Home Again

As I said in my previous blog, it was a fantastic weekend to see ministry in a culture that isn't American and isn't "Christian Worldview." It's a college area. These students I met were so bright and articulate (even though they talk funny), but they don't have a Christian Worldview at all. Meaning, most of them didn't grow up with a "church" background. I know most of the U.S. doesn't go to church either, but we grew up in a climate of religion. Most of us grew up in some kind of a faith background. We would say, "Well, I grew up _________, but now..."

It's always good to get out of your own culture and see what the rest of the world is like. This campus house is built on relationships and community instead of religion. It's good for me, because I know that this is the present and future reality for ministry in the States in the 21st Century. Right now, most of Parkview grew up Catholic. It's our area. But it's not the way it's going to be for long. We need to learn ministry to people who have no felt need of religion. One of my friends in England said life is like a puzzle and he wasn't sure there were any big pieces missing. Which would be true of any young person with a bright future in front of them. Why do they need Jesus? It's our job to answer that question!

One guy sang at "Open Mic" night on Monday and his song was called "Find the Right Preacher." One of the lines was "Maybe one day I'll challenge him (Jesus) to fix this world and wipe my sins, but for right now I'm on my own. Maybe one day I'll challenge him but in this messed (edited) up world, where do you begin." Those are the questions! Good questions!

This new world is angry about Religion and all her transgressions, but still so open to God. It was very refreshing to me in a weird way. I really hope that Sean and I were able to help Canvas Ministry and give them guidance and encouragement, that was the purpose of the trip. But I came away with such a renewed passion for what I believe is THE ANSWER and how I can present Jesus in this new world.

And the need for Jesus was further realized when I got word that Bailey Schrader passed away. She was one of our Parkview young people, and she and her family have been for years. She was only 17. Bailey was my friend; I will miss her hugs. My daughters were close. This hits home.

THIS is the reason. When my friend in England told me about his puzzle not missing much, I told him he'd left out the "eternal" piece. And he agreed.

This is the eternal piece. John 6:68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

This is why I do what I do. It's why I live my life. Because there is only one person who has the words of eternal life. It's so unbelievably true. I want everyone to hear those words...

Cheers,

Tim

Comments

[One who can't stand 'church people' and can't believe they're at one now :)]

Amen...Tell the world that!
JESUS can do it...if we don't mess it up,
...well, even if we do HE Can!
The stakes are Eternal

[db]

He is also the missing Peace. Thank you for your passion.

[Lisa]

One Who...

Good thing you found Parkview Hospital. We don't like church people either ;)

Tim,
Thank you as always.