Finding a Church ... It's No Picnic

I am in the midst of the prayer letter downloading and proofing and I decided I need a break, so what better to do than to blog. J

A friend and I are trying to find a church. I live in Colorado Springs – I could throw a stone from almost anywhere in the city and hit a church. Why then is it so hard to find one that fits my criteria? I don’t think I’m being demanding. All I want is a place for community, growth and service. Is it really too much to ask that I find a church home where I can not only get involved and build community, but also agree with what the pastor says on Sunday mornings? I don’t need 100% agreement, that’s idealistic and frankly if that happened I would never be challenged. What I am asking for is not to be confused or outraged when I leave, both things have happened recently.

I am still in the process of church-hunting and I hope to settle somewhere soon, looking for churches is emotionally and spiritually exhausting. Here are a few things I’ve learned in the process:

1.       Don’t go to a church just because it has a cool name – it doesn’t mean the church is cool.

2.       Youth doesn’t always mean a fresh perspective.

3.       A late start Sunday morning should not be an indicator of where to go.

4.       Always get someone’s opinion about the church before you go, you won’t be sorry. You might if you don’t.

5.       Size doesn’t matter, friendliness does.

6.       Just because you know people that go there doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for you, even if it’s in your comfort zone.  

This all I have so far; not a lot, I know. I’m still searching. Trying a new one Sunday, here’s to hoping it goes better than last Sunday. J

 

Do We Understand the Meaning of Persecution?

During Monday chapel at the US-MC we prayed for several individuals who are in prison for their faith. As I ardently keep these people in my heart and prayers, I am reminded of a conversation I had with my Bible study group a couple months ago as we read through Philippians. Do we, primarily as Americans, really understand persecution and therefore understand the power of Jesus Christ in the lives of those who are truly persecuted?

In the book of Philippians Paul is writing from prison, so clearly, joy in the midst of persecution becomes a major theme in the book’s 100, or so, verses. The Bible study group was talking about learning from Paul’s example by finding joy in Christ even through our personal persecution. This gave me pause wondering, have I ever been truly persecuted? Had anyone in that group? I would argue that people in the U.S. today do not face imprisonment or death for sharing their faith. (Of course there are exceptions to every rule.)

We might face the loss of a job or friendships because of our faith; we might be teased, bullied or shunned. This is persecution, but can we really understand the position of Paul or these men in prison around the world today? They remain constant in faith and rejoice in the Lord despite their imprisonment. Would I have that courage?

So often we are sucked into narrow-mindedness and increase our minor problems to eclipse real problems in the world that often don’t have easy answers. I complain when I don’t have enough money to buy a new pair of boots while sipping from a bottle of filtered and fortified water when children in South East Asia walk miles in ragged flip-flops for water that is potable. A person de-friends me on Facebook because of my religious beliefs and I feel an injustice has occurred; how petty are my woes when men are wasting away in prison for their faith and waiting for a trial before a biased judge.

I pray you and I will never have to face true persecution; that our biggest worries are those that pass easily in the night. But more so than that, I pray that we will remember Christians around the world who are suffering for their faith and the many who die because of it.

Here are a couple good sites that share stories and help with prayer ideas for the persecuted church. I hope you take time to visit them and add the persecuted church to your prayer life.

http://www.opendoorsusa.org/

http://www.onewiththem.com/

I Saw the Sign -- Now I'm More Confused Than Ever

Recently, I’ve been contemplating the idea of signs and growing experiences.

We all believe in some form of “signs,” some being more legitimate than others. You may not call them “signs,” but really we all can agree we get information from sources outside ourselves on occasion. In my life I often take “signs” as the word of the Holy Spirit. What I’ve been mulling over is when a “sign” is from God but it is, in human perspective, ambiguous. Is it a message to move on, to work harder, to change, etc.? While in the Philippines, I knew I was following God’s will because he gave me “signs” of his purpose – impact, community, spiritual maturity. “Signs” that it was time to leave the Philippines were also clear – peace in the decision, importance in work at the US-MC, and very little drop in my support after announcing the change of ministry.

Those were all positive signs, good things although acting out God’s will wasn’t easy. What I’m struggling with now is what if the signs are negative. Aside from a few inividuals, why has building a community in Colorado been a struggle? Why do some friendships stay on the surface and continually require an outpouring of effort with little result? Why do I have the desire to travel, move on? Why has my monthly support dropped over $500 a month, making it impossible to maintain my salary. What are these signs supposed to tell me? Should I change my focus? Work harder to get new supporters? Postpone dreams/professional ministry? Try to meet new people? Pour out more time and energy to build community?

I guess my major question is, if I am following God’s will for my life why don’t I feel as blessed and reassured as I once did?

This brings me to the other thought – if this is a growing year, what am I learning? The book of Philippians has seemed to follow me around these past four months or so, is there something there? Am I devoid of joy? I feel like I am in a tornado of decisions and changes and I can’t get a grasp on what the purpose is; what am I supposed to do now?

If you think about it, please pray for me in this time. I need a grasp on what I am supposed to do with these “signs” in my life. What’s the bigger picture I am failing to see?

As I continue this time in my life, I pray that I will come out on the other end a stronger person, both spiritually and emotionally. Growing pains hurt, I’m just struggling not to be broken.

Resolutions are meant to be broken

If procrastination was an Olympic sport, I’d be winning golds since 2001 (when I started high school and realized laziness didn’t always mean bad grades, and therefore succumbed to my genetic pre-disposition to start something I might never finish). You might be hard-pressed to find someone lazier, or more easily distracted, than me. All this self-deprecation is to say, it’s been a while since my last post.

Life update: Christmas and New Years flew by, spending half the holiday in Colorado and the other half in California. I am increasingly reminded of the blessing of my family, despite our dysfunction. I stayed at Kassen’s apartment in Cali, watching corny movies that only your sister won’t judge you for enjoying – what would I do without my lil’ sis? We had a late Christmas with Erin and her family (I included a pic of my nephew and niece because they are too cute not to show off :)). I love giving gifts and playing with them afterward. Bonus of being an aunt – you just get to do the fun stuff.

Work update: On the trip to California I had the opportunity to tag along with my parents, meeting with a few missionaries and some people who are considering OC. I enjoyed talking to each person about their journey and their perspective of OC. As someone literally born into the mission, it was good to hear why people join OC and what we have to offer. Now that I am back in Colorado I have more work to do than time to do it. It’s an exciting time for the communications department. We launched our new website, http://www.onechallenge.org/, at the end of December and now we have the constant task of updating it and making it relevant. I love it, but there’s a lot to get done.

There are a few possibilities of exciting developments that might be coming up in my life. Most things are in the dream stage right now but I will keep you posted as things develop and become more concrete.

Happy New Year! Love and blessing in 2013.

Partnering in Missions – Why Should We Do It?

Since I returned from the Philippines, I have joined a Bible study the Navigators run for 20-somethings in the Pikes Peak area. The “fall semester” Bible study is an inductive study on Philippians. So far, I have really enjoyed it, I like exploring the intellectual side the study brings out, as well as spiritually applying it to my life. Reading commentaries and exploring Greek vocabulary has been enlightening and intriguing. In each section of the study I have found something I pull out and try to understand on a deeper level.

This week we looked at Philippians 2:19-30. Initially, I didn’t really understand what I was supposed to “get” out of this passage. Honestly, I gave up on the steps this week because I decided to focus on one aspect of the passage – sending a messenger.

What I took from the passage comes from that fact that I grew up in missions and still work in that world – if missions can be found in DNA, it’s in mine. Reading Paul’s words struck me with the notion of being sent for a purpose but also supporting those who are sent. In the passage, Paul tells the church at Philippi that he wants to send Timothy to them soon in order for Timothy to represent Paul’s love to them and also for Timothy to return and bring news of the church back to Paul. He also mentions that he is sending his brother in Christ, Epaphroditus, who the church sent to aid Paul, back to them.

Most commentators on this passage reflect on the idea that both Timothy and Epaphroditus are examples of men who follow the interests of Jesus Christ above their own. This is true and an incredibly important piece of this passage. Indeed, it might be the reason why it is included in the letter, but, yet, it is not the reason I am writing.

Reading the passage, I am taken aback by the idea that some of us are “sent,” while others are called to support those sent. Yes, we are all called to be witnesses for the gospels in every facet of life, whether it’s to a neighbor or unreached people group in Central Africa. That’s not what I’m talking about; we should always proclaim salvation gifted to us by Christ’s death on the cross. What I mean is that just as Timothy and Epaphroditus were messengers for Paul and the church at Philippi, some Christians are called to leave their homes for Christ and face dangers and hardships of moving to a different country or place. But here’s the thing, that doesn’t mean the rest of us are off the hook. You might not be called to be a “missionary,” but there is a service that you do need to provide – support. The church at Philippi is an example of this. Obviously, every believer in the church couldn’t journey to help Paul in his need. That would be impractical and the church would cease to function. So, they sent Epaphroditus. Verse 30 says, “… for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.” (ESV) This sounds negative, “lacking” never paints a good image. Yet, Paul is not criticizing, he is merely stating the fact that the church, as a whole, could not offer the service that Epaphroditus was able to accomplish. Not for lack of desire, but he was the messenger – the one sent.  In sending Epaphroditus, the church at Philippi supported him in his mission. In what ways – prayerfully, financially, I don’t know – but, nevertheless, they supported him. What Paul is saying to the church here is continue supporting him for he risked his life.

You might think: what does this have to do with me? We are not all called to “go,” so what we can do is help to facilitate ministry throughout the world? We can partner in missions through prayer, financial support or volunteering time. The reason for this entire, rambling blog is that we need to be senders. We might never leave our hometowns or the U.S. We might share the gospel with every person we meet. But we can’t say that’s enough. Being witnesses is important and should never be placed aside, but we are also called to be supporters of those that God does call to go. Let me ask this: how many missionaries do you pray for? How many do you support financially? How many blogs, prayer letters, or Facebook-posts do you read on a daily basis? Yes, be a “missionary” in your community. Do what God has called you to do. Be a light in a depraved and corrupt world. But also remember to pray for, support and think about those who were “sent,” like Epaphroditus was sent on behalf of the church at Philippi. 

Random Musings from My Trip to Starbucks

My goal for the end of the year is to be a more consistent blogger. In the past, I wouldn't have considered my latest trip to Starbucks blog-worthy, but in the spirit of getting into the writing habit - here it is ...

The goal: A late morning led to no packed lunch, therefore I was on my way out to snag some tasty Chipotle (this didn't happen, continue reading to find out why)

The problem: After my car refused to start for a good minute or so I was reminded that, indeed, I was nearly out of gas. The good ole jux-box (that's what I just christened my car, license plate ending in JUX) finally started and gas became my priority.

The solution: A trip to the gas station, then a subsequent stop at Starbucks for coffee as lunch.

The reason for this odd blog: Missing the Philippines - at the gas station I had to pump my own gas, the inhumanity in 30-degree weather. I no longer can sit in the comfort of my car while someone else pumps my gas for a 20-peso tip. This wishing for the Philippines continued at Starbucks, where I missed the baristas welcoming me by name and seemingly happy that I was patronizing their establishment. Instead, I got cold coffee that was only 2/3 full. I was driving in a car, so maybe they were being considerate. The second reason for this blog is realizing the benefits of the U.S. I drove to the gas station and Starbucks in less than 30 minutes, this included the time it took to get gas and drinks. This would never happen in the Philippines. I'd be lucky if I could get to Starbucks in less that 30 minutes. Once there, I'd have to pay for parking, another pitfall of the Philippines system. So it was a bittersweet trip.

The end result: Treating my co-workers to a much-needed, afternoon cup of joe. Also, I was successful in pumping my own gas, something I have only had to do a handful of times in two-and-a-half years.

Overall, it was a good lunch break, and I had a productive afternoon. I might have to make the coffee run a monthly habit, my bank account can't afford more frequent trips. I guess I will never get familiar with my local baristas and, most likely, I will have to continue pumping my own gas; I will have to save such luxuries as a memory of Philippine past-times.

Thank you for holding on until the end of this blog, it lived up to it's moniker - random musings.

(The picture is of my friend Ted, in the Philippines, drinking out of a ridiculously small mug. Not at Starbucks, but it's a funny picture and I wanted to use it :) )

Oh Look .... this is my Blog!

It's just pathetic when you forget your own blog address and have to refresh your memory by looking at old Facebook posts. Clear sign that I need to post more blogs. In my defense, I have been blogging for work, check it out: https://oc60thanniversarybanquets.wordpress.com. Now, there I have a been a faithful blogger and picture-poster. Weak excuse, I know, but true nonetheless.

My job description at OC is malleable, but I'm learning to adapt. These last two weeks I have been working on prayer letters, formatting and proofreading - I wisely leave the layout to someone more creative than me. It's been a new experience reading the letters from our missionaries. I didn't realize how many amazing stories I was missing out on by not reading them. God is on the move people! It's kind of an amazing thing to witness.

I'm reading the Christmas letters and I am trying really hard not to bust out the Christmas sweaters and music. I'm committed to celebrating fall and all its glory, since I've missed out on the beautiful season for that last two years. I mean - common on - changing leaves, crisp, clean weather, sweaters, scarves, apple cider, Halloween, pumpkin everything - it's an amazing thing to experience. But, I've got to admit, it's hard not to get wrapped up in the Christmas-fever. After all, those uplifting Christmas jingles are just a mouse click away. Reading the letters also makes me miss the Philippines, where they have been in the Christmas spirit since September.

A great thing about reading Christmas letters a month early is that I get all these good ideas for my own Christmas letter. I'm excited to write it and share it with everyone that has been praying for me. So, if by chance you are not on that list, please send me your information so that I can send you a Christmas greeting. Email or Facebook are the easiest, so here's the email: k.boesel09@gmail.com.

I hope to write more the rest of November and December; we'll see - I've never been good at keeping resolutions :).

In closing, I must say, Happy Fall to you all :)

(I did not take the picture to the right, don't want to take credit)