Duffy of Milltown Cross:

new website!!!

2008-09-23T16:53:00.000-04:00

Helloo!!!!! Jenny & I have merged our blogs into one BIG MEGA-WEBSITE!! We are now found at:

www.joshandjenny.weebly.com

Check it out!!

St Francis of Assisi's 'Canticle of Love'

2008-09-20T19:51:00.000-04:00

Love of loves, why have you so wounded me? My heart, torn from its dwelling, is consumed with love.
It is on fire, it burns, it finds no resting place, it cannot flee because it is chained up. It is consumed like wax in the fire. Dying it lives. Its languor is sweet, it prays for power to escape for a while and finds itself in the middle of a furnace. Alas, where will this terrible faintness lead me? The burning heat of this fire so stifles me that it is death to live like this.
Before making trial of it, I prayed to Christ asking for his love. I thought that I would find sweetness in his love and that I would delight in his gentle peace so much that no worries would be able to trouble me. But I experienced a torment that I could never have imagined. The heat breaks my heart. I cannot describe how I suffer. I am dying of sweetness and I live deprived of my heart.
My heart wounded by divine love, is no longer my own. I have no judgement, no will, no ability to enjoy myself or sense of feeling. All beauty seems to be like mud and delights and riches are perdition. A tree of love, laden with fruit, is planted in my heart and nourishes me. It transforms me so much that it expels my self-will, intelligence and strength.
I have entirely renounced both the world and myself in order to buy love. If I owned all creation I would gladly trade that for love. But I find that love has deceived me. I have given everything and yet I do not know where I am being drawn to. Love has destroyed me. I am looked at as if I am mad, and because I have been sold, I am no longer worth anything.
The world and the friends who are outside this realm of love tried to bring me back to them. But the person who has once given himself cannot give himself a second time. The servant cannot be the master. A stone will become more soft quickly than love will stop holding me. My complete will is burnt up with love, is united to it, transformed into it and consumed by it.
I shall not be separated from love either by fire or sword. It is impossible to divide this union. Suffering and death cannot rise to the height to which love lures me. Outside this union all created things are restless and through it the soul is raised above everything. O my soul, through what happy chance do you possess such blessings? They come to you from Christ. Therefore embrace him with sweetness.
I am unable to look at any creature without my whole soul praising the creator. Neither heaven no earth holds anything dear to me. Everything is swept away by the love of Christ. The sun’s light seems dark when I behold Christ’s dazzling face. The cherubim, who excel in knowledge, and the seraphim who excel in love both lose their beauty for the person who sees the Lord.
Let no one reproach me if such a love makes me mad. No heart is capable of defending itself or fleeing from these chains of love. Can you imagine a heart not suffering and breaking in such a furnace? Oh, if I could only find a soul to understand me, to take pity on me and know all my heart’s anguish!
Heaven and earth, and all creation cries out to me that I must love. Everything says to me, ‘With all thy heart love the Love which loves thee, love the Love which desires thee, and has created thee to draw thee wholly to himself’ Therefore I desire never to stop drawing on this holy light and this ineffable goodness which is spread around.
If I was able to love more I would, but my heart can love no more. Clearly, I cannot give more than myself, even if I desire to give more than that. I have given everything to possess this Lover who has made a new man of me since I found him. O goodness old and always new, immense Light whose splendour is so sweet!
At the sight of so much beauty I am transported outside myself without knowing where I am being taken to. My heart softens like melted wax and Christ’s form is traced on it. Never before has such a change come over me. I have stripped myself to be clothed in Christ. My heart is transformed and its cry is love. My soul is consumed with heavenly delights. My happily chained soul rushes to the embrace of the Well-beloved. The more my soul beholds Christ’s beauty the more it is beside itself. Rich in Christ it loses everything in him. It no longer recalls anything about itself. It no longer strives to gain anything at all, it is incapable of losing anything and it no longer feels anything.
Transformed in Christ it has almost become Christ. United to God it is entirely divine. God’s magnificent riches surpass all grandeur. Christ reigns supreme in the soul. Can I therefore remain sad and beg a remedy for my faults? I no longer possess an abyss full of sin in me. The old man is dead and has been robbed of all his impurities.
In Christ a new creature is born. The old man is taken away and I have become a new man. But love is so strong that it is as if my heart is split in two by a sword. This fire consumes my soul and my mind. In his beauty, Christ completely allures me. I am on fire when I see him. I utter a cry of love, ‘O Love, the height of my desire, let me die of love!’
For thee, O Love, I waste and languish, I go about uttering cries and seeking thy kisses. When you go my life becomes death and I sigh and pine to find thee. When thou returnest my heart enlarges because in thee it can be entirely transformed. Then delay no more, O Love; be mindful of me, thou holdest me in chains, consume my heart.
Sweet love, consider my trouble. I can bear such ardour no longer. Love has taken possession of me. I no longer know where I am and I no longer know what I am saying or doing. I travel along the road like a lost man. I collapse exhausted from languor. I do not know how to bear such torment. The grief it gives me has ravished my heart.
My heart is enraptured, and I can no longer see that I have to do or what I have not to do. People who observe me ask if a love without deeds can please thee, O Christ. If it does not please you what can I do? My heart is worn out with abundance of Christ’s love. Love, which enfolds me, takes away all action and all initiative. I lose all sense of feeling.
Before, I knew how to speak; now, I am dumb. Before, I could see; now, I am blind. There has never been such a great capture. I am silent, and I speak; I fly, and I am chained; I fall, and I am raised up; I hold, and I am held. All at the same moment I am inside and outside; I pursue and I am pursued. Insensate Love, why dost thou make me mad, why dost thou kill me in such a raging furnace?

Christ
Control your love, you who love me. There is no virtue without order. Since you desire so much to find me renew your soul through virtue. I truly wish that you could call upon me as you love me, although your love must be disciplined. The tree is known by the goodness of its fruit. Law presides everything and gives everything its value.
Everything that I have made has harmony and proportion and is ordained to a particular end. Order guards them. Charity, more than any other virtue, naturally wants to be regulated. Are you, O soul, by your ardour, being foolish? Your fervour is not curbed because it has no control on it.

The soul
O Christ, you have ravished my heart, and you say to my soul ‘Control your love!’ Since I am transformed into you how is it possible for me to master myself. As the iron turns red in the fire and as in the translucent air the sun’s rays lose their form and assume another shape, so is the pure soul entirely transformed with your love.
Since it has love its own virtue it is powerless to act by itself. It becomes this because of its virtue. These are the deeds and fruits it produces. If then it is transformed into your truth and yourself alone, O Christ, whom it is so sweet to love, it is to you and not to myself that my deeds must be imputed. If I cease to please you, O Love, it is because you are no longer pleasing to yourself.
If it is true that I am mad, O supreme Wisdom, that fault is yours. It dates from the day when you wounded me and I made a pact with Love. My self has been taken away and I am clothed in you. I do not know how I was drawn to a new life. I was in utter dejection but love has made me strong. The gates are broken down and I live with you, O Love.
Why have you led me into such a furnace if it is your will that I should keep within bounds? In giving yourself to me without measure you have taken all measure from me. Since I am small you fully satisfy me and as you are great I cannot possess you any more. If this is foolishness, O Love, it comes from you and not from me. You, O Love, have directed me along this path.
You have not forbidden yourself to love. It was love that made you come from heaven to earth, O Love, you showed that you did not think of yourself. In everything, O Love, you showed that you did not think of yourself. At the door of the temple you cried, ‘Let him who has suffered the thirst of love, come and drink; he shall be given a boundless love which will satisfy and console him.’
Wisdom has not prevented you from ceaselessly spreading your love abroad. To save us, O incarnate love, you were born of love and not of flesh. To inflame us with love you went to the cross. When you did not defend yourself before Pilate it was in order to bring about our redemption on the cross of love.
I see that wisdom hid itself and love alone was visible. Power no longer showed itself and strength ceased to give pleasure. The love which poured itself out in this way was great. In his look and in his heart were no other thoughts than loving sentiments. As love was bound on the cross so mankind was embraced by an immense love.
O Jesus, I am so full of love and inebriated with so much sweetness. So who can blame me or reproach me if I live like a madman without any will, feeling or strength? Love has constrained you and robbed you of all your majesty. So who then can prevent me from going mad to embrace you, O my love?
This love which has made me mad really seems to have taken wisdom from you. This love in which I languish has deprived you of all power because of me. I am a captive to love and can resist no longer. The decree has gone out that I shall die of Love. I do not want any other consolation than to die of Love.
Love, Love who has so wounded me, I can only utter one cry, ’Love!’ I am united to you by love and love embraces you in me. Love, Love, who has so wounded me, my heart grows weaker and weaker with love. I am absorbed in you, O Love. Let me abide with you and in your goodness let me die of love.
Love, Love, O Jesus, I am reaching the haven. Love, Love, O Jesus, receive me. Love, Love, O Jesus, come to my help. It is love, love for Jesus which inflames me thus. Love, Love, O Jesus, I am dying of love, let me be near you. O Love, embrace me always; transform me into yourself, O Love, into truth, into supreme charity.
Love, Love, it is the cry of the whole world. Love, Love, it is the cry of everything. Love, Love, such is your depth, that the more one is bound to you the more one desires you. Love, Love, you are the circle that surrounds my heart, he who possesses you love you for ever. You are my food and my clothing. The person who loves you is so happy to possess you, to feel your presence, that he cries unceasingly, ’ Love!’
Love, Love, you make me suffer so much that I cannot bear it any longer. Love, Love, you have such dominion over me. Transform me into yourself. Love, sweet languor; Love, my desire; Love, my delight bind me with love.
Love, Love, my heart is broken and is seriously wounded. Love, draw me towards your beauty as I am ravished by you. Love, Love, do not disdain me as you are my life. Oh, do not forsake me as you have made me faint with love.
In this anguish of Love, Love, Love, O my adorable Jesus, I would die while embracing you, O Jesus, my sweet spouse. Love, Love, I beg for death from you; O pitying Jesus receive me and transform me into thyself. Remember that I am passing away killing myself with love. I do not know where I am, Jesus, my hope, destroy me with love.

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment (by Kris Vallotton)

2008-09-20T18:00:00.002-04:00

It’s been said that God does nothing in the affairs of men except they pray. Prayer is the catalyst for worldwide transformation. Prayer incites the angels, restrains darkness, and releases nations into their destiny. Prayer is the key to revival, building bridges between what should be and what will be.

The devil also knows the power of prayer and he understands that he can’t stop us from praying. But he is the master of deception and he tries to convince us that his destructive schemes are “acts of God” so Believers will not release the arsenal of Heaven against him! Unfortunately, satan has been more successful at deceiving the saints recently than he has for decades. One of the ways he has shrewdly crept into our society is by convincing the Church that it is our responsibility to release the wrath of God against sinners. This authorizes the dethroned prince of darkness to kill, steal and destroy while we stand aside applauding the demise of these ravaged people. To make matters worse, this evil prince frames the Lord of Redemption for his crimes, poisoning the people of His passion, which causes many of them to reject His wedding invitation. Meanwhile, those who have been empowered to police this property lack discernment and assist these angels of light in their killing spree.

The Reemerging Of The Doomsday Prophets

In the last decade the “Doomsday” prophets seemed to have come out of hibernation. In 1997, my own parents moved out of the San Francisco Bay Area to avoid the wrath of a great earthquake prophesied to strike southern California. This quake was going to destroy Hollywood for its immoral pollution of the media and San Francisco for its homosexual perversion. The word also predicted that northern California would become “ocean front property.”

My mom and dad relocated from the Bay Area to Lake Tahoe near Nevada, hoping to find a prophetic “no-fly” zone. Just about the time my folks got settled, several prophets began to prophesy about an upcoming international famine. This became known around the world as the “Y2K bug.” This bug was going to judge us for making our intellect a god. It was the perfect “God Scheme.” The whole plan was to be hidden by our foolish confidence in man’s brilliance. It seemed that the Lord had blinded every computer nerd in the world, keeping them from discovering too soon that we would all be starving over the lack of a digit. What a way to go! There would be rioting in the streets; people would be fighting off the temptation to cannibalize their neighbors and children! Businesses and governments would crumble next. Some even predicted this would start the “Mother of all Wars.” People streamed in mass to buy generators and guns to protect their food in the “Name of the Lord.” Needless to say, these preparations proved to be pointless, and my parents are still driving for hours to reach the ocean.

September 11, 2001 will forever be branded in the minds of Americans as a monument to murder. America woke up to the sounds of people screaming, many of them on fire as they exited the black smoke of a man-made hell. Explosions could be heard in the background as buildings crumbled and thousands were trapped in would-be tombs. Weeping and wailing were heard for miles as people wandered aimlessly through the streets looking for their loved ones. Many jumped to their death from these flaming infernos. Deep sadness and fear blanketed the whole earth as the news spread. Everywhere, people were crying out for mercy for those who were still counted among the missing. People were glued to their TV sets, praying, hoping and believing that life would emerge from the rubble.

Although the “Prophets of Doom” had not prophesied this disaster, declarations of darkness began to emerge from what was supposed to be the “House of Hope.” Before we could ask ourselves why such a mindless act of horror would be perpetrated on the lives of the many innocent who died that day, numerous Prophets began to proclaim that this terrorist attack was God’s judgment for the sins of our nation. Their thesis was that God was angry over the abortion, homosexual, and pornography issues, so he decided to kill a bunch of people to make His point. Can you imagine the grief that beset those who had lost loved ones and were now being confronted by an angry God who wanted to kill more people? This attitude reminds me of something Jesus said, "In the last days the love of many will grow cold" (Matthew 24:12.)

Slow Learners

It seems that many of God’s Prophets are slow learners as a whole new wave of prophetic judgments are being released over San Francisco, Northern California and Hollywood again. These judgments are predicated on a huge misunderstanding of New Testament prophetic ministry in the Church today. The Church needs to realize that the crucifixion of Jesus fulfilled the Law and the Prophets! We need to stop doing for the devil what he can’t do for himself!

Let’s take a look at the goal of New Testament ministry and means of achieving it according to the Apostle Paul. He wrote:

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17-21.)

Two things come to light in these passages: number one, New Testament ministry is the “ministry of reconciliation”. And number two, the way God reconciles people to Himself is by “not counting their trespasses against them!” In the Old Testament the primary role of the Prophet was to decree judgments for national transgressions because sin required judgment under the Law. But in the New Testament, the crucifixion of Christ paid the price that judgment required, thereby fulfilling justice and ultimately releasing mercy to millions of sinners who didn’t deserve it (people like you and me, for instance).

A Violent Act Of Grace

It never seems to dawn on some Believers that we didn’t get into the Kingdom through our works but through His (Christ’s). Sinners who discipline themselves into good behavior are still sinners who are in need of a savior. No one can behave their way into Heaven! Trying to get into Heaven through disciplined behavior is called self-righteousness and it is ugly to God!

Jesus said, “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since that time the gospel of the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it (Luke 16:16). The Law said, “You can’t come into the Kingdom because you haven’t kept all the rules!” The Prophets continued the same theme, proclaiming judgments on the world for their (our) wickedness. But then, suddenly, something amazing happened; unrighteous people began turning the Cross of Christ into a battering ram and through a violent act of grace they forced their way into the Kingdom!

Shaking Out The Salt

Jesus told us, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men" (Matthew 5:13). In Jesus’ day, they didn’t have refrigerators to store their food. Salt was the primary means by which they preserved their meat and poultry. Through this analogy, the Lord is teaching us that the Church is the element in society that preserves the culture from the wrath of God and the destruction of evil forces. A great example of this is Joseph, who released a corporate blessing through his righteous life. His presence in Egypt caused the Israelites and the Egyptians to be spared from a worldwide famine.

Jesus also said that when salt becomes tasteless, it is not good for anything except to be walked on by men. In other words, the people of that day would taste the salt and if it was no longer salty, they knew that it would not keep their food from spoiling. It’s important to remember that Jesus is not really talking about preserving meat, but describing the Body of Christ. So what does it mean to become tasteless? It implies that we have stopped preserving the world. You can tell when the Church has become tasteless because we begin to prophesy against the people we are supposed to be preserving.

Re-Presenting Christ

Not only is the Church preservation (salt), but we are also revelation (light). In the book of Matthew Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14.) What does it mean to be light, and what is it that we are illuminating? We are shedding light on the nature of God; how He thinks and acts in the affairs of men. We are the revelation of the Father and His love letter to the world. We re-present Christ to the lost. The world looks to us to understand world events through the eyes of God. When we misrepresent our Heavenly Father, the world gets a warped perspective of God.

James and John are a good example of how many misrepresent God. The “Sons of Thunder” wanted to call fire down to consume a city, but Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what spirit you are of" (Luke 9:54-55.) It is interesting to me that this was this same John who wrote to the Beloved and exhorted us, “Not to believe every spirit, but to test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (I John 4:1.) I imagine that he received the revelation that even Jesus’ own apostles could be influenced by hell through his own experience of listening to the wrong spirit.

Notice how his exhortation continues in the same chapter: “Beloved, let us love one another . . . There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love” (John 4:18.) These verses were written in the context of testing the spirits. In other words, we test the spirits by examining them in light of the virtues of love. When we read love’s virtues that are spelled out in the letter to the Corinthians, and understand that fear has no place in love, we find ourselves wondering what spirit is encouraging these judgment prophecies. The greatest tragedy is that the revelation the world receives from these voices causes them to believe that our Father is an angry God who is looking for an opportunity to punish people.

The apostle John laid his head on the chest of Christ and was transformed from an angry, “son of thunder” into John the beloved. It is time for the prophets of God to lay their head on the Master's chest and hear the heart beat of Heaven again.

Jesus said, “If the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness” (Matthew 6:23)! If we are the light of the world and we are speaking against the people who are already lost in night, how great is the darkness! In the same way, when we represent God as someone who wants to destroy America because forty million babies have been aborted in our country, we perpetuate the very problem that we are trying to cure. People are killing their babies because they don’t know or understand the love of the Father. Does it make sense that we tell people that God is so angry that we are killing our young that He is going to teach us a lesson by killing a bunch more people? Is our Father so single-dimensional in His being that He only has one response to anything man does wrong?

Can you imagine the negative impact it would have on your daughter if she came to you to tell you that she had an abortion, and in response you flipped out and tried to kill her? If you reacted out of rage, I would suggest that your lack of love is a large part of her decision to have the abortion in the first place.

When we reveal God to the world, it is essential that we communicate light, life and love. Love doesn’t punish or create fear. I personally don’t believe that God is mad at sinners. I do think that He is grieved over the world’s destructive behavior. But grief and anger are not the same thing.

Love Requires Free Choice

Every time we see the heartless acts of destruction that deeply wound the heart of God, we must remember the depths of God’s desire to share love. The nature of love is that it requires us to be able to choose. If God took away our choice, people could only behave in the way that God programmed them to. Wars would cease, hunger would end, and poverty would only be an ancient memory. But the desperate cry of the human heart that beats with passion for a loving relationship with the most beautiful Being in the entire universe would be gone too.

Day after day, a loving Creator looks down on a broken planet longing for the day when the object of His affection will walk hand in hand with Him into indescribable beauty in the halls of eternity. In the meantime, the destruction continues, not because God is angry with man, but rather because men choose to kill, steal and destroy. This is the fruit of those who have chosen the wrong lover (satan).

Meanwhile, a hateful enemy is stalking a wounded and desperate people. He is seeking to paralyze us with fear, demoralize us with his arrogant boasts of destructive predictions, and harden us with hopelessness. Yet still, the future belongs to those who pray. Prayer is the bridge between what should be and what will be. The diligent prayer of a righteous people will ultimately determine the destiny of our children. Therefore, it is our responsibility to leave to those yet to be born a world in revival as their inheritance. Hanging in the balance of eternity is the ultimate climax of our Creator – the kingdoms of this world becoming the Kingdom of our God.

Scandalous Jesus (by Major Chick Yuill)

2008-09-20T17:00:00.003-04:00







			There is no doubt that Jesus was scandalous, particularly to the religious people of his day. Religious people are easily scandalized. Since Jesus’ birth, there have been all sorts of suspicions about the nature of his conception. His origins in the backwater, one-horse town of Nazareth prompted some to ask: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” We know about the company Jesus kept: tax collectors, prostitutes and undesirables, people caught in the very act of sin. He told scandalous stories that turned the received wisdom of religion up on its head; stories that put the most religious people in their place; stories that announced God’s love wasn’t simply a reward for the good but was offered unconditionally to the damaged and the morally and spiritually indifferent. His miracles so scandalized that on one occasion, after casting the demons out of a poor, oppressed man, the authorities accused Jesus of providing deliverance by the very power of Satan. His claim to be the Son of God was also scandalous. He said it in symbolic action as he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, announcing himself to be the coming King. He said it in an act of political resistance when he cleansed the temple and cast out the traders who preyed on the poor and prevented them from reaching God. His death between two thieves was scandalous in the extreme—who could believe in a crucified Messiah? The disciples made a whole series of scandalous claims: the tomb was empty, Jesus was alive. Jesus was scandalous. We’ve known it since childhood, but it seems to make very little difference to us. It has had little impact on the Church. Ministering from the “Ghetto” One thing that has characterized the Church and even The Salvation Army in my lifetime is that we have ministered from the safety of the Christian “ghetto.” I know we have been concerned about the world, but it has tended to be from the security of our ecclesiastical islands, the safety of our organizational strongholds and the comfort of our culturally gated communities. Tony Campolo commented two years ago at the first SAROOTS: “If the 1950s ever come back, The Salvation Army is ready for it.” At Extreme, an Army event in California, Campolo said: “The trouble with The Salvation Army is you’ve got a ‘field of dreams’ theology.” Remember the Kevin Costner movie Field of Dreams? “You think, ‘If we build it, they will come.’ So you build and you facilitate and you program and you wait for people to come. Jesus never told you to do that. Jesus said ‘go.’ ” I suggest to you that the weakness of our position is expressed in the question we have asked for most of our lifetime: “How do we get people to come to church?” The answer is most of them won’t. And I can’t blame them, because they have to come on our terms, at our times, to listen to our teaching and our testimonies, in our buildings, in our culture. Of all the promises that Jesus made, I wonder if the one he most regrets is “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Be honest, you’ve sat in some meetings feeling as though you’ve lost the will to live. The Son of God has to turn up at every one of them! And I have to honestly ask myself why a decent self-respecting sinner, who’s had a fun Saturday evening, should get up on a Sunday morning to come to some of the services that we do. The serious truth is that the Christian Church in the West has become increasingly marginalized, discounted and dismissed, even by those who are spiritually hungry and who are turning to almost any “ism” and philosophy to find satisfaction. So much of what we have done has been working from the safety of the “ghetto.” Now that is not being entirely fair to The Salvation Army. I’ve exaggerated the position. Despite our tendency to minister from the ghetto, we have a proud record of service to the community and we are rightly respected for it. There’s nothing wrong with being grateful for serving in an Army that has served people of every class, race and creed in the name of Jesus. Thank God we do embody a global caring Jesus. Delivering service to the community is a necessary expression of the Gospel, but it is not the very essence of the Gospel. That’s why I am glad that we are finally developing a strategy for mission. We’ve begun to realize that the question we’ve asked: “How do we get people to come to church?” is pointless. We have begun to ask: “How do we take the church and, more importantly, the Lord of the church, to people?” We have begun to realize that even a postmodern world that has lost its trust in reason and seems lacking in traditional morality is a world that is hungry for spirituality. A Strategy for Mission There has to be a paradigm shift in what our leaders deliver to us. The old paradigm was that we expected a leader to pastor the flock. We even wrote it into our regulations?18 hours of home visitation a week. It’s a good thing to be a shepherd of the flock, though I fear that too often we became sheepdogs, running after people, rather than shepherds. Yes, there is a need for pastoral care, but that need is to be shared by the whole community and cannot be delivered by one leader. In the old paradigm, we wanted officers to preach a good word, however, most of the time we expected them to be a resident holy person who preached a nice, little homily that made us feel blessed but wouldn’t actually disturb us. We wanted them to preside over the rites of passage—births, marriages and deaths—and to preserve denominational tradition: “He’s a good officer because he uses The Song Book.” There’s still a place for all of those things, but today we need leaders of a different hue. We need leaders who will become skilled in mission, who will build bridges into the community, who will understand the culture in which we live and will become masters of spiritual commerce, who are able to speak to a spiritually hungry people with a language and in concepts that they understand. That has to be our strategy for mission. In Chronicles, when all the tribes of Israel rallied to King David, they came in their thousands, apart from the men of Issachar, who numbered only a few hundred. These men of Issachar “understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). We need leaders at the territorial, divisional and local level who will understand the times, and discern God’s will for the Army. We need to raise up and release that kind of leader. We need to become the church beyond the Church, less concerned with our denominational traditions and more concerned than ever with the possibility of reaching and rescuing a dying world. Telling the Story We are just beginning to become a church that understands how to explain the story of the Gospel. I believe in absolute truth, that some things are true and some things are false. But I’ve learned that there’s no point in talking like that to a postmodern world that no longer trusts reason and rationality. I was invited to represent The Salvation Army in a media program on prostitution in Manchester, U.K. We were scheduled to arrive an hour early so we could talk with the producer. When I got there, I was fascinated by the mixed group of people. There was a woman whose daughter had been murdered while working as a prostitute, two girls from Amsterdam who worked in the red-light district, psychologists by the score and three girls, whose appearance immediately betrayed that they earned their living on the streets. When they set up for the program, they sat me beside a Christian woman from an aid agency and an Anglican canon. I knew what the producers were looking for. They wanted us to shout moralistic, condemnatory truths, and I wasn’t going to be set up. I told the producer: “I don’t want to sit beside these religious people. I’d like to sit nearer the girls.” And I did. During the program, I said: “I belong to a part of the Christian Church that longs to create a society where no girl is forced into prostitution because of a drug habit or poverty. I want to make a better world in which prostitution will not be necessary.” At the end of the program, they said: “We didn’t expect a Christian to say that.” The time has come for us to live out the story of Jesus. Yes, there’s a time to speak in condemnation, but we need to be telling the love of Jesus. It’s time to tell stories?stories of how God deals with us, stories of how the Gospel intersects and interacts with and transforms our story. In the movie Amistad African slaves are thrown into prison in America. They don’t read any English, but find an illustrated Bible and flip through the pages. They see pictures of Jesus with the children, healing the sick and pinned on the cross, and they say to each other: “This man’s story is like ours. He suffered unjustly.” And the story of Jesus begins to make sense of their story. There is only one story that will make sense of the world in which we live. It is the story of the cross. We’ve got to tell it. The world will not listen to our absolute truth, our well-reasoned theological arguments, but it can’t resist a story. Brian MacLaren, in his book Truth on the Other Side, writes: “In the modern world, we could wield a proposition like a sword and a concept like a hammer. In the postmodern world we have to hold a mystery like a lover and a story like a child.” While in Russia at a Salvation Army camp, I met a rock group who were impressed with the Gospel. They asked all sorts of questions. One of them told my wife, Margaret, that he couldn’t explain it, but there was something about Christians that is like little children. He had no idea that he was echoing the words of Jesus: “Unless you change and become like little children …” The world needs people with the simplicity of childhood. I told a funny story the other day and a child said to me: “Tell that story again.” We’ve got to become the kind of people to whom the world may say: “Tell me that story again.” We’ve got to learn how to “gossip the Gospel.” The Scandal of Grace We will be transformed when we start to live out the scandal of grace. The thread that held the ministry of Jesus together was grace. Jesus was scandalous because he is the complete embodiment and fullest expression of the grace of God. By his life, death and resurrection, he says to us: “God loves the world unconditionally, even at its worst. And God loves you, even at your worst.” God demonstrates that love not from a distance, not from the safety of Heaven, not from the majesty of a celestial throne, but from the straw and the stench of a cattle shed, from the hustle and bustle of an ordinary home, from the sawdust and shavings of a carpenter’s bench, from the stern of a boat in the midst of a storm, from the dusty roads of a Galilean countryside, from crowded marketplaces of villages and ultimately from the cross on a hillside outside of Jerusalem. The life of Jesus was not primarily one of religious devotion; it was the most extravagant revelation of the nature of grace—generously, outrageously poured out upon all at the cost of his life. The religious authorities thought that they were making an irrefutable accusation when they berated Jesus for eating and associating with sinners. In fact, they were paying him the highest accolade. They were scandalized by his life, disgusted by his disregard for social convention, appalled by his attitude to people they had dismissed as beyond the reach of God’s love. Like the elder brother in the story of the Prodigal Son, they failed to realize that their pride and self-sufficiency put them farther away from God than any immoral act. The Salvation Army was once the scandalous part of the Church. Edward Joy’s book, The Old Corps, tells the story of the parish clergyman from the fishing quarter of the town who sent a message to the Salvation Army captain to ask “whether the peace of our town is to be disturbed night after night for a bastard flag that represents nothing and nobody.” He ran out of words to describe the offence that was the early day Salvation Army. Let’s Get Serious What would it take for us to be a scandal of God’s grace in our age? We’ll have to care passionately about the 12- and 13-year-old girls being sold into sexual slavery. We’ll have to become a nuisance to our governments by telling them that we are less concerned about our privileges, taxes and cheaper gasoline, and more concerned about how much money they are giving to developing countries and how they are addressing injustice around the world. We’ll need to get serious about the obscenity of the arms industry. The World Health Organization estimates that in the 20th century 191 million people died as a result of armed conflict. The money that the U.S.A. has spent on armaments since the Second World War is the equivalent to $26 million a day since the birth of Christ. It was General Eisenhower who said that every military plane we put in the sky and every bomb that we drop represents a theft from those who were hungry and need to be clothed. It’s time the Evangelical conscience was stabbed with things like that. What about asylum seekers who come to our country looking for help, and are turned away by respectable people? Let’s be willing to be unpopular for people in desperate need. The truth about God’s people is that they too were strangers in a foreign land. We were no people and God made us a people. I believe in the sanctity and beauty of lifelong heterosexual marriage, but if all we do is criticize the gay community, the last place homosexual people will come for understanding and help is the Church. I want to say to people like that: “If you’re gay, then come and we’ll work together, because in our church we’ve got gossips, gluttons and people that hold bitterness and resentment. What would it take to change the conscience of our Evangelical brothers and sisters in order to reach out to the gay community? I’d love to be part of a Salvation Army like that. I want to live scandalously. I’m fed up with low-level Christian living. I’m tired of a Salvation Army that everybody speaks well of. I long for the days when people see us as dangerous, as an irritant, as a cause for complaint. The truth is you won’t be about to truly live scandalously until you’ve been a recipient of God’s grace. Mother Teresa wrote: “By blood and origin I am an Albanian. My citizenship is Indian. I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. But as to my heart, I belong entirely to the heart of Jesus.” What about you? Can you say the same? Does your heart belong to a scandalous Jesus?

95 Theses (Martin Luther)

2008-09-20T11:21:00.001-04:00

Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, the following propositions will be discussed at Wittenberg, under the presidency of the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and of Sacred Theology, and Lecturer in Ordinary on the same at that place. Wherefore he requests that those who are unable to be present and debate orally with us, may do so by letter.

In the Name our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

1. Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, when He said Poenitentiam agite, willed that the whole life of believers should be repentance.

2. This word cannot be understood to mean sacramental penance, i.e., confession and satisfaction, which is administered by the priests.

3. Yet it means not inward repentance only; nay, there is no inward repentance which does not outwardly work divers mortifications of the flesh.

4. The penalty [of sin], therefore, continues so long as hatred of self continues; for this is the true inward repentance, and continues until our entrance into the kingdom of heaven.

5. The pope does not intend to remit, and cannot remit any penalties other than those which he has imposed either by his own authority or by that of the Canons.

6. The pope cannot remit any guilt, except by declaring that it has been remitted by God and by assenting to God's remission; though, to be sure, he may grant remission in cases reserved to his judgment. If his right to grant remission in such cases were despised, the guilt would remain entirely unforgiven.

7. God remits guilt to no one whom He does not, at the same time, humble in all things and bring into subjection to His vicar, the priest.

8. The penitential canons are imposed only on the living, and, according to them, nothing should be imposed on the dying.

9. Therefore the Holy Spirit in the pope is kind to us, because in his decrees he always makes exception of the article of death and of necessity.

10. Ignorant and wicked are the doings of those priests who, in the case of the dying, reserve canonical penances for purgatory.

11. This changing of the canonical penalty to the penalty of purgatory is quite evidently one of the tares that were sown while the bishops slept.

12. In former times the canonical penalties were imposed not after, but before absolution, as tests of true contrition.

13. The dying are freed by death from all penalties; they are already dead to canonical rules, and have a right to be released from them.

14. The imperfect health [of soul], that is to say, the imperfect love, of the dying brings with it, of necessity, great fear; and the smaller the love, the greater is the fear.

15. This fear and horror is sufficient of itself alone (to say nothing of other things) to constitute the penalty of purgatory, since it is very near to the horror of despair.

16. Hell, purgatory, and heaven seem to differ as do despair, almost-despair, and the assurance of safety.

17. With souls in purgatory it seems necessary that horror should grow less and love increase.

18. It seems unproved, either by reason or Scripture, that they are outside the state of merit, that is to say, of increasing love.

19. Again, it seems unproved that they, or at least that all of them, are certain or assured of their own blessedness, though we may be quite certain of it.

20. Therefore by "full remission of all penalties" the pope means not actually "of all," but only of those imposed by himself.

21. Therefore those preachers of indulgences are in error, who say that by the pope's indulgences a man is freed from every penalty, and saved;

22. Whereas he remits to souls in purgatory no penalty which, according to the canons, they would have had to pay in this life.

23. If it is at all possible to grant to any one the remission of all penalties whatsoever, it is certain that this remission can be granted only to the most perfect, that is, to the very fewest.

24. It must needs be, therefore, that the greater part of the people are deceived by that indiscriminate and highsounding promise of release from penalty.

25. The power which the pope has, in a general way, over purgatory, is just like the power which any bishop or curate has, in a special way, within his own diocese or parish.

26. The pope does well when he grants remission to souls [in purgatory], not by the power of the keys (which he does not possess), but by way of intercession.

27. They preach man who say that so soon as the penny jingles into the money-box, the soul flies out [of purgatory].

28. It is certain that when the penny jingles into the money-box, gain and avarice can be increased, but the result of the intercession of the Church is in the power of God alone.

29. Who knows whether all the souls in purgatory wish to be bought out of it, as in the legend of Sts. Severinus and Paschal.

30. No one is sure that his own contrition is sincere; much less that he has attained full remission.

31. Rare as is the man that is truly penitent, so rare is also the man who truly buys indulgences, i.e., such men are most rare.

32. They will be condemned eternally, together with their teachers, who believe themselves sure of their salvation because they have letters of pardon.

33. Men must be on their guard against those who say that the pope's pardons are that inestimable gift of God by which man is reconciled to Him;

34. For these "graces of pardon" concern only the penalties of sacramental satisfaction, and these are appointed by man.

35. They preach no Christian doctrine who teach that contrition is not necessary in those who intend to buy souls out of purgatory or to buy confessionalia.

36. Every truly repentant Christian has a right to full remission of penalty and guilt, even without letters of pardon.

37. Every true Christian, whether living or dead, has part in all the blessings of Christ and the Church; and this is granted him by God, even without letters of pardon.

38. Nevertheless, the remission and participation [in the blessings of the Church] which are granted by the pope are in no way to be despised, for they are, as I have said, the declaration of divine remission.

39. It is most difficult, even for the very keenest theologians, at one and the same time to commend to the people the abundance of pardons and [the need of] true contrition.

40. True contrition seeks and loves penalties, but liberal pardons only relax penalties and cause them to be hated, or at least, furnish an occasion [for hating them].

41. Apostolic pardons are to be preached with caution, lest the people may falsely think them preferable to other good works of love.

42. Christians are to be taught that the pope does not intend the buying of pardons to be compared in any way to works of mercy.

43. Christians are to be taught that he who gives to the poor or lends to the needy does a better work than buying pardons;

44. Because love grows by works of love, and man becomes better; but by pardons man does not grow better, only more free from penalty.

45. Christians are to be taught that he who sees a man in need, and passes him by, and gives [his money] for pardons, purchases not the indulgences of the pope, but the indignation of God.

46. Christians are to be taught that unless they have more than they need, they are bound to keep back what is necessary for their own families, and by no means to squander it on pardons.

47. Christians are to be taught that the buying of pardons is a matter of free will, and not of commandment.

48. Christians are to be taught that the pope, in granting pardons, needs, and therefore desires, their devout prayer for him more than the money they bring.

49. Christians are to be taught that the pope's pardons are useful, if they do not put their trust in them; but altogether harmful, if through them they lose their fear of God.

50. Christians are to be taught that if the pope knew the exactions of the pardon-preachers, he would rather that St. Peter's church should go to ashes, than that it should be built up with the skin, flesh and bones of his sheep.

51. Christians are to be taught that it would be the pope's wish, as it is his duty, to give of his own money to very many of those from whom certain hawkers of pardons cajole money, even though the church of St. Peter might have to be sold.

52. The assurance of salvation by letters of pardon is vain, even though the commissary, nay, even though the pope himself, were to stake his soul upon it.

53. They are enemies of Christ and of the pope, who bid the Word of God be altogether silent in some Churches, in order that pardons may be preached in others.

54. Injury is done the Word of God when, in the same sermon, an equal or a longer time is spent on pardons than on this Word.

55. It must be the intention of the pope that if pardons, which are a very small thing, are celebrated with one bell, with single processions and ceremonies, then the Gospel, which is the very greatest thing, should be preached with a hundred bells, a hundred processions, a hundred ceremonies.

56. The "treasures of the Church," out of which the pope. grants indulgences, are not sufficiently named or known among the people of Christ.

57. That they are not temporal treasures is certainly evident, for many of the vendors do not pour out such treasures so easily, but only gather them.

58. Nor are they the merits of Christ and the Saints, for even without the pope, these always work grace for the inner man, and the cross, death, and hell for the outward man.

59. St. Lawrence said that the treasures of the Church were the Church's poor, but he spoke according to the usage of the word in his own time.

60. Without rashness we say that the keys of the Church, given by Christ's merit, are that treasure;

61. For it is clear that for the remission of penalties and of reserved cases, the power of the pope is of itself sufficient.

62. The true treasure of the Church is the Most Holy Gospel of the glory and the grace of God.

63. But this treasure is naturally most odious, for it makes the first to be last.

64. On the other hand, the treasure of indulgences is naturally most acceptable, for it makes the last to be first.

65. Therefore the treasures of the Gospel are nets with which they formerly were wont to fish for men of riches.

66. The treasures of the indulgences are nets with which they now fish for the riches of men.

67. The indulgences which the preachers cry as the "greatest graces" are known to be truly such, in so far as they promote gain.

68. Yet they are in truth the very smallest graces compared with the grace of God and the piety of the Cross.

69. Bishops and curates are bound to admit the commissaries of apostolic pardons, with all reverence.

70. But still more are they bound to strain all their eyes and attend with all their ears, lest these men preach their own dreams instead of the commission of the pope.

71. He who speaks against the truth of apostolic pardons, let him be anathema and accursed!

72. But he who guards against the lust and license of the pardon-preachers, let him be blessed!

73. The pope justly thunders against those who, by any art, contrive the injury of the traffic in pardons.

74. But much more does he intend to thunder against those who use the pretext of pardons to contrive the injury of holy love and truth.

75. To think the papal pardons so great that they could absolve a man even if he had committed an impossible sin and violated the Mother of God -- this is madness.

76. We say, on the contrary, that the papal pardons are not able to remove the very least of venial sins, so far as its guilt is concerned.

77. It is said that even St. Peter, if he were now Pope, could not bestow greater graces; this is blasphemy against St. Peter and against the pope.

78. We say, on the contrary, that even the present pope, and any pope at all, has greater graces at his disposal; to wit, the Gospel, powers, gifts of healing, etc., as it is written in I. Corinthians xii.

79. To say that the cross, emblazoned with the papal arms, which is set up [by the preachers of indulgences], is of equal worth with the Cross of Christ, is blasphemy.

80. The bishops, curates and theologians who allow such talk to be spread among the people, will have an account to render.

81. This unbridled preaching of pardons makes it no easy matter, even for learned men, to rescue the reverence due to the pope from slander, or even from the shrewd questionings of the laity.

82. To wit: -- "Why does not the pope empty purgatory, for the sake of holy love and of the dire need of the souls that are there, if he redeems an infinite number of souls for the sake of miserable money with which to build a Church? The former reasons would be most just; the latter is most trivial."

83. Again: -- "Why are mortuary and anniversary masses for the dead continued, and why does he not return or permit the withdrawal of the endowments founded on their behalf, since it is wrong to pray for the redeemed?"

84. Again: -- "What is this new piety of God and the pope, that for money they allow a man who is impious and their enemy to buy out of purgatory the pious soul of a friend of God, and do not rather, because of that pious and beloved soul's own need, free it for pure love's sake?"

85. Again: -- "Why are the penitential canons long since in actual fact and through disuse abrogated and dead, now satisfied by the granting of indulgences, as though they were still alive and in force?"

86. Again: -- "Why does not the pope, whose wealth is to-day greater than the riches of the richest, build just this one church of St. Peter with his own money, rather than with the money of poor believers?"

87. Again: -- "What is it that the pope remits, and what participation does he grant to those who, by perfect contrition, have a right to full remission and participation?"

88. Again: -- "What greater blessing could come to the Church than if the pope were to do a hundred times a day what he now does once, and bestow on every believer these remissions and participations?"

89. "Since the pope, by his pardons, seeks the salvation of souls rather than money, why does he suspend the indulgences and pardons granted heretofore, since these have equal efficacy?"

90. To repress these arguments and scruples of the laity by force alone, and not to resolve them by giving reasons, is to expose the Church and the pope to the ridicule of their enemies, and to make Christians unhappy.

91. If, therefore, pardons were preached according to the spirit and mind of the pope, all these doubts would be readily resolved; nay, they would not exist.

92. Away, then, with all those prophets who say to the people of Christ, "Peace, peace," and there is no peace!

93. Blessed be all those prophets who say to the people of Christ, "Cross, cross," and there is no cross!

94. Christians are to be exhorted that they be diligent in following Christ, their Head, through penalties, deaths, and hell;

95. And thus be confident of entering into heaven rather through many tribulations, than through the assurance of peace.

on and on and on........in Vegas

2008-09-17T23:56:00.002-04:00

Sep 14 (cont): After a torturously long trip from the Stratosphere ---> Harrah's, we meet up with Jenny's Aunt Lynn & Uncle Mal and eat at Toby Kieth's 'I love This Bar & Grill'. I had a pulled pork sandwich and it was pretty sweet. Then we crossed the street to Caesar's Palace and ate at The Cheesecake Factory!! Yeah!! This was our 1st Cheesecake Factory experience, and it did not disappoint. We were all pretty tired after that, and headed home to bed.
Sep 15: We got up and did our 3rd (and last!) timeshare presentation. Our pickup was scheduled for 12pm at Circus Circus and we were told it was to be a two hour presentation. Our bait: $100 cash and a $25 restaurant voucher. From start to finish, the experience lasted 4 hrs, and when our manager realized we were not there to buy, he was extremely rude to us and took a couple of shots at the fact we were ministers. During the presentation he even used a story of the death of his mother to try and sweeten the timeshare experience! There certainly are some disgusting people here in the world, even in Vegas, weird! Over and over they kept saying, "We don't sell our product, our product sells itself!" Yet they tried pretty damn hard to sell their product to us! Even going as far as using the "health and wealth" doctrine to try and lure us in! This company (which I refrain from using their name so that they may not get even more business or website views, etc) has ruined our timeshare experience and we definitely will NOT be going to another. Thats ok though, because we already aquired 2 shows, 3 all-u-can-eat buffets, a $25 food voucher, a 2 for 1 buffet, and $100 cash! Not bad, although that is time we will never ever ever get back.
After that horrendous event, we walked up to the Tropicana for a buffet supper, and then walked back down to Planet Hollywood for 'V: The Ultimate Variety Show', our first show in Vegas. It was good, but I'm glad we didn't actually pay for the tickets; it wasn't THAT good.
On our way home, we talked with Micheal, who was a Vietnam veteran. Mike lost his right arm in the war, is now confined to a wheelchair, and is almost unintelligible. The rest of his story is hard to completely believe; but the man loves Jesus and chooses to believe (in the midst of his hardship) that Jesus loves him more than anything. We gave him some change and let him pray for us.
Sep 16: Cruised around to more hotel/casinos, seen an awesome water fountain show at the Bellagio, ate some great food at Paris Las Vegas, and talked with more homeless people. We also went and seen magician Steve Wyrick at Planet Hollywood. He was really good, but not good enough to pay for, in my opinion.
Today: Went and seen The Venetian, which has canals running through the hotel complete with gondolas! Then we went and seen some lions at the MGM Grand. We also ate at the Monte Carlo. We also went and checked out Hooters.
This evening we were picked up by Jan Kluever and we went to a church and helped out with feeding the homeless. A ministry called Amazing Grace feeds the homeless every wednesday. Tonight we fed about 150 people and after that, 10 stayed around for a church service. The percentage that stayed was disappointing, but we believe for revival in Vegas to start from the bottom, which it does.
Tomorrow is our last day in Vegas before we head back to Canada. It has been a great honeymoon, but we both look forward to getting to the Island, and making further plans for Cambodia.
Oh, and I just raided Joy Waide's photo collection from Vegas and got a lot more wedding photos. Check out our complete wedding photo collection -->HERE<--.

since last post (Las Vegas)

2008-09-14T18:11:00.003-04:00

Lots to tell:
Sep 11: We rent a car and cruise 20 miles to Red Rock Canyon to see the desert and do a wee bit of hiking. Red Rock Canyon was absolutely awesome. Highly recommended. To see the full set of pictures from Red Rock Canyon, click -->HERE<--. We rested upon return and in the evening Jenny, I and Heymans cruised down the strip to check out Caesar's Palace, and the MGM Grand. Caesar's is so far the most impressive place we've been to, and the MGM Grand is the 2nd biggest hotel/casino in the States! BIG!

Sep 12: We take Heymans to the airport and he is off to Bethel. Las Vegas drivers are crazy! Not to mention a little impatient; settle down everyone. A bit later, Jenny & I toured Circus Circus and caught an amazing juggling act; I mean, this guy was the best juggler I've ever seen. Then we met 3 homeless people and chatted with them for 30 minutes or so. I love talking with homeless people, their stories are so interesting. We hope to meet up with them again.

Sep 13: Someone approaches us on the Strip (a common occurance here in Vegas) and asks us if we would be willing to give up a few hours of our time to come see a presentation and take a tour of the Grandview Resort, in exchange for an All-U-Can-Eat Buffet at the Excalibur, and 2 tickets to 'V'. It was long and boring, but we got to have a great discussion with a manager about Jesus and stuff, it was sweet. After that we checked out the Luxor, then had our salvation confirmed by a random preist on the Strip whom we got to pray for us. Then we did another presentation with Vacation Network Inc in exchange for 2 tickets to Steve Wyrick, 2 All-U-Can-Eat Buffets at the Tropicana, and a 2 for 1 buffet at Monte Carlo. Great deal. So we got 2 shows lined up for this week! Nice. We have been trying to scam some Cirque de Soleil tickets for free, but have had NO luck with that.

Today we went to the First Presbyterian Church of Las Vegas and were invited back to the house of Jack & Jan Kluever. Jack actually worked on the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV) and was a test pilot for NASA and the US Army. They fed us tacos and were so nice to us. Their house was awesome (see the pics in our Vegas album -->HERE<--). We also met the Pastor, Rev Jim Houston-Hencken, who wants us to keep in touch and maybe be a contact while we're in Cambodia. He has some interest in digging wells over there. God puts things in place rather well.

Tonight we are going to Harrah's for supper with Jenny's aunt and uncle.

For more of our wedding pics, click -->HERE<--.

A Las Vegas Drive-Thru Wedding (9/9/08)

2008-09-10T22:35:00.002-04:00

We landed in Vegas on teusday at 1:30pm. Immediately, we went to the Stratosphere where Paul Adams and Joy Waide (our witnesses) met us. Joy went with Jenny as she got her hair done, while Paul came with me to check in. The limo picked us up at around 5pm and we went to get me fitted for a tux, then to the courthouse to get a marriage license, then to The Little White Wedding Chapel for our wedding. The whole ceremony was over in less than 6 minutes!! (Enjoy the video of our wedding below! And for more pics of our wedding, click -->HERE<--) The limo took us back to the Stratosphere where we had a "reception dinner" at Fellini's. Then we parted ways with Paul and Joy.
Neither of us were nervous in any way. We did have butterflies on the plane, but as the time grew nearer and nearer, those nerves settled out and gratefulness and joy replaced them. To think back over the two years I've known Jenny, and to have stood in that place (out the sunroof of a limo!) was a feeling I pray I will never forget. We have been through a rollercoaster ride with each other, and now we stand as one; man and wife; the Duffy's.
Today was another special day, as Josh Heymans (in transit to Bethel Supernatural School of Ministry) flew in for two days with us. I have amazing friends.
I don't really know what else to say. I am so happy to be married to Jenny. We have entered into a very intimate covenant relationship with God that neither of us has a grid for. The future is His, as are we.

over 10,000 visitors!! (or, HOLY CRAP, I'M GETTIN MARRIED TOMORROW!!)

2008-09-08T07:25:00.004-04:00

It's true! Yesterday this blog hit 10,000 visitors. I started this one in Jan/06 and have enjoyed keeping everyone informed as to my whereabouts and stuff. Thanks for checking in on me.
My trip to Windsor has been pretty quiet. I have researched and emailed potential contacts in Cambodia, phoned people I needed to be in contact with, watched tennis, Watched Anchorman twice, and just plain relaxed. Jenny & I are really excited with the prospect of heading to Cambodia in october rather than january.
And tomorrow at 10pm, we are flying to Vegas for our wedding/honeymoon. It's gonna be hot! Today it's like 40C/104F!! Tomorrow (when we arrive) it should be a cool 38C/100F! Yikes. Thats crazy.
It's all hitting me about how un-stressed I am about the wedding. All we have to do is.......show up. It's sweet. No planning this extravagant thing that eats up money we don't have. I'm sure there are some people who don't quite understand what we're doing, but I'm hoping they can have a more active part in our marriage, rather than our wedding. 'We' think the marriage (rest of our lives) is slightly more important than the wedding (30 minutes). People should be used to this sort of thing from me by now.
So, today is my last day of singlehood. Actually it's not. When Jenny & I got together I felt as if we already committed to each other. There was no "testing the waters", so to speak. Marriage was inevitable.
We commit our life to You Lord.

bye St Kits. hello Windsor

2008-09-06T10:37:00.005-04:00

Jenny and I have finished up in St Kits and have moved on. We completed our premarital counseling with the Woodwards, and we got LOTS of running around done. I got to eat at my favorite restaurant in St Catharines, Sahla Thai, for my birthday. And, we got our wedding bands tattooed on us!! Sweet!

Early wednesday morning, Pastor Geo dropped us off at the bus terminal and we cruised'er the 390KM to Windsor. Jenny's Dad picked us up and we started doing some running around. That evening, some of Jenny's family/friends had a potluck for us. Thursday, we did more running around and met with some people who Jenny wanted to see while here. Yesterday, Jenny and her Dad flew from London to Saskatchewan to attend Jessica's wedding. She will be back here monday morning. This is actually the first day I haven't seen Jenny since Dec 28th/07. Thats crazy.

So, I am housesitting (and cat-sitting) for the weekend. I have lots of research to do, and emails to write, and people to call, and tennis to watch, and sermons to listen to!

And only 3 days to go before Vegas!!

I leave you with a good quote:

There is a strong drift toward the hard theological left. Some emergent types [want] to recast Jesus as a limp-wrist hippie in a dress with a lot of product in His hair, who drank decaf and made pithy Zen statements about life while shopping for the perfect pair of shoes. In Revelation, Jesus is a prize fighter with a tattoo down His leg, a sword in His hand and the commitment to make someone bleed. That is a guy I can worship. I cannot worship the hippie, diaper, halo Christ because I cannot worship a guy I can beat up. I fear some are becoming more cultural than Christian, and without a big Jesus who has authority and hates sin as revealed in the Bible, we will have less and less Christians, and more and more confused, spiritually self-righteous blogger critics of Christianity.

—Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill Church

return to the Manorites

2008-09-04T09:53:00.003-04:00

If you have kept up with this blog at all in the last year, you'll know that some of my friends and I regularly ministered at Scott Manor. Leaving this wonderful place was hard when Jenny & I travelled to PEI and NY for the summer, but necessary. On teusday (in the midst of our St Catharines visit) we made time to return to the Manor and visit with these people who had become so dear to us. We gathered about 10 or so Manorites (a name we have tagged on them) and shared about our summer, and they shared about their summer, and we shared Scripture, and then we prayed.
We were worried that there would be no Spiritual care for these people after we left, but we were happy to learn that a Pastor from Central Gospel visits the manor bi-weekly to minister. That is a huge relief to us. We knew our ministry there was only temporary, but we did (and still do) have a responsibility to them.
We learned that Eddie suffered a massive heart attack and was currently in a coma-like state at the hospital. Jenny & I went to ICU and were able to pray over this great and kind man. I remember the first sunday I was back in St Catharines after returning from Africa/Russia last year; Eddie spontaneously got up and emptied his pockets (all $0.85), wanting to bless the children of Mozambique. It was the most memorable offering I have ever recieved.
So, we only had a couple hours with the Manorites, but they filled us with joy. It was such a treat for us (and them as well) to be able to surprise them with a visit. We pray for them, and they for us. We pray we will be able to return again some day, and have more amazing testimony about the road God has taken us all.

St Catharines

2008-09-01T07:09:00.003-04:00

Mama Deane dropped us off at the Newport News airport on friday, but, we were running a wee bit late and missed our plane. We caught another one 2 hous later, but were delayed an hour and a half in Philadelphia, which meant we were gonna miss our shuttle from Buffalo --> St Kits. We booked another shuttle and finally got on our plane. Then, we were delayed on the runway for an hour, meaning we would miss our rescheduled shuttle. Finally we took off and a half hour into our flight, we smelt smoke in the cabin! The cabin told us not to worry about it and since we were ONLY an hour away from Buffalo we would go on. I see?! We made it, but, once again, missed our shuttle so we had to take a later one. T'was all good though. We made it back to St Catharines, where the Woodwards have graciously offered to provide accomodations for us and take us through premarital counseling.
So, we are back in St Kits. Saturday, we did some counseling, then some running around, and then we went to Hamilton to attend an under-the-tent meeting. Yesterday (my 31st birthday) we went o a couple services at NCC where Steve McVey was speaking. Wow, never mind. We broke up the services with visiting Peter & Julie Karanfilis, booking an appointment to get our get our wedding bands tattooed, and a supper at Sahla Thai. Last night we hung out with Sheri Smith. Today we do LOTS of premarital counseling, and at 6pm we should be getting tattoed!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!

2008-08-29T10:30:00.002-04:00

I love you!

a shout out for Mama Deane (and for Cold Stone)!

2008-08-29T08:14:00.000-04:00

We landed in Newport News, Virginia on the 25th and have spent 4 days being treated to 'southern hospitality' by Deane Mills (aka Mama Deane), a wonderful lady who I met at HG5 in Pemba, Mozambique last summer. We have been given full reign of her house including the use of her truck. It has been an awesome time of rest, peace, and thought. If ever there was an amazing host who I have had the pleasure of being pampered by, it is Mama Deane. So, its not as much as you have given us, but, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU MAMA DEANE!!!
Another exciting thing which has happened in Yorktown has been that I got to experience another cherry cheesecake milkshake from one of my favorite places in the world............Cold Stone Creamery! These milkshakes may be the most tastiest things I have ever tasted! That makes Cold Stone experiences in 4 locations: Franklin, TN '06; Redding, CA '07; NYC '08, Yorktown, VA '08.

Later today, Jenny & I board a plane and head back north towards St Catharines where we will be till September 3rd. I am actually really looking forward to a short visit in St Kits again. The bulk of our time will be receiving pre-marital counseling from Pastor George and Marilyn. We also are gonna visit Scott St Manor, the Karanfilis', and Sheri. There are also many little things we need to do while there which will turn our relaxing time there into something of a rat race, but it shall be good nonetheless. Indeed, cause the God we serve is good.

2008-08-27T22:32:00.002-04:00

When a poor person dies of hunger, it has not happened because God did not take care of him or her. It has happened because neither you nor I wanted to give that person what he or she needed. We have refused to be instruments of love in the hands of God to give the poor a piece of bread, to offer them a dress with which to ward off the cold. It has happened because we did not recognize Christ when, once more, He appeared under the guise of pain, identified with a man numb from the cold, dying of hunger, when He came in a lonely human being, in a lost child in search of a home.

- Mother Teresa

bye bye HH

2008-08-25T16:23:00.002-04:00

Yesterday finished up what was called Alumni Session at Double H Ranch. It is an opportunity for those who are over 16 yrs old to return to camp for 4 days of activities at a much slower pace than regular camp. Alumni is for campers 17-21. It was a good week; I made my return to the Beaver Cabin to finish out my employment with the Ranch. It was a great summer and we had the privilege of working with an awesome summer camp for kids who don't have the easiest go at life. That being said, we are definitely ready to move on and jump into what God has for us next.
Like I said, yesterday, Alumni finished up and Jenny & I got a drive to the Albany-Renssalaer train station (thanks Rohan!!) where we hopped on a train and journeyed 595 miles south, where we presently are, visiting Mama Deane in Yorktown, Virginia. Not sure how long we'll be here but we plan to spend the few days we have here getting refreshed and being ministered to by God. What an awesome idea!!
To put the summer into words: What I learned most was I am so thankful to be in a relationship with Jesus. How is there any joy or peace without Him?! THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME FROM MYSELF LORD! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
After Virginia, we head back to Canada; St Catharines, Windsor, and then to Vegas!

2 awesome pics from NYC

2008-08-24T18:23:00.006-04:00

Flatiron Building

Battery Park

NYC

2008-08-19T07:18:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was pretty sweet. We left the AWESOME apt we're staying in at 9:30am and did not return till 9:30pm. It was a loooong day of walking and our feet were all in protest.
First we went to the Empire State Building and looked around NYC. Then we went to Cold Stone where the girls enjoyed ice cream and I enjoyed a cherry cheesecake milkshake!!! Best IN THE WORLD!! After that deliciousness, we went to Times Square. Then to Central Park where we got some pictures taken. After that, we were off to the site of the WTC. It is being rebuilt and should be completed by 2012. Next we went down to look at the Statue of Liberty. We all though it would've been bigger :(. And finally we went to an Irish Pub for food. And, of course, we got o take one final walk by the Flatiron Building on our walk back to our AMAZING apt. For the full set of our NYC photos click -->HERE<--. Today we jump on a bus and head back to HH for the last session of the summer. It is just about done.
The best part of Jenny and I's yesterday though was when Kylene went into a Starbucks to get directions to McSorely's (the Irish pub) and we noticed a homeless gentleman leaning up against the glass sleeping. We approached him and spent a bit of time with him. His name was James Miller and he did not have a place to live. He is constantly in and out of hospitals and alcoholism has destoyed his life and his body. James literally has no place to go and noone to turn to. He has tried shelters and programs to get clean but his disease has him defeated. We asked if we could pray with him and believe for God to work a miracle in his life, similar to mine, but he wouldn't receive it. James was obviously bitter against the church, and shut down when he thought we were there under its guise. It's sad. The Church should be a place James can run to :(. We are praying that God heals James and turns his life around.

in NYC for a couple days

2008-08-18T08:20:00.002-04:00

Yesterday Jenny and I hopped on a bus in Glens Falls and cruised'er into the Big Apple to visit Kylene Compaan for a couple days. The bus trip was quite uneventful and we made it to the city in about 6 hrs, altogether. Arriving at 7pm, we headed down 8th Ave to meet Kylene at W34th St. We got a bite to eat, dropped our stuff off at the AMAZING apartment we're staying at (seriously, maybe the most amazing apt I've ever seen!!) and then went for a cruise around the area. The highlight of our walk was seeing the Flatiron building! We are staying in Manhattan.

Today we have a big day planned, including: spending some time with some homeless people, checking out the Empire State Building, Ground Zero, a restaurant called McSorely's, Central Park, Times Square, Statue of Liberty (maybe), Brooklyn Bridge.................I think that's it! Gonna be a busy day, better get movin!!

camping + Lake Luzerne = rained out

2008-08-11T10:04:00.007-04:00

For our break between Sessions 6 & 7, Jenny & I took our tent and went back on the HH property and tried to do camping again. The first night was pretty good, but all the wood we tried to find to start a fire was soaked from all the rain we have received. I did manage to find some white tree bark which burned long enough for us to roast some hot dogs. It was a pretty poor fire though. We got through the night without rain and had a decent time.
Last night however, was hellish! We went back to the site around 9:30pm or so and as soon as we got into the tent I noticed water on the ground. Our tent had been leaking through the day! And our blankets were slightly wet as well. Not to be deterred, we carried on as planned. Then the sky opened up and the rain started falling. Somehow(?) the mattresses we were sleeping on started having water seep through them. The rain continued and at 5:00am this morning we called it quits and headed back to the Ranch. What a miserable night. But, on the positive side of things, I wonder what it was like for those early pioneering missionaries who abandoned the comforts they took for granted and laid them down for the sake of giving the Gospel to those unfortunate enough to have never heard. What a minimal inconvenience we suffered this weekend compared to them. When things got tough we easily retreated to our comfortable rooms; they, never had the option, nor would they have chosen to.
Let us devote our lives more completely to you Lord. We want to be so dedicated to you as to simply astound people.

I've really been missing the foreign mission field again. I found a couple pictures from some friends that I've been meaning to post and I thought I'd do it now. The first is from Inger Gaudestad (taken in Uganda) and the next if from Candace Andrews (taken in Congo). Like I said, I miss the field and want to return.

RAIN

2008-08-10T13:56:00.002-04:00

It rains so much here. Thunderstorm after thunderstorm. Day after day.

Bear For A Day

2008-08-06T21:26:00.003-04:00

Today was 'Day 3 of Session 6' or (more importantly) Great Escape Day!! For many of the children who attend HH, this is the best day of the best week of their year. It started off early this morning with rain :(. The clouds went away though and we were able to go. Sam (my unit leader) asked me if I was willing to leave the Muskrat Cabin for the day and help out with the Bear Cabin. The Bears are the oldest female cabin at HH (15-16 yrs) and is the cabin Jenny worked with our first 3 weeks here. I was teamed with Lolly (the Bear's UL), Felisha (an Eagle counselor), and a 16 yr old camper with cerebral palsy. I was recruited to help mainly with helping lift and transfer into rides. We drove around in cars, and took a ride in a boat, and drove the cars again. After lunch we rode the Raging River, and to end the day we went on a ferris wheel.
It was a nice change to be a part of the Bear's day at Great Escape. Lolly is an awesome leader who was nicer to me today than I could expect. The amount of lifting and transferring I did today was quite hard on my body, but it was well worth it to see the fun that our camper had, and couldn't have had without my help.
Isn't that what life is really about? Daily inconveniencing yourself for the sake of others? It's ok if the answer makes you uncomfortable. It should. Christians are here to show the world what real servanthood is. All the giants of the Christian faith whom we say we would love to imitate would likely be embarrassed to say they even know us. We have many words, but few actions to back them up. The time is getting closer. Closer than yesterday, and closer still a moment from now. How convicted are we?

Who we are, not, What we do

2008-08-04T08:22:00.003-04:00

I was in bed last night listening to Misty Edwards and just spending time being ministered to by God, and He was downloading all sorts of hunger for more of His life into me. It was a special time, one that seems to be rare this summer. It has been kinda a dry summer Spiritually for me. Being completely out of the Christian bubble has been an interesting experience. You really find out where you stand with God when you do not have the fellowship of other believers any time you want it. It is so important that we stand on our own faith and not the stories of other faith-filled Christians whom we tend to idolatrize. In times like this we can be encouraged by such stories, but they cant live our lives for us. We must stand on our own two feet. We need to live the Bible, not just know it. There is a giant need for Christians to absolutely surrender their lives to the service of the King and give up their own fleshly desires for their futures. Bill Johnson has said that "the Holy Spirit is imprisoned in the lives of unbelieving believers". We need to believe, which is acting upon what God has told (and is telling) us to do. Camp this summer is reminding me of just how important it is to have such an intimate relationship with God. How important it is to be absolutely consumed with His plans and completely surrendered to them.
Let us pray, and act.

Camping in the Adirondacks

2008-08-03T15:53:00.006-04:00

Jenny and I went camping for the weekend on this break. We went with our fellow HH'er Jessica Hemendinger and her boyfriend. We had a great time, save for the fact of sleeping on ground which felt like the hardest rock in the world!! Jenny had never been camping before, ever! On saturday we cruised to the Saratoga Race Track and seen a couple of races, and we visited some of the outlet stores in Lake George. I got a sweet pair of Merrell's; my Crocs are getting pretty worn and that means danger of slipping and falling and hurting myself and possibly a child riding on my back or shoulders. We had a really good time though. I havent been camping since last year in Mozambique on an overnight outreach with Heidi Baker and Co.
In other exciting news my second professionally published photo has been unveiled. Last year a newspaper in the UK wanted a picture I took (-->HERE<--) in Beslan for a story they were doing on the seige in 2004, and now Schmap has taken one of photos of Carter House in Nashville, TN for a website they host. Click -->HERE<-- to check it out! My picture is on the upper right side of the page.
Session 6 starts tomorrow and I can't wait to get another bunch of Muskrats here for 5 days of craziness. It has been a fun stint with this age group and the sessions are now flying by. 36 full days till we fly to Vegas!!!

Session 5: Christmas Week w the Muskrats

2008-07-31T07:24:00.004-04:00

Session 5 is quickly coming to a close. We had a 'Holiday' theme this week (don't wanna offend anyone) and the Muskrats loved it. All week we told stories of how Scrooge was stealing HH's Christmas Spirit (although everyone wanted to keep the 'Christ' out of Christmas, it's kind of hard to keep remembering to say 'Holiday' all the time!!; funny how that is), and to be on the lookout for him. We played it up until last night when Scrooge (played by John Lefner) suddenly appeared at the dining hall and stole the North Pole which contained the camp's Christmas Spirit. We chased him all over camp while he mocked us in his golf cart. The climax happened at The Getaway room where we cornered Scrooge and Connor wrestled the North Pole from his hands. Scrooge subsequently fled the scene, never to be seen again. Then we celebrated with presents, cheese sticks and chipwiches, and we watched Elf. Sweet.
The sessions seem to be moving along quicker with the Scrats, which I totally expected. August is here and we've just over 3 weeks to go here in Lake Luzerne. It's hard to contain our excitement for September, but we've still a job to do here.
This weekend I believe Jenny & I are going camping with our friend Jessica and her boyfriend. We look forward to a weekend filled with Divine Love.

Session 4: Muskrats (Sharks)

2008-07-26T17:30:00.003-04:00

This last session I had the privilege of being part of the youngest boy cabin at camp. Usually it is named the Muskrat Cabin, but this week we turned it into Shark Week! It is a much different pace from the 15-16 yr olds I was used to working with. The Sharks get up earlier and go to bed earlier, and they are WAY MORE high energy. I really enjoy the goofiness of the younger campers. You can let loose and have a lot more fun.
The week was filled with lots of camp stuff like the usual trip to Great Escape, and all the other things at HH that have become routine. The kids continue to have a great time, and almost all of them are so sad when the session comes to an end and their parents arrive to take them home.
Anyways, it was a good session that went by incredibly quick. Jenny and I have had some conflicting feeling about being here as of late, but the summer is flying by and soon we'll be waving goodbye to HH and recieving whatever God has in store for us next. We did however, get some good eatin from Galatians this morning!

in our ignorance

2008-07-23T09:31:00.006-04:00

A Communist officer, beating a Christian prisoner with a rubber truncheon, put his stick aside and asked: "What is it about you? How is it that your face is shining? You have something like a halo round your head. How can you look at me so lovingly? I would never love a man who jailed and beat me. How is it that you can obey the foolish commandment of your Christ to love your enemy?"
The Christian answered: "I am not obeying a commandment. It is not that I love you only because Jesus orders me to. Jesus has given me a new heart and a new character. If I wanted to hate you, I would no longer be able to do so. A nightingale cannot sound like a crow, because it is a nightingale and not a crow. So a Christian can only love."
The rubber truncheon has remained put aside for ever

-Richard Wurmbrand
Sermons In Solitary Confinement

Enuff said, what are WE doing?

'Un'Traditional

2008-07-19T07:26:00.001-04:00

Yesterday Jenny & I booked our flight/hotel for Vegas. For 10 days in mid-september we will be staying at the Stratosphere. This Vegas trip will constitute our wedding/honeymoon and it took a lot of online research before we were content to book. We did alright. The travel agents I was in contact with did their best but I ended up getting a bit sweeter deal for about $300 less! Nice job Duffy. We are so excited. On top of the wedding/honeymoon, we will be taking a couple of trips into the desert to do some hiking, and likely some evangelizing on The Strip. The Stratosphere is also home to the 3 highest thrill rides in the world.
Many people here at HH are surprised that "ministers" would want to get married in Vegas, but they think its pretty cool. The fact that we are also planning a Drive-Thru ceremony is a little over the top, but thats the way we like it. Jenny & I aren't the norm, and nothing we do is either.
We love this kind of life. And the fact that we are saving $1000's on these plans as opposed to a traditional wedding/honeymoon means we can direct those savings towards Cambodia or wherever the Lord would have us take the Gospel.
We are blessed, and cannot help but be, because the God we serve is gracious and merciful and loving.

quarantined

2008-07-16T16:25:00.012-04:00

Yep, I have the runs. So if I can make it 72 hrs without RUNNING to the toilet, I can resume my employment here at HH. Session 3 ended today and I couldn't even say 'Goodbye' to my campers. I went on quarantine at about 6pm last night and will be off until at least 3:30pm on saturday. This sucks cause the next session starts saturday morning. Oh well, could be worse. The session was well though. The Beaver Cabin started out with 8 staff and 9 campers but 2 had to go home so we continued the session up one staff. That usually never happens. We did all the regular HH stuff like Great Escape, rafting, talent show, dance, activities, etc etc etc. The kids have been amazing to work with. On a side note; at Great Escape monday, I was 'helping dreams come true' or 'making magic' or whatever (I was loading a 16 yr old Beaver into a rollercoaster) when I SMASHED my toe on the lip of the ride. It hurt, and still does. Check out the photo -->HERE<--.

Today was Cabin change. Between the 3rd and 4th sessions, the whole camp changes cabins and gets to experience HH from another perspective. I was a Beaver (15-16 yr old boys) and now I will be a Muskrat (6-7 yr old boys). I go from the oldest to the youngest. Jenny was a Bear (15-16 yr old girls) and now will be a Deer (6-7 yr old girls). It should be a wild 4 sessions coming up!!

We are now off until saturday and I will be laying low trying to get this sickness taken care of.

If anyone knows some good movies for Jenny & I to watch over the next couple days, let me know and we can watch them online.

Here's a good song for you to listen to:

Regina Spektor - Oedipus

no more HH pictures

2008-07-12T10:51:00.004-04:00

The people at the top decided they didn't want ANY campers online, even if they had photo permission. So, as of now, there will be no more Flickr or YouTube concerning Double H campers from myself or Jenny. Sorry everyone.

Beaver Cabin: Session 2

2008-07-09T20:52:00.005-04:00

Session 2 is done and the Beavers were an awesome group of young men. Everyone associated with these Beavers said it may have been the best cabin ever. Hard to imagine, considering that in Session 1 we had such an amazing group of teens.
It was another week filled with the Great Escape, white water rafting, HH Olympics, fireworks, a dance, talent show, etc etc etc. Nothing real spectacular, but a consistent week which the kids loved and felt awful about leaving.
The weeks are passing by quite quickly, and soon september will be here.
Vegas, Vegas, Vegas.

Engaged

2008-07-07T07:46:00.003-04:00

Psalm 42:7

deep calls to deep

It's true; Mr 1Cor7 is engaged. Jenny has the bar far too high for anybody else to even come close. The thought of spending the rest of my life in service to God with Jenny is an abolute dream come true.

We got engaged on July 2nd, and we have no concrete plans for the date and place yet, but the word 'Vegas' has come up an awful lot.

Session 1: Beaver Cabin

2008-07-02T08:20:00.006-04:00

Week 1 is over. About 75 kids came to camp for this session and there were 10 in my cabin. Most of them had hemophilia or sickle cell anemia. My cabin houses boys aged 15/16 and many of them are returnees; so they know the routine of camp and are usually eager to impart into the younger campers. They were was an amazing group of young men.

After arriving on thursday, the campers settled in and we had a big campfire in the evening.
Friday was Great Escape day. I took Jamil on the bumper cars, and I rode 3 rollercoasters!! Keep in mind that I haven't been on a rollercoaster since I went on Space Mountain in Disneyworld when I was 10 or so!!
Saturday, my cabin went white water rafting but only two counsellors got to go and I wasn't one of them :(. Maybe next time. They had a blast though.
Sunday, was a fairly normal day of camp. In the evening was the infamous..........dance!! Jenny spent much time dancing with one of her "Bear's" (Bianca). I spent most of the dance hanging out with Cooper.
Monday, my cabin was scheduled for the Ropes course. This is always a camp favorite. In the evening was the Session 1 talent show followed by a Wishboat ceremony followed by one last Cabin Night. The Wishboat is a small boat of wood constructed by each cabin that houses individual wishes the campers would like to experience. For our last Cabin Night, we watched Anchorman in the indoor pool. It was pretty sweet.
In between all these activities there was the normalicy of camp life: taking campers to the Barn, and to Creative Arts, and Arts & Crafts, and Team Adventure (sports), and the Waterfront (boating, fishing), and the Pool, etc etc.

Today is our break and tomorrow a group of about 125 campers arriver for another week of craziness. I will be a Beaver for two more sessions and then we get to switch cabins and experience camp from another perspective. Jenny is a Bear (which is the oldest girls cabin) along with being Small Animals Assisitant at the Barn.

Don't forget to visit Jenny's blog (http://www.missionaryjenny.blogspot.com/) for her perspective on camp, and also our Flickr site -->HERE<-- for pictures, and our YouTube -->HERE<-- for videos. Keep praying for us. The Harvest is large and the labourers are few!!!

HH Team '08 colors unveiled

2008-06-25T08:40:00.006-04:00

To finish off our staff training week, our colors were unveiled. I kinda like'em. The last few years the colors have been green with white lettering, so this year's is a bit different.

Video
Here is another video from our 'Camp Inspiration' week. It's of Colin getting a ride in the Giant Swing, respirator and all!!. Only at HH do kids in these types of situations get to enjoy things such as this. He had a great time and is already looking forward to next year!

bring on the kids!!

2008-06-24T07:51:00.003-04:00

We just completed a week of intensive staff training. I mean 14 hr days most of the time; 8:30am-10:30pm (or later). We learned all sorts of stuff. It was kind of cruel for HH to give us "Camp Inspiration" week and then make us go through a loooong week of training, but it's over now and the kids get here on thursday!! Everyone is pretty pumped. Jenny & I are really excited for what is to come in the next 2 months.

For the next 3 (maybe 4) weeks I will be a counsellor in the Beaver cabin (which houses 15-16 yr old boys). These kids have pretty much attended camp every summer for a long time and know the swing of things. Almost all the returning staff I've talked to expressed that the 'Beaver's' are their favorite group. Once a week (while I'm with the Beaver's) I get to go camping, and white water rafting. HH takes the whole lot of us to Great Escape once a week as well. That should be a crazy event!
Jenny is working in the Happy Barn, but is also a part of the Bear cabin for the first 3 or 4 weeks. The Bears are girls aged 15-16. After 3 (or 4) weeks we all switch cabins to get a better understanding of the children we serve here.

So, today and tomorrow is our break before the hustle-and-bustle of camp begins. Jenny & I hope to get to WalMart today so we can pick up a few things we are needing. Oh, and if you wanna see something absolutely AMAZING, check out the video below. It is of one of the campers proving that a disability is all in your head. Great stuff.

Jenny Brown: 'Small Animals' Assisitant

2008-06-19T07:41:00.004-04:00

Our first video from Double H Ranch is available for viewing below!! It stars Jenny, some bunnies, and the notorious pigs (Harley and Petunia). Jenny helps children enjoy these animals daily; it's her job. How sweet is that?!
We hope to have more videos of the Ranch on our YouTube account. Enjoy.

pics of 'Inspiration ' week

2008-06-16T19:04:00.002-04:00

Thats right! Pics of our first week of Double H Ranch are -->HERE<--. Videos are coming but it seems YouTube is not working the best for me. Hopefully it will improve. Enjoy!!!.............and keep praying.

Making it happen, whatever it is.

2008-06-13T06:02:00.004-04:00

Camp is not fully underway yet but it has been AMAZING so far. After a few days of training, 'Camp Inspiration' week has begun. This week has families with children on respirators attending the Ranch and enjoying all the benefits of this wonderful place. For instance, yesterday, the brothers I am teamed up with got to play some pool, pet some rabbits and guinea pigs and see some horses, they went fishing, they got a ride in a horse carriage, they swam in a pool, they partook of a car race, and finally, they got to watch 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' outside on a big projection screen! All in one day; crazy!! It is absolutely inspiring to watch the kids get to do whatever they want. And I mean, whatever! Respirators and all are loaded into carriages, pools, etc to make sure the kids get to experience things that other children their age get to. No excuses are made; we make it happen. One of the girls who was bigger and on constant oxygen was lifted up into the horse carriage but could not take her respirator. The respiratory therapist got in beside her with a manual pump and fed oxygen into a hole in her neck by hand so that she could enjoy the ride! She left saying that the ride was one of the best experiences of her life. Being here really makes you feel alive. And the nursing staff are among the most amazing people I have ever met. Always keeping the situation light and calm, they put everyone at ease with their confidence to handle any situation. I am surrounded by heroes.

Camp Inspiration will end on sunday morning. The next week we have intensive staff training before the main thrust of campers arrive for Session #1. For those of us who have not been here previously, our anticipation is high. For those who have been here before, their anticipation is HUGE!!!

Lake Luzerne, NY

2008-06-10T13:52:00.003-04:00

Indeed. Jenny & I landed in Lake Luzerne friday night. Everyday, I amazingly wonder at God's unconditional gracious love for every single human being. Why did we turn this world into what it is? God has done so much for us, and we wasted it; to such an extent that many completely disbelieve in Him. It's sad. More can be said in one action than a thousand words. Yet, the church is full of empty words. The world is waiting for the action.

Jenny & I are expecting much from God this summer, but not enough. We never think big enough. The opportunity set before us is grand. We want this summer to be completely life-changing.

Double H Ranch was founded by Paul Newman in the early 90's (don't quote me on that). It is a summer camp for chronically ill children. 120 or so children are on their way, and over 60 staff. This camp is anything but Christian, and thats the way Jenny & I prefer it. My favorite figure in Church history, Francis of Assisi, said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words." That is our mandate for the summer. To live a life that challenges people out of their spiritual comfort zones. It may be a daunting task. The people we have met here are mostly in schools or universities nearby. They have loads of knowledge and plenty of compassion. They are all (so far) amazing people.

Coming from a Bible College where the students were anything but eager to demonstate their beliefs, I am almost embarrassed at the state of most of Christendom. It's a joke. We should be leading the pack, but we are mocked, ridiculed, and laughed at instead. I don't blame them. It's time to change all that. But, we have to do something about it. Actually, all we have to do is SOMETHING, ANYTHING!! Just get out and go!

We request prayer from anyone who reads this. We want people to see Jesus in us. We want to steward this opportunity in the most loving way possible. We want to do ALL THINGS FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL.

Visitation/Impartation Campaign: check!

2008-06-05T22:12:00.004-04:00

Jenny & I's trip to the Island is just about done. We are at my brother's right now and will jump on a plane tomorrow and start the journey to the state of NY to work at Double H Ranch for the summer. In my opinion, the Island has been a great time; maybe the best time I've had here in years.
We did so much here. Something like 15 meetings; we spoke at 2 churches, a homegroup, and a daycare; we took teams out on the streets of Charlottetown on two occasions; Jenny got to see a lot of this Island of mine; and so on. But the time was so short, and we could list many other things we had wanted to do, but time didn't allow. Maybe in the Fall?
To see the full set of pictures from Jenny's time on PEI click -->HERE<--.

And now, we prepare ourselves for the emotional summer which lies ahead. I expect us to leave Lake Luzerne even more changed than when we arrive.

Apostolic Servanthood

2008-06-03T21:46:00.003-04:00

On sunday I wrote about Jenny & I's experience at Harvest House. We led the service and then took 3 people downtown to share the love of Jesus with anyone who happened to be around. Right after the service a woman and her roommate were expressing their desire to come out with us but they weren't able to do it that day because of a prior commitment. They said that the idea of street evangelism terrified them, but the cost of NOT doing it was far greater than staying in their comfort zones. I asked what time was good for them and they said monday evening. So I told them that Jenny & I would come back at that time and take them out. I really feel that to be a true servant of God, we must inconvenience ourselves and our schedules for the potential betterment of others.

So, around 5:45pm the next day, Jenny & I made our way to Harvest House to see if they really meant what they said the day before. I left them feeling rather skeptical, because usually if you don't do something right away, it doesn't happen. To our great surprise, when we pulled up, there was 10 people waiting outside!!! At first we thought most of them were just hanging around, which is a common sight in this area of Charlottetown, but these saints were all there for the opportunity to stretch out of their comfort zones and obey the Great Commission Jesus gave us. It was a far better turnout than any time I ever tried to mobilize teams at Bible College! Amazing!

With Jenny & I included the team numbered twelve, so I divided us up into 3 groups of 4; Roy took Hillsboro St, Jenny took University Ave, and I took Queen St. EVERYONE was pushed out of their comfort zones.

Jenny and I led by example and demonstrated how Holy Ghost has taught us. Then we encouraged our teams to step out in boldness, and do the same. Tracks and Bibles were handed out, curses were thrown our way, some were not interested in talking, but others were interested. The biggest fruit we seen though, was in the lives of our teams. They couldn't believe how easy and practical witnessing was.

The best story was from Roy and his team who witnessed to Boomer Gallant!! Thats pretty sweet. For a second, I thought Roy was gonna get on the evening weather update! They also handed out a New Testament to a man who professed to be Muslim. I was kind of skeptical again but though, "Oh well, whatever." But, when we were walking back to Harvest House, this gentleman rounded a corner and began greeting us emphatically thanking us for the literature we gave him and saying he was eager to go home and read it! This man surely looked like he was from the Middle Eastern region.

It was an amazing couple of days. Never before had I been part of a church congregation whom immediately desired to apply the message that was preached. We left our teams saying that when we return in the Fall, we would like to be part of an existing evangelistic team rather than leading one. We pray that the Fire that has been lit would be fed, and not diminish.

We thank Noel and Harvest House for the opportunity to give out of what we have recieved.

un-nice weather

2008-06-02T06:44:00.005-04:00

The weather indeed has been un-nice. We have had a couple times where we had the top down on the LeBaron, but those times have been few and far between.
Our time has been spent visiting , visiting, visiting, and seeing the sights of Prince Edward Island. I think we have 15 separate visits scheduled for our time here. It has been good though.
Yesterday we went to Faithworks and I got to give a brief testimony about the goings on and the upcomings in our life. It was great to see my congregation and spend a little time with them.
After that, Noel allowed Jenny & I to conduct the service ourselves! We had a blast. Some worship, followed by an amazing message by Jenny, followed by a (not as good) message by me an evangelism. After the service we gave an opportunity to put their faith into action by hitting the streets of downtown Charlottetown for some 'evangelism outreach'!! Three people came out with us; which was like 25% of the total attendance!! So that was sweet. We got to speak into the lives of a few people and tear down the walls that religion had built up in their lives! We may take a couple others from Harvest House to the streets tonight.
It has been a really nice time on the Island though. It is passing by quickly. On friday we fly to Albany, NY. But, this week is filled with visitations too. A highlight will be on thursday, when Jenny & I travel to Murray River to attend my cousin Charmayne's Daycare. I hear the kids are eagerly awaiting us.

PEI: Visitation/Impartation Campaign begins

2008-05-28T22:55:00.000-04:00

Jenny & I landed on PEI monday evening (after a nerve-racking flight for Jenny; it was her first flight on a passenger plane) and were met at the airport by my mom and my aunt Alexandra. We went and got a bite to eat at Pat & Willy's, then drove out to Montague. We visited Danny who graciously hooked us up with a LeBaron convertible to drive while we are on the Island. Sweet!!
On teusday we did some running around and I took Jenny to Murray River to places where I spent most of my childhood. It was pretty fun.
Today is my brother's 34th birthday, so we are at his place right now. We met with Noel Mal (Harvest House) earlier and he wants us to speak at his church and at Harvest House service on sunday. We want to take some people out evangelizin through the week.
Tomorrow we continue our meetings with Claude Shea and Dave & Lindsay Clark.
We are really excited to be here and are believing for some great things to happen. Great things already have.

a weekend in Toronto

2008-05-26T10:54:00.002-04:00

Jenny and I cruised'er from St Catharines wednesday night (with the help of Heymans) and landed in Toronto an hour or so later. We came for the weekend to visit Shawn and Hayley and their 3 children. The 4 days here were pretty sweet. It is nice to be around Christians whom I also consider 'believers'. There are many "Christians" whom I know who I WOULD NOT categorize as believers, but lets not go there.

So, the time here was spent trying to make the Cuthill's life easier. I hope we did that, a little bit anyway. We got to do some pretty cool things too. One day, we got a bunch (11 garbage bags worth!!) of donated clothes. So we went to a park and set up a "thrift-store" and sold all the articles for $1 each! Good bargain, and a great way to meet new people. We also distributed fun game things for hundreds of kids! Good times.

Today (in about 4hrs) Jenny & I fly east to PEI for the next 11 days. We pray and expect our time to be filled with a release of impartation and passion!!

12 Startling Statistics

2008-05-25T23:14:00.002-04:00

Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned

2Peter 2:2

1. Nearly half of born-again Christians (47%) agree that satan in "not a living being but is a symbol of evil."
2. 31% of born-agains also believe that if a person is good enough they can earn a place in Heaven.
3. 24% of born-agains agree that "while he lived on earth, Jesus committed sins, like other people."
4. 15% of born-again Christians claim that "after He was crucified and died, Jesus Christ did not return to life physically."
5. About one out of four (26%) born-again Christians believe that it doesn't matter what faith you follow because they all teach the same lessons )e.g. Hindu, Buddhism, Islam, etc).
6. Roughly 95% of all Christians never lead ONE person to Christ.
7. Although most believers say that serving the needy is important, just 34% gave any time and/or money to serve the poor in the last year.
8. Born-agains are more likely than are non-Christians to have experienced divorce (27% versus 24%)
9. One out of every six born-again Christians (16%) gave no money to his/her church during 1999. The proportion who tithed to their church was just 8%.
10. Christians spend seven times as much time on entertainment as they do on spiritual activities.
11. In a nationwide survey among born-again adults, none of the individuals interviewed said that the single, most important goal in their life was to be a committed follower of Jesus Christ.
12. 30% of born-agains have watched an "R"-rated movie in the last seven days compared to 40% of non-born-again people.

- Source: Barna Research

Scandalous Jesus

2008-05-24T01:50:00.002-04:00

A couple of days ago I was reading an article in a 'Horizons' magazine by Chick Yuill. It is undoubtedly one of the best articles I have ever read and I share it -->HERE<-- for you to read as well. Here is a quote from it to wet your appetite:

Of all the promises that Jesus made, I wonder if the one he most regrets is “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Be honest, you’ve sat in some meetings feeling as though you’ve lost the will to live. The Son of God has to turn up at every one of them! And I have to honestly ask myself why a decent self-respecting sinner, who’s had a fun Saturday evening, should get up on a Sunday morning to come to some of the services that we do.

If you really like it, -->here<-- is a link to buy some of his books.

"Goodbye' Scott St Manor

2008-05-21T23:15:00.001-04:00

This evening we said 'Goodbye' to our friends at Scott St Manor -->pics<--. To be honest, I was a wee bit skeptical that we would be able to round up as many residents as we did. It was amazing to be able to get group pictures with them and see the fruit that is evident in their lives after the effort we put in with them. Out of the 40 or so residents, we ended up really ministering to about half of them. 50% is pretty good. Anyways, I hope to see them again; if not in this life, then I guess "I'll see them by the River".

HCC, SSM, NCC, Cafe Amore,& a birthday and a BBQ

2008-05-20T17:46:00.000-04:00

Lots since last post. Saturday we went to Hamilton Celebration Church; I drummed and Jenny had the kids do prophetic art. It was a good ole time.
Sunday, we went to NCC one last time. It was kinda disappointing that Randy was speaking instead of Peter Youngren but, oh well. Then Jenny and I spoke at Scott St Manor. Our text was Titus 1:16, which has been a recurring text as of late. It was likely to be our last service at the Manor :( In the evening I took Jenny to Cafe Amore (her favorite restaurant in St Catharines). It was some good.

Monday was Jenny and Jessica's 21st birthday and we celebrated by feeding 38 people at Scott St Manor. We had hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, cake, and orange juice. It was quite a treat for the residents. Lets just say that their dietary requirements aren't likely met on a daily basis. They all sang 'Happy Birthday' to Jenny and Jessica and had a great overall time. Check out the photos -->HERE<-- and the video -->HERE<--.

It is so great to be able to bless those who have no means of repaying you. Jesus says in Luke 14:12-14, "When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment. But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."
I have been to endless "Church" functions where the sole objective was to feed and "bless" the congregation. Only in Africa, with Iris Ministries, was I ever part of a feast for the poor. It is so humbling to feed those who can give nothing back to you but gladness and thankfulness. It is so much more rewarding and God-like. I would love to see the "Church" start to feel compassion and walk in charity (active love). I really think Jesus would like that too. So, why don't we?

a SAHLA THAI experience

2008-05-17T09:38:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a good day. Not that productive, in a ministry sense, but a great day nonetheless.
Early, I took Jenny to Niagara Falls (with Heymans having let us borrow his car, again!) to have her one remaining stitch removed. She is up and around now, and starting to feel much better. After that we wanted to get some pictures at the Falls but it was very overcast and kinda chilly. We made the best of it and returned to St Catharines after getting some All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet for $7.99! Sweet.

In the evening, as sort of a birthday meal, kinda, Jenny and I went to my (and hopefully her) favorite restaurant in St Catharines...........SAHLA THAI. It is the only place I've been where I can get food that is spicy enough. Obviously, it is a Thai restaurant, and the food is kinda exotic. It is soo good though. I will miss Sahla Thai :(

Later today, we head to Hamilton(HCC) where Jenny was the children's pastor for the better part of a year. Being in MIA since her cyst took over, we'll go back today to teach the kids her heresy one more time. It should be sweet. Tomorrow and monday are gonna be sweet too, but we'll cover that next week.

countdown: 7 days

2008-05-14T22:24:00.001-04:00

Today was pretty sweet. Pastor George and Marilyn Woodward came and picked Jenny and I up in their Lexus and took us to Frescos for lunch. Then we went to their house and watched some good wholesome Christian programming. We had an awesome time to talk to them about all sorts of stuff, mostly about Vietnam and foreign missions though. George and Marilyn are two of my mostest favorite people in the world. George was Dean of Celebration Bible College when I attended and I quickly let him settle in to a pastoral role in my life. His guidance really has been a vital part of my growth the last year and a half.

After taking a nap, Heymans came and picked me up and we went to Scott St Manor to see how our friendies were doing. After a good visit there, we went to the Kilt & Clover in Port Dalhousie for Wednesday Wing Night. Good times, and good raves.

Time in St Catharines is getting short. It is good that it is.

8 days to go

2008-05-13T11:20:00.001-04:00

Yes, that's right. Only 8 more days till Jenny and I cruise outta St Catharines. On the 21st we head north to Thorncliffe Park (Toronto) to be the Cuthill's slaves until the 26th. On the 26th we fly to Prince Edward Island to visit my family and friends for a week and a half before flying to Albany, NY on the 6th of June. I, truly, cannot wait to head out. Inside my head, it is time to move on from St Catharines, and onto different things.

Jenny got her stitches out yesterday. Well, all but one anyway. The Doc wasnt that impressed about the way the wound was healing so they left one stitch in. He wants to see her again friday, and we'll take it from there.
And yesterday I walked down Niagara St to Lakeshore Rd, over to Vine St, and up again. It was a 7KM walk that took almost 2 hrs!!

In other exciting news: thebricktestament.com has unveiled glorious pictures of the Hebrew Temple!! Check out the story -->HERE<--.

Heymans gets his credit.

2008-05-10T22:04:00.000-04:00

Heymans came and picked me up today and took me to the Pen Center to buy me a new pair of shoes. We went to Sportchek and he got a pair of New Balance and I got a pair of Adidas. Heymans is quite a 'giving' guy, many times sacrificing blessings he's received in order to sow into others. Christendom needs more soldiers like him. After that we went to SoftMoc and he bought Jenny some Skechers. These were kinda like a going away gift, seeing that after the 21st, we may not see Heymans for a long time, if ever?

While we were picking out our shoes, Heymans struck up a conversation with an employee of Sportcheck. He told us that he banged up his shoulder pretty bad playing football and surgery was in the near future. Heymans asked if we could pray for him and right there, in the middle of Sportchek we laid hands on him and committed his football future to God. We want the doctor to give a mighty testimony when Dan has his next appointment. He was very interested to remain talking to us about foreign missions as Heymans cashed out. Heymans indeed deserved his credit today.

What glorious opportunities we pass by everyday, as Christians. It's so very easy to talk to a stranger about the weather, or the game last night, or whatever, but we shy away from talking about the most important thing in our lives. Then again, IS Christ the most important thing in our lives, if we shy away from the simple things like talking about him? We all know the answer, yet we hide behind more (less important) questions.

the life of a sluggard

2008-05-08T15:52:00.001-04:00

Lots of reading and movies as Jenny's healing progresses. Today I finished a book on Evolution and we watched a documentary from the pastors of XXXChurch called Starving Jesus. It was all about a 40 day fasting and preaching tour across the U.S. which focused on getting congregations out of their churches and into their communities. Much of Christianity revolves around being blessed rather than being a blessing. Little do we realize that we are neither blessed nor a blessing, for it is only in being a blessing that we are really blessed. Get it? I hope so.
Check out the documentary if you are so inclined.

Some have 20/20 vision, and some have 10/40 vision.

2008-05-05T10:00:00.000-04:00

I just put a new Poll on my sidebar dealing with where I believe the future is advancing from. The last little while thoughts of SE Asia have been persisting in their attempts to dominate my foreign mission thoughts. I love the thought of missions in the 10/40 Window. A place where Christians don't seem to want to go; yet a place where we are commanded to go. It's quite the paradox. Opportunities abound; and I present them to you. I would love to end up somewhere here in 2009. The seeking is on: Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, somewhere else maybe?

View Larger Map

Alexander, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Gremlins 2, Juno

2008-05-04T09:33:00.005-04:00

Jenny is still down and out. Surgery was 10 days ago and according to good ole Dr Subramaniun she should be able to return to the bagel counter at Tim Hortons tomorrow!! Not likely. The recovery process remains ongoing. But, at least the process is active. Your prayers are indeed welcome.

The Flyers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-1 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Bring on the Penguins!....if they get by the Rangers, of course.

I've been reading 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Evolution' (I figure I should get a little schooling on the subject; it's quite interesting) and 'The Peace of St Francis'. And FYI (in case you didn't know) Oliver Stone disgraced 'Alexander'; simply awful. 'Gremlins 2' is amazing; 'Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events' is awesome, and 'Juno' is good too (Jenny is watching it for the second time right now as I write this).

We simply cannot wait to leave St Catharines and travel to PEI and beyond. DO NOT take good health for granted everyone; seriously.

Leonard Ravenhill may be my hero

2008-04-30T11:39:00.008-04:00

Check out these quotes I found by Leonard.

Can you imagine the Apostle Paul daring to step into Rome, this city of hatred and violence with any less comprehension of the power of the Cross than he had? Our gimmick-geared gospel would have fallen as flat in that day as in our day. Can you imagine Paul and his party confronting this pagan, wicked hoard with hip-swinging girls and hand-clapping boys singing, “Something Good is Going to Happen to you,” or offering them a Prosperity Pack for a donation?

“Americas living on borrowed time. We’ve passed the safety line years ago. We’re heading for hell as quick as any nation on earth. But if we saw the glory of God on Sunday in every church in America, we’d shake the country for God the next week.” Revival is when God gets so sick and tired of being misrepresented that He shows Himself.

"We’re preaching an acceptable Gospel today, making it as painless as we can. And all we do is give people a shot to put them to sleep so they get to hell quicker. We need some hellfire preaching on repentance" God himself says in the Bible: "If a liar and deceiver comes and says, 'I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer,' he would be just the prophet for this people!" (Micah 2:11)

You see, what people are seeking today is a painless Pentecost. There isn’t such a thing. What happened immediately after Pentecost? They prospered? Yes? No! They went to jail! It wasn’t prosperity; it was prison, pain, privation, and persecution. As I’ve said before, if you say "where two or three are gathered in His name…," if the living Christ is in your meeting, how in God’s name can you have a dead service?! It’s totally impossible!

"The Church used to be a lifeboat rescuing the perishing. Now she is a cruise ship recruiting the promising."

"My main ambition in life is to be on the devil's most wanted list."

"If Jesus had preached the same message that ministers preach today, He would never have been crucified."

Leonard Ravenhill (1907-1994)

Can anyone say........10/40?

2008-04-29T23:58:00.009-04:00

According to Open Doors International, here is their 2008 Top 50 Persecution List. Meaning, these countries persecute Christians the most. The Top 10 are listed below. Click on each country for more info.

1. North Korea
2. Saudi Arabia
3. Iran
4. Maldives
5. Bhutan
6. Yemen
7. Afghanistan
8. Laos
9. Uzbekistan
10. China

So, everyone go to one of these countries. Or, support someone who is going or is already there. Let's give a damn about the front-liners! The picture below shows areas in the world that does not tolerate Christianity; the main colored area is that infamous 10/40 Window.

post-surg

2008-04-27T23:27:00.000-04:00

Friday, Jenny's dad (John) and I took Jenny to Niagara Falls to have the cyst (demon) on her tailbone removed. John and I ate at Perkins, cruised the Falls, and sat at Tim Horton's while we killed off the time that Jenny was in surgery. We picked her up about 7pm and headed home for St Catharines. Jenny was in considerable pain, but relieved that her body was now in recovery mode instead of coping mode.

Yesterday was to be the Celebration Bible College (CBC) graduation feast at Niagara Celebration Church (NCC). We had out hearts set on going since early January, and Jenny's stubbornness in the end won out (and also the fact that we paid $50 for our tickets)! We went and partook of the buffet and Christianese conversation that ever-so-often dominates these kinds of events. But we made the best of it (seeing that Jenny was in obvious discomfort), raving it up with the Karanfilis' and Nita and others. The pleasantness(?) of the evening hardly made up for the night of pain Jenny endured as a result of going. I don't like to do it, but Jenny has now been officially grounded until her body heals. PEI and Double H Ranch are much too important to be rescheduled due to a relapse.

So, today we camped out at the Vine, watching Gremlins 2, missing church at Scott St Manor, and the actual CBC graduation service at NCC. Jenny really wanted to go seeing as her twin (class president Jessica) was to speak a presidential address. Thankfully, NCC streams its services so we were able to watch the proceedings live. It was doubly sweet seeing that Jenny had arranged the NCC bus to pick up residents of Scott St Manor and drive them to the service to watch Jessica and Colin graduate!

We are praying that Jenny would have a speedy and complete recovery. Tomorrow I take her back to Niagara Falls for a follow up to see how she's healing. Thanks for the car Heymans!!

any OTHER excuses?

2008-04-25T08:42:00.002-04:00

There's not much room around this verse in 1Corinthians9:16-17:

I cannot be proud because I preach the Gospel. I have been told to do it. It would be bad for me if I do not preach the Gospel. If I do this because I want to, I will recieve my reward. If I do not want to do it, I am still expected to do it.

I have met too many Christians who are lackadaisical in their efforts to witness to others who have been burned by self-professing believers. Being someone who was a student body evangelism leader of a Bible College, I know better than most how hard it is to get Christians to talk to random people about Jesus. They just don't want to do it. Imagine the scenario: Bible College students NOT wanting to tell people about Jesus. Unless, of course, you give them (most of them, anyway) a microphone in a room full of other Christians. Then you can't shut them up!

I don't know if the Apostle Paul ever didn't want to do it, but I know what he said in the above verse. If he didn't want to do it, he was still expected to and had a responsibility to do it; more importantly, he did it! There needs to be a reformation in personal witnessing within the Church. I don't want to go on and on about this, but I just wanted to bring attention to this verse which had lain silent in my own Bible until 2 days ago.

Get over yourselves, Christians, and take up your crosses. See the bigger picture. Grab hold of the cause.

Put yourselves through a test. See if you belong to Christ. Then you will know you belong to Christ, unless you do not pass the test. (2Cor13:5 nlv)

its been hot

2008-04-24T09:13:00.000-04:00

I love this picture! It make me have funny, like if Winnie Banov hits me with a 'JoyBomb!' or something.
My Flyers are through to the next round! Next up: the Montreal Canadiens.
I put a new poll up on my sidebar asking the question where you think I'll be at the end of August this year? Two years ago it was New Mexico, last year Russia. Where, this year? Jenny and I have a couple of options but have yet to make a decision in any sense of the word.
And a few days ago, Julia (the chef at NCC) asked me to take some Duffins in to sell to the students and staff. I did and sold six Duffins at long break!!! My Duffins are growing in influence!

Jenny has her surgery tomorrow to remove that demonic cyst from off of her tailbone. It all started back on Jan 2 when I drove her to the clinic straight from work. Since then I have literally been taking care of her; helping her walk a lot of the time, cooking for her, running errands, etc. I don't have confidence in her being left alone so I have kept pretty close. The times are few, but, she has been forced to move along in a wheelchair at times. So, the surgeon will cut her up tomorrow, and says recovery should take a week or so. SWEET!! This has gone on long enough. And we so wanna attend the CBC Grad Banquet the day after she has her surgery :). We'll see how that goes. I gotta go, this new Facebook instant messaging thing is totally demonizing my Blogger experience! I can't concentrate. Thanks Kylene!!

Know what I think?

2008-04-22T10:04:00.003-04:00

Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

(Matthew 5:10 nasb)

click -->HERE<--

I think the Canadian government should start a massive campaign aginst Christianity under the guise of the Bible being hate literature and the obvious hypocritical nature of we who profess to be self-sacrificing lovers of God Himself. Any elementary study of Church history seems to suggest this simple equation: Christians + persecution = extreme growth and fruit. This is unarguable; it's a simple and unfortunate fact.

Here in Canada, the govt could start with a simple thing like banning the Bible. The persecuted Church in the Soviet Union under Stalin and the churches in places today like China (and N Korea, no doubt) seem to have survived and even thrived in situations where they didn't have their "favorite" translation always in hand,and about a dozen or so alternate versions at home for purposes of study. The early Church didn't read the New Testament in the hopes that it would produce a holy life, their holy life produced the writings of the New Testament we enjoy and take for granted today. St Francis (my favorite figure in Church history) said to one of his young Brothers when the young one pressed him for permission to own a book: "The heroes Charlemagne and Roland and Oliver fought for the faith, and so gained renown. Now people try to gain it by reading of great deeds, and bring themselves almost to believe that they have done these by reading about them. So also with the lives of saints; men read them more than they imitate them." Not much has changed in the 800 yrs since then.

It's a sad fact that most of the world calls the Western Church the "sleeping church'. They recognize the vital part we have yet to play in the fulfillment of worldwide evangelization. WHEN we wake up, the cause of Christ will as well. We are a vital part in the fulfillment of scripture, but here we sleep, slugging it up while many, many, many of our brothers around the world count the cost of following their Savior, something of which we have absolutely NO idea. The fruit of their lives versus ours tells the story far better than I ever could.

Does it have to come to a national persecution campaign to wake us up? I really hope that it wouldn't. But when I look around and see the plushy chairs, and the watered-down Gospel, and the complacency, and the disunity, and the squandering of funds, and the topic of conversations, and the genuineness of "believers", and the on and on and on, I can't help but think that the best thing for us all would be if we were to be driven underground; a church that was banned from public meetings of any kind, etc. Check out ->this article<- Cuthill sent me.

While we sit in our comfy lives far from the threat of inconvenience; two-thirds of the world's population wait (in a little area known as the 10/40 Window) for a consistent witness of an unconditionally loving Savior. The affluence we enjoy here in the 1st World which we may have falsely attributed to come from God has babied us into an attitude of indifference and selfishness.

Maybe............the materialism we hoard IS our persecution, and we have failed to persevere through it. Maybe it has killed us and rendered us oblique? We shall find out one day, likely, much to our regret.

( I in no way exclude myself from the above post, in fact, I base it on my own inadequacy and frustrations to overcome our selfish lifestyle while millions are dying.)

Sunday at the Manor

2008-04-20T23:13:00.005-04:00

Today, Colin, Jessica, Jenny and I did our weekly duty at Scott Manor. It was a beautiful day and our numbers were down but Holy Ghost is more concerned with quality rather than quantity. We sang songs, shared about our week, taught some things from the Bible, and prayed with them.

The seeds for what we seen today were sown over a year and a half ago, when Josh Heymans and Melody Wallace started doing visitations. Our ministry there progressed with Josh and myself visiting the Manor twice (or so) weekly. Over the summer, we did our separate things and in the Fall, Heymans, Colin, Jessica and Jenny resumed visitations which evolved into Sunday church services.

We have seen residents who were incredibly anti-social come out of their shell and enjoy the social aspect of Sunday afternoon. We have seen Holy Spirit change hearts as only He can do. It has been such an honor to have a part in the pastoral care of Scott St Manor seeing as it has all but been forgotten by the "more important" things which consume the daily plans of the people (and us "Christians") in the world.

Jesus saw people who appeared to be forgotten and had compassion for them. He was driven by His intimacy with the Father. The intimacy that Jesus enjoyed left Him unable to pass by the forsaken without embracing them. His character was free from complacency. What if we Christians had this kind of intimacy that influenced our actions. It is obvious we do not..........blatantly obvious.

Scott St Manor has been a lesson in pioneering. To say it is an easy place to influence may be the farthest thing from the truth I have ever heard. There is plenty of (non)fruit, but there is plenty of fruit as well.

Pray that someone will step up to the plate and take over the Pastoral Care roll that will need to be filled as our plans post-St Catharines develop. (Colin and Jessica/South Korea, Heymans/Redding CA, myself and Jenny/NY and hopefully Amsterdam and beyond). These people are too precious to lose. But, in saying that, to say that the Spiritual life of these saints is dependant upon our leadership is absolute blasphemy. They are God's; the church planted in that Manor is God's, and their future is in God's hands, not our's, as it should be.

God is good...................we are not. We are servants, all of us, wholly dependant on Him alone.

How are we gonna get a job now?!!!

2008-04-18T21:47:00.000-04:00

Today, Jenny and I braved the 25 degree heat and ventured to Hartzel Rd to visit Sonic Tattoo. From my last post, most of you were expecting something BIG regarding 'Charity' and the "3 days" title proved to be longer than either of us were willing to wait. After reassuring Pete (who did Jenny's tattoo) that we weren't some little pansies, he booked us for some ink. Tony was my artist.

It was pretty cool. He was preparing my stencil and asked me, "So, is this your daughter's name?" (Referring to the word 'Charity').

I said, "No, we are missionaries."

"Oh", he replied, "so this is what you do."

Thats right. CHARITY is what Jenny and I do.

Anyways, after about 5 minutes we were done and forever scarred. Some people think tattoos are stupid, but, at least I didn't get KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS tattooed on my thigh!!! How stupid would that have been!!! Uhhh..............

...........in 3 days.........

2008-04-16T22:22:00.008-04:00

1. generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless: to devote one's life to charity.
2. something given to a person or persons in need; alms: She asked for work, not charity.
3. benevolent feeling, esp. toward those in need or in disfavor: She looked so poor that we fed her out of charity.
4. leniency in judging others; forbearance; disposed to look on the best side, and to avoid harsh judgment: She was inclined to view our selfish behavior with charity.
5. Christian love; agape. The theological virtue defined as love directed first toward God but also toward oneself and one's neighbors as objects of God's love
6. Full of love and good will; benevolent; kind

1 Cor 13:1-8; 13 (KJV)

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Charity never faileth..............
.............And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

The Prayer of St Francis

2008-04-15T06:29:00.003-04:00

"O Lord, make me an instrument of Thy Peace!

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is discord, harmony;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light, and

Where there is sorrow, joy.

Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not

so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life."

2008-04-14T20:21:00.003-04:00

We have made it back to St Catharines. Sunday, we were able to join the Heymans family for church at Harmony Community Church. It would've been sweet had I been able to stay awake, alas, I could not :(. Bonnie Wallace led worship though and as the congregation sang I was overwhelmed with a 'spirit of missions'. It's a spirit that comes on me from time to time that consumes me with thoughts of foreign missions. Not that I don't already have constant thoughts of this, but there are times when it gets a bit more.........intense. Such was one of these times. I can't wait for the time when it is once again time to head out under the banner of the Gospel. Anyways, Heymans and I tag-teamed the 524Km drive from Winchester in just over 4hr. We made pretty sweet time indeed. This week is supposed to be absolutely beautiful here in St Kits.

Today Jenny and I were gonna participate in a 'Hymm Sing' at Versa Care but the place is in lock down from an upper respiratory illness. Sorry CBC'ers.........no evangelism credits today!!!

My Flyers have made the playoffs and are the #6 seed in the east. They are against the Washington Capitals in the 1st Rd and the series is 1-1.

I am reading more about St Francis of Assisi. Dangerous stuff. This man might've been more hardcore than Jesus. Maybe a bit (or a lot) off on his theology, but hey, I believe we all are.

Winchester/Ottawa

2008-04-12T10:45:00.002-04:00

Late wednesday night Heymans and I drive the 5 or so hours to Winchester, ON to begin a weekend family visit. We slept in a little on thursday then headed to Ottawa and picked up Heymans' friend Allison and spend some time cruisin around downtown. Ottawa is a really beautiful city. Click -->HERE<-- for our photos of the trip. We debated with the idea of getting a tattoo while here, but in the end, decided against it. Soon though. In the evening we went to a Bible Study at Heymans' aunt's place.

Yesterday I went and got some groceries while Jenny rested. I got to meet Heyman's half-siblings. It's pretty cold and miserable here in "Farm Land" though. Things are well with Heymans' family. In the evening we went to Chesterville and dropped in on a "Drop-In Center" that the Wallace's run there. They usually have about 20-25 youth that show up on friday nights to hang out, but last night they had.................3!! It was pretty quiet.

Today we are chillin at Heymans' and then going to his Dad's for supper later.

Spring ish

2008-04-09T14:57:00.003-04:00

So, whats up, you ask?

I just put up a new link on my sidebar under the Videos section called Preaching. Check the videos out -->HERE<--. It contains some messages delivered by myself, Jenny Brown, Jessica Brown, and Sheri Smith. I hope many more of my friends will make this prestigious list before too long.

I have been taking care of Jenny for the last while. Her cyst has flared up and she is now in need of surgery to remove it completely. The surgery is scheduled for Apr 25. I have somewhat resorted to my nursing background in this time and my skills are being put to use once again. Everyone pray for her recovery.

We will travel to Ottawa tonight after The Great Debate: Does God exist? between Peter Youngren and Dan Barker. Heymans is going home to visit his family and wants some company.

And...........making plans, as always. Looking at ministry opportunities for the Fall, and maybe even some more correspondance? My ministry license has arrived so I am now an officially licesned minister with Open Bible Faith Fellowship.

It's been 14 yrs.....

2008-04-07T08:25:00.000-04:00

.......since Kurt Cobain was found dead in his Seattle home in 1994. I still remember the exact place I was when I heard the news. Having been a huge Nirvana fan, I was pretty affected by this event, and I still reminisce a bit on this day ever year. His was a life that will never be lived quite the same again.

ST CHRISTINA THE ASTONISHING: patron saint of insanity; lunatics; mental health caregivers; mental illness; psychiatrists; etc

2008-04-04T19:17:00.003-04:00

1150 - 1224 AD

I stumbled across a saint whose life makes St Francis' seem almost tame by comparison, if ever that were possible. Christina was born to a peasant family, orphaned as a child and raised by two sisters. At 21 (or maybe 22) she appeared to have a major siezure and died. At her funeral she sprung out of her coffin and levitated up to the roof of the church (apparently to get away from the stench of human sin). All the mourners fled the church in terror except for Christina’s oldest sister and the priest who continued with the Mass! The priest ordered her down afterwards and she descended upon the altar and stated that she had been to hell, purgatory, and heaven, and had been returned to earth with a ministry to pray for souls in purgatory. In Heaven Christ offered her a choice: to remain with Him then, or to return to earth and by her sufferings and example bring many sinners to repentance. Christina chose to go back to earth and save souls. Then she warned her friends to not be surprised by anything she did from then on because God had directed her to act in ways “never seen before among mortals".

Thereafter her life is reported as one bizarre occurance after another. She climbed up trees to perch on the smallest branches to sit with birds; she prayed balanced on hurdles or curled up like a fetus; she handled fire and endured icy water for long times without ill-effects; she would roll in fire and scream in agony, yet remain unharmed; she climbed into ovens and threw herself under mill-wheels, where she would be carried around in the water without suffering apparent injury. One time a priest, who didn't know her, was so shocked by her appearance that he refused to administer Communion to her; she tore insanely through the streets, threw herself into the Meuse, and swam away. She was thought to have been possessed by devils, and became a constant source of embarrassment to her sisters and her friends. Many tried to capture her, but she always managed to escape. A man once broke her leg in the process of subduing her, and tied her to a pillar for safety, yet she got away and lived in the trees for awhile, nourished by milk dripping from her virginal breasts. She lived as homeless, dressed in rags, and generally terrifying people. She went to graveyards and cried for the dead who had died in sin. One night she woke all the dogs in town and led them in a pack into the woods where she threw herself into a dense growth of thorn bushes.

Christina could smell the sin in people and could not stand the odor. She would climb trees or buildings, hide in cupboards or ovens, or even levitate out of contact to get away from the stench of their sin. She lived exemplifying poverty (something good ole St Francis would have heavily endorsed!); sleeping on rocks, dressing in rags, begging, and eating whatever came her way. If she received food from a 'bad' person, she would bear the burden of that person's sin; the food, once swallowed, would cause her tremendous pain.

Some thought she was schizophrenic, or epileptic, or anorexic, or completely possessed by demons.

When Christina felt she was ready to die she retired to the convent of St. Catherine in Saint-Trond where her friend Beatrice was a nun. Beatrice secured Christina a room and arranged for a priest to bring the Last Rites. When the priest left Beatrice asked Christina to reveal some holy secrets but Christina would say nothing. Beatrice thought to leave her to rest and come back to ask again in a bit. When Beatrice returned to Christina’s room she found her dead. The nun threw herself on the body, calling Christina to return from the dead and tell her the secrets. Suddenly Christina’s eyes opened and she asked why Beatrice had disturbed her death just as she was being led to see Christ face to face. So to satisfy Beatrice she answered all the questions. By this time the entire convent had assembled to Christina’s room. She made the sign of the cross over the nuns, and died—for the third (and final) time.
Christina died in 1224 of natural causes, aged 74.

David's Psalm of Victory!!

2008-03-31T21:43:00.003-04:00

I seen this on Shawn Cuthill's site and I wanted to share it too.

This is from the Lego Bible. Check it out -->HERE<--. It is absolutely hilarious.

Spirit of Excellence

2008-03-31T15:00:00.006-04:00

Jenny and I just got back from visiting Colleen Kosti at Spirit of Excellence in Ford City, Windsor. This is a ministry that is reaching out to 1st World people in almost 3rd World situations. In the area 'Spirit of Excellence' works there are many drug addicted locals whose families and lives have fallen apart. It was amazing to be able to meet with Colleen and hear the things she is doing and the vision that her and her husband have. They are really focused on providing better lives for the ones whom they serve. Continued education and teaching life skills that lead to employment and an overall better life are implemented. This is a pioneering ministry whose work behind the scenes of most Christian circles encounter difficulty in relating to most churches because of the rawness of their ministry. I encourage everyone to check out the website -->HERE<-- and maybe even support the work they do. I would love to get involved with Spirit of Excellence on a short term basis if time and opportunity ever permits itself. It is a ministry I believe Jesus Himself would involve Himself with.

Tecumseh / Windsor

2008-03-30T22:15:00.002-04:00

We are indeed in Windsor (Tecumseh actually). Jenny's Dad came down to St Kits on thursday and picked us up. We got here and, right away, ate at Moxie's, which was awesome. I have eaten at some great places while on this visit. Thursday night Jenny and I took it easy and watched Gremlins (we have been trying for a week to locate Gremlins 2 but so far cannot). Then on friday we went to Lakeshore St Andrews church to a program called Celebrate Recovery in which Jenny's Dad leads a small group. Saturday consisted of cruisin around and visiting people Jenny knows, and eating! Today we were back at Lakeshore St Andrew's for church and then Jenny and I cruised down to the waterfront so I could get a picture of myself and the sweet Detroit skyline! We will likely go back to St Catharines on teusday. This has been a really good time though and I really hope to do it again soon.

One of the reasons we came down was to take part in a licensing ceremony at WCF. We found out that the part we were to play was extremely minimal so we decidied to do the Celebrate Recovery thing instead. Our licenses and certificates are in the mail though. So, things in Tecumseh are well. We are surely blessed.

31 Duffins (21/St Kits-10/Windsor)

2008-03-27T11:05:00.003-04:00

31 Duffins
Originally uploaded by jduffy/jbrown

Lately I have started to bake Mocha Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins (AKA Duffins). They have soared in popularity and are in high demand within St Catharines, and maybe Windsor too? How can we use this to our advantage? Hmmm.........the wheels are turning.

Jenny and I are off to Windsor for the weekend. Along with visiting her Dad, we are expecting to sit in at our licensing ceremony at OBFF. We are almost 'licensed ministers' now and look forward to making the most of this opportunity.
A life of complete surrender and service to our King. I like the sounds of that.

We have also booked a flight back to PEI for May 26th. We'll be doing a 10 or 11 day 'Island Visitation/Impartation Tour' until we head to Double H Ranch for camp. So, if anyone wants to spend some time with us between May26-June5, let me know, and I'll arrange beforehand. I expect it to be a great time of visiting and impartation.

this summer: Double H Ranch

2008-03-22T11:46:00.006-04:00

As I said a couple of posts ago, I have been accepted to work at Double H Ranch in upstate NY this summer. The position runs from the first week in June till the last week of August. The camp is for children who are terminally and chronically ill. The capacity in which I will be employed is: cabin counsellor; which means I will be supervising a cabin of about 6 kids and being a 'big brother' type of person. The job description is much more detailed than that, and I will be providing whatever kind of care the kids need. Jenny has also been accepted (praise God) and will be employed in the Happy Barn (which should be filled with small animals). It has the potential to be an amazing summer.

We are both looking forward to unconditional service to our Savior this summer. These kids will do way more to inspire us than we to them, but we will have a go at it nonetheless. In all seriousness, what is our alternative? Stay in St Catharines and work full time while looking for ministry opportunities on our time off? Not likley. Life is way too short, and our responsibility too great for future regrets we know we'd have.

DIAMOND SHREDDIES!!

2008-03-21T13:19:00.002-04:00

Here is what call 'the most ingenius marketing EVER!!!'. Sheer amazement si what I experience when I see this. I want some Diamond Shreddies. Check them out at http://www.diamondshreddies.ca/

Easter Time

2008-03-20T23:30:00.000-04:00

Good Friday seems to be approaching non-dramatically. In fact, if someone didn't completely remind me, I think I'd totally forget. It seems to be slipping by unoticed.

For now, work has been postponed. Jenny's cyst is back full-force and has put her out of commission. She is scheduled for surgery late next month, and then should be totally back to 100%.

Today I found out that I have been accepted as a cabin counsellor at Double H Ranch for sick kids in upstate NY. It is a paid position from Jun15-Aug24 working with sick and terminally ill children. We have also all but been accepted to SMCC in North Carolina; another children's camp. Now we wait to see if Jenny is accepted into Double H before making any final decisions on which one to staff. Summer plans are definitely shaping up though.
In other news, the game Risk is pretty fun and Duffins (mocha banana chocolate chip muffins) are delicious.

no title

2008-03-15T00:19:00.000-04:00

I am tired. It's late. But I just wanted to say that.......Hooray, I have started work. I am working at a couple different greenhouses getting all the flowers ready for Easter. Not sure how long I will have this work, but I praise God that I at least have it for a couple weeks!
The days run from 7am-5pm so I have not been doing a whole lot else. Just some mid-week madness at Scott Manor and such.

I have been approved for my ministerial license through Open Bible Faith Fellowship, so soon I will officially be a licensed minister! That's kinda cool.
And applications for summer camps in NC and NY have been recieved and we wait to see which one we will go to. Exciting stuff. Goodnight, I'm going to bed.

Berkley time

2008-03-06T08:13:00.002-05:00

Yesterday morning was miserable here in St Kits. Stormy and such. In the afternoon it cleared up and Jenny and I went to Berkley to see what the kids there were doing. It is a time where we throw away ulterior agendas and just hang out and do whatever the kids we meet want to do. Through Kid's Reconnection, Jenny has made much contact with the kids there and they always run to her screaming "Miss Jenny, Miss Jenny" when she arrives. The ploughs had made snowbanks aplenty, so we got to have snowball fights and stuff with the kids. It was pretty fun. The need for these kids to have positive role models is so necessary. Morality in society is lacking, and it's up to us "Christians" to step up and give a damn about the apathy pervading our communities. Love does indeed provoke change. And change induced by love harvests more people who will provoke more change.

the goings on

2008-03-04T09:05:00.003-05:00

Things are still well. Not a whole lot to report. Still looking for work. Had interviews at a flower warehouse, and one at Food Basics. Waiting to hear back from them.

Yesterday was sweet. I took Jessica, Cheralyn, Nita, and Russell (from CBC), and Mary and Maria (from SSM) to Versa Care to help me put on a service for 25+ residents there. We sang some songs; Jessica and Russell gave a brief testimony on God's goodness, and Nita prayed. I spoke on joy, and used Psalm 16:11 as a reference. It was a pretty sweet opportunity. I look forward to next week as well.

Today we finally get our camp applications sent out. One to NY and one to NC. We'll leave it up to God to decide which one selects us. Exciting times. We are also finding out that getting registered as a charitable organization is frustrating and a major hassle. We plod on though. I would love to be able tax reciepts to donors. It is a goal for this year.

And the poll results are official:
Amsterdam or Pemba?
Pemba 52%
Amsterdam 48%
It was close but Pemba won. Too bad in reality Amsterdam has won, cause that is the direction that is decided upon. Thanks for voting. Vote on the next one.

you must be "born again"

2008-02-25T09:51:00.000-05:00

John 3:7 clearly quotes Jesus as saying, "you must be born again". A gentleman was at our place yesterday morning and we were discussing "religion" and Jesus and life and stuff. He came from a strong Hindu influence and his opinions were clearly biased towards the culture in which he grew up. It got me thinkin. Just because people in the West grow up in a "Christian" culture, it benefits them no more than someone who grows up in the 10/40 Window (except in the fact that we have a greater chance of meeting a born again person). The only reason people even consider themselves "Christian" here in the west anymore is the religious tradition in which they are raised; it's the same for Muslims in Iraq, or Buddhists in Thailand, etc. Religion is religion is religion, the whole world over. A family background of Christianity is no more helpful than a family background of Islam, of Buddhism, or whatever. "You must be born again". We must have a relationship with Jesus that transcends what we've been told by others whose lives don't reflect the Savior (or Prophet or Teacher) they claim to follow.

It boggles my mind when I meet "Christians" who are passive in their faith, looking for any and every excuse to not evangelize or sacrifice etc. Paul writes to Titus and says, "They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him...." Such is the Christianity we show the world. It's no surprise the world is not beating down the doors of the church begging for the Jesus we believe in.

At the end of the day, one religion is as good as the other. Religion always has to do with man reaching up to God. Jesus was God reaching down to man. It's so important to take this message, this Gospel of Jesus, to the ends of the earth, proclaiming "Freedom from religion!!!". It's our commission (Matthew 28:19-20). I no more want to convert someone to "Christianity" than I do to "any other religion". Religion just won't do. I want people to experience the love of Christ with no ulterior motives. Mother Teresa has a beautiful quote: The success of love is in the loving — it is not in the result of loving. Of course it is natural in love to want the best for the other person, but whether it turns out that way or not does not determine the value of what we have done. Unconditional love has been betrayed by those who claim to love unconditionally.

To end this post, I looked up commission in a thesaurus, and you can sustitute 'commission' with 'to entrust'. God has entrusted us with His gospel. we need to ask ourselves: Have we been good stewards of this precious responsibility?

the newness of colors

2008-02-24T15:19:00.001-05:00

Oh yeah. I just spent some time revamping me blog and now you all get to see. It's alrite, I s'pose. Totally newness thing happenin.

Things are still well. Keeping busy. Really trying to focus in on the plans God has for this summer. It has ENORMOUS potential to be an amazing summer, truly. It gets me excited thinkin about it.

Keepin busy...............like:
- meeting with kids from underprivledged neighborhood every odd tuesday
- doing a Pastoral Care course at the Welland General Hospital tuesday evenings
- midweek visitations at Scott St Manor on wednesdays
- drumming at the Hamilton Celebration Church (and helping Jenny with the kid's ministry sometimes) on saturdays
- putting on a sunday service at Scott St Manor
Pretty sweet stuff. God is fun to serve.

Today I was asked to fill in for Elly, who is in charge of a nursing home ministry here in St Catharines. She's going away for two weeks and asked me to take over; what a sweet opportunity. So thats it. Have fun, enjoy Jesus, and stuff.

What can I say? I love Cookie Monster!

2008-02-19T15:00:00.000-05:00

the bake-off winner: Jenny Brown

2008-02-18T14:44:00.001-05:00

Just a little follow-up to my last post. Jenny won the baking contest with her Banana Cheesecake. She recieved a $15 Starbucks gift card which I hope I will be able to partake of!

I'm a trendy Westerner

2008-02-18T08:30:00.002-05:00

This is pretty sweet. Look down by the comment place; I put on this thing where you can rate my posts, so, do it! I got the Idea off of Shawn Cuthill's site. Is that trendy or what?!

Tonight is the "Bake Off" at the Brown's. I made Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Loaf. 1st prize is a $15 Starbucks gift card, and I want it!

Mennonite Madness & Missions

2008-02-16T15:58:00.000-05:00

I got up early today and booked it over to the Vine. Jenny and I went to the Scott St Mennonite Brethren Church to see Shawn Cuthill. Shawn is a great friend of mine whom I have never met before today. He was sharing today about a bit of the work he does in Thorncliffe. Good stuff.
The Mennonites were having a convention discussing their budget and stuff and (save for Shawn) it ended up being extremely boring for us. Kinda interesting though.

In the afternoon, we made it to Hamilton and I did some drumming at Hamilton Celebration Church and then Jenny and I taught some kids about Missions. I showed some pictures of Africa and got the kids discussing some things about the foreign field, then I got to give them each a necklace made by one of the village children in Pemba; it was really sweet stuff.

Other than that; the job hunt is not going that well. Desicions are forming about the rest of the year, but if anyone has any great opportunities for the summer.................I'm listening!! Tomorrow we are back at Scott St Manor for some more Gospel fun. Things are good. Life is a daily adventure.

Whats been lost, through the years.

2008-02-13T00:16:00.000-05:00

St Valentine of Rome lived some 200 yrs after Christ. In that time the Roman Emperor Claudius II proclaimed a law that young men should not be married because single men made for better soldiers than married men. Valentine continued performing marriage ceremonies and was found out and was eventually brought before Emperor Claudius.

Claudius had great respect for this man of God and tried to get Valentine to renounce Christ so that he could spare his life. Valentine refused and in turn, tried to convert Claudius from paganism to Christianity. Claudius refused and subsequently had Valentine imprisoned.

In prison Valentine befriended his jailor's daughter, who was blind. He prayed for her and she was miraculously cured which resulted in the jailor's conversion to Christ. The night before Valentine died he wrote a note to her and signed it "from your Valentine".

On February 14, 269 AD, Valentine of Rome was beaten with clubs and beheaded for his faith.

This story is much different than the one we think of on Feb 14. Let's get back to the root of some of these holidays we ignorantly celebrate.

Amsterdam or Pemba?

2008-02-09T04:23:00.000-05:00

In my last poll I asked:

WHERE WILL I BE THIS TIME NEXT YEAR?
sumwhere in Africa (45%)

Russia (18%)

sumwhere else (18%)

PEI (9%)
Ontario (9%)

Almost half the vote said Africa, somewhere. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I am throwing out another poll question to all of you. Recent developments have left with with a decision to either travel to Mozambique or Amsterdam this summer. In either destination I would have the opportunity to help out with missions schools. It's extremely different environments but with extremely similiar spiritual need. Either place would be amazing. So take a moment and ask Holy Spirit and then cast your vote in the poll in my sidebar. Thanks. I already have an idea which it will be, but Proverbs 15:22 says: Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed.

Superbowl Sunday

2008-02-03T14:07:00.000-05:00

I never went to church this morning but I watched a bit of it online. Peter Youngren was a bit choked at the idea of church members skipping church this eve to watch the Superbowl so he made someone change the sign out front and promised an AMAZING sermon in place of the football game. Well, I just got back from NCC and I've definitely heard him preach better messages. And it didnt seem to matter to much of the congregation since most of them did indeed skip out on church to watch the game (or pray, or fast, or intercede, or something, hopefully!). And I never watched the game but the New York Giants have won the Superbowl beating the New England Patriots 17 - 14.

And if you wanna see something incredibly disturbing click -->HERE<--.

the Blessing(?)

2008-02-01T01:03:00.000-05:00

I'll admit it. Life can be frustrating. When I came back to St Catharines I thought I was starting work after two days; didn't work out. Then I thought I was starting work this monday, but SITEL has pushed that back two weeks till the 19th, so I am looking for work yet again. I remember when I first came to St Catharines in September of last year and it took me 4 mths to get work! Whatever! Things are well though. Jenny and I got to Welland this last tuesday (Thanks Colin!) for our Pastoral Care course; it is amazing stuff. I got to do some drumming in Hamilton last saturday at the Hamilton Celebration Church. Jenny and I did some visitations with some kids throughout the week applying the Gospel in a very practical way. Heymans, Jenny, and I started midweek visitations at Scott St Manor, trying to reach the residents who are more withdrawn and such. Stuff is good; we are blessed.

OK, lets get some controversy going. Much discussion among my peers lately has been around the "Blessing" of God on our lives. Some argue that the manifestation of God's blessing upon us consists of material wealth, while some laugh at the absurdity of such a notion. Am I blessed because of what I possess? Hardly, in fact the Bible clearly states the exact opposite in 2Cor6:3-10. The blessing of God upon our lives has nothing to do with what we possess externally. Simply put, I am blessed because God loves me and I have a Savior. That trumps "health, wealth, and self" anyday. The ammunition is endless and this post could go on and on and on.......but there is nowhere that Jesus promotes the accumulation of material goods. He seems to have more pressing priorities. Because someone is unhealthy or hungry or poor does not mean they are not blessed, in fact, Jesus seems to think the exact opposite (Luke6:20-21). This is all not to exalt poverty, which is totally demonic, but to get the focus back on Jesus and what He's done for us. Did He come and die for us so that we could live a fairytale life here on earth? Uh, no. The 50 or so scriptures I could rattle off would likely be a sufficient argument to that belief. Jesus came so that we would be empowered to be a witness (martyr). Wealth is not a manifestation of the blessing, unconditional love is. Is it a more accurate witness to give the shirt off your back to a naked person if you have 15 more shirts at home; or if you give your one and only shirt to someone in need without knowing if you'll have another to clothe yourself? This world will be won with this kind of self-sacrificial love. Name all the believers who have gone down in church history by propagating the Gospel with their millions of dollars................now name the believers who have gone down in church history by forsaking all for the sake of their King and the dying world. In my opinion, one list is much longer than the other.

Money is a tool and I'm gonna need lots of it. I don't want it so I can accumulate things like Rolls Royce's, or million dollar mansions, or $30,000 conference tables, etc etc. I want it to supply the hungry with food, children with places to live and study, prisoners with resources to better their life, the sick with medicine, and the world with the Gospel. Storing up treasure here on earth means little to me, in the end it amounts to trash.

To be a "blessing" to this world does not mean we make them as materialistic as we have become, it means we give them unconditional love as we have recieved that love from God.

entering into GLORY

2008-01-23T02:52:00.000-05:00

Quite a bit is happening the last couple weeks here in St Catharines.

Weekly, Heymans, Colin, Jessica, Jenny and I conduct church services at Scott St Manor. Last week we had our largest attendance yet (16) and the Spirit of God was moving in awesome ways, (check it out -->HERE<--). Sadly though, a couple of days before that service, one of our closest friends at the Manor (James, pictured at right ) suddenly passed away. He was in his mid-forties, and we were lucky enough to have met and spend time with this man whom God was obviously transforming into the image of Jesus. James has now entered into Glory, and although we miss him, we celebrate the fact that he is now in the literal presence of his Savior!

I went for a job interview at SITEL the other day and it appears I will be starting work on Feb 4. So that is pretty cool. It is a call center; which should be fairly amusing.

Yesterday, Jenny and I rented a car and went to TACF to see Bill Johnson (left). It was pretty rockin. Heymans also took a couple people down for the day. On the way back to St Catharines (which is normally an hour long drive) the traffic was AWFUL and it took us a little over 3.5 hrs to get back!!! We totally missed the 2nd weekly session of a Pastoral Care course we're enrolled in in Welland. Anyways, it's all good. We'll get there next week, I hope. And if you are so inclined, pray about Laos with me. Something about it has dropped into my spirit and I want to see if the desire for it increases or not.

St Francis recieves the stigmata

2008-01-22T00:27:00.000-05:00

Francis of Assisi rocks!! Here he recieves the stigmata. Read more about this incredible event -->HERE<--.

January

2008-01-17T04:32:00.000-05:00

Already, this year has been most interesting. I have been forced to make choices based on what I feel is most important to me. Decisions, I feel, that are crucial to the development of future aspects of my character, integrity, devotion, etc. The last 2.5 weeks have been a dramatic 'high' and 'low'. It's been great what God has done, but the method in which it's happened has been incredibly hard to participate in. And it's not over yet.

Holy Spirit has been taking us through the New Testament lately, teaching us on the fruit of the Spirit manifested in hardship, trial, suffering, etc. Where has this teaching been? To the 1st World church, Acts 14:22 is as close to a 4-letter word as you can get. Yet there are many such passages in the writings of the New Testament. I have seen the fruit of such trial, and the result is beautiful. Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, 1Peter 1:6-7, etc etc etc all spell it out quite convincingly. Jesus did not come to bring us out of the world, but so that we would overcome the world.

Other than all that, on tuesday I started an 8 week/session Pastoral Care course in Welland at the hospital there. Rev Bob Bond is leading it and if the 1st class was any indication of how this course will be, than it's gonna be pretty awesome. The course will help develop ministerial skills in the area of hospital/nursing home ministry. And it only costs $40! Sweet!

And everyone pray for a speedy recovery for Jenny. She's still far from being 100%. We both need to be working and saving up money for Africa this summer.

words from the General

2008-01-10T08:48:00.000-05:00

You must do it! You cannot hold back. You have enjoyed yourself in Christianity long enough. You have had pleasant feelings, pleasant songs, pleasant meetings, pleasant prospects. There has been much of human happiness, much clapping of hands and shouting of praises - very much of heaven on earth. Now then, go to God and tell Him you are prepared as much as necessary to turn your back upon it all, and that you are willing to spend the rest of your days struggling in the midst of these perishing multitudes, whatever it may cost you.

You must do it. With the light that is now broken in upon your mind and the call that is now sounding in your ears, and the beckoning hands that are now before your eyes, you have no alternative. To go down among the perishing crowds is your duty. Your happiness from now on will consist in sharing their misery, your ease in sharing their pain, your crown in helping them to bear their cross, and your heaven in going into the very jaws of hell to rescue them.

-William Booth

www.sermonindex.net

passion

2008-01-01T07:13:00.000-05:00

I feel intense. I feel that there is an urgency to make the most of EVERY moment in our lives. Too much is at stake. Last year was a monumental one in my life. So much has happened inwardly and outwardly; its hard to comprehend. Now I'm in St Catharines. I left something here from before. Now I'm back.

So many people have so many regrets at this time, looking back at the past year. From last year, I've not many regrets; it is good.

I want to see a generation arise whom the "church" is envious of. A generation who is not content to "sit" in church sunday after sunday while 'sheep are without shepards'. A people who will take church to the outside rather than grow complacent and fat on the Word. A generation who actually show that they love Jesus, not just say it.

You see, it's easy for people to tell if you're in love with someone. It's obviously apparant by the way you talk and act. I know many christians who "say" they love Jesus. Problem being, if you have to "tell" people you love Jesus, why don't they already know. Many don't have to tell others they love their wives/husbands, it's obvious. We should be able to pick out the people who actually love Jesus, and really, we can. They are obvious. They sacrifice their lives for the sake of others. Instead of quoting the Bible, they live it. Their sermons are their lives. They are concerned about loving, not converting. They love Jesus above all else. All else but Jesus they count as rubbish, as refuse.

A generation such as this may provoke the church to replace lip-service with action, lust with love, religion with relationship.

Please Lord, help us to inspire. Use these earthen vessels to demonstrate Your power in love...........................The broken are waiting for us.

2008

2008-01-01T03:48:00.000-05:00

For New Yrs Eve, Heymans, his bro, and I went to Hamilton (to Eagle Worldwide Ministries) for some festivities. From 8pm-10pm there was some fellowship, and then from 10pm-2008 there was some worship, and prophecy, and more worship. The church there is pretty sweet and we had a great time. It's all pretty far removed from what I would do for New Yrs half a dozen years ago or so.

There were many 'words' about "Open Gates in 2008", which could be pretty sweet, depending on if people are actually willing to step through them or not.

I believe that 2008 is a year that has tremendous potential. The only problem with potential is that it is seldom realized because it involves action on our part. The potential remains nonetheless though, and I think there is heaps of it for this upcoming year. God has amazing things for us to do this year..................so lets do it.

back to St Catharines

2007-12-30T09:03:00.000-05:00

I am back in St Catharines. I arrived back on the evening of the 26th and was staying with Heymans for a few days and today I have moved into the Karanfilis' for a couple weeks and then back in with Heymans for the remainder of my time here (likely). Now I start looking for a job and looking for a course so I can teach english overseas and stuff. It's quite interesting being back in St Kits. Heymans and I and his brother went to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) the other night and further confirmed my previous belief that museums are BORING!! We'll see what the first part of 2008 has in store. For New Yrs I believe I'm goin to a church in Hamilton for a prophetic etc meeting. I'll let you know if Holy Spirit has any cool things to say..........which He always does. I guess I'll let you know if I'm actually hearing Him. Have a great end to 2007 everyone.

Merry Chri......um, I mean, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

2007-12-25T12:41:00.000-05:00

Whew, that was close, I almost put the word "Christ" back into "X"mas. Wouldn't want to offend anyone!

My pastor made a good point last sunday. (Paraphrased) He said that when someone you know has a birthday, you celebrate who they are today, not who they were one the day they were born. It's a good point. So much of Christmas (when Jesus is actually included) is about the poor, helpless baby Jesus. Jesus today is our Saviour. He has fulfilled His purpose and the Holy Spirit is now attempting to bring His church to the maturity we should have already attained. We should think of Jesus today as who He is, not was. The world is so clever to demean anything to do with an idea of Jesus that may offend. Really though, is anything less offensive than unconditional love? Maybe the world is more offended by Christians than by Jesus?

So, tomorrow I board a plane and head back to St Catharines, Ontario. What does 2008 hold for me? Live and learn, I guess. Merry CHRISTmas everyone. Jesus still loves you all!

Russian cult update

2007-12-22T14:13:00.000-05:00

I haven't heard about or been able to find much on the Russian cult that has been underground for a month and a half or so. There has not been much media coverage as of late. The group is in the Penza Region about 600km SE of Moscow. Here are a couple recent reports I just found courtesy of Google:

RIA Novosti

Interfax-Religion

Try some Russian / Русский ?

2007-12-22T10:42:00.000-05:00

I have had a hard time letting the Russian language go. So I've been still plugging away at it a bit. There is an awesome free language software site called Before You Know It, check it out -->HERE<--. And in the meantime, try to speak a little Russian

Free software download at byki.com

Learn at Transparent.com