity if I know there will be great views and it will take a specific amount of time that seems reasonable to me. Here’s where I’ll bring it back. The 30 minute hike I made today was with a pack. To me, that changes the experience. Add in that extra weight and discomfort, and I’d much rather throw everything in the car and off-road it to the same spot and enjoy the view that way. So I think.

The truth is, every time I’ve got a pack on and find myself panting hard and sweating I just can’t wait to push through it. I don’t like it. I want to get to the campsite, the lookout point, or wherever the destination may be as fast as I can. But if it weren’t for those tiring, uphill sections, I wouldn’t be sitting here right now writing this. The hard times are the ones that leave the greatest impression on us and are where we often learn more profoundly. And instead of just trying to push past it, what might happen if in the midst of difficult times like that, we were to ask the simple question, “Lord, what are you trying to teach me through this?”

This year’s theme could almost fit within last year’s. The theme title is, ‘Jump.’ The imagery that goes with it is a backpacker, making the leap across a chasm— from one rock face to another. Picture yourself as the same hiker from the first paragraph. On that hike to the peak of the mountain, you come across a gulley. There’s a river way down at the bottom, and no clear way around. The gap isn’t a mere hop, but it does seem possible to leap over if you gave 110% of your effort. Questions might fill your mind: Is this the right way? Is it necessary to jump over this chasm? Should we turn back? What happens if I don’t make it to the other side? Did our guide lead us here intentionally? And if so, why?

As I was hiking today, another complicating question came to my mind when thinking about this very situation. What if there are two spots where it seems equally ideal to jump? Perhaps one has an easier landing at first, though it’s a steeper climb up after you land. In the other spot, though steeper at first, there are a number of exposed roots which would be great to grab onto and secure yourself after the leap. Both have pros and cons, yet both seem to be good options. And to make things more complex, the one option seems to be the natural extension of the path you’ve been on— whereas the other seems it will take you a different way.

For me, the logical question is to discern which one is better. I think most of us naturally approach things this way. But what I’ve been challenged to ask instead is: Which is the way God wants to lead me? The whole first challenge in this scenario is to work up the courage, faith, and trust to make the leap. But right along with that is: Which is the way I’m meant to go? Which path has God prepared for me?

Perhaps that’s where you stand today. Ready to make the jump, but unsure of where to jump to. Maybe you’re not convinced that this is the right way. Or, maybe you can see the jump off in the distance and are like me— you know it’ll feel good and will be worth it, but would rather do something else to fill your time.

Though I described the 30 minute hike as uphill, the last 5 minutes are actually much more level. I caught my breath. I stopped breathing so hard. I began to reflect. I realized the workout actually made my body feel pretty good. And everything you just read came whirring through my mind during that time. Life isn’t all uphill. It’s also not always level. And we’ll find chasms along the way that will require faith and trust— they might also contain some tough life choices. But with Christ as our guide, we can firmly place our trust in Him. We can trust that we are where we’re meant to be. And, we can have faith that if we really are seeking His leading, the place we jump to will be right. And our guide will be there waiting for us, continuing on alongside us as we walk the winding, but rewarding paths of life.

A Used Canvas

The brokenness of our world has struck me especially hard in these past weeks. That of the world and my own brokenness and imperfections. How easy it is to let life progress without stopping and really taking the time to examine your own life? In the face of tragedy or incredibly difficult times, perhaps we are jarred to do so. But what about in the times of monotony? When life is simply moving forward and we are meeting the status quo? I was recently very convinced by this.

In the history of art, there have been periods where it was not uncommon for artists to reuse canvasses. The implication, then, is that there are ‘ghost paintings’ beneath the painting we see on the surface. Perhaps a layer of paint exists between the two paintings, giving the artist a ‘blank canvas’ before painting on top of what once was. 

I always found this concept not only useful, but fascinating. Imagine the number of potential ‘masterpieces' or at least well-known paintings hanging in galleries around the globe that may have other paintings just below the surface. Images and concepts that we’ll never see. To the naked eye, they simply don’t exist.

Today I have been preparing two canvasses. I, myself, have used this technique a number of times and thoroughly enjoy it. I like the fact that the first (or second) painting below gives a layer or base of texture. The canvas is unique and before ever applying the first brush stroke to the repurposed canvas, there is character and personality.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 it says, 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

I certainly believe these words to be true. The interesting thing to me has always been the fact that we have our past lives, our past failures, our personal history that we can’t erase. There are many analogies that have been used over the years to teach us that we’re completely wiped clean, seen as entirely new in the eyes of Christ when we put on the new life. Only He can erase our past and make us a new creation. I myself have used these word pictures— we are blameless, white as snow, seen as God’s perfect child. And yet we don’t forget our past. Certain events, perhaps, but we are marked and influenced by our past actions. I don’t say this as a discouragement, but to highlight the fact that we are molded and impacted by our experiences— be them good or bad.

But walk with me through the analogy of the reused canvas. First of all, the artist recognizes that the canvas still has worth, potential, and value. A bad painting does not warrant throwing out the canvas. The canvasses I prepared just moments ago had paper and other things glued to the surface. I painstakingly peeled off paper and glue with my fingers for quite some time. I took a tool to the surface to scrape off the parts that were too hard to peel off with my own hands. And the truth is, I didn’t scrape off every raised bump. I left some of it— intentionally. As I mentioned earlier, it will provide a base of texture and depth to the canvas that I actually want. 

After I peeled and scraped everything undesirable off, I took out my white paint. With a thick brush I applied a healthy layer of white paint over every inch of those canvasses. In spite of the fact that I used a thick layer of white paint, you can still see a faint image of what was previously there coming through. I could add another layer of white on top. But I won’t. I’ll start the painting with that faint image slightly showing through. But it will quickly be covered up. I’ll apply several different colors, potentially even layers of paint over the entire surface of the canvas, transforming it into something beautiful. I’ll take advantage of the bumps and glue and raised paint texture from what was previously there and work with it to create something of worth and beauty.

And God does the same with us. He takes care and time to bring healing and restoration. He chips away at the pains of the past. At times it hurts. And at times he has to use more heavy duty tools that we feel more distinctly to rub away the ugliness that was once there. And we don’t forget every poor decision from the past. In fact, we are fortunate to benefit from the good things that took place in our past and we hold on to the lessons learned from the hard times. The canvas of our lives doesn't become completely smooth upon receiving salvation. Our memories aren't wiped clean. God restores the canvas— He restores us. And he cleans us and does see us as his perfect, blameless child. But we’re still formed and influenced by our past and past experiences. And some of those hurts are still visible, even when the new painting has been laid on top of what was previously there. But God works with it. He paints over and uses the bad and ugly to make something beautiful. We may still limp from our past, but there is good thatch come from those things. 

We aren’t discarded. We are imperfect beings that have been declared as having worth, and then reclaimed, restored, and recreated as something beautiful. 

I am imperfect. Our world is certainly broken and it’s hard to believe at times just how much pain and filth exists. It’s humbling for me to take the time and examine my life, only to find that there are habits I’ve let develop and attitudes that have taken root that are less than admirable. And it weighs on me. I’m not proud of my brokenness. Especially because now I have to do something about it. I realize that I need to lift my eyes to the artist who created me and has been working on my canvas for a while and ask Him to re-work some of me. I am no masterpiece and there are parts of my painting that need to be scrubbed out. And together we’ll move forward in this process of sanctification. 

But I take comfort in knowing that He won’t throw me out. He won’t say it’s not fixable. We’ll get there. And I’ll keep trying… and He’ll keep painting. He’s not done with me yet. And though the painting is not yet finished, He sees me as beautiful, having great worth, and He is proud of His creation. 

He is proud of you.