Here's Your Sign!!!

You know how I typically post a sign that I've found to be extremely funny, every Friday? Well, I couldn't wait until Friday for this one as I just had to post it immediately. Many of the signs that I post are funny primarily because they didn't set out to be so. Somewhere along the line a 'brain fart' caused them to skip a word or letter, or mistranslate the context of the info they were trying to communicate, which completely altered the meaning of the sign. In today's sign, there was definetely no humor intended, and no mistranslations (though I'm sure the people listed wish there were).

So, we drive to a meeting at a church in a neigborhood called Surulere, and park right in front of this gated community. Evidently the neighborhood association got tired of sending reminders of past-due bills to some delinquent residents, and decided to take more drastic measures. They listed the names, addresses and past-due amounts of all the "chronic debtors" in the homeowners association. What??? What is even more laughable is the fact that a church is one of the listed "chronic debtors." Can you imagine people driving by the gate every Sunday on their way to church and seeing their church name boldly displayed on a sign on the gate. I imagine it's advertising of the worst kind. One thing's for sure, it can't inspire faithful giving at that church.

Funny thing is, apparently as people get caught up on the 'backlog' of their debt, their names are whited out on the sign, but if you look closely enough, you can still read the names under the white paint. How's that for punishing you for your 'crime' of indebtedness. All I can say is: Many of us should be grateful we live in countries where this isn't legal to do (not entirely sure it's legal in Nigeria either, but hey...) Can you imagine your local Publix or Walmart store putting up a large sign of all the 'rubber'checks for the month; names, addresses and amounts included? Or your homeowners association putting up a similar signboard right in front of the club house entrance? I wonder if that would discourage delinquency? Hmmmm, I wonder if...!?!

Life!!!

Hey guys, I'm finally in Lagos, Nigeria. It feels like we flew forever, but I'm glad to report that it was an uneventful flight (which really is the only kind of flight you want). I realize that in the last week I've been on three continents and it really is remarkable when you think about how small our world has become as a result of jet travel and of course the internet. Matthew, a young man from The Well, is the reason I'm in Nigeria. He just graduated from high school and will make Nigeria his home for the next couple of months as he explores and experiences life beyond his comfort zone. You see, Matthew is a young, white male who has never left the shores of the USA.

I'm in no doubt that his reward will be commensurate with the risk he's taken to ensure that he learns about life from a totally unfamiliar perspective. If only we could all be as brave as Matthew and take the plunge towards the unfamiliar and potentially risky venture that God has laid out for us, we would no doubt be much better off for it. So, while you enjoy the relative comfort of your 'familiar' place, Matt and I are off to discover all that Nigeria has to offer a young eighteen-year old man that's trying to find himself. A wise man once said: "He who will find his life, must first lose it." Are you still holding tightly onto yours?

Planes, Trains and automobiles (okay just planes)!!!

It's D-Day yet again! I leave this morning for Lagos, Nigeria on the final leg of my 'three-continent-tour' in three weeks. My body doesn't even try to mess with time zones anymore and just goes to sleep whenever and wherever it wants to (watch out all you drivers). Any way, while I'm looking forward to the trip, more than anythying else I'm looking forward to finally getting back. I guess the strong grace that accompanied my season for extensive and frequent travel, is long over. I love pastoring The Well, and I love being home with my family and my church family, serving our community. So, if you remember, send up a quick prayer for me as I travel over the next week, who knows, I might even see it going by while I'm flying to Lagos. I'll see you on the other side of the Atlantic!!!

Free Children!?!

Didn't anyone tell these folks that baby/children racketeering is illegal? Besides, even if it weren't illegal, with the high cost of living these days, what makes them think that if I purchased two of them I'd want three more for free??? Have a great weekend! :)

Giddy about Guatemala!!!

Sadly, today marks the end of my Guatemala ’08 presentation (I could show you hundreds of photos, but I think the ones I’ve shown over the last week are fairly representative of much of what we experienced). Today I’d like to share a more personal story of Almolonga. Because it has always been my heart’s cry to see the nations of the world bow their knees before our Lord Jesus (my life verse is actually Psalm 2: 8), I have always hungered to make a personal pilgrimage to this place that boasts an amazing story of transformation. On my “Bucket List” this would rank quite highly. All the while we were in Quetzaltenango, I had no idea that we were roughly 20 minutes away from this city. It wasn’t until we were driving to Las Cumbres on the penultimate evening of our visit, that Claudia (our native Guatemalan, and Children’s Ministry pastor) began to tell us the story of this city we would be driving through. The story sounded remarkably familiar to me and so I mentioned that I was familiar with a similar story of a city called Almolonga. She smiled and calmly informed me that that was the very city we would be passing through.

I could have popped an artery! I was apoplectic with joy and, according to the rest of my team, became like a kid in a candy store with more choices than he knows what to do with. I had to take a photo. I had to walk around and ask questions. I had to touch the people. Frustratingly though, because we had to freshen up and return to Quetzaltenango for an appointment with a pastor, we couldn’t stop to sight-see. The next morning we were ready bright and early and headed back into Almolonga. Let me digress for a moment and mention that Guatemala has got to be the stray-dog-capital of the world! We lost count after around 700, and they all look hungry, lean, and mangy, running around in packs scavenging for food in every possible crevice they can find. Not so in Almolonga! The stray dogs were fat and happy, lounging around lazily as if they had also benefited from the prosperity that had hit the region. I was duly informed that they had. Everyone seems to smile in Almolonga, and 9 out of every 10 people are Christians (I’d hate to be the odd one).

Then Claudia suggested that we go take photos in front of the church that was started by the Evangelist whom God used to spark this amazing revival and transformation. Upon our arrival, we discovered that the church was open and so we ventured inside, only to run into two of their elders praying. They were in the middle of a 120 day fast!!! As we talked with them, Claudia said that they asked if we could pray for them. What??? Me, pray for them!?! I couldn’t do it, and asked if they would instead pray for us. Graciously they obliged, and proceeded to anoint each one of us with oil and passionately and fervently call out to Heaven on our behalf. Their wives joined them and you could hear their plaintiff cries as they prayed earnestly for God to touch our lives. I hunger to experience what God has done in Almolonga, in my adopted homeland of the USA. I have seen revivals come and go, but I have never witnessed a complete transformation of a city because of the touch of God. Imagine Orlando, FL, the entertainment capital of the world, without bars, brothels, or jails. Unimaginable you say. Well, that’s only because you don’t know the God I serve. Thank you Guatemala for reminding us of what is truly important.

To Him who is able to do exceeding, abundantly...

The story of the spiritual transformation of the city of Almolonga, Guatemala is unparalleled in the annals of recent church history. Perched at approximately 14,000 feet above sea level, this was a 'barren' city steeped in poverty, where alcoholism was the conventional pastime. Men were unruly, drunken, wife-beaters, living only for the next drink. Even though farming was the primary means of sustenance, the ground hardly yielded enough crop for the local families to feed.

Then someone had an idea that God could change a city through His love and power. This local preacher began to preach the Gospel, highlighting above everything else, the love of a God who could heal, forgive and restore. This small 'shanty town' built of corrugated metal shacks and wood, populated by 36 bars, and a large jail to house the unruly wife-beaters, suddenly began to pay attention. The story of their transformation was so captivating and inspiring, that George Otis Jnr. did a magnificent video production titled "Transformations" which featured, Kiambu, Kenya; Cali, Columbia; Hemet, California and Almolonga, Guatemala.

As hearts were healed, marriages restored, and alcoholism cured supernaturally, the number of bars went from 36 to 3. When we visited a few days ago, we were informed that there are no bars in Almolonga. There is no jail or prison (it has been converted to a community center) and they are now affectionately known as "America's Vegetable Garden." By their own admission, the crop they produce is supernatural since they are farming the same soil as previously, and are not doing anything differently. They produce carrots the size of your forearm, and their farms look like gardens laid almost vertically into the sides of the mountains. Everyone is prosperous in Almolonga. We observed, wide-eyed, as everyone seems to smile as they go about their business. There are churches on every corner, banks every few doors down, and even a Western Union.

Their corrugated shacks have been replaced by block buildings (still being built, as you can tell by the photos), and they purchase their Mercedes Benz delivery trucks with cash from their bumper harvests. How dare anyone suggest that God cannot transform a city through prayer, love, and faithful service. Behold: Almolonga, Guatemala!!! I'll tell you more tomorrow. Enjoy the photos.

Chicken anyone?

Our first meal in Guatemala was at Pollo Campero (arguably the McDonalds of Guatemala), a really popular chicken place. The chicken was absolutely delicious and it prepared us for the long and grueling four and a half hour drive up to the mountains of Quetzaltenango. We settled into our hotel at about 10.00pm (which was really midnight on the East Coast) knowing that we had a long day ahead of us at the Battered Women's Shelter.

Joey, our Community Relations Pastor, was really taken by the kids at the Battered Women's Shelter, we nicknamed him the Pied Piper, as the kids flocked to him continuously. It was such an experience as many of the kids generally spend much of the day entertaining themselves while their mothers do all the chores that keep the shelter running from day to day. With some of us doing their chores, and others playing with, entertaining, and ministering to the kids, the mothers had a chance to put their feet up for the first time in a long time. The little boy in the 'hoodie' was very aloof initially as his mother was in the hospital and so he was all alone at the shelter, where they'd only been living for about a week. He wandered around aimlessly, completely devoid of emotions and we couldn't even get him to smile. After a few hours, he was laughing and playing and telling us stories. It truly warmed my heart to be able to bring a measure of joy to his life amongst so many others. Tomorrow I will begin to talk about the story that impacted me the most and I'll have photos to go along with the story.

Glorious Guatemala!!!

This was truly an inspiring and rewarding trip. Clyde is carrying one of the young students from the elementary school we ministered at. We handed out school supplies, candy and scriptures to every single class and student.
I was incredibly proud of my fifteen year old daughter, as she prayed for the students in the middle school. It was such a delight to see her loving on the students and embracing them across the language barrier, especially since it was her very first mission trip.

I challenged the students to give me the location of a specific verse in the Bible so that they could earn a $20.00 bill. A young lady won the challenge and wide-eyed, came forward to receive her prize. Considering that the Guatamelan Quetzal exchanges for 7.5 Quetzales to $1.00, she made more than enough money to go shopping for some new shoes and clothes.
Giddy middle school girls are the same from one continent to another. These young ladies were so pleasant, and eager to find out all about American culture. Claudia, our childrens pastor (who is from Guatemala) was happy to answer all their questions.
The penultimate night of our trip was spent at a beautiful resort over 14,000 feet in the mountains, called Las Cumbres. It's a resort built on a natural warm springs, so their steam sauna's were incredibly therapeutic and refreshing. The view from my room made nonsense of the theory of evolution, as only a loving and creative God could have made such beauty and splendor.

This is a photo of Karen, my daughter Bimi, and I. Karen is the only woman whose underwear I have ever washed (including my wife). Karen is an abuse victim that lives at the battered women's shelter where we ministered on our first day in Quetzaltenango. A mere seventeen years old, Karen has a baby that she has refused to bond with (we speculate that she was the victim of incest or rape). Suspicious of men, we finally persuaded Karen to allow Bimi and I to do her entire load of laundry for both herself and her baby son. We cleaned, washed, cooked, swept, mopped and served the women and children at the shelter, while providing a supply of milk for the children, along with clothes and shoes, and of course, 'tons' of candy. Karen turned out to be the sweetest little girl. It was truly difficult for me to accept that she was literally two years older than my daughter, yet had been exposed to such a vile and sordid life. It was a privilege to serve and love on these women and their children.
These two photos (above and beneath) were taken at the elementary school where we did a special drama presentation which really inspired the kids to think about their choices, and understand how freeing God's love is. Over the next few days I'll be posting a few more photos with some really inspiring stories.

I`m so fulfilled!!!

I´m back in Guatemala City after an amazingly fulfilling time of ministry. The most impacting thing to happen to me on this trip was being able to visit Almolonga, Guatemala, and be anointed with oil and prayed for by leaders from the church that began the move of God that transformed the city into a completely Christian city. There are no jails, no brothels, no bars... and the best thing is that the land has been `redeemed`alongside the people. They are known as America´s vegetable garden, and they produce carrots as big as my forearm. I can´t wait to show you pictures and give you more details about this amazing trip. Right now I`m off to jump in the jacuzzi and enjoy a little `me`time. I´ll see you on Monday with pictures and stories. Have a great weekend.

Wonderful technology!!!

Woo hoo, I´m in an Internet Cafe in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala (about 4.5 hours drive from Guatemala City). It´s the first one we´ve seen and I never thought I´d be so glad for technology. I´m literally posting this blog just to tell you that I found an Internet Cafe as we have very little time to indulge in such ´frivolous´pasttimes as the Internet. Any way, I will more than likely be able to post a more comprehensive blog on Friday when we´re back in Guate City. Meanwhile, you need to know that we are having the time of our lives and loving the people and their country. Pictures and details to come, so watch this space.

Here I go again!

It's D-Day again! I leave today for Guatemala, with a team from The Well. It promises to be a really fulfilling and exciting trip, especially since my 15-year old daughter gets to experience the joys of serving others through a mission trip for the first time in her life. I am also thrilled at the opportunity to be able to experience God's love through the eyes of another culture. I pray that our team will be extensions of His hands and heart. I pray that we will remember that we are not the 'experts' but simply tools in the 'Master Builders' hands. I pray that we will remember that it is more blessed to give than it is to receive. But most of all, I pray that we will always be reminded of the privilege we have to live in a nation that makes it possible for us to serve others. I truly am looking forward to the 'adventure' that God has in store for us, and I look forward to giving you daily (depending on several factors) updates from the road. Watch this space, and if you get bored watching, then spare a moment to say a prayer for our team.

Huh????

Okay, last weeks Frivolous Friday post had to do with my brothers 'exciting train escapade' where he got caught on my train heading out to Wales from London. As you can well imagine, his entire day was shot by the time he made it back to Euston station, and his colleagues didn't let him live that one down. Today I wanted to continue the Welsh theme (don't panic Usman, it has nothing to do with the train ride) at least not directly! Anyway, I got talking to this really pleasant lady on the return journey to London, and during our conversation I discovered that the town with the longest name in the world is actually located on the Island of Anglesey in North Wales. The town is called, wait for it... drum roll please...

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

Yes, you read it right (or at least attempted to), all 58 letters! So, a couple of thoughts. How do you fill out the immigration card asking for the name of your hometown when you travel? How does spell check ensure that you spelt it correctly? How does your teacher know that you spelt it correctly on a test? Anyway, it would appear that they thought of all that before naming the town so they came up with a more acceptable and easier abbreviation: The town is called "Llanfair PG" pronounced something like "Chlaver PG." The actual English translation of the name of the town is: "The church of St. Mary in the hollow of white hazel trees near the rapid whirlpool by St. Tysilio's of the red cave" (You can't make this sort of stuff up). Oh, in case you were wondering, the train station has the full name spelled out on the signpost (see photo above), no short cuts for these Llanfair PGans. Have a great weekend :)

Are you kidding me!?!

It's hard to believe that this is a video of my almost 18-year-old son posted on you-tube. It seems like yesterday that we were wiping the snot from his nose, and photographing him buck naked sitting on a potty. I am incredibly proud of his committment to work hard and accomplish the goals he has set for himself. I love the fact that he sees himself both as his own greatest competition and his greatest impediment to success. I have intentionally been low key lately about blogging about what's going on with him as he focuses on his senior season of high school, having made the decision where he's going to be playing college football next year.

However, this was hard to pass up. Demi works out at a place called Davis Training Systems, a place highly reputed to train some of the best athletes in the state. The deadlift record for college athletes that train at DTS is 590 pounds, while the record for pro athletes is 675 pounds. My son, in the video above, just matched the pro-athletes record by deadlifting 675 pounds. This kid is getting stronger by the day and he currently weighs 250 pounds, runs a 4.71 forty yard dash, and bench presses 375 pounds (and he hasn't even begun his senior year of high school yet). I can't wait to see what he accomplishes as he doggedly pursues the goals he's set for himself. Watching my son reminds me that, no matter how difficult the journey, I must remain committed to persevering until the goal is accomplished. Another lesson in leadership from my teenage son!!!

Discontented!!!

I know, I know, you're wondering if I'm schizophrenic or something. I mean, my last post was titled "Contented" and in the space of a couple of days I'm posting another blog titled "Discontented"? I can assure you that it has nothing to do with the water or with being on two different continents over the last couple of days, so let me clarify: I'm thoroughly discontented with my effectiveness as a Christian! I so desperately want to make a difference in the lives of the people that I come in contact with. I want my Christianity to speak volubly without me ever saying a word, if that makes sense! As I've processed the impact of last Sunday's four services in London, the thing that stood out to me the most is the hunger of the people who responded to the message. The altar was full of people weeping and crying out to God for more. People who are, themselves, discontented with their Christian witness. This would appear to be a universal heart cry. So the question is, what do we do about it?

I've spent the summer reading some pretty amazing books that have completely 'ruined' me for good. These books seem to echo the same longing in my heart, but they go a little further and profer solutions to how they think we can change the way we do what we do, for greater effectiveness. While I don't necessarily endorse verbatim everything that's written in these books, I love their radical approach to a new way of doing church in a new and ever changing world that's looking for relevant answers to everyday questions.

Peppermint-filled pinatas reminds us that our neighbors aren't just the guys that live next door. The Shack radically challenges our view of what God looks like in any given situation. Unchristian 'undresses' the truth about how we are viewed by those whose impressions matter most if we are to make a difference in their lives. They like Jesus but not the Church explores similar ideas to Unchristian but brings its own unique perspective. Finally, I've been most impacted by a book titled Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza. It's the story of a Rwandan genocide survivor who spent 91 days in a 3' by 5' bathroom with seven other women while being hunted by bloodthirsty killers who sometimes were perched right outside the bathroom window so that their deadly conversations were clearly heard by the hiding women. Are you discontented? Have you read anything lately that has 'ruined' you? Please share.

Contented!!!

I'm resting today! It's been a packed but amazing extended weekend. I spent Thursday and Friday nights in a little village in Wales called Penegroes. It has the most verdant, rolling hills you've ever seen, and looks like it was taken right out of a picture postcard... wait a minute, this is the photograph they put on picture postcards when they're trying to entice you to visit Wales with all of its mystery and exotic history. On Saturday I rode the train for seven hours back to London (no one was 'trapped' on the train this time), where I went directly to the gym with my brother and his buddy. My brother made sure that I paid for blogging about his 'unplanned trip' by putting me through the most rigorous workout routine. I'm still feeling intense pain with every keystroke. I collapsed into bed on Saturday night only to wake up early and leave home at 7.30am for the Sunday services I was preaching at.

Yes, it wasn't a typo, I did say services. I spoke at 4 services yesterday. I spoke at an 8.30am, 10.30am and 12.30am service. Then I did some counseling and then spoke at the 6.00pm service. I got home at about 9.30pm last night, and it was all I could do to get out of my clothes and crawl into bed completely exhausted but totally fulfilled. I love what I do! I love and enjoy the privilege of speaking into people's lives and watching the 'light come on' as something clicks into place for them. I've thoroughly enjoyed this time in the UK. Sadly however, my youngest sister, who lives in Nigeria, flew into the UK today with her two kids and my younger brother's son, but I don't get to see them (though I did get to speak with them on the phone). They are heading straight to Wales while I'm firmly esconced in London as I fly back home tomorrow morning.

I am truly grateful for family. Seeing, and speaking with so many members of my extended family over the last week has really brought into focus what is value to me. I enjoy ministry. I enjoy hanging out with friends. I enjoy traveling. I enjoy getting new clothes, shoes, and other gifts. But I truly cherish family, speaking of which, I can hardly wait to see my wife and kids tomorrow. I wonder if I go to bed early tonight I can make tomorrow come sooner?