Wednesday, May 30, 2007

News You Can Use


I just found the website for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, IRIN. It seems to be full of humanitarian aid news from around the world that I'm not getting from any other source. The UN seems to be involved in many good works, under severe conditions and limitations. I'm not getting that picture from the US news outlets, either. Its much more fun to rant and rave and blame and snoop, I guess!

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Growing Deeper?

I've signed on to "a year-long program of study intended to encourage and enhance the spiritual practices of prayer, contemplation, and service." But now I wonder, will studying and practicing allow me to "grow deeper"? And what does it mean to "grow deeper"? I hope it means something like this from the sons of Korah:

Psalm 42

For the director of music. A maskil of the Sons of Korah.

1 As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?

3 My tears have been my food
day and night,
while men say to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"

4 These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go with the multitude,
leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving
among the festive throng.

5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and 6 my God.
My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.

7 Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.

8 By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.

9 I say to God my Rock,
"Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?"

10 My bones suffer mortal agony
as my foes taunt me,
saying to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"

11 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Andrew's dead

I don't know what to do with all this. Andrew has been attending The Gathering fairly regularly over the last few months, accompanying his obnoxious friends. I struggled mightily with treating his friends in a "Christian" manner, but it seemed Andrew had some real potential. (Man, that's a statement full of judgment, isn't it?) This weekend, Andrew was killed by one of those obnoxious friends. The police made the arrest, but they can't even locate Andrew's family to let them know. Talk about disorientation! I don't know what to do with all this. LORD, have mercy on us all, especially the killer and on the soul of dear Andrew.

Monday, May 21, 2007

Elder Greg

Believe it or not, our church (the big Sunday morning church) has called me to be an elder. That seems to mean a life-long appointment to shepherd, counsel, teach, pray for and serve in ministry with this great congregation of loving disciples. That also seems to mean a life sentence of meetings, complaints, and internal arguments (both large and small) among a bunch of selfish, immature, comfort-seeking sinners like me. I think I'll sign up for the first part! I love this church! HALLELUJAH!

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

It's a Party!

We experimented on Sunday and held a Family Fun Fair and Neighborhood Cookout at The Gathering. Other than the cumbersome name, it was a huge success! We had good food, children's games, an inflated Safari Jump, and even a balloon artist! We registered 45 families in attendance, with something like 50 kids. We had numerous written and spoken prayer requests, and had the opportunity to welcome and bless our neighbors. I don't know if we'll see immediate results in more Sunday evening attendance, but we were a blessing to our neighborhood, and that was the plan from the start. LORD, use us as you wish!
Oh yeah, the greatest surprise was that Tamika returned and joyfully participated in serving! We haven't seen her since her baptism, but we have been praying for her continually, and the LORD answered our prayers! Hallelujah!