SNOOP DUKIE-DUKE
Today is January 31st, 2003. It was one year ago today that I got "let go" from Lakeview Church. I don't ever say much about that day...but maybe it's time I did. It was awful. I was angry and confused and broken hearted and I felt betrayed. I loved the church and the job and the UpperRoom and the people I got to work with and minister to. Some people don't know this but Brooke and I were going to go that night and meet with our realtor and make an offer to buy a house...exciting. Instead I had to tell my wife that I lost my job.
There were so many emotions that day, anger, fear, worry, sadness, confusion...but at the same time there was a sense of excitement about what God would do and the adventure/journey this would lead us on. I did not want to believe that this was the will of God...God kept us so strong in those days...peace that passes human understanding. We just were unable to break, because I believe that God held us closer and higher than ever before. One of my favorite memories of that weekend was when Brooke and I decided how it would be best to tell our friends...I mean our non-church going friends. We did not want to send them an ugly message about our church or our faith, we wanted them to know that we believed the promises that I had been preaching for so long. So we hosted a big Super Bowl party and we made supper and provided everything. We wanted them to see our faith in action and that although we did not know what tomorrow would hold, we knew who held tomorrow, and we would be alright. I loved that Super Bowl party...I love those friends.
In the devotional book I was reading, Streams in the Desert, the text for the day was 1 Kings 12:24, "This thing is from me."
And in it were these timely words.
" This thing is from me...Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have been laid aside? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your usy days and I want to teach you some of my deepest lessons. They also serve, those who stand and wait. Some of My greatest workers are those shut out from active service..." I truly believe that I was never a more effective witness and minister than in those days.
Also I read Psalm 118- the whole thing spoke to me...but verse 17 "I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done."
I did not die...in fact I would say I am more alive than ever...and yesterday at High School chapel and this morning to my staff, I proclaimed what the Lord had done....verse 17 was like fulfilled prophecy in my life.
Now here I am, here we are, living in the Dominican Republic, beautiful country, unbelievable experiences, great students and ministry opportunities and amazing new friends. I still struggle when I think about what went down that day and how it went down, but the people of Lakeview were wonderful in those sad and confusing days and I thank them. Also, thanks to our parents for everything they did for us, especially my mom who was a rock of support and encouragement. We miss LFMC and Saskatoon and our friends and family very much, but we are so thankful for the journey that God is taking us on...wherever He wants to take us, we will go.
God is Good.
In my bible class we're watching
The MATRIX as a modern day allegory filled with spiritual parralels and theological insight. When I first presented it to my students they looked at me like I was nuts but if you guide their watching somewhat they catch it...it's been fun to watch the students watch the movie and see them catch something or piece something together...I'm looking forward to getting their assignments. We even have our own
blog, with links and essays and the Matrix script on there...it's fun to do something that the students really get into.
Big and busy day today. Chapels this afternoon and my only music guy phoned yesterday and said he got anew job and he would no longer be available to lead worship on Thursdays. One worship leader minus one worship leader equals zero worship leaders. Brutal. Anyways we'll be fine, just gotta get creative. Also I'm preaching this weekend at our church so I got that going too. Add to that an unbelievably ridiculous meeting yesterday...man if this wasn't a public blog I could rant about the ridiculate of yesterday...but I shant. Instead of new years resolutions, I do what my grandfather used to do...choose a Bible verse and make it your focus of pursuit and study for the year...SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE...thats mine for 2003. It's one of the hardest things to do and I don't always do it...I don't mean I lie..I mean I don't always say the things that need to get said. In an environment like this it really means putting your arse on the line and to be bold in the truth. Too often we withold the truth, because we worry that someone will get hurt or offended, or you'll be labellled as a trouble maker, but in reality we aren't doing them any favors. The Truth will set you free.
MAYDAY!!! MAYDAY!!!!
IF ANY CAN GET AHOLD OF TODD AND CORINA PETERS TELL THEM TO PHONE OR SEND AN EMAIL...THEY'RE COMIN TOMORROW AND THATS COOL BUT WE LOST THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS- THEY CAN PHONE 809-724-3530...ANYTIME...WE MIGHT NOT BE HOME...KEEP TRYING...WE'LL MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE THEM HOOK UP WITH US. THANKS
Yeah, just a couple of tarantulas in my office this morning...one big one and one small one...the small one was dead and I suspect the big one was responsible. I'm concerned I might be next so, I'm gonna get while the gettins good.
AGUILAS WIN, AGUILAS WIN!!!
The Aguilas won the Dominican World Series last night...swept the Escogido 4-0. The game went into extra innings and didnt end until 1:00am. Then the party went to the streets. Like the eighth street riots of the early 90's only more dangerous and no cops...anywhere. I'm sure people died. Guns and fire works going off, horns blowing, garbage cans tied behind trucks filled with drunk Dominicans...but the best was this one dude who ran down our street, alone, with a rope around his waist dragging a cookie sheet. Awesome. Needless to say, we have alot of tired students and teachers...it should be a holiday. Now the Aguilas go to Puerto Rico monday to represent Dominican Republic in the Carribean World Series.
In bigger news, our director has announced that he and his wife will not be returning next year...nuff said.
AGUILAS UP 3 GAMES TO NONE
Before the Super Bowl, we watched the Aguilas beat the Escogido 8-6 to take 3-0 lead in their best of seven Dominican World Series Finals. They can win it all tonight in the Capitol, or tomorrow night here at home. If (when) they win...apparently this city will go nuts. When Tony Battiste and Migeul Tejada hit back to back home runs in the fourth, you could hear cheering through the whole city. Then we heard an explosion...not sure what it was though.
Here's some
pictures of our city, Santiago.
We had a great weekend. On Friday night we took some tenth graders up ino the mountains for a spiritual retreat. It was amazing.
Jarabacoa is beautiful. We took eight kids, who are trying to live the Life in a world that doesn't want them to. They were real open and I think the good Lord really gave me some great words for them. We stayed the night in the lodge and my friend Smeltz and I slept on the balcony outside- it was cool and raining but we had a tin roof and warm sleeping bags...best sleep I've had in this sleep-forsaken country. (except fot the roosters who took shelter under the balcony at 4am) One kid brought his paint ball gun and we played 500 with it...turn the power down so it shoots about 150 feet 'straight' up, shoot the ball in the air, look for it, try to catch it- highly recommended for blending fun and moderate danger.
Saturday, our friend Kate turned thirty so we had a costume party. Brooke and I borrowed some school uniforms and went as SCS students...it was cool. Our friend Brian always jokes about wanting to dress like a Bible character, so he came as his favorite...Abahu, second son of Aaron. Super funny.
SuperBowl party yesterday- lots of good pople and good food. Some one donated some money for the teachers to do something fun with, so we spent it on food and 'hired'
Jeff and Michelle Koop to cook, and cook they did. It was some good eating.
We've really been enjoying ourselves down here...so many great people and cool stuff.
