A Community To Each Other

A Dallas area young adult event will be held May 16-17, 2008, at the Las Colinas Church, 3343 Country Club Dr. W, Irving, TX 75038. The event begins at 8:00 PM Friday night with Café Renewal and continues Sabbath with services beginning at 10:00 AM. For more information you may email John Merafhe at john.merafhe.osv@fedexkinkos.com or go to Texas Conference Young Adult Ministries Department.

Lane Campbell [lcampbell@texas-adventist.org], serves as the young adult ministry director for the Texas Conference and through his leadership has put the lone star state on the map of ministry to new generations. With area gatherings and collaboration to foster leadership at the local level, young adult ministry is seeing a surge in this vast territory of the NAD.

Supported by a visionary conference administration, Campbell is serving his constituents and the larger North American Division. In the past two years, the Texas Conference has been host to large NAD-wide events, Just Claim It Prayer Conference and the Youth/Young Adult Ministries Leadership Summit. At both gatherings, Campbell and his team orchestrated tremendous young adult initiatives that have raised the profile of young adult ministry across the division.

Special appreciation to Lane Campbell and his team at the Texas Conference for their tremendous dedication and innovations to deepen the devotion of young adults to Jesus!

Young Adult Convocation

The Illinois Conference invites you to Young Adult Convocation, Saturday, May 17th, 9:45 AM, at McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. Hosted by Oasis and MyTown Ministries, featuring Damian Chandler and Okios Principle 2.0. Stay tuned for more info and service opportunities. For more information contact Oasis, oasiss07@gmail.com

The Illinois Young Adult Convocation is a delightful example of grassroot young adult synergy coming together to bring worship to GOD. The first “convo” was held last year and returns with leadership from Oasis, which began out of a desire to create a spiritual “refuge” for young adults. Networking for community service, worship, discipleship, and fellowship, these young adults have met throughout the year offering a spiritually refreshing break from the norm.

When I spoke for the convocation last year, I arrived to the art center which was buzzing with activity. Young adults setting up the worship band, preparing breakfast, transforming the theater into a space for worship, fellowship, and fun. Smiling faces were everywhere. Eager volunteers donning “Oasis” shirts were quick to greet those gathering. The theater was quickly packed with hearts seeking, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

I was blessed by their enthusiasm, their desire to reach out to their peers. I was also impressed by their talent and their willingness to use whatever their gifts were for ministry. Over this past year, I have watched from a distance, curious as to the longevity of their vivacious zeal. It has been refreshing to see their devotion to Jesus and each other grow, albeit with the bumps and hiccups of authentic life together. There is a tangible spirit that is magnetic.

It reminds me of what I imagine the Acts 2 church was like. People saw what was going one with the 1st century church, and liked it. And each day more were added to the Jesus movement as a result.

If you get the chance, stop by the “convo.” Take a look around. Step into worship. Share a meal with them. Tell me what you find.

New Contributor

I’d like to welcome Chris Bullock to our stable of writers. As he notes in his bio, which I’ve just added to the “about the authors” page, Chris is planting a new church in Atlanta, GA, called FUSION. He’s been a pastor for 10 years in Colorado, Tennessee and Georgia and has worked in youth and young adult ministries, as well as lead pastor. His passion is for secular postmodern society to experience a revelation of Jesus Christ. He is married to Sonya, and has two children.

For a little more about Chris’s ministry, check out this article.

Welcome, Chris!

Carry Out GODencounters

“How do I bring GODencounters to my young adults where I live?”

Carry Out GODencounters is a one-day intensive intending to equip you to “take it home.”

Join us Monday, May 26, 2008, 9:00 AM, at Forest Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church, 515 Harley Lester Lane, Apopka, FL 32703-6129. Carry Out follows the Florida GODencounters Conference. This is a free training intensive, please RSVP to help us plan well. For more information go to http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=12908399906

Lodging: Residence Inn Marriott is offering discounted GODencounters rates! Get info at http://www.residenceinnaltamontesprings.com/
Travel: Although Orlando International Airport (OIA) is a well known travel hub, also check out Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) for economical alternatives.

To RSVP, email A Allan Martin, amartin@GODencounters.org or click “Attending” at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=12908399906

GODencounters in Georgia-Cumberland Conference, May 28-31

2008 Theme: Worship As A Way of Life

In his book, The Air I Breathe, Louie Giglio initially defines worship as “our response to what we value most.” He goes on to say that worship is the activity of the human soul. God created us to worship. Whether we recognize it or not, we worship every day… a lot of things… sometimes God.

He goes on to say whatever we worship, we become obsessed with, whatever we become obsessed with, we imitate. Whatever we imitate, we become. If we worship money, we become greedy; if we worship stuff, we become materialistic.

So, if this is the case, I wonder how my life would be different if I could truly grasp what it means to . . .

worship God as a way of life!

What do you think it means to: Worship God as a way of life?

I’d love to hear any of your thoughts.

Graduation

It’s graduation time, which is a great time for you to recognize young adults in your church, whether they are graduating from high school, college, or grad school.

At Houston International, we’ll have a recognition this Sabbath. I’ll get them each a little something, and invite them forward for a blessing, involve some in the service, and focus the sermon on young adult ministry. It will be a sort of baccalaureate service; I had to just pick a date in the middle of all our graduations, since some were last weekend, some this, and more over the next couple of weekends.

ABH HOP Day 6

I can’t believe how fast this week has gone by! I have been remiss in writing  any posts to keep you all “in the loop” about the house of prayer at Bolingbrook Hospital. I have been fighting off a very bad cold and unfortunately it got the best of me although I did make it into work every day. Today though I succumed and just stayed in bed until my assigned hours at the prayer room came up. (I feel loads better!!) The house of prayer has taken on a life of its own. I can’t even begin to tell you all of the comments that I’ve heard about this space and how much people have enjoyed it.

I can tell though, from the nearly full wailing wall that those who have come into this room have sensed God’s presence and felt comfortable crying out to Him from their heart. What an answer to prayer! This has become like an oasis in the desert of pain, illness, grief and struggle that a hospital can be. All the honor and praise goes to God for meeting each individual here and embracing them in his love.

Here are some quotes from “the wall”…

• “I want time to stop so I can be with you forever. I love you. Thanks for loving me!”
• Father God, Thank you for teaching me to be still and know that you alone are God. My steps are ordered and I am content with where have led me along this journey. I will praise you for who you are. May my praise be sweet to your ears. Love, Your Daughter
• I don’t want to do anything! I don’t want to read or write or talk or think, not even pray… I just want to be in your presence. Love, Me  PS. I bet you always dreamed of having me in your arms!

As the week progressed I wanted to do something nice for Sabbath or add something little to make it special. So yesterday morning I stopped at the grocery store and bought a dozen roses and wrote some thoughts about Sabbath to add. Reflecting on the “sabbath” of illness and how sometimes it is only during illness that we pause long enough to rest and let our bodies rejuvenate. We are so rushed! I often live my life from one event to the next without even taking a breath in between.

“There comes a moment in our striving when more effort actually becomes counterproductive, when our frantic busyness only muddies the waters of our wisdom and understanding. When we become still and allow our life to rest, we feel a renewal of energy and gradual clarity of perception. The Psalmist speaks of this: He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still water. He restores my soul… God does not want us to be exhausted. God wants us to be happy.” (Sabbath by Wayne Muller p. 26)

My prayer is this sacred space has given some “fresh air” to the employees, visitors, & patients who have entered these walls. I hope they felt a connection that will push them toward God in their everyday mundane life. I don’t know what will happen after I leave or if there will be someone who will champion a 24/7 experience here, but I know for this season there was a purpose and a reason that the room was here.

Thank you for each of your prayers and your supportive notes. This week has been hard in some ways - especially physically as I’ve gotten sick, but with God’s strength and your prayers we have made it through. One more day - I am kind of sad to know it will end and at the same time curious to see what the final conclusion will be and who will step forward to see it continue (even just another event).

Lord, as this week comes to a close tomorrow I just lift it up to you as a sacrifice. Hear the prayers of your children as they cry out to you. Father may all that has happened here be to your honor and glory and please finish the work you’ve started in the lives of those who have come here. God none of the credit do I take but I give it all to you. I long for my life to be used up for you. Please honor your promise that you will give them a heart to know you and please be their God and call them back to you (jer 24.7). Thank you — Amen

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?