south korea 2011

I am back in South Korea, exactly one year later, and I love it. I am grateful to God, my Creator, for allowing me to see this beautiful country and these wonderful people once again! I don't know what to expect, exactly, but I am confident that God has great things in store.

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art. Thou my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light. Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word; I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord; Thou my great Father, I thy true son; Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight, Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight. Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower. Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power. Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise, Thou mine inheritance, now and always: Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won, May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns Son! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my vision, O ruler of all.

harder than i thought: some recent thoughts

It finally occurred to me, today, that just because something may be God's will, it doesn't make it any easier. I think I have "known" this truth for a while, because of course I believe that obeying the call of God requires life walked down the narrow road... or through the narrow gate. "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many" Matthew 7:13. The fact that the way to destruction is easy clearly implies that the righteous path and pursuit of holiness is difficult. So many people want the easy way, thus many enter into destruction.
I guess believing and knowing isn't quite enough when you aren't living what you believe.

Like I said, it occurred to me, today, that I wasn't living what I so firmly believe.

I think that many people decide to follow Christ because they are in hope of something easier, or something that will make their life better based on terms of prosperity. I have realized that the value of God for who he is, his character, is a major factor in the Christian "faith," or l i f e. Problems occur, though, when we start to value God for his hand, and how much stuff we are given... or  are too focused on the "feeling" that they think they deserve from being a Christian. That's the problem. We think we deserve... or are entitled to certain things, just because we are told that being a Christian will make us happier, or whatever. Don't get me wrong, I am happy... and I would never renounce Christianity. But, a lot people now a days just hear the words happy and  better and say they are a Christian.

I am currently reading a book in my School of Worship at YWAM, Tyler, called "Think Like Jesus," by George Barna. He says this about a Christian life:
"Jesus discussed the reality with His followers, wanting the (and us) to understand that a biblical worldview does not make life easy; it makes our lives pleasing to God and personally rewarding. A life of obedience to God will not be understood or appreciated by a selfish and sinful world. Jesus warned people that obedience to God would brings on rifts with family and friends, financial struggles, public ridicule, legal hassles, death threats, imprisonment, physical attacks, unemployment, misunderstandings, and serious illness. Those who commit themselves to living in full obedience to God will also be more prominently involved in the spiritual battle for their soul. Intentionally and boldly living for God positions you as a prime target for spiritual attacks because Satan recognizes such people as a serious threat to his objectives" George Barna, Think Like Jesus.

It is clear that the way through the narrow gate is not easy.

psalm 90

"Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
You return man to dust and say, 'Return, O children of man!' For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.
You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.
For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of you presence.
For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you?
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!"

Psalm 90

Life is short and precious. This psalm reminds not to take tomorrow, or anything, really, for granted. So, I guess, "make the most of life!"

To "make the most of life" does not imply that we are to fulfill every selfish desire on our bucket list.

coming home, future plans

Yes, now I am at home, here in good, old, northern Minnesota.  It is a blessing to be able to spend time with my family, and see some friends before they all leave for school.  My School of Evangelism at YWAM just ended on August 15, and the whole school (the last 5 months) was great.  To be honest, though, it was probably the hardest 5 months I have had to endure since I have been of "adult age."  Despite the struggle, God used it for his glory, and to grow me as a disciple.  I am overjoyed, that even in our "hard" times God is more than willing to teach us or put us to good use.

Since I have been home, preparation for what is to come is my main priority.  I am planning on going back to YWAM Tyler for a third school: the School of Worship.  I aspire to live with a heart of worship... to praise the Lord in the worst conditions, as well as the best, and I feel that this school will be beneficial, to say the least.  Not to mention, I get the opportunity to put my musical ability into good use, for it is a worship school.  With hope, I will be playing a lot of guitar, singing, and drums.  I am excited.

Like I said, preparation is a priority.  I have been working, and have some other ideas in mind to raise support.  But, to be totally honest... I need help.  I will need $5,500 for the School of Worship, and that covers both the lecture phase and outreach.   Yeah, I know I am young, but this isn't just a temporary lifestyle for me.  It isn't just something to do before college... but the beginning of my life as a son and servant of God.  Any amount of support is a blessing.

Here, take a look at the YWAM Tyler website.  There is information about my next school, and a bunch of others:

ywamtyler.org

crystal clear

Wow, outreach over in Romania has been great so far! During my time in Constanta, a friend Kyle and I ministered at the skate park almost every night. It is cool that God uses our gifts for his glory. I never thought that I would be skateboarding for the sake of the gospel. During the day, though, we were able to be a part of a "kids camp" for gypsy children. They are beautiful children of God... and it is sad to me that most of Europe is cruel to them. Fathers cannot get jobs, just because they are gypsy. Some Romanian parents will send their children to different schools, only because they do not want them around gypsies. Sad.

As a matter of fact, there were two teenage Romanian boys at the kids camp. They were not participating, they were just there watching... smirking... laughing. They asked me to come sit with them and talk... so I did. We started talking and they told me that they came to the kids camp, only to make fun and laugh. They made it very clear to me that they were not gypsy... that gypsies are bad, and they are most definitely Romanian. I asked them why they made fun, and they just said it is funny that we came to hang out with the gypsies. But, as we kept talking about this topic, one kid said "it is good you are here though, because the gypsies are happy. We have never seen them this happy... it is a good thing." He said that we make them happy, and they do not know how. Well, I know how... and who (Jesus Christ!) makes them happy. It was reassuring to me, that even these two kids, who didn't like they gypsies, noticed that we carried a presence... the Holy Spirit... the Joy of the Lord. The two boys told me that they will not make fun anymore, because of the conversation we had... they understand now.

That is the God we serve. Wow.

"For it has been granted to me that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now that I still have." Philippians 1:29-30

It is apparent how we, who call ourselves Christians, are supposed to live. Believing is not enough... having the knowledge and going to church is just not enough. We are called to live as Christ, for he was the PERFECT example for us. Paul endured suffering way beyond what most of us even dream of, and I believe it was because he was a threat to the devil. Yes, the devil caused his suffering, not God. The devil still works this way today... when he notices someone making an impact in the kingdom of God, he will do anything to thwart God's plan; financial problems, prison, disease, and even death. In reading this passage, I realized that maybe my life is not enough of a threat to the devil. Yeah, I am a "missionary," and I want to live sacrificially... but I want the devil to be scared of me. I want the devil to fear God, himself, working through my life.

It is crystal clear how we as Christians are supposed to live.

And later in Philippians 3, Paul goes on to say the he wants to "share in the sufferings of Christ, and become like him in his death." And if Paul was important enough to have his life remembered in the Word of God, the Bible... then what he says must be valid. He must have lived his life, at least, somewhat correctly! We should have this same attitude towards life... this same desire... exact same PASSION to see the Lord's kingdom come on this earth!

constanta, romania

I am certainly overjoyed to be here in Constanta, Romania! Each day, I am struck with an attitude of thankfulness to the Lord, for I cannot believe that he has enabled me to spend my summer this way... to see his kingdom come and his will be done in eastern Europe... to prepare the way of the Lord, whatever you would call it!

We just left Cheb, a small city right on the German border, in the Czech Republic. It saddens me to see that prostitution is a big problem there. German men will drive to Cheb, only to pick up a prostitute... because the "sex is cheaper there." Sad. On a better note, though, I did get to witness the effectiveness of prayer. We had just talked with a woman on the streets, and as she was walking away from us, we noticed a car waiting at the end of the block. Of course it was waiting for her. She walked closer and we began to pray that she would not get in... or that something would stop her from going with the men. She was about to get in the car, when a policeman drove by and flashed on his light and sirens. Immediately... immediately, the girl walked away and the car sped off. Praise the Lord, right!!?

From there we took a series of four trains to get to Constanta... a total of about 30 hours aboard a train. I really enjoyed it, to be honest. I am just happy for some mode of transportation, even if it was super hot and sweaty the whole time. I do not really know what to expect while we are here in Constanta for 10 days. I guess God knows, though... and that is comforting to me. It feels neat to be in the same area that my sister Elona was from. She lived in an orphanage in Belgorod Dnestrovski, Ukraine... which is right on the black sea, close to the Romanian border. I have always wanted to go to this area ever since she became a part of our family... and now, God has let that become reality. Wow.

"O you who love the Lord, hate evil!" -Psalm 97:10 God makes it so clear to us... hate evil. If we love the Lord, we cannot even have the smallest desire to do evil.

prague, czech rep.

Oh, the Lord is good to me. I cannot express my excitement... the reality that God has enabled me to go to Prague, Czech Republic is so crazy to me!

To be honest, my flesh desires are to go sightseeing, check out some cool skateparks and hang out in coffee shops. I am already having to fight even the thought of these things. I do not want my real purpose in being here, in Europe, to take second to what I may desire. While I am here (and for the rest of my life) I want to give up the "rights" I think I have as a human being. The "right" to relax, or the "right" to do what I want to do, when I want. I want to enjoy doing God's will, here in Prague and with my whole life. I know it may not always be comfortable... or desirable from the world's view, but I choose my spiritual desire over my flesh desire. If I go to the skatepark, God willing... let it be only to show the love of Christ. When I go into a coffee shop (which I sure hope is every day!), I want to reflect the love God has shown me... I want my sincere adoration for Christ to overflow here on earth. May your kingdom come and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

"We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, 'The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.' For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the Go and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." Romans 15:1-7