So many other things

Michael said, "I am spiritual and talk about faith when I am in jail, but as soon as I get out, I just go back to my old ways.  I drink a lot and it gets me in trouble all over again."

Vince and Michael challenged me with a mix of honest and evasive responses about making real changes during my visits at the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) in Kent, this week. 

Many are indifferent or do the "Sarasota or Saskatoon Shuffle" to avoid interaction.  They are too tired or stay in bed.  They get their coffee stirred, laugh to cover their discomfort, talk to other inmates, watch a video...play cards, or are embroiled in a hot dominoes competition at one of the tables. 

Just like so many in every church or at our jobs, they are too busy to talk.   They aren't ready.

Vince wanted to get his life turned around but needed a Bible.  He didn't even know what the Gospel of John is.  I provided a New King James and "Anchor for the soul," by Ray Pritchard.  When I came back the next day, he told me somebody took his books.

Honestly, I almost walked away but the Lord spoke to my heart about loving this man and i provided a second set for him and suggested he put them in his room.

The next day, he was too... whatever ... to talk.

He may be at the MRJC next week or just could be released.  He has the books and I suggested John 3, 10, and 14.  We might talk.  I'd love to share the Romans Road, a Bible story, or lay out John 3:1-21 with him.

He might talk with another chaplain.  He's workin' the phones to get bailed out and likes to appear real smooth.  I'm available but am not chasing him.

Michael may be 19, now, and has been in the MRJC at least three times in about 18 months.  We have met numerous times.  A couple of other chaplains met with him, during past visits.  He is like so many.  He gets spiritual when he comes to jail but falls back to old ways upon release.  Over and over.  The alcohol and drugs call.  I share that naturally in the flesh their noses know the old pathways.

In our previous one-on-ones, I recalled Michael struggles with basic decoding reading skills.  He's probably a first or second grade reader.   Oral Bible storytelling was exactly right for him.  I told him the story of when the rich young man met Jesus in Mark 10:17-22--

And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”  

Young man and Jesus

And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’”  

And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.”  

And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 

As I told Michael the story, he listened really intently.  He was getting it.  He retold the story through about two-thirds of it and was eager to listen as we read the actual text. In the interchange, Mark recorded that Jesus loved him and told him he "lacked one thing."  Jesus was also sad.  This guy had really important great possessions.  He was wealthy.

Youth alcoholism

I asked Michael what he might be lacking.

"When I get out, I start right back in with drinking and other things," he confessed.

So many "want God" if it gets them out of jail.

I asked him about a spiritual disconnect. 

Like the rich man and Jesus, Michael said he doesn't want to give up a lifestyle and group of people he spends time drinking with.  He goes back to what he knows.  He hasn't attended church, isn't aware of any people who are Christians, doesn't go to AA or Celebrate Recovery type groups, and doesn't talk to anyone about his struggles. 

Michael acknowledged he keeps on living his old life that he is most comfortable with because that is what he has done for a long time.  The Lord is not caught off-guard about any of these things.  Jesus loved the wealthy man.  He loves the poor man and the alcoholic.

Michael and I may talk again, soon.  He was touched when I shared that like the rich guy in the story, Jesus loves him, as well.

Resentment

The transition for Sol from where it appeared he was to what he shared with me was very discouraging on Monday.  This inmate seemed to turn from a very painful and even demonic background to be pursuing faith in Christ at the Regional Justice Center over the past months.

He explained he was seeking his creator individually as he heard from this creator without the foundation of the Bible. Jesus, he said, is a man with a message.  He is a man, not God.  My step today was to ask questions and assure Sol that I love him.

What changed for Sol?  He said, "I woke up.  I don't want to read any book that has been tainted by man.  The Bible has been translated so many times that it isn't what God says.  I don't trust anything with man's hand-prints all over it.  I am talking directly to the creator."

"So," I followed up, "how is that working for you?  That is a big change."


"It is very hard and exhausting but I only want to talk to the creator, myself.  The Bible has so many translations it can't be trusted as what it really said from the beginning."

I  started to share about the trustworthy nature of the Biblical text.  He became very defensive so I just started  to pray, listen carefully, and ask questions.  

Loving evangelism is not about winning arguments but walking beside him, right now.  Well, that was where Sol was at, today.  This is God's work in progress.  He agreed to let me pray for him and I asked the Creator God, the LORD of hosts, to reveal Himself to Sol. We may talk again in the next weeks. 

Another inmate, Joe was really eager to talk as he used to meet with PFC President Greg VonTobel when both attended Overlake Christian Church in Kirkland.  Joe struggles with alcohol so I encouraged him to start working through a Christian perspective on resentment in the 12-step program.He may be released in a short time but needs to respond to several other legal situations.

From an Alcoholics Anonymous perspective, resentment comes to play is Step 4 and involves recycling old negative feelings, revisiting old wrongs done to us by others. It's as if each of the offending incidents is captured on videotape in our minds. Resentment, in effect, is mentally replaying the scene countless times each day. As we do so, real wrongs grow worse, and wrongs that are merely imagined assume a life of their own.

Joe says he is overcome by anger that leads to bitter feelings, depression, acting out, being provoked.   Then, he drinks and ends up in jail.  He doesn't listen to his wife who has stayed with him.

Oral Bible storytelling

Topher Lindstom

Topher Lindstom, Middle School youth pastor in our Faith Student Ministries (FSM) team said, "The kids all stayed interested, even when we went through the questions." 

Topher actively interacted with his students as I used oral Bible storytelling Sunday morning around Acts 20:7-12.

"They were great," Topher continued, "during the telling of the story and reading it with each other. Even when we went through the questions they were really into it.  Lots of application and involvement. They got it!" 

Diane Brask

One of my goals Sunday morning was to practice and refine the oral Bible storytelling model I was introduced to at Boulevard Park Presbyterian Church in Burien by Diane Brask and supported by Tom Horton, Rural Church Youth Ministries. Tom has been a major encouragement to me for 30 years. Diane is quick to refer learners to: Simply the Story

I wanted to give this new method serious field testing at Standing Stones in Wapato this past week and again with our FSM class, Sunday morning.

Tom Horton

 Ever feel like falling asleep during a sermon in a stuffy room?  Has it happened?    The kids stayed focused in on the story of Eutychus falling asleep and toppling three stories from a windowsill  in Acts 20:7-12. The story changes as the youth is raised from the dead in the arms of Paul.

                                                     Oral Bible storytelling
The story we used Sunday morning was from Acts 20:7-12--

Eutychus raised from the dead

Paul and Eutychus

7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9 And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 10 But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” 11 And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. 12 And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.

 

The process of oral storytelling in groups begins as the presenter tells the story without any notes and everyone with their Bibles closed and listening carefully.  I attempt to be as clear and accurate as possible.  I don't get overly stressed  about missing details.  Then, I ask a volunteer to retell the story from my telling without opening their Bibles nor taking notes.  Learning starts by careful listening.  We are digging into the Scripture story. 

Now, we go to the actual text and read it carefully and ask another volunteer to retell the story.  If we can divide the group into pairs or groups of three, we have these groups read the story, retell with everyone else but the teller with their Bibles open.  By rotating reading the text and retelling the story, each person gets a chance to retell the story twice and listen to the reading four or six times.  

Our goal is to be just as accurate and even precise with the text, as possible.  Nobody has an advantage over anyone else.  We learn, "everyone is on an equal footing before the story."  We are working toward accuracy by what the text says.

In the table groups, now, we begin asking questions.  The first sequence entails seeking sequence of order and fill in the blank answers verse-by-verse.  We want the accurate facts by focusing on exactly what the text states.

With the basic facts determined, we begin digging for treasure.  We ask each group to work through five C's.  Here we begin to set the stage for applications and personal stakes about timeless truths.

First, the context.  What leads up to and follows the target story?  What is the flow of the book?

Second, the characters.  Who are the main and other characters in the story?

Third, the conversations.  What do each of the characters say?

Fourth, the choices.  What do the characters choose to do, or choose to avoid?

Fifth, the consequences.  What are the results of their chosen actions?

Next, we dig into applications:  We want to bring the story into our settings and ask what it says to us. 

• Which character do we identify with?  
• How does that character speak to what we are dealing with, right now?  
• How can we empathize with the characters?  
• What choices might we have made?  
• What consequences are we facing based on our choices?

Finally, we transition to summary conclusions: 

• How does the story and its characters change our lives?
• How does it correct our thinking about God, others, and ourselves?
• What action or steps of obedience does it require from us?

Jamie's steady support

Jamie Neault

"Jamie's here!" the guys shared together, "we really missed him.  This is great.  We're glad he's back."

The group energy ratcheted up several notches this week when Jamie Neault's red Pontiac SUV rambled upfront at the Standing Stones Ministries (SSM) upon returning from his vacation in Wisconsin.

Jamie supports Dave throughout daily activities with the men--Cameron, Freddy, Glen, Jim, Michael, and Wilson.


He maintains a separate room upstairs in the main living home, leads a morning Bible study, and oversees the daily routine.  Jamie does whatever Dave needs help with.

Jamie came to SSM as a participant when Prisoners for Christ Outreach Ministries opened up the facility to develop a Christ-centered regeneration and transitional living ministry on 1000 N. Wildwood Road in Wapato, Washington. He also volunteers weekly at the Yakima County Jail.

He progressed through the training sequences and has served with Dave since the Gartons arrived in the summer of 2010.

I taught Bible studies each morning and evening, shared with the men individually throughout the day, and shared with Director Dave Garton from Sunday to Friday, this week. Dave and I took great long walks several times which is exactly what I needed.  I wanted to sit in on Dave's Genesis Process training sessions.

Genesis Process

Each man rises daily at 6 am, eats breakfast at 7, and carries out  a personal quiet time with journaling and a self-inventory through 7:30.  Bible study and recovery-focused classes run from 8-noon.  The men eat lunch at noon and are working in the furniture shop from 1-5 pm.  

Dinner is at 6 pm.  The men rotate through house-cleaning and responsibilities around the grounds. The men are in various levels of substance abuse recovery and bang against one another and with Dave and Jamie.  

Jamie supports the high levels of expectations established for the men. Dave walks them through a Genesis Process Workbook Monday-Friday each morning with Jamie sitting in when they get to a certain point. Time is carefully monitored throughout the day.  Television, telephone, and even mail is carefully restricted.  There is no internet nor e-mail.  

Incoming and outgoing mail may be read, as needed. The men must stay on the grounds.  As they progress through the initial 10 month program, some of the limits are relaxed but may be re-established.

Round back to Standing Stones

Glen, Cameron, Michael, Jim, Freddy, and Wilson with me

"I think I am going to start screening," Nancy said, "Mark and Geoff's calls.  They come up with some crazy things.  This time, the sales pitch was Mark called Geoff with a great opportunity to sing on his own and to lead in worship in Wapato, later tonight. What will they come up with next?" 

Katharine, my wife, would understand.  They may need to be checking notes.

There was another motive in my strategy.  I hoped Nancy would get to know and share with Gail Garton.  It worked!

I was deeply touched in the Lord that Geoff and Nancy would come over to partner with me at my invitation.  I prayed the men would really appreciate their ministries. 

We were privileged to experience a special, genuine, real deal, powerful presence of the Holy Spirit.  It was a gathering of 12 people way out at the end of a gravel road. He left our expectations out in the dust of our gravel road.  We experience Him!

We were blessed at Standing Stones Ministry (SSM) in Wapato  with a concert by Geoff White crowned by a communion service led by Dave Garton Wednesday night. 

I felt prompted to call Geoff in Kent on Wednesday about 9:30 am to ask if he and Nancy would like to come over to present a concert for the men.  Nancy could step into what she is so gifted to do.  After getting the approval from Nancy, we had it nailed down for that very evening at 7 pm.  Their availability and willingness to drive 2 1/2 hours each way to Wapato was testimony to the hand of God and I was running over with thanksgiving as I knew we were all in for a blessing.  they left about 4 pm and got home again at 11:30 pm.

My secondary purpose was to get Geoff and Nancy a real solid look at SSM. Those who get to minister to and listen to the awesome men and then see and hear about the furniture shop directly from Jamie Neault and the men will absolutely want to come back.  Hopefully, Geoff and Nancy will come back themselves and with others.

Dave Garton at communion

Geoff could provide some solid Bible teaching, more awesome concert music, share with Dave, Jamie and the men, and do some pheasant hunting.  He already teaches once a month at the UGM transition ministry at Riverton. Then, like me, the Lord will continue working deeply on their hearts like He is working in me. 

Geoff and Nancy, and the Unchained band completed a 900 mile Prisoners for Christ whirlwind concert and worship tour to Airway Heights Correction Center, the Spokane Union Gospel Mission both in Spokane, the Pasco Union Gospel Mission, and Two Rivers Corrections Center in Umatilla, Oregon on Friday and Saturday.

Michael's changes

Geoff writes all the music for Unchained and has been taking vocal lessons in the last months.  We meet just about every week for encouragement and he shared his heart to bring his guitar and do some things on his own. Geoff shared an ongoing testimony about how the Lord is miraculously working in Ramona, Geoff and Nancy's daughter in California.

Our Wednesday night concert was transformed by the Lord into a celebration of Jesus and worship service.  Dave asked Jim to share his testimony and then was led to bring in a cup of juice and bread after Geoff was done with his major concert selections. Each of us shared where we were when we grasped our need for the saving work of Jesus. 

Unchained at Spokane UG

“If there is one name sweeter than any other in the believer’s ear,  it is the name of Jesus.  Jesus!  His name moves the orchestra of heaven to melody.  Jesus!  It is the life of all our joys.  If there is one name that is more charming, more precious than another, it is this name.  Jesus!   Many of our hymns begin with it and scarcely any that are good for anything, end without it.  The name of Jesus is the sum total of all delights.  The precious name of Jesus is five letter-- is the music with which the bells of heaven ring. He is a song in a word; a matchless oratorio in two syllables; a gathering up of the hallelujahs of eternity in heaven.”  ~Charles H. Spurgeon

Jim's testimony

Dave asked Jim to share his testimony and then preached about considering where we were when we heard Jesus drawing us to Him to get cleaned up from the individual messes each man found themselves in.

As I have done many times, Dave connected with Geoff's "Round back," to proclaim the Greatest Good News we'll ever hear and share with the world. 

"Round back” swings us to where some experienced reality.  It’s a place of fear and deliberate hiding. Regardless of our situations, “Round back” is a place of evil, gloom, and twisted darkness. It’s a fraud, fake cover-up.

Jesus shines His great light on our round back places to draw us to Him. God Himself took away our filthy rags, covered us with His blood, and clothed us in His righteousness.  That's the Great Exchange.  

The men stepped right into it.  Their sharing was worth the whole week over here.

Geoff White

'Round back

by Geoff White 

2009

"'Round back the concretes hard,

Around back talking my front yard,

'Round back even the weeds won't grow,

but Jesus came 'round back and saved my soul.

'Round back midst the garbage and grease,

Around back hard to smell me,

'round back the polite won't go,

but Jesus came round back to save my soul.

He put on my filthy rags; washed my shame away,

clothed me in His righteousness;

now I don't have to stay around back.

'Round back, sometimes I still go

'round back just so you might know

'round back, you don't have to stay

'round back because there's a better way

And He'll put on your filthy rags; wash your shame away

Clothe you in His righteousness; you won't have to stay

You won't have to stay....you won't have to stay....you won't have to stay

You don't want to live.... around back

Jesus came to live around back

No one needs to live around back."

Men in the desert

Teaching in the morning

Wapato--Men at Standing Stones have a HUGE chance to watch the Lord Himself transform their lives forever. There are six men enrolled at Standing Stones Ministries (SSM) here in a Christ-centered regeneration transitional living home.  

Each of the six, ranging from 32-49 years-old didn't arrive here because they wanted to be here or for the "right" reasons, at least to begin with.

There are no fences or gates around or locks on the doors. The men are not trapped behind gates around the facility.  Each could leave at any time.  They could relapse to their addiction of choice right here or upon leaving.

For every one of us living with our families, being where we all are supposed to be because we want to be or for the "right" reasons may be shaky, at best, at the beginning.  Each of us may walk into dark hallways in our lives.  We hurt in a hard place. 

Guarantees and promises are non-existent in the world of recovery for substance abuse people.  In the past, men have left the program.  Others relapsed.  Some came back and failed again.  A few are choosing peace in the power of the Holy Spirit and strength that comes from engaging, stepping into their program in the Lord, with other men.

Dave teaching

SSM is all about the men who are serving and receiving.  It's not about the facility, buildings, property, wood shop.  Because the Lord's people are here, He is here.  His Holy Spirit is working.

The men are Cam and Wilson (both graduating July 9), Freddy, Jim, Glenn, and Michael.  Their 10- month program is run by Director Dave Garton, assisted by Jamie Neault.  Dave  and his wife Gail have been at SS for about 1 1/2 years.  

Jamie sharing

Dave brings 25 total years overseeing recovery and received training from the Dunklin Memorial Camp in Florida.  Before landing in Wapato with SSM, he and Gail, his wife, spent 14 years at Dunklin and seven years in South Africa.

Like most of the men, he's experienced the grinder of abuse from his dad and then his own rounds with substance abuse.  When he teaches and mentors the men, he really knows, having actively experienced what the men are thinking and doing.

Jamie is from Wisconsin, 41, and went through the program himself and has served for several years to the glory of God to support Dave.

The men work through four phases in the 10 months-- orientation, regeneration, inner healing, and discipleship.  Each day, the men balance Bible study, journaling, rigorous moral inventory, instruction about substance abuse recovery, daily chores around the facility, and five hours of work responsibilities.  On Sundays, the men from SSM attend the Selah Community Church.

There is God-driven huge hope I can palpably sense with the men here.  Most of the men currently enrolled have strong family support or are praying to reconcile with them.  It's not an easy road for any of the men and their families.

Cameron

Cameron is 32 and will be returning to his wife and two year-old daughter in July.  I met Cam when he came last September embroiled in heroin abuse lifestyle subculture and hammered with cycles of selfishness.  His wife was really distressed one centimeter away from divorce on her first visit in September. He got it right from the beginning.  He was contrite and teachable.  He is working on dying to everything in his pride and selfishness.  His family is coming again, this weekend, for the last time before he graduates, he said. 

Wilson

Wilson is 44 and from the Navajo people group.  He has been drinking since he was 15. So, he has been sober for nine months. His dad and older brother abused him.  His mom actually got him out of their house so he wouldn't be further abused.  His dad died and the abusing brother is in prison.

Wilson lived under a bridge in Tacoma before he came to SS.  He's a hard worker and wants to learn.  He's got more support than he even knows from his family and by God's grace has a place to stay and a job to return to when he graduates on July 9.

Jim sharing with me

Jim, 49, is from Arlington and has been in the program for three months.  He has struggled with levels of alcoholism. The drinking cost him his job and placed his marriage and family in serious jeopardy.  He came directly to SS after a family intervention.  He is working through issues of long-term recovery and whatever the Lord does in his marriage

Freddy

Freddy has been in and out of the Yakima County Jail for the last several years as a result of alcohol and other substance abuse issues.  He ran off several members of his family when he came to SS one month ago.  Everything is really fresh for him. I met Freddy in 2006 during a PFC concert at the Yakima God Pod, as they called it, then.

Michael's garden

Michael is single and 33 from Colorado and has scientist and engineer oozing out of him.  He is considering youth ministry, as well.  He cleaned up a trashed mobile home for a multiple-stage vermaculture fertilizer process.  Dave got him started from his experiences in South Africa and he took off with it.  He is engaging in recovery from substance abuses here.  I believe the Lord wants to use Michael for His glory. During the teaching times, he steps into it.

'Tana Glen

Glen is 49 and from Montana. He has been at the program for five months.  He has a wife and three children who are at the end of their ropes with his alcohol issues.  He desperately prays his kids will be safe and learn from his mistakes. 

Addiction becomes a family illness and disease.  Long-term recovery was an intervention and ultimatum..  He is an alcoholic since he was 12 years-old and escalated in 2004.  After jail time in Billings, with still incompleted legal issues, he was driven to SSM by a lifetime friend.   The program is works through his anger, selfishness, and pride.

Rebuilding lives at Standing Stones

Men with furniture

"I am really at a different place than when you first met me," Cam shared, "back in September.  I am amazed at what has happened.  I needed to go through so much."

Cam is one of the six men enrolled in Wapato at the Standing Stones Ministries.  I am teaching, mentoring, and encouraging at the Christ-based transitional living home at the invitation of Director Dave Garton, this week. 

I first taught at Standing Stones last September and was so moved myself I needed to return.  I'll receive 100-fold more than I give.

Wilson woodwork

Cam is joined by Freddy, Jim, Michael, Glenn, and Wilson.  They receive participate in a 10-month orientation, regeneration, inner healing, and discipleship training adapted from the Dunklin Memorial Camp in Florida and in in cooperation with Prisoners for Christ. 

Wilson and Cam will be graduating on July 9. Cam will return to his wife and 2 year-old daughter back home. Wilson will return to the Tacoma area.

living waters

"for my people have committed two evils:
they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters,
and hewed out cisterns for themselves, 

broken cisterns that can hold no water." 

Jeremiah 2:13

Today, I taught through ways the Scripture teaches us to seek His living water from Jeremiah 2:13.  Tonight, we'll explore a story about a rich young man who balked at what Jesus shared with him from Luke 18:18-25.

Wealth and His Kingdom

18 And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” 21 And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. 24 Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

Michael in vermaculture center

The men build reclaimed propwood and wine barrel stave furniture to supplement the financial needs of the ministry.  While working, they strengthen communication, following directions, team-building, and self-esteem success orientation for future employment.

Each man has an amazing life story.  Michael is building and tending a terraced multiple vegetable garden for gravity irrigation walls with stones for directing water.  He's also establishing and overseeing a vermaculture composting food recycling center. It will produce organic soil and liquid tea.

Unchained through prisons

Unchained

I have the privilege of joining the band, "Unchained," on a PFC concert and worship tour 800 miles around eastern Washington and Oregon, this Friday through Sunday.  

"Unchained" band members are:
Geoff White, leader-writer, guitar
Homer Haynes, vocals
Terri Gierke, vocals and keyboard
Wayne Orendorff, guitar 
Chris Sherry, bass guitar
Jeff Reed, percussion
Bob Steen, percussion
Kent James, sound

Bob will not be able to come with us on this trip.

In this picture from left to right back row: Geoff, Jeff, Bob, and Terri; front row: Chris, Wayne, and Homer.  Kent is not in this picture.

The journey

We will go from Kent, to Spokane, to Pasco, to Umatilla, and finish in Wapato.

On Friday, we'll  leave Kent at 6 am do an afternoon service at Airway Heights Correction Center a little west of Spokane and then at the downtown Spokane Union Gospel Mission.  We will stay in a Spokane hotel.

Standing Stones in Wapato

On Saturday, we'll do an afternoon service at the Tri-city Union Gospel Mission in Pasco and in the evening at Two Rivers Correction Center in Umatilla, Oregon.  We'll drive from Umatilla to Standing Stones Ministry in Wapato Saturday night. 

On Sunday, we'll do a morning worship service at Standing Stones and fellowship with the men and head back to Kent in the afternoon. We'll be really tired and even more greatly blessed.

Unchecked and unguarded

Very uncomfortable things happen in daily life when my flesh is unchecked and my tongue is unguarded.  That is a recipe for disastrous results.

On June 10-12, I am traveling with "Unchained" on a concert tour to prisons and Union Gospel Missions in eastern Washington and Oregon. On July 9-15, Katharine and I are scheduled to go with our Faith Student Ministries team to Fort Macleod and Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada.  In November, I am scheduled for another PFC missions trip to India, led by Greg Von Tobel.

Four principles stick with me from our PFC African missions trip training last summer and then what I lived out in November as we traveled to Rwanda and Berundi. Perhaps, we can learn together as you read this.

First, everything is exaggerated "on the field."

exhausted and stressed

We are in a spiritual battle that is physically, emotionally, and spiritually demanding. We can expect to be overwhelmed by the enormity of needs witnessed on the field.  Our reactions to what happens can get twisted and warped.

Humble and considerate team members take care of one another.  We give each other space but are careful  about isolation. We are always "on stage" and being observed.  What is my daily fruit with my team, our hosts, and those we are serving?  Who am I really in public and private? 

"Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."  1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Second, die to self. 
I struggled in this area as my personal expectations were not met.   I complained about some of the conditions, food, and even the roads in front of host nationals.  

I corrected my words but one of my lifelong lessons is that once words are spoken they cannot be retracted.  My only entitlement is to experience God working in my life and to get home safely.  I experienced those things 100-fold!

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

Third, consider stresses as either irritations, offenses, or hills to die on. 
An irritation is a personal disturbance that should be dropped.  At that point, suck it up and extend grace.  Then, in the humble Christ-like spirit, keep on extending more grace.  

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus..."
Philippians 2:1-5  

An offense arouses anger, displeasure and resentment.  It is an affront that outrages perceived sensibilities.   An offense requires a Matthew 18 chain of procedures to win peaceful reconciliation with the offender 1-to-1, with two or three witnesses, and before the large group.  This is not a lynching but to secure godly peace and continued fruitful ministry.

Hills to die on need to be prayerfully considered.  Great prudence needs to be exercised. These are places where I really might find it cost me a great deal and may take me farther than I want to go and cost more than I want to pay. There are virtually no hills to die on, really, when I die to self.  With that in mind, extending grace appears really right before the Lord and the people He surrounds me with.  

Fourth, guard my tongue carefully.

The tongue sets fires

I could say I am amazed at what I say, what "falls out," but I am not amazed at all, based on my own failed experiences in numerous other places. When I am off-guard, my tongue can go way out of control.  

James says great forest fired are set by unguarded  tongues.  Ungodly words spread, tear down, stink, cause illness, and are hard to correct.  Ungodly words cut deep into the hearts of our hearers.  

ship rudder

"Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.  So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell."  
James 3:4-7