Treasure Hunting

A couple of our favorite movies to watch on occasion are Disney’s National Treasure series.  We are always captivated by the incredible discovery of treasure at the end.  It’s as if we become obsessed with the treasure hunt along with the crew, and we desire to find more.
  In the Bible, however, God teaches us not to store up treasures here on earth, but to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20). 
  So, what are those heavenly treasures?  For those of us serving in Crosswalks Coffee, those treasures are found in our ability to love, serve, and disciple students well.  We are obsessed with this treasure.  It is what drives and motivates us.  And, it is a whole lot more exciting and rewarding than seeking earthly treasures.  We know that when these students find Jesus as their treasure, it will be the best treasure they ever find!
  Here are some treasures we’ve discovered already. 
  Charity, a sophomore at BSU, and our student organization president, said: …“The girls' Bible study that started last semester was small, but through it, we all grew closer to God and to each other.”
  Tori, our Vice President from New York, has made four new friends within this group and recently informed us that she’s finally been plugging into a local church.    
   The Towers dorm was hosting a caramel apple event which Tami ended up “crashing” prior to their Bible study.  Rather, she stepped up to help the hosting RA’s. While doing so, Tami met and served Keith, a freshman, who responded by saying “Wow! I’ve only known you five minutes and I like you more by the minute. Thanks for helping!”
   Friends of Jared (our treasurer), received Care Kits full of food (see pg. 2 for their reactions).
  These are the treasures we store up in heaven, but thankfully also get to enjoy here, at BSU, now!
(From the Nov2011 Newsletter)

My heart is breaking!

I want a broken heart.  But not in the sense we've come to know the phrase.  I want a broken heart that motivates me, that moves me, that changes me, that convicts me, that makes me more like Christ.  I want a broken heart like Paul had. 

Campus Ministry is like washing dishes

I learned something today.  Campus ministry is a lot like doing dishes.  At my house, one of my chores is washing the dishes--by hand.  We don't have a dish washer.  And today, it struck me how much campus ministry is like doing dishes--you never seem to get done, it means getting your hands dirty and serving, and when you think you are done, a whole new load or batch of dishes is ready to be washed at the next meal.  Sometimes, I have to scrub hard, and there are students that need a good scrubbing.  Sometimes, dishes need to soak awhile.  That's true for students--they may not respond right away to the good news of Jesus, until they've soaked in it awhile.  And for us, in the beginning of this ministry, it seems like all we do is the hard, gritty work that never ends.  One day it will be worth it, just like seeing a sparkling glass--a student will sparkle as they share their lives with others.  Honestly, I hate doing the dishes and would gladly give it away, but I love campus ministry.  What other ways can you think of that (campus) ministry is like doing dishes.  Write a comment and let us know.

Saving our own kids

From NCN News Facebook Photo page.

This map shows an interesting statistic.  In 2009, Global Ministry Center asked the following question:  Quickly: This info was taken from the local church perspective. Of your students in college, how many are in Nazarene schools? Non-Nazarene?
While it is not surprising that the districts with the highest percentage of Nazarene students attending Nazarene schools is the host district, it is surprising how low the overall percentage is.

This graphic helps me see the great mission field right before us.  Most Nazarene teens in local churches do not go to Nazarene schools.  Two thoughts come to mind.  1)  We must do better at encouraging our students to be discipled at a Nazarene school.  2)  What are happening to the over 70% on average that are not attending regional universities.  What an amazing opportunity.  

What's more amazing to me is that the Church of the Nazarene has less a ministry presence on less than 25 campuses.  The United Methodist Church has nearly 600.  And, if you take away local churches (i.e. Sunday School Classes, etc.), our number goes down and the number of UM ministries rises.


While many who see the above graphic are saddened by the number not attending Nazarene schools, I am burdened by the responsibility and opportunity to reach these "other" students.  


And that is why we are here at Boise State, and why others are on the mission field at other universities.  More thoughts on this will be coming later...but until then, I close with this thought from Benson Hines:
"If we reach college students well for the next 5 years, and then stopped, we would effect the culture for the next fifty years."  

Ask and I'll give the nations to you.

Today was missions Sunday at our home church.  We have a favorite song that we sing, called "You Said" by Reuben Morgan.  It's based off of Psalms 2:8.  Here are the lyrics.

You said, "ask and you will receive whatever you need."
You said, "pray and I'll hear from heaven,
and I'll heal your land."

You said Your glory will fill the earth
like water the sea.
You said, "lift up your eyes;
the harvest is here, the kingdom is near."

You said, "ask and I'll give the nations to you."
oh Lord, that's the cry of my heart.
distant shores and the islands will see

O Lord, we ask for the nations
O Lord, we ask for the nations
O Lord, we are asking for the nations

You can hear a version by Hillsong here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvuoCrDfru4

During the song, I found myself thinking that this is my heart for Boise State.  Around here, Boise State is sometimes referred to as Bronco Nation.  During the last section of the song, I found myself singing, "O Lord, we ask for the Bronco Nation."  I'm praying that God will provide for us and this ministry, that God will heal the land of this institution.  I'm praying for the distant shores and islands in people's hearts to see.  I'm praying that God's glory will be known here. God is saying to me and Tami, "Lift up your eyes, the harvest is here at Boise State.  The Kingdom is near at Boise State."  And I came away renewed in passion for a people and place that desperately needs to know Jesus.

4400 and 1 Fundraiser

We are trying to raise money for what we think is a perfect location!  We want 4400 and ONE people to buy a square foot for $80! 

For more, see our Facebook page or contact us.

Sole Support--Why PRAYer Works!

Okay God, here we go!  Let's go meet the girls for our Bible study now.  I don't  exactly know what you want me to say today, but I am going to trust you for the words and the wisdom to know what to do.  Oh and by the way, you know I don't have enough money to pay for parking in the garage, so I could really use your help finding a parking spot on the road again.  Thank you for all the other times you have provided in this way.  I know I can trust you for it.  Thank you also for the oppor-tunity to meet with these girls. I just pray that I will be your vessel and you will use me to speak for you." 

That's been the general direction of my prayers for the past several weeks as I've met with 1-3 girls in the Student Union Building (SUB) at Boise State University (BSU).  Every Friday afternoon at 12:30, we gather together for a book/Bible study using the book "Why Pray?" by John F. DeVries.  Since we are, in fact, studying the subject of prayer, it has been quite fun to arrive at the school proclaiming thanks to God for yet another prayer answered as a parking spot opens up right in front of me.  Weekly, I get to share how my conversational prayers with God provide physical, tangible results to simple needs. 

One of the girls, Leah* has been genuinely seeking an intimate relationship with   Jesus, but not fully understanding what that meant.  She accepted an invitation to attend the revival services at Nampa First in March, with speaker Dan Bohi.  She left with a new understanding of what walking with Jesus entails.  She had a lot to think about, but from what I could tell, went home without making any final decisions.  Unfortunately, Leah soon began experiencing many difficult trials in her life.  Even while she attended our Bible study, she withdrew and was dying in agony.  I watched her every Friday as I tried to understand what was distressing her and to understand better how to pray for her.  Her verbal response was typically a 1-2 word blanket phrase, but her body language screamed "I'm hurting!".

On Friday, April 15th, I watched several prayers receive an answer right in front of our eyes.  This girl was in fact hurting, deeply.  I'd prayed my same prayer on the way to BSU, once again asking for a parking spot and to have wisdom and the right words.  This time...THREE spots were available in the free, 2-hour parking areas of the street.  WOW!  "Thank you God!!!" I said.  But, each time I tried to park, the available spot was about a foot too short.  ALL three of the first available parking spots were the same story.  "Thanks God for all the spots,” I said again, “but what's going on?" Then I finally found a spot unrestricted by time and not requiring payment.  It was a walk...but I would discover shortly why the other parking spots didn't work out.

As our study progressed, Leah sat quietly, her gaze    drifting off to other things, and her participation only    happened when she was asked to read.  Finally, we came to prayer requests for the week.  Again, 1-2 words was all she would offer.  Feeling prompted by the Holy Spirit, I asked "Can I ask you a personal question?"  A nod was her only response.  I asked "How much of this has been going on since the revival services with Dan Bohi?” "Some" she said, "but some of it was an issue before then too."  With a bit more conversation and following the Holy Spirit's lead, Leah spoke up and said "I'm just going to come out and tell you all what's been going on."  She  proceeded to describe some of the hurts and trials she'd been experiencing, confess some things she'd been    doing, and admit that she didn't know what to do.  The three of us listening to her knew we needed to surround her in prayer and to comfort her as long as she needed.

It was nearly 2:15 when all this unfolded.  One of the other girls, Kate*, was supposed to leave for her 2:30 class, but she knew she needed to stay with Leah as well.  In God’s perfect timing, as Kate looked up, she saw her professor for the next class walking by.  Quickly, she withdrew her assignment folder, walked over to her professor, turned in the assignment and informed him that she could not be in class.  Being freed up of all obligations, we were all able to sit in the middle of the SUB to surround Leah in prayer.  We prayed with great intensity for a while and when we finished praying, we knew we'd experienced God's presence, a God-Space.

Making sure Leah was okay before we all departed, we wrapped up our session with a laugh.  As we shifted in our seats, we bumped feet under the table.  I curiously looked to see who I'd bumped and the sight made me laugh.  We were all wearing the same kind of shoes (see picture).  I pointed out our common look and we all started to laugh...and take pictures of the sight of course.  (I later told Ben we were connected in soul [sole] in more than one way that day!)  As I walked back to my car thanking God for what he had just done, I realized why all three of the original parking spots did not work.  I had been there for more than three hours!

God knew what we needed that afternoon.  He provided extra, free parking, a timely professor, similar shoes, laughter, relevant scriptures, courage and mostly His presence!!!  The prayers have continued to be answered in the following weeks.  The wall that's been keeping Leah from fully understanding a living relationship with Jesus Christ is being chipped away.  With a gift of four tickets to the Easter drama, “No Greater Love”, (provided by a generous supporter of Crosswalks), Leah finally heard, and understood, what the Easter story is all about.  On Easter Sunday, the following day, Leah’s comments on Facebook were "GUESS WHAT GUYS?!?!? IT'S EASTER SUNDAY!!!!! I LOVE EASTER!!!!! I blame Lynne*, Marie* and Tami Moore specifically.  But only because God loves me enough to have put these awesome people in my life! Arigato (Thanks), God!"

So, why pray?  Because God is working and passionately seeking the students at Boise State!  We've been called to this ministry specifically for reasons like these...to love these students the way Christ loves us!  Keep praying. Thank you for joining us in this     journey.  Your prayers are being answered.  We have many more similar stories we could and will share with you in the future!
*fictitious names used to protect identity

Video from Destinations

Here is a video from the Campus Ministry at the University of Nebraska. They visit the Potter's House in Springfield, MO. Some great stuff!

Stories...becoming a part

When people tell stories, their stories may be personal tales, a recounting of historical events, a search for life within their community, nation or other parts of the universe, and everything in between. In our short time of preparing this ministry, we have heard some fascinating stories. Here are a few we would like to share with you. All of the stories are true.

· A back-up quarterback at MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) moves to Boise to intern with the football team at Boise State. This move was featured by the Nazarene Communications Network. We were contacted by different people about the pending move and the new possible connection with the football team. Fortunately, one of the coaches at MNU is a friend of mine and with a simple call, he provided contact information for us. We were able to contact the new intern within a week and fellowshipped with him and his wife over dinner at our house. What a great way to welcome new members of the BSU community! How many more students are at BSU that we haven’t contacted yet because we don’t have names and/or contact information?

· A BSU student was recently sharing a personal story about his life in which he professed to be an atheist. The campus minister speaking with him asked how this came to be his belief system. Was it due to the church background? No, the young man grew up as part of a Baptist church. Was it from a bad church experience? His response—“No, it was great.” Was it from his time in the military and his deployment to Iraq? The student replied, “No.” Finally, the campus minister asked what made him choose to become an atheist. His response: “After I became a student here at Boise State.” If this student had a safe place, like a coffee shop, to express his doubts openly, would his story change?

· Matt became a Christian and is now actively involved in campus ministry. When asked how that came to be, he replied: “On the outside, I was the person no one thought would be interested in spiritual things. I partied, acted cool, and all of that. But someone shared Christ with me. They didn’t know how interested I really was.” Can simple conversations over coffee pique an interest about God in the lives of students like Matt?

· Hilary was arrested in high school for driving under the influence (DUI). She received court-appointed community service which she completed at the Potter’s House, coffee shop ministry in Springfield, MO. The ministers there introduced her to Christ and continue to disciple her today across state lines. How many students need a place that won’t judge their past, but provides prime opportunities to change their future?

· A young girl casually attends a Nazarene church from time to time. Her family life is challenging and sometimes results in her being kicked out of the house. While attending BSU, she often spent the night in her car. With no food, no place to get ready and the ability to stay in a dorm only twice in a semester, “life” is pretty challenging for her. Crosswalks dreams of providing a safe place for students like this girl and others to turn.

Stories like these keep us moving forward in this ministry to Boise State. And the reality that there are nearly 20,000 similar stories make this ministry vital to growing God’s kingdom at BSU. We can’t wait to see how the stories we hear merge with the story of God!

How can you become a part of this story?

We will find ways to serve and minister to the BSU campus with or without a coffee shop. But, as you can see from the stories, a coffee shop provides a safe God space for students to explore and question their beliefs in a place that may also lead and guide them to a true relationship with God.

· In the next few months we will be seeking out 40 people who will pledge to give $100.00 monthly. Do you want to be one of them?

· We will be seeking out grants to purchase property. Several are in the works now!

· We will continue hosting fundraisers. The next is the Party-On Marathon, April 30th.

We need your help! Together we can grow this ministry to BSU

Some thoughts on Boise State’s Loss to Nevada (from a Campus Ministry point of view).

Some thoughts on Boise State’s Loss to Nevada (from a Campus Ministry point of view).

I’ve been around football for years. I’ve been a part of many teams. But I can honestly say that I have never seen/experienced a loss quite like the Broncos loss to Nevada on November 26. So much at stake: A BCS game (possibly the championship), a conference championship, and an undefeated season. Then to lose in OT, even though there was every opportunity and amazing plays. I had trouble sleeping after the game, and came away with some observations.

SMALL PLAYS MATTER: One of the things that Nevada did well in the second half was run the draw or counter play (right up the middle) consistently for 3 or 4 yards. They couldn’t pass much, and had trouble running outside, but they could run right up the middle over and over again. This did several things—kept Boise State’s offense off the field, and made the BSU defense get tired. Boise State couldn’t maintain regular small plays in the second half (Four 3-and-outs) and it cost them dearly. Campus ministry has to have those small consistent steps forward, a little at a time. It needs those in relationships to students—intentionally connecting with respect and gentleness. It needs in prayer support—minutes every day praying for us and others like us. And it needs it in financial support—small, regular, consistent gifts. These givers are crucial to the life of a campus ministry and to a football team. Without the “small” plays, winning is very difficult.

BIG PLAYS MATTER: Boise State was in the game because of big plays. A 79-yard screen pass for a touchdown. A fifty-three-yard pass play with 2 seconds remaining. This gave the Broncos a prime opportunity to win the game. Big plays are the highlight reel, and get a lot of attention. And if a team is going to win, it has to make big plays. Big plays can provide amazing momentum. Campus Ministry needs big plays as well. It needs special times of prayer. It needs those momentum moments, events, or retreats that provide an extra OOMPH. When a student decides to repent and comes to know Christ personally is a big play momentum builder. And financially, campus ministries like Crosswalks need big plays. Donors who give large one-time gifts of $1,000 to $100,000+ (not that I’ve seen many of these) provide momentum and create an opportunity for us to win and stay in the game.

“ONE PLAY DOESN’T LOSE A GAME, BUT ONE PLAY CAN WIN A GAME.” This quote from Coach Petersen hits the nail on the head. Kicker Kyle Brotzman’s missed field goals didn’t lose the game—there are several factors that led to the loss. If he had made the first field goals, we would have won. I find this so true especially in ministry, relationships and evangelism. Being in the right place at the right time can spark a God moment that is amazing—a person moving toward Christ, and not away. And on the flip side—an inconsistent life will turn people away from Christ.

“THE MIGHTY BOISE HAS FALLEN.” These were the words of one of the ESPN announcers after the game. Although it is a complement to be called mighty, maybe the winning and the football team has played too mighty of a role in our lives. Dare I say that for some, Boise State football has become their god? As I live in the community of Boise, I’ve discovered the best time to go shopping or out to eat is during a Boise State football game--even more than going on a Sunday morning. Additional evidence is the money people spend on tickets, gear, and travel to and from games. I enjoy football, and think it is a great pass time. But I wonder how many struggling churches could use the money, the time, the effort, the energy that so many of us put into games. I’m praying that we can make the statement true about our own lives and hearts. “The mighty Boise has fallen in my heart, and made room for the living God.” (By the way, if you were planning on a trip to LA for the Rose bowl, our campus ministry would love to benefit with the money you would have spent on that trip. It would be a great way to express your desire to give God rule of your heart.)

MISSING THE MARK IS DEVASTATING. I can’t image Kyle Brotzman’s frustration and grief over missing those field goals. For some reasons, his kicks missed the mark. My heart goes out to him. More importantly, though, I hope I experience grief over missing the mark in my relationships with students, missing opportunities to love fearlessly, missing opportunities to give generously, and missing the mark on why God has called us to BSU. Gratefully, we get second (and third) chances.

TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED: Boise State was supposed to win. They were expected to win. I personally thought it was going to be a blow-out and that they would show everyone how awesome they are. Sports Illustrated’s Steward Mandel wrote, “Anyone who's followed this sport for any considerable length of time knows better than to assume the expected, though.” We can’t take a win for granted, making our expectation reality beforehand. Every moment needs to be lived. We can’t do that in relationships, either. Placing expectations on them they can’t fulfill. One of the ways to not take things for granted is to be grateful. I am grateful for so many people who have prayed and given to our ministry. I do not take you for granted. You are appreciated!

HOPE IS NOT LOST: Around town today, despite the holiday cheer, one could sense the doom from the game. People acted as if it was the end of the world—and I admit, I felt that way myself, for a little while. But as a follower of Christ, hope is not lost! As a campus minister, I don’t know what situations people are in that seem to lessen their hope. However, we have an awesome opportunity to bring hope, joy, peace and love into people’s lives in a long-lasting and real way.

So, hopefully my musings have challenged you somehow. I hope your heart is softened, and God is using this crazy Bronco loss into a way for you to be more like him.

Chile Miners Rescue

I was transfixed to CNN's website as the Chile Miners were freed from 1/2 a mile under the earth after 69 days. Every man they brought to the surface, one at a time in the capsule, caused a celebration--tears, laughing, clapping, national pride, hugs, and other means of celebrating. The Chilean government, private donors, and the mining company "spared no expense" translating into a 10-20 million dollar venture. They had to discover a “creative access” to reach the miners—inventing a special capsule. I watched as often as I could during those hours. There was a sense of urgency. Every man counted, and every man was important, and every miner rescued caused celebration--the first for sure. The 33rd and last miner brought cheers from around the world. The rescues that impressed me the most--#25, 26, 27, 28. They weren't the first nor the last. The rescuers were tired and had been up 20+ hours at this point. Yet, #25-28 still received applause, celebration, and warm greetings. Each was important!

I can't help but think of the resemblances to the church and our mission here at Boise State. There are nearly 20,000 people on campus, most of them caught in the mines of despair, discouragement, drugs, alcohol, sex, idolatry, pride, etc. But unlike the miners, for many, there seems to be no hope.

Yet, we have a heavenly father who also spared no expense to "rescue" those caught in these mines. He paid the ultimate price--his son's death. And now, we get an opportunity to become part of his rescue team.

It took 17 days for the miners to be confirmed alive--to establish contact with the outside world. Can you imagine those days with no hope--wondering if there would be contact? Imagine the hope that came from establishing contact, a glimmer that made life more bearable despite the time it would take to rescue them. Campus ministry is like that as well...slow, intentional, offering a little hope and working toward rescue.

According to CNN, the cost for the Chilean rescues will come from three places: the government, the company, and PRIVATE donors. Those private donors made the difference in rescuing the miners, covering up to 1/3 of the cost. Crosswalks relates here as well. We cannot carry on the "rescue" effort without private donors. There are many already, and we are so grateful for everyone who has given in some way! But the need is still great, and we continually need more people to get in the game. We need people who are willing to help with the rescue effort. Could that person be you?

You, too could make a difference in a student's life, much like Jonathan. Three people at unrelated times informed me about Jonathan, a freshman from Maryland studying at Boise State. I was able to have coffee with him and share that three unrelated people told me about him. His response, "Wow. I feel really loved!" Jonathan could see that God was passionate about him. For Jonathan, it was a moment of hope, a moment of ongoing rescue and encouragement.

As each one comes to be rescued/encouraged--hopefully every last one--we get to celebrate. The angels in heaven, like the people in Chile, celebrate every person who repents or is rescued. And though the journey seems slow, because people pray and because people give, the rescue effort for God’s kingdom moves forward.

Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the Ends of the Earth

We have done a great job as churches ministering to our communities. We have done a great job ministering to those around the world. But for some reason, we haven't done so well with those in the middle. Let me explain.

Acts 1:8 says " ⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

It seems to me churches find it easy to target their local town--their Jerusalem--and find ways to minister. This includes Sunday worship, children's and youth ministries, senior adult ministries, compassionate ministries, etc. The list goes on. It's quite natural to focus on these much needed ministries, and we surely need to keep being creative, understand our towns, and do our best to love them.

We also do well at witnessing to the ends of the earth. We send missionaries to Haiti, Africa, South America, Asia, etc. We take special offerings. We hear the amazing stories of how God is working and answering prayers and people are coming to Christ! We have work and witness trips that change our lives as much as those to whom we minister. Again, I strongly believe we need to continue to be creative and reach all cultures for Christ. Loving well, and attracting people to Jesus.

I wonder, though, if we are doing as good as a job reaching our Judea and Samaria. For many churches, this is hard to even define. Who is this group of people?

It occurs to me that Crosswalks Coffee is one part of that answer. We are close enough to some churches to be their Judea. For others, BSU is enemy territory, with as much disdain as the Jewish people in Jesus day had for Samaria. That means we are your Samaria. We're outside your direct community influence, and not far enough to be the ends of the world.

The awesome thing, though, is that we can position ourselves to reach those from the community, those from surrounding states and areas, and those from around the world all at once. We offer a rare opportunity to be witness to a unique mission field.

I wonder what might happen if churches saw reaching their Judea and Samaria as crucial as reaching the ends of the earth? I believe we offer an opportunity to do just that, and we invite you to join us!

Our new name...

...is Crosswalks Coffee.

It's been an interesting journey, to say the least. Picking the right name for us was much harder than we could have thought. But we found the right one--the perfect one for us!
Why Crosswalks? For several reasons:

1. There are a lot of crosswalks at Boise State.
2. Crosswalks offer safety.
3. Crosswalks are part of the on-going journey.
4. Crosswalks offer guidance and direction.
5. Crosswalks (plural) suggests community.
6. Our story has periods of waiting and periods of stepping forward.
7. Most importantly, we want people to walk towards the Cross of Christ so they can experience the joys of an abundant life with Him!

It fits in so many ways! It says everything we were hoping to say in a name. We hope you find it rich and meaningful as well! Here's a video with more:



A side note: the last scene was shot 6 months before we knew our name. Isn't that just like God?

I recently read a post by a Campus Minister in Seattle named Tim--here are his thoughts:
Thoughts on Campus Ministry

I appreciated Tim's comments!  I resonate with them--especially the part about being a Missionary.  His thoughts on ministry centers is also very well stated, and very energizing!

I've been re-reading our ministry action plan...and it gets me so excited!  Currently, we have a location we really want--space, nice yard, large bathroom, and PARKING!  It's more than I was hoping to pay, but if it is of God, we can make it. 

We've also chosen a name!  It fits so well!  We'll be announcing it at District Assembly with our new logo!  You can check back here on May 13th for a reveal on this blog.

It's been a busy few months, and God is helping us!  We are moving ahead.   We've been meeting with students, help disciple them, praying for them, and watching God use us in small, but significant, ways. 

I'll keep you posted...I promise I'll do better!

Blessings,
Ben

FIRST & GOAL

I am really grateful for the number of people that have joined and been a part of FIRST, we're DOWN on our knees.  Your prayers have helped in signifigant ways!  Over 200 people joined the group on Facebook, with others commenting here, or telling me personally they were praying for God's Kingdom to come at BSU.

But now, it is time for the next step:  First & Goal.  First, we pray for BSU.  Second, we are trying to reach a financial goal.  But we're going to have fun doing it.  Boise State will play in a Bowl Game, probably in January.  We are encouraging people to give and help us reach a goal of $25,000 to help with the purchase of a property and other start-up expenses.

Here's how it works:
Option 1:  Pledge an amount per point that BSU scores in their bowl game.  If you pledge $1, and BSU scores 17 points (regardless of winning or losing...we're not betting!).  You would then send in a donation of $17.  You can also choose a minimum or maximum amount.  Let's say you pledge $10 per point.  And you set a minimum of $100 or a maximum of $250.  If BSU scores under 10 points, then you would send in a gift of $100.  If BSU scores 28 points, you would send in your maximum of $250.

Option 2:  You can pledge a flat amount, not based on points.  Simply pledge or send in a gift for whatever total amount you choose.  Some suggestions.  You could send in a field goal-$300.  Or send in a Touchdown $700.  Any amount you decide.  It's not based on points, just whatever set amount you decide.

To pledge, fill out the following form online: 

Pledge form
 

Now for the other fun part!!!  We are going to have a celebration tail gate party.  During the Fiesta Bowl, we are inviting anyone who wants to come to a tailgate party.  We will start at 5:30 on January 4th, have food, and watch the game on large screen tv's.  At half time, we will spend some time celebrating what God is doing through this ministry, and spend some time praying for God's kingdom to come through us at BSU.  If you are on Facebook, r.s.v.p. here:  Facebook R.S.V.P.   If you are not on Facebook, email me or leave a comment to this post.

To close, a brief thought about Christmas:  Christmas is not about presents, it is about presence.  Will you help us be that presence to the Boise State Campus?

Many blessings,
Ben

Anything is possible from the 50.

We're in the middle of the football season, and there is a saying in the football world that "anything is possible from the 50." Touchdowns. Field Goals, Big plays, First Downs, etc. Things are looking good, confident, and hopefully, moving forward. Back on your own 10 or 20, everything looks a lot harder, and a lot further.

We are also just over 50 days in our 100 days of prayer for God's kingdom to come at Boise State University. And anything is possible. We're moving forward.

Several of the ministries on campus have given reports of amazing retreats. Others have noticed that although fewer in number, there is greater depth of the students, more focus, more leadership, and more involvement. Some groups have conducted baptisms. Others are sensing a new direction, as a leader or as a group. God has been answering our prayers!

And the requests continue. All of the ministries have noticed resources are tighter. Unlike churches, campus ministries do not have a tithing base. Would you pray for God to provide for all of the ministries? And if God gives you the ability to help financially, contact Ben Moore (group admin) and I can get you the address of a ministry that pulls at your heart. Also pray for wisdom, peace, and direction as ministry leaders are forced to make tough decisions. And continue to pray for faculty, staff, and students that they might recognize God's amazing love for them and respond to it.

Finally, some words from "Why Pray?" by John Devries.
"People are not merely isolated individuals to be won to Christ one at a time. A person is always part of a social fabric. A person has a home, relatives friends, and neighbors, all who influence each other. When we pray for people we should always be praying for their home, family, and sphere of influence. Our prayers should always be for more than individuals. They should shine God's light on the entire sphere of influence--their . God indicates the nations can be brought to Him--it's for the asking."

In the next four weeks, BSU football has national exposure every week. If you watch the games, when you hear, "It's a Boise State First Down," think and pray with me that "First, we're Down on our Knees" for God's kingdom to come.

Thanks for praying. Grace and peace.

It's a BSU FIRST DOWN!

Yes, I like football...and I am rooting for the Broncos.

But this isn't about football. It's a about prayer. God has been showing me a lot about prayer recently. One of the things that he is showing me is that prayer cannot be just another part of the ministry--another wall to build. It must be the foundation. FIRST, we're DOWN on our knees. Unless the Lord builds this house we labor in vain. And so, with that in mind, we are having 100 days of prayer for BSU.

In Brief-
*2000 people from many ministriies and churches participate.
*100 Days of prayer--Sept. 12 to Dec 20 (100 yards in a football field)
*10 Key areas of prayer (10 yards to make a First down!)

If you would like to show you are praying with us, you may join our facebook group http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=271153910650&ref=ts#/group.php?gid=271153910650&ref=ts
or leave a comment with your first name and last initial.

Prayer guides are available as well. See the links section.

A Greek example

I was at a small men's Bible Study a week ago, and we read from Act 17, where Paul goes to Athens. I had the Message translation with me, and was quite moved by the story and found many links to the BSU Campus ministry. (Here is a link to the passage from the Message. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2017:16-34&version=65)

Here are the observations we made as a group that relate to the ministry:
1. Paul was angry with the idols, but his anger was not taken out on people. Rather, he got to know some of them pretty well (vs 17-18)
2. Some want to learn, some want to debate.
3. Paul takes what is already common, and uses the Athenian culture to build a bridge. And he uses what they value--Intelligence--as an entry way. Vs. 23. He is appealing to them intellectually. How true is that of a university setting? And he doesn't call them stupid, but rather calls them to know more, and make a good decision.
4. Paul then appeals to their own poets and writers...in other words, he has listened to them speak. Paul also shows a tremendous amount of respect towards the Athenian people. And some say he's crazy. Some say, "let's talk more." And some become Christ followers. I am so fascinated to see that Paul was so angry at all the idols, yet is so respectful of the people there. You'd never know he was angry with his words and respect that he shows.

As we encourage the BSU campus to drink deep of God's pure kindness, we want to do so with respect and gentleness. Understanding the culture, the people, and the values, listening first. And one day we, too, will have the right opportunity to tell people about their unknown God. And some will become Christ followers--until then, we pray.

Distractions

It seems the last week and a half have been full of distractions--some good, some not so good, but all seem to pull me away from focusing on the ministry. Here's a summary:

Friday July 24, 4:30 a.m. I take my son Bretton to the ER with excruxiating stomach pains. He'd been crying for 3+ hours. After several hours, they can't find anything wrong that caused the stomach pains, but did find a potentially difficulty in an enlarged kidney (we think he's had since birth.)

Friday July 24, 6 p.m. Teegan falls off the front porch putting many scratches, cuts and bruises on his face. This begins several days of not feeling well.

Saturday, July 25: I find out my grandpa is taken by ambulance to the ER.

Sat-Tue: Bretton rests and feels better. Teegan gets a low-grade fever.

Wednesday 7/29: Teegan's eye is al matted. Dr says Pink Eye.

My grandfather continues to go up and down, and we are prepared to make a trip to Missouri in a moment's notice. It could be days, it could be months.

Although these distractions are in many ways a priority over the ministry, it still is frustrating. And then comes the dsitraction of worry--how to pay for it all, how to balance the time, how to move ahead, etc. Is this the devil trying to get us down?

And then, the reminder that In His name, there is mercy for sin, there is safety within, there is strength to remain, to stand in spite of pain. And I remember that He regins. And quite frankly, we have it good compared to so many right now. And I come away more focused, more centered, and more looking forward to what God wants to do. Ironic that a distraction is becoming another place for me to see God at work and to reveal his Holy name to BSU! Whodathunkit?!

2nd Class Citizen

Recently, I went to the district youth camp. Not to encourage students to go to BSU, but to find those that feel like God has led them there. I shared a few minutes in the service. When they introduced me and said that I was starting a ministry at BSU, there were some students that booed me. Not a big deal...some are from other states/area that are rivals of BSU.

Yet, no students came to talk to me about the BSU ministry at the given time. The perception I had was that students who attended BSU were considered traitor's to NNU. While this is not an official position by the district or NNU, for some reason, this perception exists.

I guess the thing that bothers me the most is that BSU campus is filled with people for whom Christ died. As I tried to sleep later that night, this thought hit me hard. I can't change the perception of others, but for me, it was reminder of what God is doing in my heart for this campus...creating a deep burden for God to do a wonderful miracle. And my heart is quickened by every step we take closer to ministering to this community. May God help us not to see others as someone to 'boo" but rather, as someone that Christ loves very much!