Encountering GOD: Making Room

When we started GODencounters seven years ago, we began with the simple premise of “Returning to the Heart of Worship.” We relied on a collection of young adults and pastors to prayerfully figure out how we might go about bringing this theme to life. Of course we had some ideas about worship sessions and a nifty idea of doing it “cafe style,” but there were other creative ideas that were added to the mix.

[Before I go on, here is a bit of the backstory:]
One of the local churches had gone through a traumatic pastoral transition, it had left the congregation devastated, experiencing pain on many different levels. A member from one of the sister churches in the area decided to construct a prayer room for this hurting church as a way to help the church heal. Many of the traumatized young adults were blessed by the experience of the prayer room, awed by the gift of compassion, some marking it as a turning point. [Okay so back to the main story line.]

As a result, a couple of the young adults were eager to develop prayer rooms for GODencounters. Feeling like the idea of “living a life of worship” would be affirmed in sacred spaces set aside for creative prayer, these young adults created awesome rooms where one could, creatively and experientially, sense GOD’s presence.

To this day, prayer rooms continue to be a characteristic part of GODencounters gatherings. It has inspired other expressions of prayer and the developing of “houses of prayer” in other settings. Clearly prayer changes things.

When I think of an exceptional party, it is filled with conversations. Sure you need good food, an engaging environment, and even decent tunes. But a great party is filled with discussions, chatter, and introductions. There are stories being told, friendships being formed, and small talk that hopes to grow. The life of the party seems to center around the connections made in wonderful, delightful, mesmerizing, and moving conversations. In many ways, a party is making room to foster these connections.

As I think of the 1st century, I often imagine Jesus being the Life of the party. Wonderful stories, meaningful connections. Conversations that included depth, and jokes, and meaning, and politics, and wisdom, and satire, and drama, and laughter.

Sure there was good food at a great spot, likely there was music, and for at least one of the parties, Jesus’ Mom made sure the wine didn’t run out. But you could always count on the party being filled with conversations, buzzing with chatter; And if there was quiet, it was because everyone was listening with fascination [and/or indignation] to the words of Jesus. A great party made room for chatting with Jesus and listening to the GODstories He would share.

In the 21st century, making room for chatting with Jesus is still the main ingredient of the best parties. For many GODfollowers, prayer rooms have made space for such celebrations.

“After one of the messages on the power of prayer, I celebrated my birthday with my friends in the prayer room. That day was one of the best birthdays I have had. Thank you. God bless.” – Shirley Flores, 37, Nursing Professor.

“Yes, GODencounters has inspired me to create opportunity to listen to God’s voice. . . It’s essential to set aside time to give God our undivided attention. Making a concerted effort to give God that undivided time is a life changing decision that GODencounters has caused me to make.”
- Karlene Graham, 17, Pre-med Student at John Hopkins University

“In the prayer rooms, I rededicated my life to Christ and gave all my cares and burdens to Him. I am born again!”
- Kimberly P. Grey, 42, Executive Assistant

These days of devotion are all about making room. . . Making room in our hearts for the kinds of conversations with GOD that inspire awe and laughter, conviction and closeness, belonging and revolution. It is a celebration of what Jesus has done, is doing, and will do. We’re making room for a Kingdom-size party. And it all begins with a prayer room, set aside in our hearts.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” - 2Chronicles 7:14

“I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.” - Jeremiah 24:7

ABH HOP day 3

Morning… not a greeting but rather stating a fact - it is morning and I am not a morning person per se. These early morning vigils in the prayer room are difficult! Yesterday when I was frantically trying to find people to cover the over night hours people laughed at me when I asked if they wanted to come from 3-5am. This 24/7 endeavour requires sacrifice and perseverance. No one suggested it would be easy or something “fun” to do. I wonder who will volunteer for tonight… any of you in the area :).

I wonder this morning if God can speak to me through my stuffy, plugged up head? I’m so thankful that everyone who comes in this space has a personal experience with God and is not dependant on ME to make it happen! whew! what a relief because I am not up to it.

Some highlights from the last couple of days:

• The article in the Chicago Tribune came out yesterday. To read it please visit http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-pray_29apr29,0,118423.story
• A lady came into the HOP the other day who saw the poster in the lobby as she was coming in for testing. The volunteer told me that this lady had been at her newly purchased house on the west side of Chicago working (it was a “fixer-upper”) this past weekend when two guys armed with a gun came into her backyard and robbed her and her sister at gun point!!! They spent about 20 minutes in the house of prayer praying and praising God for life and protection!
• When I left last night I peaked in and saw one of our leaders in the HOP with a young girl sitting by the box of sand reading the sign talking about how much God loves us and how we are worth so much that he gave his life for us… just like a pearl. It was touching to see her patiently listening as the girl haltingly read and she explained what it meant.
• Someone else came up to me and said, “you were right, it’s hard to explain, but once you experience it - WOW!! it was amazing!”
• Another lady told me yesterday that being in that room really gave her time to think about things. She hasn’t been to church for several years and although she still believes in God she said it made her stop and think about how she spends her time.

My hope is that people will come away not just saying “that was a great room” but that they encountered God in this space. It is amazing that each person has an individual experience and no two are the same. Maybe this prayer of David resonates with someone “Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Ps.27.7-8. I believe that God meets us in these sacred spaces.

One more quote this morning –

“Prayer brings incredible answers to deep needs. It can lead to genuine breakthroughs in calling people, villages, and cities back to God. But the most important thing that any prayer, or prayer room, from Alaska to Australia can provide is a place where people can be alone with their eternal Father, a place where you and I can study His features, find comfort in His love, learn to recognize His quiet voice, seek His advice, and pour out our childish hearts to Him… We actually become the answer to many of our prayers. And of course that is the greatest miracle of all.” (RMR p. 71)

HOP Day 2

4:01am - I’m surprised that I’ve already been here an hour! Time flits by in a sacred space… I am overwhelmed by the blessing of God on this simple gift of quiet space in the midst of this beautiful, new, bustling house of healing. This hospital has been open for a little over 4 months now so we have been through many “firsts” or “only hospital to…” and this House of Prayer is now added to that list. Yesterday as people came and went I heard so many people who were touched by the presence of God in this room. I can’t explain how it happens, but I believe that the tincture of passion, energy, & prayer that goes into making a space like this creates a place where God will linger and meet his children. I am awed and humbled to be part of this. One of our OB physicians was here first thing yesterday morning and as I talked to him afterward he shared how important prayer is to him and how he often prays for the babies he delivers just after they are born! He said he had seen a flier about this HOP a couple weeks ago and his “eyes lit up” and he wanted to be here first thing because he values prayer.

Another lady came by to see what it was about and when she read the paper outside the entrance she said she felt a presence just in the doorway - others came to me and said “I can’t go into the room without crying”. The writings on the prayer wall indicate that some have encounterd God here… Amazing!

One more thing - yesterday morning my cell phone rang and it was a number I didn’t recognize. I answered and it was a friend from highschool whom I rarely hear from. She said, “You are one of my only friends who I know still believes in God and goes to church and I just need prayer this week.” She is in law school and this is finals week and she is feeling the pressure of grades to maintain her scholarship. I was blown away!! I prayed for her on the phone and then I told her that we are having this prayer room this week and she would be a special part of it. Please, if you think of it, add your prayers for Kathryn - for her finals - but also that God would reach her heart.

We serve an almighty God! I can’t come up with words to express my thoughts…

For reflection:

-How can we make prayer and interactions with God a real part of our every day life? Where ”their DNA chooses Jesus (he breathes out, they breathe in)”?

-What will it take for a revolution of prayer to really take hold?

Light of the World

It’s been such an encouragement to hear about the flame GOD has ignited in many of you. Like Elisa, many of you have got this fire burning within, and being lit up by GOD cannot go without notice.

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” - Matthew 5:14-15

In Orlando, in Chicago, in Dallas, in Bolingbrook, in Malawi… In Deeper, in GODencounters, in Ignite, in Oasis, in MyTown Ministries, in IGNITION, in YAMA… In the many legs of the journey with GOD, Elisa has given off light to others in the house. It is such an inspiration for the light of Jesus to shine so brightly in the dedication of a friend.

And now she’s asking us to come along on her journey, through prayer. What an honor to join in this part of the trip! Elisa, burn bright! Burn bright.

Call to Prayer

I want to reach out to you - my friends who I know are prayer warriors right now. As I’ve mentioned before I am coordinating a House of Prayer at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital starting this Monday, the 28th. As we get closer to the event I am feeling the pressure and last night thought of Carolyn when I woke up at 1am not able to sleep. The night before I woke up at 3:30 from a horrible nightmare. So I just ask that you pray for me as this incredible ministry begins. I have never done this by myself before (always with others who are more talented & experienced than me) and although I have a great team of helpers no one has experienced it first hand.

The other part of the pressure (but is a HUGE PRAISE GOD!!) is that on Monday morning a reporter from the Chicago Tribune is going to be here doing a live story on the House of Prayer to run on Tuesday in the Metro section (hopefully front page). We are super excited, but I also feel that this is some additional pressure to be sure that it is done well.

Thank you for your support - I wish you all could be here to help! Please just pray that the room and stations come together and that the people are blessed who come through the doors. Many people from the community have volunteered to pray and with God’s help we will be successfuly in a full week of 24/7 prayer.

Praying for the Party

Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven… [Matthew 6:10]

encounter: After reading Matthew 6:9-13, reflect on the following questions with others or on your own (You are always welcome to post your reflections here):

• As a child, what did you look forward to experiencing when you got to heaven?
• Super heroes are often portrayed as “putting things right.” If you were a super hero, beyond describing your powers, what injustices would you seek to correct in the world?
• In praying the Lord’s prayer, have you sensed what on earth is GOD’s will? Explain.
• As a GODfollower, where can you bring a “bit of heaven” to earth? Into what circumstance? What relationship? How will you fulfill GOD’s will today?

My Flame

I’ve been trying to figure out the most clever way to write a blog about my “flame” and what has happened in my life since Ignition. At this point I’ve decided to give up being creative and just let you all know how God is leading. This blog has been such an encouragement to me over the past couple of months so I first want you all to know that…

I’ve hinted in previous posts about things happening in the Chicago-land area with prayer houses and a more defined calling to prayer at my church here (Hinsdale, IL). All of this still needs much prayer and is moving at various speeds. At Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital we will be holding a week of 24/7 prayer starting April 28 in the hospital chapel which I am very nervous about but excited too. (Please pray and I’ll post more about that as it goes.)

The biggest change for me though, is that I have accepted a call to go to Malawi, Africa and work with Adventist Health International as the Director of Finance and Systems for AHI-Malawi. Wow!! I can’t even type that out without being amazed!! Not at myself but at God who has orchestrated everything. For those who know me you may not be surprised, for those who don’t I’ll explain that doing full time mission work has been a dream of mine for probably 3 or 4 years. I’ve always been interested and after college (8 yrs ago) I spent a year in Zambia, Africa as a student missionary. This (along with short term trips) whetted my appetite and in 2005 while on a trip to Peru I realized that missions and service is my PASSION!!! Thus began my praying and seeking and waiting for God’s timing - and now it is 3 years later!

I will be living at Malamulo hospital near Blatnyre, Malawi (google Malawi to see where) but will be working with all three SDA hospitals in Malawi as well as the 18 rural clinics spread throughout the country. I will be living with my dear friend Cristy Shank who is an MD at the hospital and moved there in November of last year.

Sooo what does all of this mean?? I’m wrapping up things here and as I do that it is starting to settle in that I will not be part of Oasis here in Chicago or GODencounters now all over the country. However, these as well as Deeper and other experiences I’ve had have served to teach me so many things and give me invaluable relationships and encouragement that will be an enormous resource as I venture out. I’m already trying to think if there is a way I could do a 24/7 prayer event in Africa?? hmmm - not sure

In the meantime I feel like I’m in the midst of a hurricane where things are flying through the air and I’m supposed to keep up with them. I’m praying for continued peace and God’s leading as I move forward in a surrendered position. I’m still committed 100% to what is exploding here in the US after Ignition and with GE this summer - but it will be from a little further away. One of the best things is THE INTERNET!! With our cyber-community distance doesn’t really matter.

I am continually praising God and hope that you can join me in thanking God for his faithfulness and compassion. There is so much more I could say — my heart overflows.

The Kingdom of GOD is a Party and U R Invited!

PARTY FAQS

What party?
The 2008 GODencounters Conference will be May 23-25, at Forest Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church, 515 Harley Lester Lane, Apopka, FL 32703-6129. The Kingdom of God is a Party and GODencounters is inviting you to a Kingdom-sized celebration. This free event begins Friday, May 25th, 7:30 PM, with featured worship leaders and artists including Sea of Glass, author Bernie Anderson, and reality television personality, Jason Illian. For more information, go to www.GODencounters.org or call 407-644-5000, extension 129.

Who’s invited?
Everyone, especially young adults seeking to encounter GOD.

What’s the schedule?
Friday
• 7:30PM – Worship Party & then encounters café @ Forest Lake Church
Saturday
• 9:30AM & 11:00AM – Identical Worship Parties @ Forest Lake Church
• 7:30PM – Worship Party & then encounters café @ Forest Lake Church
Sunday
• 10:00AM – Wet ‘n Wild [Tickets only available at FL Adventist Book Centers]
• 6:00PM – Wet ‘n Wild Party begins
• 7:30PM – Worship Party & then book signing @ Forest Lake Church

Where to stay/sleep?
Make your reservations now because they are selling out fast.
• Forest Lake Academy campus in dorms or tents or bring your RV info at http://floridaconference.com/campmeeting/cmapplication.pdf
• Residence Inn Marriott is offering GODencounters rates! Their Studio ($89) can sleep 3, Studio Double ($99) can sleep 5, Penthouse Exec Suite ($139) can sleep 6. Get info at http://www.residenceinnaltamontesprings.com/

Who are these people?
• Bernie Anderson, http://ministryinfusion.com/
• Jason Illian, http://jasonillian.com
• Sea Of Glass, http://www.myspace.com/seaofglassworshipband

Where can I get more info?
• Call 407-644-5000 extension 129
• Email info@GODencounters.org
• Surf www.GODencounters.org
• MySpace www.myspace.com/godencounter
• Facebook www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=6806042113

Why?
Wholeheartedly seeking a 24/7 experience of the living GOD, we’re joining with Jesus who knows how to party hard.

Where’s Waldo? Where’s Joy?

I was talking with a colleague last night who shared their passion for reaching out to young adults who have left the church. As they spoke, I was reminded of an exceptional feature written by Kimberly Luste Maran, Where is the Joy?

Noted author and church demographer, George Barna reported six out of ten (61%) young adults part ways with the church, despite being spiritually active as teens. Adventism’s preminent researcher on youth, Roger Dudley, found comparable young adult departure rates in our church, seeming to suggest we are not immune.

Jesus spoke about this, and in His typical style, He told a story:

“Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue” [Luke 15:4-7, Message].

My wife has all kinds of intriguing favorites. Among dark chocolate, and 80’s music, and triathlons, she also enjoys a curious series of books called, Where’s Waldo. She enjoys searching the pages, looking for this Waldo fellow. She scours the scenes inch by inch, and upon finding him, exclaims with great delight, “There’s Waldo!”

With humble pride, I would say that my wife Deirdre reminds me of Jesus. He is passionate about His church, and if anyone is missing. . . if anyone get’s lost, He searches for them, He pursues them, not satisfied with just hanging out with the “found.”

Where’s Jesus’ joy? It’s in finding Waldo. It’s in finding Wenda. That’s where you will find Jesus’ joy.

And as you might expect from the Lord of the Party, when Jesus returns from His all-out search party, He sends a text msg to all His peeps, “Let’s celebrate! I’ve found my lost sheep.”

May I find joy where Jesus finds joy.

May I wonder “Where’s Waldo and Wenda?”

And with the success of my/our search party, may a block party bust out with Jesus-styled joy.

Headlines read, “Waldo, Wenda & Joy — FOUND!”

encounter: After reading Luke 15:4-7, reflect on the following questions with others or on your own (you’re always welcome to post your reflections here).

• Make a list of your top five favorite things. What brings you joy?
• When have you lost something valuable to you and later found it? Tell the story, including your emotions.
• What helps you maintain your joy in difficult environments or situations?
• If you were invited to the party by Jesus, as He celebrates a successful rescue, what would be your reaction? Would you share in His joy? Explain.

The IRS observes the Year of Jubilee

It’s the same feeling I get each year on April 15th.

And no it’s not the joy of spring.

I feel poor, I feel stressed, I feel like a debtor. Which is what I am.

Student loans. Mortgage payments. The ten bucks Alexa spotted me when I needed to pay something in cash. I am a debtor. This becomes especially evident when the IRS and I have our annual anniversary.

In my dreams, I would love for the Internal Revenue Service to observe the “year of Jubilee.”

In Tony Campolo’s book, The Kingdom of GOD is a Party, he describes, “All debts were to be canceled in the year of Jubilee. All land was to be returned to its original owners, and those who were in prison were to be set free. In those days, prison was primarily for debtors…” (p.18).

But as I startle from this day dream (just in time to put my properly postmarked envelopes into the mailbox), I don’t forsee the IRS picking up this Biblical requirement stated in Leviticus 25.

Could you imagine? What joy would erupt in the streets! Granted some CPAs would be weeping, but overall I think Jubilee would go over pretty well. However, such pardon is not the case with the IRS.

In fact, even the Jews never observed the year of Jubilee — Except for one Rabbi.

Jesus read for the hometown crowd a passage from Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” [61:1-2].

Campolo comments, “According to Isaiah 61, we are told when the Messiah comes, He will bring in the new economic order in which the poor will be delivered from all oppression and freed to live life to the fullest” (p.19).

As Jesus took a seat, he declared Jubilee, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (Luke 4:21).

As the clock tells me that there are only 5 minutes left of April 15, I say “Preach on Jesus! Preach on!“

encounter: After reading Luke 4:14-44, reflect on the following questions with others or on your own (of course you’re always welcome to post your reflections here):

• As for money or favors, which of your debts would you want to be paid off completely today if it were possible? What would be your reaction?
• The familiar chorus goes, “He paid a debt He did not owe, I owed a debt, I could not pay…” As for your sins and salvation, what do you wish the Messiah of Jubilee would pay off on your behalf?
• Describe what being “freed to live life to the fullest” means to you.