Warrior For God

This weekend was another awesome/Epic weekend.  I had a great time with old and new friends worshiping Christ. To name a few events I was able to re-connect with JAARS folks, AWANA Grand Prix, Paintball duel, Presentation, and YOUTH.

The youth and I had a great weekend getting to know one another.  I remember walking up to the activity center (where the youth meet) the 1st time; I was intimidated by all these young people and what they would think of me and how I could possibly relate with these kids.  After the time, welts, bruises, and other story book moments we developed some stronger relationships were both I and the youth have grown comfortable to be around one another, [And I think I earned some respect by making target practice of the boys during paintball.]

I'd like to wrap things up by just saying I am loving the ministry experiences God is using in my life.  I've learned to be OPEN, RELATIONAL, and AUTHENTIC by shinning my light for His glory; being His touch, His voice giving my life to Him on a regular basis.

Real Relational

It has come to my attention that I am a relational creature.  God made mankind to seek out and desire to interact with one another.  Some people just desire to do this more regularly than others. I noticed my interpersonal skill continuing to flourish as I have graduated from my training of ICC.

There I learned many very important facts, but one inparticular from a brother in Christ (who was a fellow trainee), on the way home from an exciting visit with another missions family.  He said, "Ask open ended questions".  That simple? "Yes".  He went on to explain how we as humans take great pride in ourselves and like to talk about our lives and experiences.  When we ask these types of questions it opens the door for the individual to answer in a way that would prefer.

Example:
If you were to ask someone what is your favorite color? (open-ended)
verses
Is your favorite color green?  (closed)

You can see how a yes/no question is direct and to the point; whereas a open-ended question is general and allows for a number of different answers.

I point this all out because this simple conversation detail has allowed me to much more personable and develop much stronger relationships with everyone, (also it is good for strangers alike).

Hangin with a group of friends at the Saint Patrick's Day parade in Uptown Charlotte

I'm a Survivor

I had another amazing Sunday.  My whole weekend seemed to be slammed packed full of activities and engagements.  Sunday I spoke at two different classes (my pops was in both), went to a good lunch with friends, and was able to hang with the youth, who are always fun to be around.

I've titled this post, "I'm a Survivor", because I've over come a great deal in my life to get to where I am today.  A few weeks ago a I spoke at a family friend's church group.  He introduced me as sort of this kid who never dies or cat with nine lives.  He shared of times that he and my dad had spoke about, at least 5 (there are plenty more than just 5) instances that he had know of that I should of met my maker.  To say the least I've had my close calls.  I'm not sure why God has allowed me to continue to live, but there must be something great in store for me if I'm still breathing.

I have the fortitude to persevere through the tough times; that I'm sure to encounter within ministry work.  I've got the guts to go to give GOD the Glory. I have overcome death, now deputation is next.

Please send me! to be a Fanatic for God in His Marvelous Kingdom.

There is no reason to conceal His love and faithfulness; be bold and share your own story, Psalm 40:10.

YOUTH GROUP

Tonight was awesome!!!! I was able to hang out with the local youth group at my sending church.  The kids there seem to accept me quickly.  I need to embrace this and be open to their interest and build relationships.

I believe this will be a great opportunity for me to jump into the ministry.  The youth group provides great exposure to the world of missions. Although I walk daily on the missions field; I'm hardly ever given an opportunity to build up a group of people. 

The group I will be with is the 7th and 8th grade boys. I thought that would be the perfect match for me. As this was when my spiritual bubble was popped and I fell in with the wrong group of friends. I am excited about upcoming opportunities to build on the relationships I've begun this morning.  

Inter-Cultural Communications Course (ICC)

It has almost been two weeks now since I have finished my training in Waxhaw, NC. And I'm still coming down from my mountain top; it has been awhile since I've had such a great spiritual high.  I can't wait to share with you all the major changes I've been able to make and for you to see the change.

ICC was great experience full of memories and relationships I never want to forget.  Everyone learned so much about maintaining spiritual vitality, types of world views, and other cultures.  We are all life long learners; knowledge is in exhaustible and once you stop allowing yourself you learn you will remain stagnant.

Maintaining your relationship with God was the main focal point of the training, and how relationship is ministry.  Just like the example of the cross.  The Youth Pastor at my sending church gave me this example a day ago; this example goes hand and hand with the Great Commandment and the second Great Commandment, Matthew 22: 34-40.  You have one beam running vertical, that is your relationship with God.  Then the other beam running horizontal that is your relationship with your fellow man.

I also learned much more good nuggets of wisdom.  I learned about social skills, how to communicate with someone from another culture.  How to ask a favor from someone of a shame culture without stealing their face.  In America we think are way is the best way.  Well in other nations they don't see it that way.  They want to show you their way.  The only way they're going to do that is if you open up to them and show interest in their ways.  You must be an OPEN LEARNER.


Four other many focal points of the course were:

• Think Grey, ponder awhile before jumping to a conclusion.
• Suspend Judgement, Never make fun of or be degrading to another
• Assume Goodwill, People probably have a good reason for doing things their way even though we may not understand it.
• Tolerate Ambiguity, I've had to come to grips with this myself with OM and the ship and going to PNG the is a great deal of unknown.  This one is last because I think you use all three of the previous categories to be able to tolerate ambiguity.

These are all major part of ministry and no one should be overlooked.