Last weekend I was honored to be asked to speak to the youth group of The LaSalle Street Church about what it is like to be a disciple of Jesus Christ over a life time. As speakers go I was in pretty rarified air as Tony Campolo and Mary Darling, who co-authored a book entitled "The God of Intimacy and Action- Reconnecting Anciet Spiritual Practices, Evangelism, and Justice", were the main speakers for the weekend. Back in the days of Vaudeville it was said that the worst thing that could happen to someone who had an act was to follow either an animal act or one that featured a young child. Following a speaker as dynamic as Mr. Campolo can make ones confidence wither rather quickly. Thankfully we were not speaking to the same audience nor were we in the same building at the camp. That is the only thing that saved me. Had I followed him literally, or been scheduled before him... I would have crumbled. The Lord was merciful with me.
I have asked the leadership of Timber Bay to consider me as a candidate for ministry in their organization. My desire is to be what they call an area director. My duties would be to develop a Timber Bay ministry to "at risk youth" somewhere near where I live. I am hoping that I could build a ministry, with their help, in the Maple Grove/Osseo region. That ministry would bring the message of God's love and saving grace through Jesus Christ to young people who face very difficult challenges in their lives. Those challenges may be due to family circumstances, poverty, violence, drug abuse, alcohol abuse and more. Timber Bay has a wonderful camp that they use to bring at risk youth to, so they can "unplug" from their difficult circumstances for a time, calm their souls, and perhaps more clearly hear the call of The Holy Spirit. The cabin pictured above is one of the most beautiful ones on the campus. It was built by some of the youth who are brought to the camp. How cool is that?!
One of my Facebook Friends commented about how much despair they felt about life in general. They actually used the term pain. I suggested to this person that perhaps they should try to focus on the "pain of others." Doing so could be part of following Jesus's commandment to love others more than yourself. In serving those "others" who were in pain, perhaps the personal pain they were feeling, would to a great degree, subside. I wasn't suggesting that this person get in over their head. I suggested that perhaps they could find someone to simply pray for. How powerful that is! The question came back, "I don't know anyone in pain." I then gave some suggestions as to where to look for those suffering, either physical or emotional, and I am quite sure that if this person looks in those places they will find what they are looking for. Pain is all around us. Those who suffer, they are more common than we allow ourselves to believe. Physical pain can be terrible. C.S. Lewis said that "God shouts to us in our pain." Emotional pain can be some of the most intense there is in life. And spiritual pain can be beyond description.
I have always had a heart for those in pain, for the weak, for those who suffer from disadvantages that are not of their making.
I was asked by the president of Timber Bay why I want to serve with them in the capacity I mentioned. I think I gave a pretty clear response to that question in my interview. However, I was not satisfied with what I said. Not totally in disagreement with it, just not satisfied. In Mr. Campolo and Mary Darling's book I came across an account that Ms. Darling told. It was a story about one of John Wesley's personal heroes. Mr. Wesley was the founder of the Methodist movement in England and is credited with bringing about many great movements for social justice within the British Empire saving it from the revolution and destruction that fell upon France during and after its revolution. One person John Wesley admired was Monsieusr de Renty who was spiritually awakened when he read Thomas a Kempis's "Imitation of Christ". He "resolved seriously to pursue the one thing needful, the working out of his salvation," in the words of John Wesley. The following paragraph, also quoted from Mary Darlings contribution, is the clearest explanation I have found as to "Why I want to work with Timber Bay."
As told by Mary Darling; page 88 "The God of Intimacy and Action."
"Another story involves a young woman who had been abused by her uncle. Because she had been so badly treated by her uncle, the woman believed that Jesus had abandoned her. Her sense of abandonment made her feel not only unworthy of God, but also angry with God. She even took communion several times a day to spite God, in the hope that she would provoke God to kill her. When de Renty was told about this woman, he rushed out to find her. Wesley records that when de Renty finally found the woman, eight days later, he "took so great care both of her soul and body that she returned to herself and gave ample testimonies of her repentance."
That is my heart for at risk kids. I want to take such good care of them physically and spiritually that they will come to a healing and life giving relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. That is why.
The photo of a gentleman signing a check is that of my good, and life long friend, Jeffrey Brown. He is a social worker who specializes in child and family counseling. He is a follower of Christ and he lives out his faith each day working to bring healing to broken and difficult lives. The check he is signing is a faith gift to me for my future ministry. It is the first "funds raised" for my work with Timber Bay should I be approved. Interestingly, at the signing of the check nothing was official. As of today I have not heard directly that I have been excepted, but I have been told it is just a formality. Background checks and the like have to be done. There should be no problem. Still, what a blessing to have a friend say "yes" to my hearts desire. What a wonderful affirmation.
The photo of the youth group below Jeffrey is that of The LaSalle Street Church. Their youth pastor, the red headed guy with the big smile, is my son-in-law Devin. Yep, I had connections in high places. He has a wonderful group of young people and he is doing a great job of "leading them in the paths of righteousness."
The top photo is of the latest Timber Bay group camp done this fall. You can also click on the title of this post and it will take you to the Timber Bay website if you would like to get more information.
