…a single hour…

Matthew 6:25-34

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³²For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Confession: Lately I’ve been prone to worry.

For those of you who know me, you’d know that worrying is not something that I’m usually caught spending too much time on. But lately I haven’t quite been able to shake that urge to worry. Maybe that doesn’t describe it well…. It’s more like a sinking feeling that comes over me. I get that upset butterfly feeling in my stomach, my thoughts are preoccupied with one particular thing, I feel almost sick, and I can’t seem to shake it. You might be wondering what exactly I worry about. Well, it’s simple, I worry about anything. It doesn’t matter if it’s a phone call with unknowns, going to a place or seeing a person I feel uneasy about, driving over the mountains in the dead of winter, etc. I simply get caught in a fit of worry. Today’s culprit: My car. Actually it’s been the culprit on and off for a few months now. It seems that weeks go by where I can’t drive the thing without hearing some new noise, feeling a weird vibration, or worrying something major will go wrong mechanically.

Today I changed my oil. I felt good about it. All the fluids were good, the oil is new, the filters are clean (mostly), and the car seems to be in working order. Then tonight I head out for supper. I did a break job with my friend Byron a few weeks back. Since then things have felt odd. For no apparent reason–I think it’s just me–things have felt odd. Tonight, in the car, as I pulled away from the house, it sounded like one break was stuck… but then it went away. Well that was enough to keep my ears wide open. I heard every bit of road noise, every vibration, knock, squeak, or hum that my car made the whole way to the restaurant. And there I was, for the rest of the night, worrying about my car.

Jesus doesn’t leave any room for this behaviour. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not unnatural to worry. Which, I think is actually the point. It’s natural to worry. The text above is from The Sermon on the Mount. For 3 long chapters in Matthew Jesus digs deep into how things are and how they ought to be. He develops a whole new way for us to look at the world around us and everyone in it. We are taught how to interact, how to respond, how to truly live with the world in which we’ve been placed. The Beatitudes are reminders of how things are done in the Kingdom of Heaven rather than this world. Blessed are the peacemakers is about more than just people who don’t fight wars. Rob Bell teaches that the umbrella of peace encompasses much more than a lack of war. It also deals with breaking down barriers, bridging gaps, reaching out instead of in. He also says it’s about being non-anxious. When I’m anxious, I’m not at peace. It’s later in that same sermon that we find the above text. Jesus asks some powerful questions,

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

An application to this for my situation: “How can I, by worrying, make my car never in need of repair?” Jesus then goes on, in great and beautiful detail, to describe how God decorates the insignificant portions of nature in splendor higher than that of the wisest of men. He reminds us that if God cares that much for a flower that will soon die, then he must care for me much more! So why do I worry like that? Jesus says it’s only the pagans that worry in such ways. He says that rather than worrying I should remind myself that my Heavenly Father is fully aware of all that I need. He has given me all that I have, and therefore it’s his right to take it away as he pleases. And if he should not, then I will continue to have it. Either way, my worrying hasn’t shifted the balance in the slightest. Instead, it’s wasted my time an energy. More importantly, it’s distracted me from my God who loves me, my God who promises to care for my every need. Jesus says,

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

I can’t change a thing. I can do my part. And I do. I maintain my car well. But if it should break down, that’s nothing I can control. And then I shall again need to trust God to provide what I need. In the meantime I’ll do as I’m told:

“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…”

And then maybe, just maybe, I’ll be able to live more by faith rather than by worry.

“Not quite Mansbridge One-on-One…”

Hello again Nathan’s support team, it’s Nate’s brother in law Kevin K here again.  We are well into our fundraising campaign entitled “28 for Nate.” Where we are hoping to bolster the financial support for Nathan’s internship by twenty-eight folks at $10 per month, by the end of December.  The reward: Nathan has agreed to shave his beloved three-year-old beard.  (For details on becoming one of the twenty eight for Nate, check out the previous blog post).

As part of our efforts, I thought it would be good to take a few moments, and sit down electronically with our dear friend Nathan.  Peter Mansbridge has always been a hero of mine, and so like Peter, we are going to go “one-on-one” with Nate.

(Cue set, complete with cool and classy looking wing back chairs, in a quaint interview set, complete with books shelves in the background.  The interview begins with a wide angle shot, showing the interview camera, stage lights, and boom microphone.  Nathan walks into the room dressed in khakis and a button up shirt, confident and self-assured.  Kevin rises to shake his hand, wearing a fashionable cardigan, and designer jeans.  They both sit down after Nathan is outfitted by a set assistant with a lapel mike.  Cut to a close up of Kevin’s face with, as Kevin begins the interview with a serious yet slightly curious expression).

Obviously you have long been an adherent to the beard-on-the-face philosophy… in your mind, what obvious disadvantages do those with clean-shaven faces encounter on a daily basis?

That’s an excellent question, Kev, one that requires a bit of background to answer. For years I’ve been known for my bodily warmth. My ability to stay warm, or simply comfortable, in all weather conditions is coveted by those close to me. I even get away with flip-flops in minus twenty. There are many secrets to having such a keen ability to control my internal body temperature. I believe my beard to be integral to this process. Beyond physical warmth, there is the obvious factor of awesomeness that cannot be overlooked. Fact: Beards are awesome. Conclusion: Those with beards are awesome. Also, some of the greatest minds humanity has ever known have had beards. It’s my belief that their beards were the secret to their mental prowess. 

We are all very much the product of our mentors and role models, in your personal story, who are your very own beard heroes?

I often keep memories of great mentors indexed in my mind by how sumptuous their beards are. Some of the first people to come to mind are: Mennonite Theologian, and scholar of John Mark’s gospel, Timothy Geddert. His beard is so perfect that not an ounce of skin is visible on his face from below his cheekbones to his neck. Hair perfectly encircles his mouth. Another could be Brad Pitt. Although not famous for his beard, I challenge anyone to do a Google Images search of “Brad Pitt Beards” and tell me they’re not impressed. Finally, I’d say that Hugh Jackman’s bearded portrayal of the DC Comics mutant, Wolverine, is awe-inspiring. All of these beards have contributed to my own bearded journey. Oh, and if I am able to add facial hair that is not quite a full beard, I would say that George Strombolopolous’ soul patch speaks for itself.

Speaking of people we’ve learned from, tell us about one of the unique and impactful people you’ve met this fall during your internship.

One of our TREKers this fall, I’ll call him Mike, stands out in my mind. I admire Mike because of the faith journey that he’s on. Through the last few years he has been discovering the importance of walking alongside Jesus and allowing God’s spirit to lead him. After coming from a place where he did not feel he honoured God with his life, Mike stepped up and decided to go big or go home. So he decided to do TREK. Now he lives out a daily example of what it means to strive for Christlikness in the midst of life’s challenges. I’m humbled to watch the journey he’s been on through training, and even more humbled to read his stories from the field. God is using a man who has stepped out in faith to impact our world in real ways through global mission.

A good beard obviously requires a lot of tender loving care, and in a way becomes an extension of who we are…  if your beard had a personality, what would it be like?  (Will you miss it when it’s gone?)

I’m going to say my beard is a combination of Michael Jackson meets Michael J. Fox, with a dash of David Hyde Pierce (who by the way—little known fact—have all sported beards at different times in their lives). It has Michael Jackson’s undeniable ability to perform, catch public attention, and make bold statements. All the while wooing the ladies with Michael J. Fox’s time-traveling, teen-sensation swagger. This all being hedged in by David Hyde Pierce’s understated class, and comedic genius. I will of course miss my beard. From the moment it is shaved I will long for the glorious day of it’s return.

If you love your beard so much, why shave?

Kevin it’s a matter of doing what it takes. All great people in history have achieved greatness by making difficult decisions. Martin Luther had to risk his life in order to bring change to a religious system that he saw as broken. Jerry Seinfeld had to cancel his hit sitcom in order to maintain the status of comedic giant in the annals of history. In the movie, Up in the Air, George Clooney had to give up love and happiness in order to find fulfillment in a career that he loved. Batman had to choose to lay aside his fears in order to rid Gotham city of crime. And what about that one time Michael Jordan gave up his baseball career to enter a basketball tournament with the Looney Toons stars to defeat the Monstars from outer space? It’s quite simple Kevin; I make the decision to shave my beard in order to show my appreciation to those who make sacrifices for the ministry of TREK by joining me in financial partnership. It’s what it takes for greatness.

What do you hope to get out of the next nine months of your internship?

I think my biggest hope for the next nine months is continued depth of study and experience. What I’m learning each day about discipleship and the ministry of the church is huge. God is constantly revealing himself to me in new ways through not just the relationships I get to be a part of, but also the work of what it takes to make ministries like TREK happen. I hope, in the next nine months, to glean more rich learning from the people who are mentoring me along the way, the experiences I’m having at each step, and God’s faithfulness to lead me on my journey.

We are all eagerly anticipating the day you will shave, and are excited to partner with you in your efforts to bring a new face to the world around you, when we partner with you by supporting your internship, what are we becoming partners in?

When you partner with me you are actually partners in something much bigger than Nate Brandes. I’ve mentioned this stat before, but it blows my mind, so I’ll mention it again. Last year alone there were 834 short-term missions participants that together spent 22,832 missionary days working around the globe. When you partner you are becoming part of the ministry of TREK. It takes a lot of people to make short-term missions happen. Without the support of those around me I wouldn’t be able to work with TREK. Neither would either of the other two interns that serve the program. And without us, Luke Haidle (TREK’s director) would tell you himself, that TREK wouldn’t happen. 

But beyond making TREK happen, on a personal note, you are partnering in my learning. You’re joining my journey as I follow God’s leading. And you are making the learning that I receive possible.

What are ways we can continue to support you?

Well, Kevin, the biggest support I need is prayer. I send prayer emails once a week. If you want to receive that you can let me know in the comments below. They’ll help you better know how to pray about what’s happening day-to-day. You could also write encouraging letters and emails, send a postcard, or call me on the telephone. And of course you could also join up on this clever initiative of 28 for Nate by committing to donate $10/month for the next 9 months.

Thanks for your time.  I know I speak for all of us when I say, we look forward to the wind licking your bare chops.

No, thank you, Kevin. And thanks to everyone who is showing so much love and support as I serve with TREK. May God bless you as you have blessed me. Merry Christmas

28 For Nate!

Hello to Nathan’s Support Crew, 

It’s Kev K here, you may or may not know me.   In a formal sense, I’m Nathan’s brother in law (I married his older sister).   Informally I’m just a good friend of Nate.   The other day, we were trying to convince Nathan to shave his face completely clean.   Turns out he hasn’t done that since the year 2008.  I asked him that if I was able to raise a certain level of support for his internship (right now he’s at about 20% of his fundraising goal), if he would shave his face bare.   Buck naked face! 

He said yup.   “I do believe that I would do that!”  (the unofficial record shows).  An intense negotiation ensued…  complete with countless last minute late night mediation sessions, verbal jabs at each other through the media, and one or more parties threatening litigation.

Since the last time he shaved his beard was 2008, I came up with the idea of 28 for Nate.   It rhymes, and sounds witty (two things I’m a big fan of).   So the deal we struck was if I could get twenty-eight folks to commit to supporting Nate with a minimum of $10 per month support* for Nate for the rest of his internship (nine months) by the end of December, he would shave his face.

So, this is where you come in.   You can call MB mission at 1-866-964-7627, and cite Nathan’s project code: C7731 and participant ID: 997443.   I believe you can also go to the MB Mission Website and set it up online at http://www.mbmission.org/donate/information/stm-participants.   Or, if you’re super old school (like me) you could write MB mission a letter at 302-32025 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 2K7.   Any way you do it, let me know via facebook message, a post in his facebook group, or a comment on his blog, and I will keep a tally.  

Once we reach twenty eight for Nate before December 31^st we’ll get him to shave his face.   Stay posted for updates, fun facebook group polls and fun facts, and perhaps a feature interview with our beloved Nathan.

Sincerely,

Kevin K.

 

(*Support is not limited to $10 a month.   One time donations totaling $90 or more will be considered equivalent to one person support.)

…and there it is.

The last time I wrote, it was about all the things that I was watching God do among us at TREK. Well, part of tonight won’t be any different. Each of my three stories will relate directly to the title of this post.

Story one: I’ve got to start on a continuation of last weeks post. I am proud to announce that Team DR Congo will include all of its original members. I wrote last time about one team member that was dealing with chronic illness. It was looking pretty sure that he wouldn’t be able to go. Really, the deal was simply that he was not healthy enough to go to the heart of Africa. We needed a doctor’s note to make it official. We were really praying that God would assert his will, but that this guy would be able to join the team we felt he should be a part of. Time was running out. Tickets needed to be purchased, visas needed to be applied for, and there was still no note. But the next morning… that’s right, you guessed it… the note came in. There’s no miraculous healing to report. But that doesn’t matter. We prayed for God’s will, and we prayed for this guy to go with his team. And now, that’s exactly what God has made happen! Praise Jesus!

Story two: The end of training is here. On Friday morning I was with team Mexico at the airport as they boarded their plane and left of Mexico. Saturday I was again at YVR with the two Thailand teams. Only Team Congo remains. It’s weird to have them gone. I’ve talked to them a couple times. But it’s weird that they’re in countries half way around the world. This coming Saturday I’ll be in Vancouver again to see off the Congo team. Two months have flown by. It’s kind of incredible to think of all that’s happened since September. But I’m blessed and proud to know that these people are serving Christ’s church around the globe!

Story Three: For the last few weeks I’ve been tired. During training I’m probably hands on at work for about 70-80 hours a week. So it’s come to a time where I need to catch up on some sleep, slow down, and take some time to rest. It’s a good opportunity to see some friends I haven’t seen in a while, get out of town to find a change of pace, and just simple recharge. I’m thankful for this time. It’s weird to not have TREKers here, but it’s necessary that I be recharged in order to prepare for the next group.

…and there it is.

…waiting on a MIRACLE…. or three.

Well it goes without saying that it’s been far too long since my last post. It may actually be fitting to say that my title is a statement that whomever reads this blog was waiting on a miracle that I might write again soon. But if I’m honest, that’s not why I’ve titled this post as such. Rather I’ve titled it, “…waiting on a MIRACLE… or three”, because that’s what the last weeks have looked like for me.

So much has transpired since I last wrote. I actually wouldn’t know where to begin writing about it. The last week alone has felt like a month. Since I wrote last on September 29 I’ve been a part of 4 weeks of training, preached a sermon, applied for visas, been to several prayer meetings, met new people, made new connections, helped plan assignment locations for team Congo, gotten engaged, said goodbye to a dear friend, traveled home and back, prayed for miracles, and seen God work in mighty ways. Just to name a few things. Some of those are blog posts of their own. But for now, I’ll stick to the miracles.

Here’s the story: Three TREKers had us pretty worried about whether they’d be able to go on assignment. Two of them were unable to fundraise enough to cover TREK, and one is dealing with severe chronic illness. It seems so dumb that two people wouldn’t go on TREK because of something like money. Money is trivial. Any financial professional will tell you it’s more an idea than something actually real. But the point is that God owns every dollar in every account on earth. Getting money is simply a matter of God transferring funds. But for some reason, they just weren’t coming in. We were challenged to pray in authority with faith. One girl, with a large community of support, had almost no fundraising in, the guy had almost no network, and almost nothing in. It was clear that a miracle was needed for both. In the period of two or three days the girl was able to raise over $5000. It was exciting to hear that almost every time the phone rang for her it was someone giving more money. All we had done was prayed. For the guy it was not looking so hopeful. A couple weeks passed and nothing happened. Fundraisers fell through, people weren’t giving, and then this weekend he made a connection to a small group who gave financially, and then an anonymous donor contacted MB Mission and agreed to cover the rest of this guy’s fundraising, just tell them a number, and they’ll write a cheque. In one weekend God raised over $7000 for this guy. We were praying for miracles. Last week as I was praying about this guy I felt God telling me that he was going to test our faith on this one. He was going to “push it until the end.” And boy did he ever! But praise God because miracles are happening!!! Big and small.

Now I haven’t mentioned much on the third yet. He deals with chronic illness. It’s been flaring up really bad lately, whereas previously it was quite under control. It’s gotten so bad that we’re worried he won’t be able to go on assignment. We can’t send someone with this type of illness into the heart of Africa for 8 months. It’d be too risky. So we’re requiring a doctors note of approval for travel. This third miracle hasn’t shown up yet. But we’re trusting God’s leading, authority, and plan. We’re praying by faith and sharing our heart for this situation with the Father. Please pray with us for a miracle of healing for this guy. We believe God has led him this far for a purpose. His team departs approximately November 12. Pray that God would heal his body and allow him to be on that plane with his team!

God is good. He is working. And it’s amazing to see him do miracles in our midst.

Thanks for you’re love, prayers, and support. Training wraps up this week and teams leave Friday and Saturday… except for Congo on the 12th. It’s been a blessing, and these people are incredible. To God be the glory.

…that’s how we do it in this family.

I just wanted to quickly share a point that I heard explained beautifully today. It impacted me profoundly. 

One of the pastors from a church here in Abbotsford shared today. His name is Ezra. He’s a gifted communicator. Ezra was teaching on grace. His point today was that we can’t understand holiness and what it means to strive for it before we fully understand God’s grace. He gave us the example of an adoption. Say you adopt a child, you give them your name, make a room for them in your house, and integrate them into your family. But the next day after brining this child home, they wake up and begin to scrub the walls, wash the windows, clean the floor, and tidy the mess. You wake up and ask them why they are doing all this. Their answer, “I’m doing this so that I can stay a part of the family.” You’d probably respond by saying, “No! You are a part of this family because you’ve been adopted into it. You will always be a child of this family, you will always call this home. You are one of us forever–no matter what.” Ezra continued his analogy by explaining that we’d assure the child that cleaning vigorously is good, but it does not earn you, nor maintain you a place in this family. But you’d also remind them of other things they need to do. “You can play with your friends all afternoon, but at 6PM you’d better be here for dinner.” “In our house we meet before bed, the whole family, and we pray together.” “Why? Because that’s how we do it in our family.”

How does this apply? You may be wondering. But Ezra summarized by saying that we are all members of God’s family because he has adopted us as his children in Christ Jesus. Our efforts to live a good, healthy, and holy life are not to maintain that adoption. Christians live in a way that’s set apart, because that’s how it’s done in this family. “Supper is at six. That’s how we do it.”

Ezra’s point was that there’s nothing we can do to be saved. Jesus paid the price for our sin, and his holiness is imputed upon his people. We’re seen as holy in the eyes of God only because we’re clothed in the holiness of Christ Jesus. But there’s one reason that we strive for holiness.

That’s how we do it in this family.

OUR GOD – the days gone by

I don’t think I know where to begin when I reflect on the last two weeks. Have you ever looked back on a time and seen that as you ran around stretched between a thousand tasks, and a hundred people, that God was working tirelessly in the midst of it all? I’ll admit that I’m surprised as I look back on these weeks and see how God has worked, I wasn’t always in tune to it. I’m humbled that he has moved powerfully, spoken loudly, orchestrated events, conducted symphonies of conversations, and never once rested.

These past two weeks have been full of new meetings, training sessions, orientations, intense planning, and countless cups of coffee. TREK training started on September 11 and we hit the ground running. As I’ve already written in past weeks, it’s been amazing to dive into the lives of these 21 people. I love them all so much. God has been faithful in showing me his heart for each one of them in new ways every day. Last night the TREK leadership team met to pray and discern team placements. TREKers don’t know what team they’re on, or where they are going when they show up here. But by the beginning of week 3 it’s been discerned. Today was the day for announcing. We revealed a list of team locations and placements this morning, and then went strait into a time of worship. Through the day I’ve had dozens of conversations where the placements have been affirmed over and over. God is good. God planned this. God has intersected each one of these lives at TREK… and now he’s shown how he plans to shape their lives in the coming months.

Last week I volunteered for an airport run. But it wasn’t a normal airport run. I picked up MB Mission’s General Director at his home at 4:30 Friday morning to take him to YVR. What was special about this is not that Randy is the General Director. What’s special is how Randy sees people. Somehow he knows what questions to ask, and just when to ask them. It’s 5AM and I’m driving down 0 Ave–a shoulderless road through the middle of nowhere, directly on top of the Canada/U.S. border–Randy asks me, “So what has God been doing in you and around you at TREK so far, Nate?” “Umm… excuse me? It’s 5AM,” that’s what I thought. But then I realized that I was struggling to find an answer. I was busy. I hadn’t been watching. The only answer I could give him was barely coherent, and probably in the end meant nothing. Simply put, I hadn’t been watching. And I knew I should’ve been. So since Friday I’ve had my ear to the ground. My eyes are pealed.

I’ve been humbled over and over again how God has worked–and is working. He never sleeps. He never tires. God has worked non-stop. I’m learning to see that in the midst of my busyness.

This morning after teams were announced and we began to worship in song, there was one that really stood out to me and has been in my head all day. It speaks to all God was, is, and is to come. It describes beatifully how he’s been working at TREK–and how he’s been working in me… even if I’m not watching. I want to share that song with you. I’m going to post a video, but I’ll also paste the lyrics below if you’d like to simply read it. But before I add the video, I want to share this: Our God is unique. There is none other like him. I challenge you to find a faith that reveals a God like ours. In all of this week–heck, in all my life–God has proven himself to be above all else. Here’s the song, Chris Tomlin, “Our God”.

And now the lyrics:

Water You turned into wine
Open the eyes of the blind
There’s no one like You
None like You
Into the darkness You shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like You
None like You

CHORUS
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God… 

Into the darkness you shine
Out of the ashes we Rise
There’s no One like You
None like You.

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God… 
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God… 

BRIDGE
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God… 
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God… 

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who can ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God… 
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

Amen? Yes. Amen.

MARK and the MESSIAH

 “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” – Philippians 3:12 (THE MESSAGE)

A big part of TREK training is a series of studies we work through together in the gospel of Mark. Steve Klassen, MARK Centre founder, friend of TREK, and scholar of Mark takes time to walk us through some studies on the themes that John Mark wrote about, the words of Jesus, and how all of this affects us today. Tonight the TREKers had a session where their time was dedicated to simply reading the gospel of Mark from start to finish. I don’t think we often take the time to do this. We don’t often read books of the Bible from start to finish in one sitting. It’s refreshing.

In Mark we feel the climax to the crucifixion.

We read the speed at which John Mark recorded several direct encounters with Jesus.

We notice the 40 times that John Mark uses the word “Immediately.”

And tonight, one of the TREKers brought up something that I found fascinating. Someone asked a question about why Jesus was so mysterious. We see over and over again Jesus telling people to keep his identity a secret. He tells people to keep the miracles he preforms a secret. But why? That’s a great question! Not one I pretend to have a complete answer to. But the one thing brought up this evening that struck me was this: “You can’t really get to know the true messiah, without first getting to know the suffering servant–Jesus.”

I’m still chewing on that one. It’s profound. Jesus’ detouring from his miraculous signs, his identity as messiah, may be less about hiding, and more about directing his listeners to something more important–the example of the suffering servant. It kind of changes how I’m going to read Mark this next time through.

What’s the connection between the servant attitude of Jesus, and his identity as our true Messiah?

How does one affect how we look at the other?

I think I’m going to chew on that one some more.

day ONE

So I probably posted in the neighbourhood of two years ago about something very similar as tonight. But as you might have guessed from the tittle, today was day one of TREK. Twenty-one people arrived in Abbotsford today. They came from all over Canada and the United States. Someone came from as far away as Halifax to be a part of TREK this fall. How cool is that?

Well, I’m not so much here tonight to write all about the traveling that people did today. Although, I did hear some pretty good customs stories (due to today’s date). Rather, I’d like to talk a bit about a conversation I had today. Well, it’s probably more accurately described as two sentences exchanged via text message. Today was long. I was at the office by 8:20 to pack up and go over to MARK Centre and move in. We spent the day unloading, Jacob (the other intern) was grocery shopping, I went to the airport to pick up TREKers, and we ate pizza as a big group, all visited, and then I headed for home. So there I was, sitting in my car, all ready to drive out of MARK Centre and head for Chilliwack. But before I left at like 8:50PM, I decided to text Jenn (my super awesome girlfriend), and our coversation (or two sentences) went as follows: Me – “I’m finally going home. ” Jenn – “Okay. Long day?” Me – “Yes. But it was so much fun!!!”

Today was long. It was SUPER busy. I even got frustrated when I placed six different orders at Subway for everyone, paid, got into my car, and then got a phone call with three more orders. But today was SO MUCH FUN! Twenty-one people came today.

That’s twenty-one names…

Twenty-one faces…

Twenty-one stories…

Twenty-one journeys that are all intersecting here at TREK.

And I CAN’T WAIT to jump into each one of them. This is my bread and butter. God’s got some sweet stuff up his sleeve right now, and I can’t wait for him to show his hand. Tomorrow is when actual sessions start. That’s the nitty gritty of TREK. But what I want to sink my teeth into–and got a taste of tonight–is the relationships.

All I can say when I think about all this is: God is good! Can I get an “AMEN” on that one?

…a week in…

So I’ve just completed the first week of my internship here in Abbotsford. It’s been a week of to-do lists and training sessions. When I went through TREK training in 2009, I had no idea how much work went into those 8 weeks. I knew it was a lot, but not this much. We’ve certainly got our hands full. It’s no wonder that Luke has two interns a year. This time around it’s myself and another young guy named Jacob. We’ve also got a girl named Rachel who will be interning in January with TREK, but is volunteering a lot between now and then. I’m glad we’ve got a team like this. But it’s not all busyness. There’s a lot of excitement in the office over the arrival of 21 TREKers on the 11th.

This week I’ve also been blessed to connect with people I’ve missed. It’s been awesome to connect with John Best, Luke Haidle, Sam Dick, and everyone else at MB Mission that I’d gotten to know a bit when I went to Peru. Speaking of Peru, the missionaries I worked with in Lima are in Canada now, and I’ve loved seeing them. They are such good friends.

As of now I’m just trying to figure out the team dynamics of where I’m working, settle into a routine, and then I’m sure time’s gonna begin to fly. My hope is to blog here a bit more about what it is I’m learning on the journey, with a balance of what I’m doing. But for now I think as far as I can process, is what I’ve done. I should be sending out another letter soon. Turns out that a lot of people didn’t get the last one thanks to Canada Post. So look for that. And I hope to be sending some letters more regularly this year. I didn’t have the opportunity to do mail outs from Peru, but I do now that I’m still close to home. I’d like to take advantage of that.

I’ll sign of here…. God bless, everyone! I’ll post again soon. Hopefully with something more profound than this.

Nathan