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?!
A journey on God's call to Boise State University. (Crosswalks Campus Ministry)
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Update, June 8, 2009
First an update on district assembly: It went very well, and we have received wonderful encouragement and feedback. Many new connections were made, both for students and churches. At first, people wondered why were there--thinking we were"recruiting" for BSU, but once they found out the real reason the attitude was very different. We are so grateful for everything! And if you stopped by the booth--thanks! Our giveaway winner was Phyllis Russell of Nampa.
Second-Location: We have several possibilities of location right now, but we are just in the beginning stages of looking at them.
Third, Speaking: I spoke at New Hope Church in Boise and felt like God really helped. It was a thrill. I have June 21st as the next speaking engagement regarding the ministry at Castle Hill Community in Boise. And I have met with several pastors regarding future opportunities.
Fourth, Newsletter: An email newsletter should be coming out next week. IF you are interested in receiving it, please drop me a line.
Finally, a thought from the book Why Pray? When we pray, we shouldn't just pray for the individual, but for every person they can influence for Christ. So we don't just pray for a person, but for their sphere of influence as well. So would you pray that BsU will become a place of good soil, ready for the word of God? Thanks for praying!
Second-Location: We have several possibilities of location right now, but we are just in the beginning stages of looking at them.
Third, Speaking: I spoke at New Hope Church in Boise and felt like God really helped. It was a thrill. I have June 21st as the next speaking engagement regarding the ministry at Castle Hill Community in Boise. And I have met with several pastors regarding future opportunities.
Fourth, Newsletter: An email newsletter should be coming out next week. IF you are interested in receiving it, please drop me a line.
Finally, a thought from the book Why Pray? When we pray, we shouldn't just pray for the individual, but for every person they can influence for Christ. So we don't just pray for a person, but for their sphere of influence as well. So would you pray that BsU will become a place of good soil, ready for the word of God? Thanks for praying!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
An Amazing Stat!
Boise State has the the lowest ministry to student ratio of 6 major university campuses.
Oregon- 1 ministry to every 1200
Ohio State - 1 to 600
Missouri State 1 to 900
Clemson 1 to 900
UCLA 1 to 800
Boise State: 1 to 1500.
What a mission field!
Oregon- 1 ministry to every 1200
Ohio State - 1 to 600
Missouri State 1 to 900
Clemson 1 to 900
UCLA 1 to 800
Boise State: 1 to 1500.
What a mission field!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Update, May 12
First, I found a book last week called Reaching the Campus Tribes, by Benson Hines. It is a free e-book download at http://www.reachingthecampustribes.com/, The whole point of this book is to recognize that campus ministry is more like international missions than Christian Education (i.e. youth group). It is an amazing book! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. It's less than 120 pages long, but articulates much of what I've been thinking! I'll be writing more about it, I'm sure. If you're interested in some of my favorite quotes, let me know, and I'll send you my list.
Second, this is a big week for us!!!! So far, we've been going up the first hill of the roller coaster. We're about to crest the top and gain momentum!!! It is the Intermountain District Assembly this week, and our exposure will go from a few churches to many! We're doing special things, and have a booth there. In my mind (it's not an official goal), I have a goal of $40,000 in faith promises to get things started this year. Would you pray with me in this area? We will also be doing some give-aways and showing a video. Please pray for the following: 1) strength for me, and a good attitude as I get tired, and an ability to share the vision; 2) getting everything done--printing, buying, video, etc; 3) my mom as she watches two energetic boys; 4) strength for Tami who will be joining me at the booth; and 5) receptive hearts. Thanks so much!! I'll try to update how it is going throughout the week.
And finally...the ACTION PLAN IS FINISHED!!! It was sent last week to the District Superintendent. Thanks for your prayers in this area! If you want a copy emailed to you, let me know. I won't be able to send all the addendums, but you can read the main part of the action plan.
One last note: just a reminder that God is so good. He is in this process! Thanks for journeying with us!
Grace and peace,
Ben
Second, this is a big week for us!!!! So far, we've been going up the first hill of the roller coaster. We're about to crest the top and gain momentum!!! It is the Intermountain District Assembly this week, and our exposure will go from a few churches to many! We're doing special things, and have a booth there. In my mind (it's not an official goal), I have a goal of $40,000 in faith promises to get things started this year. Would you pray with me in this area? We will also be doing some give-aways and showing a video. Please pray for the following: 1) strength for me, and a good attitude as I get tired, and an ability to share the vision; 2) getting everything done--printing, buying, video, etc; 3) my mom as she watches two energetic boys; 4) strength for Tami who will be joining me at the booth; and 5) receptive hearts. Thanks so much!! I'll try to update how it is going throughout the week.
And finally...the ACTION PLAN IS FINISHED!!! It was sent last week to the District Superintendent. Thanks for your prayers in this area! If you want a copy emailed to you, let me know. I won't be able to send all the addendums, but you can read the main part of the action plan.
One last note: just a reminder that God is so good. He is in this process! Thanks for journeying with us!
Grace and peace,
Ben
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