Worship on Earth as it is In Heaven

I do my best to keep up with current ideas and struggles on the significance and meaning of worship.  There are a lot of great worship theologians and worship leaders doing great things to approach the worship of the church both intentionally and thoughtfully.  I’ve read several books by an experienced church musician named Rory Noland, but his recent book takes a unique approach, and presents to the church a unique challenge.  The book is entitled Worship on Earth as it is in Heaven and in it he approaches the subject in a very personal way, exploring worship as a personal discipline.

As such it’s not a method book about how to make a better worship program.  Rather, it speaks to how should I, or any individual believer, take seriously the spiritual practice of worship in our lives, and what are some ways in which we should put this into practice?  So I’m going to use this and the next few upcoming blog posts to share some observations from his book about the formation of worship in an individual’s life.

The book is divided into two sections, and the first half treats personal or private worship, while the second tackles group, or congregational worship (such as the Sunday morning church gathering).  He encourages us to look to King David as our model for private worship.  And his first observation about the private life of David’s worship is that he made time with God a priority.

David understood that worship was important, and he made it a priority in how he ordered his life and the life of Israel.  He appointed singers and instrumentalists and organized worship.  He brought the Ark to Jerusalem, and made plans to build the temple.  Never was there a king that not only in word, but also in practice, made the praise and glory of God a priority.

Psalms gives some examples of David’s call to worship the one true living God:  “You who fear the Lord, praise him!  All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel” (Psalm 22:23);  “Praise the Lord!  Praise the name of the Lord, give praise, O servants of the Lord”  (Psalm 135:1); “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!”  (Psalm 150:6).

We see this focused energy in David’s life and a strong identification of himself with the worship of God.  It motivated him, and gave direction to his life, and influenced all he did.  As Rory Noland observes: “You can always discern your priorities, for better or for worse, by what angers you or stirs you, what frustrates you and what excites you.  Honouring God was the utmost priority for David.”

David’s priority in His life was God, and so worshiping, bringing praise, honour and glory to God, were at the top of his list.  I think it’s good for us to take a look at our priorities, and examine what is important to us.  We are destined to join all the saints in worshiping God for eternity.  Its significant to think about the connection of that eternal reality to our present life and witness.

Next time we’ll talk about making worship a habit.

Lorn Gieck
Associate Pastor of Music & Arts

 

Christmas focus

As we get into Christmas season I start to see (on facebook, twitter,blogs) and hear what people are busy doing,  what they’re buying,  or when they’re decorating etc.   I can’t help but wonder where Christ fits into the picture.  I have also heard stories of people trying to make Christ an important part of what they are doing, especially with their kids.  Some people put up their nativity sets first and talk to their kids about why we celebrate Christmas.  Whatever you currently do to bring the true meaning of Christmas to the forefront is great!  However, why do we get frustrated when our kids act so selfish?  Why, after we tell them the meaning of Christmas and the importance of what Christ did, do our kids continue to focus on what they want.  Well, we are selfish beings.  Kids are just openly vocal about it.  Think about the amount of time you focus on the true meaning of Christmas and then how much time you spend decorating, shopping, visiting Santa, shopping online, more shopping…. it far outweighs the focus on Christ right?  Also, how much money do we spend on our kids at Christmas?  Are they getting what they want?  Are they getting the coolest newest toy?  That also sends a message.

I have heard two stories in the last week that encouraged me greatly.

The first one was of a friend of mine who was driving with her six year old.  Her daughter was talking about how badly she wanted a barbie for Christmas and how sad it would be if she didn’t get a barbie.  So her mom said to her ‘but what should we really be thinking about this Christmas?’ Her daughter got quiet… and said ‘ya mom, but I REALLY want a barbie.’  Her mom didn’t let up and the conversation went back and forth this way for awhile.  Eventually her daughter flat out admitted ‘I know that we celebrate Jesus’ birthday at Christmas and we should think about that but I don’t want to think about that right now, I just want a barbie!’  You have to give her credit for her honesty.

The other story was my own 4 year old nephew.  He was told as they were cleaning up toys before bed that he will have to give some toys away because he will probably get new ones for Christmas.  However, he didn’t really like this idea.  He said very firmly that he was not giving away any of his toys because he wanted to keep them all!  He liked all his toys!  He was then told that this was really not his decision, that he is very blessed to be given toys and so he can give toys to other children to make them happy too.  It still wasn’t a popular idea but there was ‘no further discussion’ about it.

Teaching kids not to be self-centered is near impossible depending on where they’re at developmentally.  However, if children this age are just given what they want and if parents cave to their selfish whims, this will affect them greatly as adults.  If they are never challenged to think of others before themselves they will create habits of selfishness that last a lifetime.  Naturally thinking about the least of these is tough.  Absolutely.  Our sinful nature says “but I want…”  But I get excited when I hear stories like these because as frustrating as it is for the parents, they are teaching extremely valuable lessons.  They are teaching that it isn’t about what I want, it’s about loving and caring for others.  It is about taking the focus off of ourselves.

Sure there are things that we want.  And we are blessed to be able to give gifts to our children.  But teach them to look beyond themselves. To give back.  To do something for others.  To actually give as God has given to us.

So here are a few ideas to help you guide your children’s thinking beyond themselves:

1. Talk about it.  If it’s not on your mind, it won’t be on theirs.  As much as we want our kids to be better than we are… they are following in your footsteps.

2. Encourage your kids to make gifts for others.  To really think about what someone would like and why.

3. Write letters to your sponsor children.  Make them a card.  Pray for them.  Discuss what their Christmas might be like.  If you packed a shoebox pray regularly for the child(ren) that will receive them.

4. Do an advent wreath or calendar.  (I’m not talking about the Disney chocolate ones… but something Christ focused)

5.  Limit the number of gifts, cut or limit your spending and/or buy gifts through the World Vision Catalogue (or Food for the Hungry etc)

6. Subscribe your kids to magazines such as Compassion Explorer (it’s free!) that get your kids thinking about other children around the world.  Compassion also has a great website for kids called Quest for Compassion.

7. Take some of the Christmas cookies you make with your kids to Hands On Ministries.

8. Attend the candlelight service, and the Sunday morning service on the 25th as a family.

9.  Encourage your kids to pick toys they have to give away.  Not just the run down broken ones, but quality toys.  Maybe even a favorite toy!

I have given you 9 ideas and I know it triggered more ideas in your own head!  Try it.  Depending on the age of your kids your new idea may not be overly popular.  However, think about the life lessons you are teaching your kids by doing these things.

First look at your own heart.  Where is your focus this Christmas?

Missions in the “Earlier” Church Video Series

Missions in the 1980′s – Devoted to Being Taught

Missions in the 1970′s – Devoted to Helping

Missions in the 1960′s - Devoted to the Mission

Not Enough Bread

I was talking with one of our keys leaders in the Music & Arts Department the other day.  We were putting our heads together as to how to make things better in our ministry area.  What we want to know is: how do we improve the music that is produced by the creative people in our church?  I have to say that this doesn’t come out of anything being broken.  Things are very positive, and we look at what God has given us in our church in terms of talent and creative energy with eyes to a bright future.  There is a lot of possibility.  And so with this in mind our leader stepped up and made this observation: that the way to improve music in our church, is to make it not about music.

Sounds very counter-intuitive right?  Shouldn’t we put more effort into music?  Then I thought about Mark chapter 8, and what Jesus thought about bread.

Let me explain.  Jesus feeds 4000 people at the beginning of Mark chapter 8.  He demonstrates compassion for this crowd of people that had gathered around him, yet the disciples seem a little stuck on what to do.  This is a little bizarre because just a few chapters back (ch 6) Jesus just miraculously fed 5000.  The disciples seem to have completely forgotten that, or for some reason thought it was a onetime bit of luck.  Undeterred Jesus performs a miracle with the few loaves they had with them and everyone gets to go home fed.

After this miracle Jesus and his disciples get into a boat, to cross to the other side of the lake, and the disciples get into a panic once again about bread.  They had only brought one loaf with them.  So Jesus finding another opportunity to teach says to them, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod” (vs 15).  This really confuses them, and they think Jesus is upset with them for not planning ahead and bringing enough bread.  You can almost hear Jesus sigh.  They really don’t understand.  So Jesus responds in the next few verses:

 “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in? ¹⁸ ‘You have eyes—can’t you see? You have ears—can’t you hear?’ Don’t you remember anything at all? ¹⁹ When I fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread, how many baskets of leftovers did you pick up afterward?”

   “Twelve,” they said.

 ²⁰ “And when I fed the 4,000 with seven loaves, how many large baskets of leftovers did you pick up?”

   “Seven,” they said.

 ²¹ “Don’t you understand yet?” he asked them.
(Mark 8 17-21 NLT)

 What Jesus is trying to explain to them is that, for him, bread is easy.  He just feed 5000 people, and then another 4000.  Bread is no big deal to Jesus.  He can pull it literally out of nowhere.  And so the disciples should understand that bread is the least of their worries.  What they need to understand is who they follow, and what that means.  The yeast of the Pharisees and Herod is Jesus challenging the religious and political establishment of that time.  There is always temptation to do what the world wants, or expects.

As the chapter continues we see that the eyes of the disciples are opened and they see Jesus for who he is: the Messiah, King, and Sovereign Lord.  And Jesus then asks them to take up their cross and follow him.  They are challenged to understand that being a follower of Jesus is much more than a simple adjustment to life.  Following Jesus requires a life that puts away our ambitions, and our agendas, for a life of devoted service to Him.

And so to make music better at Cornerstone church, we need to acknowledge, that like bread, music is easy for God.  He can pull music out of nowhere and multiply songs, equipment, technique and skill. What’s more important to Jesus is that in our music we live a life that puts away our ambitions, and our agendas, for a life of devoted service to Him.

I’m very thankful for the Music & Arts ministry here at Cornerstone Church.  We have some of the best volunteers, who feel called to use their creative gifts to serve the body of believers here at the church.  They faithfully rehearse, they get up early on Sundays, they work with their equipment, and they work with each other.  But more so than our devotion to the programs, and the music, I pray that we become a team of people that start with our whole hearted devotion to Christ.  Out of that will come true worship, and we will find our way to better music.

Lorn Gieck
Associate Pastor of Music & Arts

HAITI TRIP DAY 8, 9, 10, 11: Done Like Dinner…

HAITI TRIP DAY 11: Done Like Dinner…

Internet snafu the last few days as Haiti Arise experiments with going off city power (which charges absurd rates for hit and miss service) and running off the generator and custom built inverter they have. Here’s the “Coles Notes” version of the past few days:

MONDAY: Work day! And work we did… Schwackload (its an official term) of work done today. New high’s for posts and panels completed. We’re flying…

TUESDAY: Work day again. It’s a tad repetitive, but we’re having fun, working well together, and by this time we are more than comfortable with the Haitian crews we are working with. Funny how there is no language barrier for guys to make fun of each other, and compete and wrestle…

WEDNESDAY: Bunch of guys went to market in the morning to experience a different part of Haiti. By far the highlight of the day was in the early afternoon. After working like crazy the last few days, we completed the entire wall length at the back of the property where Marc has been having so much opposition. What was once a two year struggle and fight, both physically and spiritually, was finally overcome. It was a blast to watch Marc bouncing around like a kid high on birthday cake as the last panel went in to place. That section of wall: 87 sections, 870 panels, 440ft. What was once nothing is now a 10ft wall, protecting the area which will eventually become the garden. We ended having an impromptu party – one of the team members went to the “corner store” and bought drinks for everyone, Roberto (one of the Haitian workers who spent the bulk of the week with my crew on panels) put on show climbing a 50ft coconut tree in all of 60 seconds (free hand and barefoot) to knock down a bunch of coconuts for everyone to share. We spent the next five minutes trying to convince Marshall to give it a try, but no luck. It was fun to just sit around as a group of guys and laugh, chat, and “translate” as best we could with each other. By this time in the week, Roberto had started wearing high school chemistry lab goggles to work on the panels so the cement dust didn’t get in his eyes as he slid down. He looked like a goof, so naturally, took some heat from all sides.

Wednesday night, Marc and Lisa joined us for our debrief and were both overcome with the relief and joy of getting that that piece done, so that was pretty cool to be a part of. It’s been a long, tough road for them, and it’s been a redeeming week to watch things come together… finally.

THURSDAY: Last work day! And work we did… to the point that we ran them completely out of panels, and got as far as we could possibly go with posts. All that remains are two sections of wall that couldn’t be completed this week anyway. One section, they need to build a home for the family they are moving off the property for first, and the other section Marc is still trying to negotiate for a few more feet (dude guards his territory like a pitbull ). We could go no further…
… so we hit the beach! One last soak in the warm bathtub they call the ocean down here, then a last church service, followed by goodbyes. The crew of guys we had been working with all week doing the panels don’t normally come to church—they are town guys that Marc hires to help give them work. When we said our goodbyes at the end of the day today, we invited them to come and they all declined… until about halfway through the service when they sauntered in. It was fun to be able to see them a last time, and also to send them off with a bunch of work and dress clothes, gloves, and other things we could give them. One of them was a bigger dude like me, so I was able to get him some stuff. Also had my heart wrecked by a young family, but I’ll get to that at another time. Marshall gave away his guitar, we all got to say our goodbyes…

… and now bed. One last “half” sleep, then up for the ride to the airport at 430AM to catch the long ride home.

One last time, here’s the trip, By The Numbers:

- 75+ Cokes drank
- 10 fresh lobsters eaten on the beach
- 1 Swiss Frenchman suckered into buying a painting  (but it is nice, and will look great in his kid’s room!)
- 129 Sections completed
- 1290 Panels set in place
- 103,200lbs of panels lifted (and we note here: that number is actually double, as all of these panels were first lifted to be stacked for the skid steer, and then lifted again to be placed into the wall. Over 200,000lbs worth. We should the JACKED. Sadly, we are not. Just really, really really sore.)
- 653ft of completed wall set in place
- 156 posts set at 250lbs each which means…
- 35,000lbs worth of posts, which give a total material weight of…
- 138,200lbs of concrete and rebar that was not there 10 days ago. Yikes. And that’s not including the dozen or boulders dropped into the hole of each post.
- 790ft of posts in place (once they build up the panel supply to fill to finish them)
- 1 Jelly fish infested swim
- 1 Jelly fish attack
- 2 Jelly fish victims
- 1 Jelly fish victim crazy enough to pee on himself
- 1 Jelly fish victim man enough to suck it up.
- 20 holes dug wrong, that had the be redone (it was after this that we really considered using the auger attachment a bit more…)
- 4 BIG tarantulas
- 2 tarantulas inexplicably let go (so it very well could of just been two after all…)
- 0 panels left

- 2 beyond blessed and encouraged missionaries.

Time to come home…

HAITI TRIP DAY 6 & 7: Watch Out For the Jellies, Maaaan!

No internet connection last night so here’s the recap for the last few days:

 

Recovery.  Ahhh…..

 

Saturday morning we rocked it.  The Haitian crews only work until 2 oclock, so “we” made the executive decision to work through till then as well to get as much done as possible.  This was not an overly popular decision, but everyone sucked it up and we powered through.

 

20 sections completed.

 

Running tally:

51 sections complete, 66 holes dug.

 

By early afternoon the panels we’re getting suuuuper heavy lifting them above our heads.  Each section takes 10 panels to fill.  That’s 10 80 lbs panels handed up the scaffolding and down.  The guys below lift them up, Jason and I grab ‘em, lift ‘em, and lower ‘em.  According to the math (and yes, I used a calculator) we’ve lifted 40,800lbs.

 

Ain’t nothin’ but a thang.

 

With 51 sections done, the goal this week is to match that before we leave.  This would mean we could finish the section of wall that has been giving Haiti Arise the most grief, and also cross another section that would enclose their area a little more in another direction.

 

It doesn’t look like it will get completely finished tho, so the word is going out officially tomorrow:  They are looking for another wall building team for November 20 – December 3 to finish it off, and start the homes for the people they are moving off of the children’s village property.  Anyone interested?  Marc figures he can convince Russ to send me back if we can get another crew

 

Saturday afternoon we we’re spent.  After lunch, we headed to the beach at Taino with the whole team, and Marc and Lisa as well.  Fresh lobster and cokes on a gorgeous calm ocean beach is a beautiful thing.  Was fun to spend some time with other team members from other places, and get to visit.

 

After a wonderful sleep Saturday night, we had church Sunday morning (always an experience).  Was able to share a warm “hug” from Cornerstone with them (and found out I will be preaching Tuesday night.).

 

Speaking of church – was thinking much of you at Cornerstone this morning, and wanted to share with you a simple way in which God has continued to care and guide us as a team, and a congregation in our relationship with Haiti Arise.  During our time here, a few issues came up supplies wise for the wall that needed to be purchased.  I had mentioned to Marc when I got here that if need be we could round up some funds.  When the call went out, family members of team people stepped up huge and covered a large chunk.  But when I contacted T&F back home at Cornerstone, they told me the cheque from when Marc and Lisa were at Cornerstone – the one designated for the wall and village – was on the way.  Those funds will help go a long way to finishing the wall off.

 

And so, I wanted to thank you as a church for your faithfulness and obedience in giving to make a difference.  It was neat answer to prayer, and affirmation of what we are doing.

 

Sunday afternoon after church, Marc and Lisa arranged to take us to another beach, and to a “restaurant” (I use the quotations simply to point out that “beachfront hotel restaurant” in Haiti isn’t even in the same stratosphere as a beachfront hotel back home, even if the beachfront hotel was in LaRonge) for supper.

 

We piled into the van and drove out to a beautiful black sand beach with a little island that was a sort swim away.  Just for fun we decided to swim to the island.

 

About halfway across, a few of us got aquainted with some jellyfish.  They are not nice, and I don’t recommend it.  On the bright side, an unnamed team member did get to experiment with the theory of peeing on yourself to relieve the sting (and yes, it worked).

 

We figured it was just one vengeful jellyfish, and thought nothing of it as we enjoyed our time on the island.  Then we decided to swim back.

 

And then we saw the jellies everywhere. Neeeeeeemo!!!!!

 

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For the record, Nemo’s dad is correct.  The tops do not hurt.  The bottoms do.  After a few attempts that were turned back we decided to brave it.  It’s scary business swimming hard knowing they are there.  Even more so when you are touching the tops of them repeatedly as you swim back.  This was no so relaxing.

 

Back on the beach we just hung out for the rest of the afternoon, with a perfect sunset.  Supper was fun – an experience to be sure!  After initially forgetting my lobster order, they rushed it – meaning it was still half frozen from coming out of the freezer – however the fried plantains and fresh passion fruit juice more than made up for it.

 

I got to sit with Marc and Lisa, and on the way home we actually stopped at their home and got a chance to see where they live.  By far one of my favorite parts of this trip has been the amount of relaxed time I have had to spend with them.  More shoulder to shoulder time, and it’s been fun.

 

Quick sleep tonight, then back at it 630am for devos, breakfast and out to work.  Just pray that all that wonderful local food (including the spaghetti and hot dogs one person ordered) stays where it should tomorrow as we’re working…

HAITI TRIP DAY 5: The Ups and Downs…

Busy day today! The morning started with good and bad news: On the good side, Marc’s conversation with the families last night went well, and we were back on track. On the not so good side, the lines marked out for us when we got here we’re measured from the wrong point. Meaning those 24 holes the one crew of guys dug over the past day? Good for decoration… not so useful for planting poles.

Super. Not back on track.

Mitchell was not overly happy. Nor Steve. Or Jeremy. Might have been something to do with the fact that they had dug those holes…

But one of Marc’s many gifts is his ability to dispel the stress and frustration of a situation with a friendly, loving, warm response. He sent the skid steer driver out during lunch break to redig the holes, and welcomed Mitchell back with a big hug and a laugh. It was pretty cool to watch the stress just get squeezed out.

And just like that, back on track! Made our goal for the day: Every sections ready for wall panels got filled (12) and we got 20 posts sunk and ready for tomorrow. The Haitian crews took finished their work day at 4, but our guys kept at it for another 90 minutes and got all set up for the morning. They we’re champs today. It’s been fun to watch the three work crews develop some systems and routines. Guys who just met a few days ago are working great together, and because we’re heading out to the same sites each morning, we are getting to work with the same Haitians each day. Which has been a blast. Marshall has lovingly become “Big Marcel”, and we’ve mocked one of them mercilessly for humming a few Justin Bieber lines. And apparently my Creole is terrible (I knew this already, but then enjoy reminding me… regularly.) I’m hanging in there with the shattered French tho… I refuse to revert to the “slower and louder” technique!

Prayer Requests: One of the team members from Medicine Hat, Bruce, was out for the day with some heat stroke. Rough afternoon for him, and it’s a bit disappointing for a guy who spent months and hours learning basic Creole so he could communicate. Also, for the aching bodies. The morning routine for everyone is getting a bit longer as they try and work out the kinks!

It is now 9PM and bedtime. Crazy. But sooooooo looking forward to it…

HAITI WALL TRIP DAY 4: Where’s The Pole?!?

There’s an old episode of “Wipeout!” where a young lady is flying through the course, across the big red balls, and nothing seems to be in her way… until she reaches the top of the platform and can’t find the pole she is supposed to jump, and if left standing there yelling “where’s the pole!?” while it stares her square in the face.

I thought of her a lot today. Everywhere I looked there was a pole going in somewhere. At one point in the afternoon, it was so hot and I was so tired other people started looking like poles. We’ve essentially formed three teams: 1 team doing the advance work: Digging holes (and dropping and cementing some posts as well). The second team spent the entire day dropping posts (got another 12 finished), while the third team is up on the scaffolding (yes Tyson, it’s real now! Not just 2x4s propped against the wall!) dropping the panels. We finished 17 full panels—at 5ft each, a now completed 135ft of wall, and it looks great.

For those of you having a hard time picturing how the wall works, or what all is involved:

Step 1: Hand dig a hole mimimum 3ft deep, roughly 2ft wide.
Step 2: Drop premade concrete pillar into said hole (it takes at least 4 grown men to move one of these pillars. 5 if I’m one of the men. These things are heavy.)
Step 3: Drop large rocks into said hole to brace and help level pillar (either hunt for rocks and carry them over, or hope the skid steer blesses you with a well timed load of rocks.)
Step 4: Make sure pillar is level, dump premade (by other team members) concrete into hole from pile left by the ever-gracious skid steer (or “bobcat” for the less mechanically inclined). Really make sure it is level.
Step 5: R Place 2×4 spacers in between the newly planted pillar (in the grooves—these grooves come in handy down the road) and the one on the end from the previous day (after the first one, they can go to each other), then ratchet-strap them together so that the pillars stay the right distance apart and unmoved while they set. Really really make sure it is level.
Step 6: Repeat 5ft down the line.

Once out of pillars, let stand and cool for 24 hours. “Sauce” should thicken, and voila! Pillars! But you are not done 

Step 7: Stack wall panels in stacks of 9(ish), 3 stacks wide for skid steer to pick up and bring (see why we love the skid steer so much?)
Step 8: Set up scaffolding by now unstrapped and firmly cured pillars. 2 dudes up on scaffolding, 2 dudes passing panels up the scaffolding.
Step 9: 5ft x 1ft Panel goes up (and it’s solid concrete) on scaffold, then slides down from top in the two grooves on the sides of the pillars on either side. 2 more dudes grab it from the scaffold dudes on the other side (while the second 2 dudes collect the next panel) and drop it to the ground (confused yet?) Level that first panel off at the bottom.
Step 10: Repeat 9-10 more times depending on height of wall in that spot.

Annnnnd, presto!

You have now completed one wall panel. 5ft. Rinse and repeat as necessary.

By the end of Saturday, the goal is to have, at minimum, another 100ft done there, and an additional 135ft (17 sections) done on the “problem” piece.

Which brings us to the problem piece: We are here on rush assignment to finish this wall as quickly as possible because of some issues Marc and Haiti Arise have been having with the placement of the wall (even though it is on their property). That hasn’t totally gone away. Marc was meeting with some people this evening, but it is pressing to get a specific piece done as much as possible. A lot harder to make a stink about a wall already in place than to meddle with markings and stringline! Pray for Marc as he meet with the families, and that we would be able to make good progress over the next few days to help them get past the hurdle that continues to be the burr in the shoe, so to speak.

Beyond that, we’re exhausted, sore, but having fun and enjoying working together. Bedtime is a welcome end to the day! Which is where I’m off to now…

What’s the point?

About seven years ago I went to a conference and in a way had my world flipped upside down.  God had made me so aware that all my efforts into a one hour program on a Sunday morning for kids was indeed futile.  My influence in a kid’s life is miniscule and insignificant.  George Barna research group has shown that a pastor, youth pastor or Sunday school teacher does not come in the top 10 of influences in a child’s life.  For starters, even if families attend every week all year round (few do) it is still only 4 hours of influence a week.  And I rarely have any one on one discussion time with kids.

So I realized that my job is to equip.  Maybe plant seeds for kids, but the family as a whole is more my concern.  My eyes were opened and I have realized how true this is.  I have seen many kids go through our programming over the last eight plus years and I would be able to tell you which families talk about and practice faith at home.  I have elementary aged kids who come from Christian homes who can discuss a bible story with me and know it.  I also have kids who come from Christian homes who cannot find the book of Genesis.  I wish I was joking here.  I am not.

Recently I have attended a couple of conferences.  One was specifically on family ministry and one was on leadership.  I have been challenged again.  It’s tough to get parents to do take home sheets or attend events.  It’s tough to have families willing to sit in church all together.  I would like to just give it up.  I’m tired of pushing against a wall.  Our culture is too busy for families to spend time together talking about God and definitely not time to worship together.

But God said to me… hold on a second.  I have asked you to advocate for kids.  I have asked you to lead at Cornerstone and I have not asked you to give up.  Family units are crumbling in our society.  Kids are forced to worry about their parents divorcing, whether or not they have the coolest, newest piece of technology, and to avoid being bullied at school.  Jesus rarely comes to mind.  Jesus is not at the forefront.  And I realized that it isn’t on their parents’ radar either.  That is why marriages are suffering, children are neglected and families break.  Grandparents, aunts & uncles are not exempt from this.  If parents aren’t stepping up, why aren’t you helping fill that void?  Your influence in kid’s lives is still far greater than my own.

So I challenge you all.  Not just parents.  Is Christ at the forefront of your life?  If not, fix it.  Get on your knees before God because the children in your life are suffering.  You are influencing their spiritual life and there is too much at stake for you to do nothing.  If sports and things are more important to the kids around you than Christ, then you need to be pointing them in a different direction.

My heart breaks for my own nieces & nephews. I pray for them, I invest in them (and should do so more!) because I want them to choose to follow Jesus.  I want them to live their lives for Him.  I don’t want them to waste life on meaningless things.

My heart breaks for the kids in this church.  When an elementary child from a Christian home says to a leader “I’m glad Eve ate that apple and sin came into the world. It makes the world more interesting” we have a problem.   This breaks me.   And I hope it breaks you too.

So this is what we are currently doing to equip and support you to raise your children for Christ:

-          Family services - Worshipping together as a family is an opportunity!  It doesn’t matter if your kids are getting loud – direct them and teach them.  Talk to them and share with them what is going on around them!  How confusing communion must be to a child unless you TELL them what it means. The first Sunday of each month will be a family service because your family is more important than any program we offer.

-          Gr. 5/6’s Volunteers in Training – we have just started this, this year.  We have noticed that kids drop off in this age bracket and so we are creating opportunities for these kids to take ownership of their church.  To begin to understand what it means to serve. Demonstrate this in your own life.  Preteens are so willing to help & serve and we are giving them the opportunity.

-          Family Resources – we have many books upstairs for families of all types (singles, grandparents, youth, young children etc.) to borrow.  We add to it frequently and are open to any topics or suggestions you may have.  Take advantage of this!  Spend time reading a book to stretch yourself as a spiritual leader in your home.

-          Child Dedications – these are a physical symbol of parents taking the role as spiritual leader in their home.  How we do these dedications is intentional in the vision for families at Cornerstone.

-          Take home sheets – Any programming under Gr. 6 has take home sheets.  If your child doesn’t have it – ask them to go get it!  Read them.  Talk to your kids about them.

-          Website – If you go to our church website there are a few website ideas for elementary kids.  They are a media driven generation and there are tons of great sites that will teach them biblical truths. There are also links I have placed for parents to access.

-          Midweek – our kids’ midweek program is for your kids to invite their friends.  It is an awesome opportunity for kids to learn how to take the good news to their friends by bringing them and building relationships with them in a God honoring environment.  This is not just another Christian program for your kids.  It’s intentional.

-          We strive to coincide Russ’s teaching with what the kids are being taught.  No it may not be the exact bible story, but look at the themes.   This is an ongoing process that we are moving towards.  If it doesn’t seem to coincide, still share what you learned with your kids and use their take home sheets to inform yourself about what they learned, because I know they will tell you that they learned ‘nothing.’

We are always taking steps to provide places and opportunities for families to worship together at home and at church.  Our church vision is to change the world and what a great example to the world to have families that are thriving and healthy. We are here to support & equip you and I hope you will contact me or other staff if you ever need guidance as a family.  We are learning too.  We are always stretching and growing ourselves and we ask that you join us as we seek to follow Christ in everything we do and to advocate for our kids’ spiritual well-being.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deut. 6:5-6

HAITI WALL TRIP DAY 3: You know that thing about digging your way out of a hole?

It is sooooo bed time.  Hard to believe we are already wrapping up day three.  Let’s try and recap the last two days, shall we?

 

MONDAY, October 10

Travel day!  Those are always fun.  Pretty uneventful day.  Smooth sailing from Saskatoon to Toronto, where we we’re a bit delayed before making our way on to Miami for night.  Got checked in to the airport hotel, then all seven of us: Stephen Thiessen, Joe Harms, Jay VanBinsbergen, Jeremy Patkau, Steve Eymann, Mitchell Janzen, and Marshall Heppner- hopped in a cab and headed for Bayside, the downtown waterfront area of Miami to have supper together.  Good chance for guys to get to know each other a bit, and rest together before really getting things going.  Cab ride back to hotel, into bed for an early AM wake up to head through security.  Easy day done!

 

TUESDAY, October 11

Up early!  Met up with a few of the other guys coming down to work: one from Surrey, BC (Surrey Alliance), one from Red Deer, AB (Crossroads), and a team of people from Medicine Hat, AB (The Link church), including 4 guys, and 3 ladies who had previously been planning to come.  Also on the plane: A couple from Moose Jaw, SK who will be staying at team hosts and coordinators here in Haiti till Christmas, Marc and Lisa and their kids on their way back from summer holidays, and a looooot of other people.

Once on the ground, we got “organized” (it’s immigration procedures in Haiti.  ”Organized” is not part of the vocabulary), through customs, into the trucks and off.  No problems or issues… till we got to the compound and realized three bags with alllll of Marc and Lisa’s kids clothing and gear were missing.  (Thankfully, God graciously allowed us to be absent minded while still in the terminal, and after a long drive back, the bags were right there waiting).

The drive through Port-au-Prince was fascinating.  For those going through for the first time is was a shock, as usual.  For some of us, it was the first exposure to a 4th world environment.  For me, it was strangely encouraging.  Still miles to go, but a ton of rubble had been cleared, saw a few municipal trucks trying to work on power line, a small crane replacing some items, even some new sidewalks being poured, and some roads repaired.  The bridge outside Grand Goave, which had previously been ruined (forcing us to drive through the riverbed) was functional again.  Signs of some progress however small (some memorable buildings were still in shambles, including one house that is almost completely on it’s side post-earthquake).

The presidential palace, however, is still seemingly untouched.  It’s much more startling in person then in pictures, and sobering reminder that it is still a deeply wounded city and and country, in infrastructure and beyond.

Got settled on the compound:  Technical school has the footings completed, and a team is coming in the early new year to do the next phase.  Medical clinic is coming together as well, and the “temporary” school added a few new rooms (and another 100 students!)

Off to bed, with a 6.30 start coming in the AM…

 

WEDNESDAY, October 12

Kidding!  Make that 5.30AM!  Big shout out to Marshall for getting his time zones confused, and graciously waking us up at “6.20″, just in time for us to all get up, head down for group devotions…. and be told it’s 5.30.  This, naturally, resulted in Saskatchewan jokes the rest of the day.  And another hour of sleep.  Win some, lose some.

After rebooting an hour later, it was a slow start to the day.  It’s the first day back for Marc and Lisa as well, so literally everything is ramping up.  By lunch, guys were frustrated, doing lots of leaning on shovels, and digging a few holes.  We had one pillar in for the wall (the wall is built with a pillar every 5ft, then panels that slide down grooves between the pillars) by the break.  Not great.

Afternoon, however, different story!  We kicked it in to high gear and got going.  Here’s the day “By the Numbers”:

17 Posts set
1 Tarantula killed
1 Cow patty stepped in
180 panels stacked and ready to rock
32 Holes dug

And 1 sandal destroyed, resulting in me walking back from the beach barefoot (and grateful it was pitch black, so I couldn’t see what was squishing under my feet).

 

Progress is being made!  two full sides and the main gate are now in–pray that we can finish the back piece in some denser jungle, which is were they have been having the most difficulty with the mayor and such.  On a positive note, Marc and Lisa have had a chance to show to conceptual video to some of those who were opposed, and it made a big difference, and gained some new supporters.

 

Pray for energy tomorrow… our collection of farm boys tried to work farm boy speed today… and got their butts kicked by the heat and humidity.  Pacing is a good lesson, and heat headaches are an unfriendly teacher!

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