Mission Trip part 2

So, we would set out everyday not really knowing what to expect. I would show up at this Backyard Bible thing not knowing what we were supposed to be doing or how the heck I was supposed to be ministering to these kids. The kids were loud and rude had no respect for authority, and we were constantly breaking up fights. The parents didn’t care, we never saw them.We were all hot,tired,and smelled.It wasn’t ideal.

Gradually, as the days progressed the kids were warming up to us, we actually started  enjoying it. The kids were starting to listen better and all they really wanted was love, someone to talk to, that would pay attention to them, and play with them. You could tell how much they appreciated it and how they were in such a desperate need of attention. We would walk them home and they cried when we left. It was rough. Even if the whole christian thing didn’t completely get across to them, they saw God’s love in action.  But something so much bigger was happening. Doug and Michelle (some of the leaders) met a lady with 4 kids, they prayed with her and talked with her ALOT and really got involved in her situation. We ended up bringing her back to FL. And she showed up to church on Sunday and got saved. Pretty cool stuff.

On this trip, I really learned and stepped out of my comfort zone alot, I did stuff I would never do a year ago, like giving my testimony to a bunch of kids I didn’t know too well. Talking to people and giving them advice.. it was a realization, like a this was you 3,4,5 years ago.What would I have listened to back then.I was praying aloud all the time, helping leading worship. Stuff that would make me so uncomfortable just a few months ago I was doing. It was crazy!

I realized that you just gotta do it. Take the plunge and let go, not care what people think of you. Cause in the end its all about God. I could have been doing this stuff so much earlier if I wasn’t such a baby and didn’t care what people thought. Earlier I was too embarrassed or shy. Or whatever I used as my excuse. There is no excuse. I don’t want this trip to be a “spirtual high” thing either. Like, I was all pumped and strong and on fire on the trip and then I come home and do whatever.

No, I want this to last, instead of making it a choice but a lifestyle. I want to get the youth group on fire, and the church. Because I can do so much more. Then what I’m doing now.

Ray

I changed the site a bit…

Hey there, I changed the blog just a tad a few days ago, because of some feed back I got.  I got an unsolicited email from someone that had looked at the blog.  It was saying stuff like, “why aren’t you doing this?” and “you seemed in turmoil”.  

 

 

Hey Ben…

Sorry for being a while getting back to you…. off with flu and well…. busy life.

Anyway… by all means post our dialogue.

I did not detect that it was a guest posting on your site regarding Judgement.  I was indeed agreeing that judging is wrong.  I believe we can judge behaviours and circumstances but not people.  The more I live, the more I recognize the power of what Jesus taught and lived.  And all of this learning is happening outside of church.  Not that it can’t happen in church. Just my path is outside for the time being.

I am intrigued by celebrate recovery.  There is a regular meeting in my home town that I have just learned about.  I am anticipating attending soon.

My issue with churchy people and the 12 steps is that I have been on the receivng end of a lot of ignorant judgement lately…. and in the past as well.  Including by a leader of a Teen Challenge centre who mocked and belittled the 12 steps yet his centre was a farce as far as helping people get clean and sober.

I am sure lots of people take stray tangents with the 12 steps but that does not stop those of us who apply them as a practical expression of the Bible to do so in our walk as believers.  Anything can be corrupted.  Christianity is frequently corrupted but extreme sects and cults.  Anyway….

Will dialogue more …. will make some time this week.

Ciao

Chaz

 

On Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 10:41 PM, Benjamin Smith <benjamindsmith@mac.com> wrote:

Chaz,

Brother,

I think I mistook your email.  I just visited your site and spent a few minutes browsing.  I can safely say you’re definitely better written than I expected.  

Again, thanks for the time, and your comments.  I’ll see if I can clean up my blog, so it’ll make more sense.  It’s a first for me.  

Thanks,

Ben

 

Then I read his blog and sent the following…

 

On Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 10:28 PM, Benjamin Smith <benjamindsmith@mac.com> wrote:

Hey Chaz,

Thanks for the mail, I appreciate the time it took.

And, well, I read your email and I am now thoroughly confused as well.  What if you write me back, with examples of what your talking about, so that I can speak to each one specifically.

Gigantic first of all, I’m dreaming people will comment.  The only exception, is the “step 5″ post.  That’s not a blog, but a page on my blog, meant as a testament.  I went first, with my step 5, and as the page explains, if others would like to participate, that’s awesome.  I don’t want the page to turn into a “we’re so glad you’re doing good”, and have it end up being about me, instead of Jesus working in me.  So, the “step 5″ page is just for people that want to confess their sins.  In order to moderate that most efficiently, because i’ve got multiple authors on the site, I will be go-between to post stuff on that page.

Secondly, the post titled “Do Not Judge…” was written by one of my contributors, a 15 year old girl.  I was totally excited by the fact that she was able to get the fact that she’s been judging and that it’s wrong, while she was studying through James.  Totally excited.  I’m not sure if you’re agreeing with her, and me, by saying that judging is wrong, or that you misunderstood Ray and thought she was condoning it.

Thirdly, I would love to talk to you further about some of the things you mentioned.  Swearing, profanity, blasphemy, people thinking that if they get rid of the “verbal” sins then they’re good.  HAHAHA…  

I’m not sure what experience you have with Celebrate Recover, a 12 step program, but it’s the most Christ centered “things” I’ve ever been able to attend.  If I miss-represented it, I apologize.  Dude, seriously, CR is awesome.  Not sure why it would sadden you that I have been successful in my recovery, while leaning solely upon the strength Jesus gives me, and receiving fellowship from people that love me despite it all.

So, this has been awesome Chaz.  You’re the first to contact me so far.  And again, I appreciate the time it took to put your email together.  If I have cleared anything up for you that’s cool.  If you’re still not understandinging, reply and we’ll go through it further.

I can be reached in AIM too, using benjamindsmith@mac.com, if you’d like to IM.  A little quicker on the response time.  I’ve been painting the house with my wife tonight, so it’s kinda late already.

Also, If you wouldn’t mind, I’d love to post our conversation as well.

Thanks,

Ben

 

On Mar 26, 2009, at 9:19 PM, Chaz wrote:

Hey Ben…. I go by Chaz,

I read through you blog somewhat.  I dont get what you are trying to do or say.  But you kinda seem in a bit of turmoil.

If you want your blog to be a ministry, why wouldnt you want comment dialogue?  That is one way blogs get read when others see that others have read and commented.  Anyway… it is entirely up to you but it just kinda stood out to me.

I read your post on Judgement.  To me, I find it a paradox that judgement is so frequent and accepted in the wester modern christian culture.  I refer to it as one of the “acceptable vices”.  Smoking and swearing are out, but judgement is open territory. 

Yet Jesus was pretty clear that judgement was one of the most un-graceful things we could do.  And very much what he came to give an alternative to.  Jesus exemplified tolerance and acceptance of others.  Even those who persecuted and harmed him.

Yet there is very little reference made to swearing and your average Christian in my experience is quick to jump on that behaviour and not judgement.

I guess the subject of Judgement is on my mind as I am bothered right now by a lot of judgement by what I feel are ignorant Christians judging people in 12 step programs.  Long story.  Another time.  But I see them on these blogs and it bothers me.  Saddens me.

Anyway…. for me, I am looking for something different in my “Church” experience than what I have experienced at established mainline churches.  I believe God will show up in some pretty amazing and seemingly unlikely places. 

Anyway…. my blog is www.yuppieaddict.wordpress.com

Will cross paths again I am sure.

Ciao.

Chaz

What’s that mean?

 

Today was one of the first warm days we’ve had since we moved.  

With 70 degrees come short sleeves.

I was able to share my tattoo with 4 of my employees for the first time today.  What a blessing.  With a guy named Chucky, I was able to spend a good 2 hours of talking with the man about God, Jesus, the Bible, ministry, serving, being served.  You name it.   What an awesome time.  As a Supervisor, it is strictly forbidden to evangelize while at work, but when an employee ask questions, I’m then free to answer.

The second time was with a group of 3 people.  My “maintenance” crew.  This was funny.  

I walked up on them, and one of them said “What’s that mean?” while pointing at my tattoo.  

I answered with something like this, “Do you know what Chivalry is?  Like from knights in shining armor?  Chivalry was the “name” for the code of ethics they followed.  My tattoo means ‘Bushido’.  Bushido is the name for the code of ethics that the Samurai warriors followed.”

They kinda looked at me like I was crazy, nobody said anything for a second… so I went on.

I said something like “Basically, Samurai had a code of values they followed.  They dedicated their lives to serving the community and their fellow man by strictly applying themselves towards these tenants.  They are things like Integrity, Honesty, Courage.  A list of things that, well, if people that called themselves Christians followed, they’d be shonuff Christians.”  

(Unfortunatly, I still haven’t memorized the seven virtues.. I’ve listed them at the bottom for your reference.)

The oldest guy of the three, a guy named Steve, was like “Ohhh!!!  Okay, I gotcha!  I was hoping that you didn’t mean you carry a sword and wear a big diaper!”  

 

Diaper?

 

Diaper?

 

Then I got it… He thought Samurai and Sumo wrestler were the same thing!!! lol, That’s funny.. When I was telling them about the bushido, Steve was picturing a Sumo wrestler being some kind of local servant!!!   He totally had to be thinking “My boss is a fruitcake!!!”

 

Too Funny.

 

 

I thought it was awesome.  I’m a little apprehensive about what my boss is going to say when he sees it.  Pray that that goes well!!!  ;)

 

God Bless

ben

 

 

 

The Bushidō code is typified by seven virtues:

• Rectitude (義 gi^?)
• Courage (勇 yuu^?)
• Benevolence (仁 jin^?)
• Respect (礼 rei^?)
• Honesty (誠 makoto or 信 shin^?)
• Honor (誉 yo^?)
• Loyalty (忠 chuu^?)

Jesus? Where? Here?

How’s your walk with Jesus?

I’m not asking anyone to comment.  If you feel so motivated, please participate.  However, at a minimum I’d like everyone to at least think this through for a bit.  

Here’s where I’m coming from; a little bit of my recent history

1. Walking strong with the Lord, making mistakes, but all in all, pretty pleased with my effort.
2. Helped start a Home Bible Study
3. Helped start a Church
4. Served as the Administrator, Youth Pastor, Setup Leader, Treasurer, Leadership, Delder, you name it.
5. Allowed myself to reach burnout.
   1. This was a very low point in my, and my family’s life.
6. Stopped serving, refocused on my family, and setting right priorities
7. Moved to a new state
8. Started a new job
9. Spent a solid 4 months focused on my family, did a great job on getting back to the basics.
10. Starting to lean towards serving again.

Now, try to keep an understanding that I’m not complaining about what I’ve been through.  God is really good, and He has definitely worked this one out for my good.

Back on track now.

I’m here, new state, new job, new relationships, new church; and I’m feeling like it’s time for me to get off my butt, and dedicate some serious time to serving God in a practical way.  I’ve been “walking” with Him every day.  My personal relationship with Jesus couldn’t be better, well, sure it can, but it hasn’t ever been this way before.  I’m saying, it is time for me to serve again.  

I’ve given it a gigantic amount of prayer and thought.  I want to put myself into a position where God can really use the talents and experience He’s equipped me with.  I love to play my guitar and lead worship, but I’m not the best.  I love to work with teen’s and help them make it through their adolescence, but I’ve never received actual training.  I’m exceptionally good at administration-management duties, but they are one of my least favorite things to do.  lol

So, obviously, without God giving me a specific confirmation, I haven’t made a move.  Well, that’s not entirely true.  I’ve started studying the book of James.  The Bible says that the Word will never return void (Isa 55:11) so I know spending time in it will be a good investment.  I’ve never gone through it verse by verse before, and wow, it’s speaking to my heart.

Some things that I’ve learned:

James covers a different perspective on “works” than Paul does.  Paul seems to stick to a pre-salvation perspective while James goes with a post-salvation view.  The Bible is very clear that there are no “works” required to gain salvation.  It is a gift, freely given, freely received.  Paul is straight up right when he describes works and how they’re not required for salvation.  James is also right.  In his epistle James explains how Faith without works is Dead.  This again is true.  If a person is really saved, then they will be unable to prevent works from happening.  New creations do new deeds.  This doesn’t mean I’m judging a persons standing with God, no, not me.  But, I am a fruit inspector.  I stayed in Central Florida for 10 years.  My first close friend there was a grower in a nursery.  I know how to judge fruit.  

What is your fruit looking like?  Right?  Make sense?   How is your actual walk with Jesus?  Are you following Him?  In deed?  In word?  In heart?

My new job has been a great thing, totally God ordained.  I was able to attend a business meeting hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce.  Because I’m new, and people are still getting to know me, I was able to do a fair amount of people watching.  I saw a guy I had seen at my church.  Was speaking with him and a colleague, when he began cursing.  Now, I guess it’s not fair that he didn’t recognize me, but none the less “from the surplus of the heart” he was swearing and cursing to share a story.  In the same sentence that he used four letter words he also said that he did Missionary work with his church.  I don’t know what my colleague thought.  I don’t know him well enough to bring the offense up yet.  But man, do you think he makes it a habit to review his actions?

Friends, family, strangers, I’m going to post about profanity on it’s own, so try not to think I’m a tight-wad Bible thumper.  This is just about integrity, especially for those that call themselves Christians.  

Are you “walking the walk, and talking the talk”?  

What do Fruit Inspectors think about your produce?

What does Jesus think about your produce?

 

 

Jesus, Lord of Lord, Creator of All, Lover of my soul; I confess my shortcomings and failings.  Please help me live to be the man You died for me to be. I receive the forgiveness You’ve provided through what You did on the cross.  Thank You for everything, including this wicked new pc.  

 

Word up people, share your thoughts!!!

 

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