God Working

O LORD, you are my God; 

I will exalt you and praise your name, 

for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, 

things planned long ago." 

 Isaiah 25:1

The Lord's work is happening with Resonate every week!  I am so thankful to see  young men and women come to trust in their Lord.  Our house is packed, so we'll be moving to church starting in January.  I am thankful that God continues to be faithful in this ministry.  A young man from class at Pierce College is working through his spiritual journey.  I am thankful for God's providence and His Spirit working through me!  I am thankful for my church and it's staff!  God has blessed our family with  amazing godly support!  I am thankful for the young ladies pull toward my wife!  She's an amazing blessing.

Pray that God would continue to move over the next year.  Pray for less of us and more of Him.  Pray for grace, love, hope and freedom!

Update

Things have been absolutely crazy here!  Our Thursday evening program has packed out our small living room so we're looking to transition that to the church after Christmas.

On another front, I've been serving with Bethany's churchplant, called Whitewater, as the interim Children's Ministry Director.  It's kept me very busy, but church planting will always be close to my heart, so I've enjoyed it.  It's amazing to see this ministry bringing people into the kingdom on a regular basis.

Lastly, I would like to ask for prayer for someone in the college choir I sing in.  God's brought me into his life to speak the gospel, and I think he's close to making a decision!

I will update you more in the next few weeks!

Emily and I (and Kyrianna) are also prepping for a two week vacation to Mexico!

Resonate - Bibletime

"Sometimes we can get caught up in the fancy world of PR and message "tweaking."  We seek to take our goals, principles, mission/vision, messages, etc. and we try to roll them all into a name and tagline.  Maybe we spend weeks shaping and refining just the right language to make our message appealing enough to cause change.  The recent presidential debates and just that.  Real messages and goals get morphed into popularly appealing ear candy with no real substance at all.

* * * * *

Today, for resonate, I want to take a step back and boil things down to the core.  Phillipians 2:3-4 gives a vision for what resonate is all about:

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

Resonate is about removing self and elevating others. In simple terms, Paul shows us a path to Christianity that removes pride, preconceived notions, and judging that is often associated with Christianity, and puts humility first.  Christ would have us lay aside our own inhibitions and struggles, even our weaknesses, and seek to give a hand to those around us.  Resonate, and all college or young adult ministry is, at its simplest, about being the hands and feet of Christ.

Resonate - Renew (pt. 3)

The third and last part of what we do at resonate is "renew."  I  talked about part 1 here and part 2 here if you missed it!  This last component is a challenge to all those in the family, whether new born christians, or part of the old guard, the constant renewal of the soul is important in how we live every day!

* * * * *

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" II Corinthians 5:17

This verse really encapsulates what the life of a Christian is all about.  At first glance it appears to many outside the family that God will make our life into a new one, where are pain and suffering disappear.  Some even take it to mean that we will have health, prosperity, and nothing but good times on the horizon.  We know, however, that this simply isn't the case.  God's renewal of our hearts is a never-ending process.  The old-fashioned, big, theological word for this process is called sanctification. This basically means that Christ and His Spirit remain in us to make us new every day.  It is a journey that will last until Christ comes again, and one that I will gladly accept in my life, even when it may not be a pain free ride.  

In our college ministry, we strive to see this renewal in our committed core of Christians.  We pray that we will see true discipleship happening, and that lives are changed for the Christian and for those in that Christian's circle of influence!  That's what resonate is all about!

Cider Party

We had a great time two weeks ago at resonate, making fresh apple cider from our apple trees!  Here are some pics of the process!  Thanks to Emily for taking the pics.

Jordan and I making the cider.  We had it down to a science!

Molly, one of our awesome ladies helping!

I love this shot of the cider collecting in the big steal pan.

Resonate - Restore (pt. 2)

This last week at resonate we talked about the second theme from our tagline, relate, restore, renew.  Restoration is extremely important, especially as it relates to non-christians.  (If you missed it, here's part I).

* * * * * *

Not many people know this, but I had originally wanted to name resonate "parched."  After getting made fun of for a very long time by the other youth guys (who are still giving me crap about it), I decided to change the name to resonate.  They both have something in common - both are about the restoring power of the gospel.  In Isaiah 55 we get a picture of someones life without the gospel - a parched, dry and weary landscape.  The gospel, Jesus in motion, calls all those who are weary and thirsty to come to the waters.  Jesus echoed this same message in the gospels - come to Jesus to find restoration.  If you are hurting, sick, beaten and battered, come to Jesus and he will give your rest and acceptance.  His love can overcome being parched.  In John 10:10 Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."  If we join the family, Jesus promises us a full life.  It may not be easy, but the process of restoration gives us a life worth living.  

If life is dragging you places you don't want to go, give up your hold on the world and let Christ give you life worth living.

Class Begins Today

Today I start taking concert choir at Pierce College five days a week.  It will definitely keep me busy!

Resonate - Relate (pt. 1)

Months back, after a fairly lengthy process, we chose Resonate as the name for our group.  We had seen it elsewhere and loved the energy and focus that we wanted to see in our young adults here at Bethany.  By now we have a cool logo with a tagline - what this means is that it's time to learn what resonateing is all about - starting with "relate."

* * * * *

Relating and relationship are huge in the christian walk of each disciple.  Not only is a disciple building relationship with Christ, but also with those that they meet every day.  At resonate the focus is based on two questions.  First, how does Christ encounter disciples in their own lives, and second, how should disciples then encounter others?  To put it differently, it's the vertical relationship with Jesus, and then the horizontal relationship with others that are primary.  

Jesus spent all of eternity getting to know the Father, was sent to this earth to bring the gospel to all, and then spent three years building relationship with his disciples before he ever got the great commission. 

To many the idea of building relationship with the God seems scary.  After all God should be feared and when we fail Him, we feel nothing but guilt.  But Revelation 3:20 puts things in context for us, "Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."  This is great news!  If we simply want him, all we have to do is invite him!  Even if it's been 10 days, 10 weeks, 10 years, that doesn't matter to God!  If we invite Jesus in to our hearts, he will come and eat with us!  His desire is to know us, and be known by us!  And the way it describes relationship here with sharing a meal.  

So if we have this part down, if we are disciples and have relationship with Him, that's great, but the challenge I laid down to the young adults is that we can step it up a notch!  We can take the example of Christ, building relationships with his disciples, and with us, as an example of what we should be doing!  

So I've set the challenge.  We've prayed over our campus.   We've talked about reaching others with the gospel and now that journey begins.  It begins simply, with relationship.   With a conversation - one where we actually listen.  And over time, a relationship bathed in prayer, has more power to see the gospel enter in, than any other method.  

"Father may lives be changed through me.  Use me to build relationships with others for your glory."

Never forget...

9/11 is a big day.  Talking about and remembering what happened that day is important.  Sharing with the next generation (tactfully) is also huge.  I will never forget that day.  May God bless our country and our leaders and protect us!

What I've Learned So Far - 5 Keys to College Minstry

When I signed on for this job at Bethany Baptist Church, I knew it would be a challenge.  Ministering to college students and young adults is hard enough; throw in a hipster culture with a majority of people that aren't Christians, and you've got a recipe for failure.  Here's what I've learned so far:

* * * * *

number 1.  It's not about success (or numbers)

Many ministries that I've seen over the years make ministries out to be about numbers.  Not only how many people are there, but success is also defined in terms of the type of person and how much they're involved.  The perfect student-ministry individual is there 5-7 days a week, looks hip and cool, has amazing talent in the arts or in music, and has a good "face."  What we should really be creating are students of depth regardless of who they are, that want to see kingdom change through the renewal that only the gospel of Jesus Christ can bring.  Imagine a ministry that if full of people that don't care how loud the music is, but instead are serving as Christ served.

number 2.  Be consistent

If you say that you're going to be there at 10:30, be there at 10:30.  The one time I have been late so far, I was late because the person I was meeting was always late.  Guess what?  He/she showed up 20 minutes early!  Time isn't the only way to be consistent though.  It's important to have a weekly meeting to start, and to have a regular rhythm to that meeting.  Young adults really desire depth of teaching and consistency based on excellence.

number 3.  W.A.I.T.

When I meet people for coffee or lunch I have to repeat this mantra that my Sr. Pastor gave us in church one Sunday:

Why Am I Talking.  'Nuff said.

number 4.  Move at the pace of relationship

This may come as a shock to some, but this principle is pretty new to me.  I'm an intellectual fixer.  I like to fix stuff - even people.  Be wary of such tendencies, and be wary of expectations for a cool, huge, worship-kick-butting ministry.  Move as a ministry at the pace of relationship.  Don't let a tendency for programming to push aside the need to establish and build relationship with your core, even if you have to sacrifice numbers to do so.  People want true connections.  Make sure to give them time and space to make that happen.

number 5.  Be about the Gospel

If your primary goal isn't being a part of the gospel resonating in the lives of these students and young adults, you're focussing on the wrong thing!  Keep the gospel central to anything you do.  Let every decision from office hours to worship songs to programming ideas be fed through the lens of the gospel.  If the idea or song isn't about reaching people with the gospel, you'll have to go back to the drawing board.  

Resonate with a Purpose

This past Thursday night at resonate we went on a little field trip.  We went out to dinner (Jimmy Johns is awesome) and then met over at the Pierce College campus.  It's in-between summer session and fall session so we had the place virtually to ourselves.  I wanted to share with you what I shared with my group.

*  *  *  *  *

It's been awesome so far being a part of this journey as a college-aged ministry.  I've met dozens of people, played some ultimate frisbee, cooked lots of hot dogs at my house, gone to a ton of lunches, and even learned to play some new games along the way.  I'm so thankful for the people God is already bringing into my life through this ministry.  As we finished our last resonate of the summer, I thought it important to look around at the campus, and to look forward into the future of resonate.

The campus we were on was nothing special, but hidden behind the normal college stuff, I challenged them to see a grander picture.  One in which evangelism through relationship reigns and the gospel of Jesus Christ is delivered in a way that leads to restoration, renewal, and relationship.  If we were bold enough to let God use us in our normal, everyday lives, he would cause us to be instruments of grace to our friends and acquaintances.  It's a future filled with grace, love, hope and acceptance for a largely hope-deprived group of people.

My challenge to you is to let God use you in the same way.  Whether you're a stay at home mom, a work-aholic dad, or a retired soldier, God can use you wherever you are.  I pray that our souls would long for God and that we would love one another by laying down our lives, our relationships, our time, and our effort, all in the name of Jesus our Savior.

"My command is this:  Love each other as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends."  John 15:12-13 (ESV)

Whitewater

This past Sunday I had the chance to visit the church plant of my church.  It's called "Whitewater."  What a great experience!  The focus of the plant is on building relationships first, pouring into their lives, and then seeing God work.

It's amazing to see new Christians, learning the gospel and living it out!  The pastor, George (the third), is the pastor of Bethany's son.  He's awesome!  He was just telling me that for their leadership training session on Sunday night, 10 out of the 20 people that were there were Christians for less than a year!   It's really amazing to see God using these spiritual infants, building them up, and equipping them to go out and transform the community with the gospel.

Resonate has the chance to do the same.  Be praying that God would open doors to non-Christians and that His gospel resonates in the hearts and souls of young adults in this area!

A Week (or two or three) in the Life

Ever wondered what a youth guy actually does with all that time?  Here's a look at my schedule the last few weeks!

July 24 - July 29th
Returned from vacation and started off Tuesday with meetings all day.  Planned worship for Sunday night worship and prayer night, sponsored by student ministries.  The whole church is invited.  Worked all day Wednesday to pull music, get the band set, practice, etc.  Thursday was lost in a blur prepping for Resonate at 6pm.  Cleaning the house is essential!  Stayed up well past midnight playing games.  Took Friday off to go fishing.  Saturday was family day.  Sunday taught a resonate lesson to an adult Sunday School class.  Stayed at church all day to practice for Worship and Prayer.  Reset the youth room with lamps, cloth, etc.  The night went off without a hitch even though we didn't have a drummer.


July 30th - August 5th
Took Monday off after a 15 hour day on Sunday.  Tuesday had meeting, planned and pulled music for youth leading worship in all 3 services for youth Sunday.  Spent all day Wednesday practicing.  Studied what worship is so I can teach that during worship on Sunday morning.  Prepped for the youth ushers, helpers, etc.  Thursday Resonate strikes again.  I also get the slides ready for Sunday morning.  Small turnout, but a good time nonetheless.  Friday and Saturday spent at the family cabin.  Sunday means a very early morning.  Practice music at about 6:30am, drummer doesn't show.  Frantic hour as we finally get a friend of the bass player to come by and play.  Worship rocks!

August 6th - August 12th
Another monday off after a thick week.  Tuesdays full of meetings, emails, Facebooking, and calls.  Setup Friday missions project for college group pulling weeds at an elderly woman's house.  Get some time to do initial prep for sermon for church on 19th on the Triumphal Entry.  Thursday Resonate rocks!  Great turn out!  A new guy that's a marginal atheist comes by!  We had a fire in our firepit and play games.  We also talk about the flood in our Story of God series.  Friday morning weed pull goes well, then off to the cabin with the fam.  Had a great spiritual conversation with a neighbor at the cabin.  I invited him to church on the 19th.  I was caught off my guard as he went super deep, super-theological!  It was a fun discussion!  Sunday spent helping the youth ushers and sound guys again.

Looking forward to the 19th...
Monday blog update and sermon prep.  Resonate.  Prep for Worship and Prayer on Sunday night.  More sermon prep.  Then my first big time sermon for all 3 services on Sunday!   Woot!

I need more vacation!  But I love it!  May God bless this summer as it comes to a close!

The View from Our Rental for the Week

You see beautiful Flathead Lake in NW Montana with the Swan range in the background!

Vaca!

The whole family will be on vacation for at least a week to Montana!  I can't wait to see my family and see some great MT scenery!

Resonate - A normal Thursday night...

Right now = 10:29pm.  A small group of students are in my kitchen, surrounding the table, talking, laughing, and playing "Munchkin" with me wife.  Gotta love college ministry!

The Art of Storying

For years I've had experience being on the receiving end of bible teaching.  My family was always the family that went to Sunday School, church, and any weekly event for church.  Wrap that up with 9 years of Lutheran school and I have a pretty good idea of how to teach the bible.  Not to mention, I've now taught the bible in some form for almost 15 years and I have a bachelor's degree in it!  I've even taken a few seminary classes, so obviously I have to know what I'm doing, right?

Well, the problem with all of that learning, both by seeing it done and by doing it, is that almost every time I saw the Bible taught, it was in the same, boring way.  There's a message (sometimes scripture, sometimes not) that the speaker/teacher is trying to get across.  That message is wrapped up in an outline full of intellectual information, personal stories, and web-researched sermon illustrations that all support the main point.  At the very end everything is put together in a brief moment of application.  This method is often one that is great for Christians, but has so much insider language that it is completely inappropriate to those that don't have sufficient knowledge of "Christianese."

* * * * *

Storying is a method of teaching the Bible that seeks to be open to people that are on their spiritual journey, even if it isn't a Christian one (yet).  Using this approach, a non-Christian feels less intimidated to participate.  Storying actually got its start in oral traditions and grew from there.  In fact, it has been used in missions for some time.  Only recently has this method been applied in mainline evangelicalism.  

For resonate the usefulness of Storying is that it can bridge the gap between those that grew up in the church, and the larger majority of young adults here in Puyallup that have no Christian background at all.  The step from the meeting on the ultimate frisbee field to coming to a ministry group is no longer a giant leap; now it's a much more normal step!

For more on storying visit here or here.  

and so it begins...resonate

Long time, no post, but boy has it been busy.  It's been a few weeks filled with dozens of coffee meetings, launching a new ministry, and working out the details.  We're also trying a new style of bible study called "storying."  I'll write more on that once we've done it a few more times.

Summer seems to be a very busy time for us.  In the next few months I think Emily and I have maybe one weekend off without plans.  We have a trip to Montana to visit my family, VBS (Emily is leading the music), high school camp (which I will be attending), worship nights, youth led worship on Sunday morning, resonate every Thursday night, and preaching in church in August.  Not to mention we have company a lot over the course of the summer with our friend Jacob Lusk visiting, and Emily's folks flying in tomorrow!  WOW!

There is excitement in all this business, and all that "new start" stuff!  But we must remember not to get carried away by all the details and events, not to get lost in the business.

* * * * *

The new young adult and college ministry of Bethany Baptist Church is called resonate.  Our purpose is to allow God to use us to resonate in our communities and classrooms, our schools and jobs.  Imagine if everyone laid down their life, sacrificing all, to the point that they let God lead them in every moment, every interaction!  We want to see life transformation that only our God of love and grace can bring.  We want hope!  And we pray that God would use us as instruments of grace to relate, restore and renew the lives of those that we touch!

Welcome to resonate!

resonate...coming soon...

Back and Back

Well last week was a long week.  I got the fire pit done in the back yard at the expense of my back which I messed up.  Then the in-laws came and so I did a lot of driving and yard work on a bad back.  Lo and behold, monday morning I sneezed and caused my rebellious back to finally start an insurrection!  Chiropractor on Wednesday, no work for almost the whole week, and more yard work once I healed a bit on Saturday - I gotta love it!

The cool thing is that even in the midst of trials of this world, God is always with us (as some one in the congregation reminded me on Sunday).  And the young adult ministry is growing well, even without much of a work week!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for being you, and working with me being me!

A Confession

I have a secret to confess.  I'm jealous.  In fact, I've been jealous for a long time.  You might be thinking I'm jealous of all those Sounders FC season ticket holders, as the Sounders face the Galaxy tonight.  Perhaps I'm jealous of a new macbook, iphone, ipad or other technological wonder.  Even might I be jealous by the neighbors newer car, bigger house, or shinier lawn mower?  You'd be wrong.

I'm secretly jealous of my senior pastor.  And this isn't the first time.  I've been jealous of other senior pastors, in other churches across this great nation.  And that's not the end of it.  I've been jealous of single, lonely, wasting away, old, black widows, living beneath the poverty line.  I've been jealous of retired teachers, housewives, youth pastors, and even people on their death beds.

What am I jealous of, you ask?  I'm jealous of the time, experience, and relationship that allows someone to talk to God like a long time friend.  I've heard my senior pastor pray many times, and like one of my old teacher colleagues, and another pastor in Florida, I noticed a similarity in how they pray.  They pray as to an old, well-known, and beloved friend.  That best friend that you've done everything with for decades.  The one who will listen to you when you're going off without judging you; the one that will pick you up when you're as low as can be.  The one that wipes away your tears late at night and cheers you on from the sidelines.

I want that.  I want to pray like that.  I want to live like that.  And it begins today, everyday.  One choice, to spend time with God, with Jesus, is all it takes to have that kind of relationship.  I'm not there yet, but check back in forty years.  I'll let you know.

Jesus

I am a Christian.  And I am a complete failure.  I'm not good like Christians should be.  I'm not the nicest person I've ever met.  I am completely unable to follow the Bible's rules for life.  I don't read my bible and pray as often as I should.  I'm not the best dad or husband.  I am a man.  And I am a sinner.

I'm not good enough for Jesus.  Let me say that again - I'm not good enough to be a Christian, a leader, a pastor.  The pressure can weigh down on you in ministry to do good, save souls, work hard, make church goers happy.  I fail, and fail often.  I fall flat on my face.

And Jesus.  Who I'm not good enough for.  Jesus, died for me - for me.  He died for the not good, not nice, sinner of a man that I am.  And no matter if I'm good, or great, I can never be good enough to earn his praise or love.

But I don't have to.  I am a sinner in need of a Savior.  And Jesus died so that I might be free of the weight of my life, my regrets, my faults.  Free at last, I stand redeemed by Jesus, called not to be nice, but to love Jesus.  And even though I can't do everything on my own, I can do that.

The Power of Prayer - 5 Years Later

It's been since 2006.  We've been sending lots of prayers for a wonderful friend, a friend who was lost and didn't even know it.  It's honestly been sad, even depressing at times.  How can this good God of mine leave someone in the dark like that?

And then 6 months ago we moved away to another state, another side of the country - and still we prayed.

Nothing.  No knowledge.  No hope.

But God is a big God.  Sometimes I forget just how awesome He is!  After years of prayer and worry, I heard the amazing news!  God works in mysterious ways and in His own timing.  His love is a love I could never understand, and He loves this person.  And He saved this friend!  Praise the Lord!  Thank you, Jesus!

Easter Sunday

One of the things I've struggled with for a long time in the traditions I grew up in was understanding evangelism.  I was frustrated to read the great commission, Christ's call to spread the gospel, but not have the church act it out.  Once I left the church I grew up in, I tried many other denominations and I found that there are basically (this is a huge generalization, but valid) two types of traditions.

On the one hand, the tradition I grew up in stresses discipleship.  They want to make sure that Christians are acting Christ-like.  On the other side, the other traditions stress evangelism.  They want to see new believers come to know Christ.  The problem for most churches is the balance that must be had with both sharing the good news, and teaching Christians to obey His commands.

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Easter Sunday was an amazing day at my church.  Over 50 people were baptized into the Kingdom - and only God knows how many committed to Him for the very first time!  I was helping baptize up front, during the service.  It was an amazing experience.  Young couples, old men, entire families, dozens of people came out of the crowd in their sunday best to get baptized!

There is such a need in this area for the gospel, the good news, the understanding of love, acceptance and grace that comes with knowing Jesus Christ.  And I had joy unspeakable, watching lives be renewed, that I have never had before!  We will definitely followup with these new Christians as Christ commanded us, but what an awesome experience!  I can't imagine the rejoicing that happened in heaven this past Sunday morning!

Easter

The church is awash with anticipation for Easter week!  Us busy-bees are running around the halls, cleaning carpets, meeting to talk about meetings, and planning for plans.  I had four meetings in a row this morning already before lunch!  It's exciting!

I'm going to be busy with many different aspects that I've been asked to help with, from doing the welcoming at our 10am service on Sunday, to speaking on Friday night a small message about the cross.

The cross.  It's become so many things.  It can be inflammatory, artsy, used as decoration or jewelry.  It can be a religious symbol of freedom, reconciliation, and love or it can be a symbol of religious slavery, mistrust, hate, and intolerance.  And now I have to give a short talk on it?

All I know is that the cross is overwhelming!   I am not sure what to say, but a wonderful hymn came to mind that you might recognize.  I could say a ton here, spouting out a continuos stream of characters and words, but instead, I think that this song says it so much better:

And when I think,

That God, His Son not sparing;

Sent Him to die,

I scarce can take it in;

That on the Cross,

My burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died

To take away my sin.

Then sings my soul,

My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art!

How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul,

My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art!

How great Thou art!

PLU

2005.  That was the year I graduated from college.  Since then, I've been on a college campus maybe a handful of times.  I've visited my alma mater and been on some campuses in Florida and that's about it.

But today, I got to walk on the campus of PLU (Pacific Lutheran University).  It was weird to see just how young everyone looked!  It was cool to have a tour guide, a freshman that attends PLU that helps out in our youth department.  It was amazing to see just how many college-aged students there are in the area.  At times, it seems like they've almost disappeared.  Tomorrow I will be touring the other campus - Pierce College.  The task to reach this age group with the gospel seems daunting at times.  In fact, there are times that I even wish I was an old-fashioned, straight-up missionary, bringing the gospel to the heathens.  Here, there is a dissonance in the culture that makes it seem that I have a mighty mountain to climb.

The good news is, that mountain is not my own!  God is in control, he is sovereign.  And I know that His heart is the same as my own - to know and love these students, one-and-all - to seek to see them move toward Christ on their spiritual journey - to see life-change - to know Jesus' love!

Pray for us as we begin this journey, that Christ would give us humble hearts of grace and mercy.  That he would equip us to do His good work!  That lives would change!

Thanks.

The Real St. Patrick

Few people know that my middle name is Patrick.  This make St. Patrick's Day a bit more exciting, but basically the holiday has become nothing more than a day to drink and turn things green.  I recently did a message on St. Patrick for the youth at Bethany, and I would love to share with you about his life and mission.


There is a lot of mystery about St. Patrick's life, but there are some things that we know to be true.  First, his father was a leader of a local church in Britain.  His family was fairly wealthy.  At the age of 16 Patrick was captured in a raid and taken back to Ireland, where he stayed as a slave for six years.  During his time there, he developed a passion for his relationship with Jesus, and grew greatly as a Christian.  He worked as a shepherd, and was able to spend considerable time in prayer.  


Here's where things get cool - after six years, he heard God's voice, telling him to leave Ireland.  Acting on what he heard, he left his captivity and walked about 200 miles to the coast where he escaped back to Britain.  Once there, he had a second vision of an angel who told him to return back to the land of his captivity - as a missionary!  He trained a long time and finally got ordained as a Priest, going back to Ireland to reach a people that didn't know Christ's loving grace to that point.

What a life!  He listened to God's voice and he heeded God's call to make disciples of all nations (even the one where he was a slave).  He is a great example of our need to follow Jesus' Great Commission as well:


"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

(Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)

Emily and I are also called to seek and save the lost, and to be instruments of grace to the young adults of Pierce County.  Consider joining us in this bold mission.  Click on the picture to the left to learn more about how you can impact this county in Washington state.

What is the least?

‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’


(Matthew 25:40 ESV)




The veil of comfort has been eliminated.  After years spent serving in various ministries in a way that felt comfortable for my "discipleship first" education, we've been called and sent to serve college students in an atmosphere that is anything but discipleship first.  In fact, the lack of Christians here makes that model almost impossible.

I've just returned from a wonderful three day prayer retreat in the cascade mountains in central Washington state.  Being removed from tasks and to-do's, had a wonderful impact on my prayer life.  It may be hard work at times, but I love being with my Lord and I love being with my Christian brothers.  To hear their stories was amazing, and though we may have come from vastly different backgrounds, we all have the same discomfort, the same longing

To seek and save the lost.  

To truly fulfill God's great commission by showing 

just how awesome it is to know God's love and forgiveness.  

To see guilt, addictions, loneliness, fear, etc. 

fall away in the power of true life-transformation.  

To see true community welcome in the sinners and the forgotten, 

and to show them His grace.

The wave of people in Pierce County that don't know this message are the least.  The college students here are the least. And only by building relationships with them and sharing God's saving message are we going to follow Jesus' call to make disciples!

This is going to be a great journey!  If you would like to join us on it, please give me an email (ian@bethanysite.com), drop me a line on facebook, or give me a call!  We need your support to reach these young adults!

Numbers [don't] matter

It's been a sobering few days looking at the numbers and statistics for college-aged students in Pierce Co.  From what I can figure, there are about 80,000 college-age people in Pierce Co.  Of that, a large chunk sits right here in Puyallup.  The sad thing, is that most of those students don't know who Christ is. Or if they do, they have some warped version of Christ in their minds, causing them to reject the Christian message altogether.  At best, about 17% of those 80,000 students are Christian.

Emily and I have been called to spread the gospel to this missing generation in one of the most secular areas of the country.  And what a daunting task that is.

But if God has called us to be the salt of the earth and the light in the darkness, then that is what we will do.  And there is no more engaging a mission than to spread God's word among those who have such a need for true hope, joy, grace, mercy, and love, that only Christ and His message can bring.

God has called us to transform lives.  And sometimes we think that it's ok in church circles to not worry about numbers.  But when there is only one church that is effectively ministering to 13,600 souls, we need to stand up and pay attention. We need to make sure that we understand that numbers matter, souls matter, and that this many unsaved people matters to God.

As we begin this journey, let's pray for souls, for numbers, for depth, for salvation!  Consider joining us on this journey.  How?  Pray for numbers.  Pray for souls.  Pray for Ian and Emily.  Give.  Contact Ian at ian@bethanysite.com to learn more about how to give to the college ministry at Bethany Baptist Church.

Let's let the world know that 1 in 13,600 just isn't good enough!

Music - Revisited

I've listened to the song many times, but isn't it interesting that even though I can sing the words, I've never really listened to the song or paid attention to the words and their meaning.

Jars of Clay is a great band, and their song "Two Hands" hit me for the first time today.  Here's some of the lyrics I pulled off the web:

I use one hand to pull closer 
The other to push you away 

If I had two hands doing the same thing 
Lifted high, lifted high 

I have a broken disposition 
I’m a liar who thirsts for the truth 
And while I ache for faith to hold me 
I need to feel the scars and see the proof 

And if we just keep digging we can reach the foundation 
Of our souls 
And if we just keep cutting all the chains from our hearts 
We’ll lose control 



This song reminds me of the call to integrity and authenticity - two things that are almost unheard of in post-modern America.  And the great part is, that God's got it under control.  If we can only give up that old, broken-down self, He has something new in mind for us - a new self that is based on the perfection of His Son.  Pretty cool!