A Visit From Dad And Uncle Bill

This spring has been a season of hospitality for us at Chateau Williams, and we LOVE it! This past weekend was extra special because my namesake--Uncle Bill and my dad came up for the weekend. My uncle is fast approaching his 81st birthday and my dad just celebrated his 74th, and my uncle shared with us that he thought that it was probably only the third time in his life that he had stayed the night in another person's home. When he told me that, I responded, "Well, I'm not sure that this time really counts, because technically, your name is on the deed." ;)

We spent our evenings relaxing and playing cards, and each day, Jamie and I took my dad and uncle to explore a little bit of our area. We drove through the Fort Pitt Tunnel so they could see downtown Pittsburgh, and then took time to enjoy the view at Cooper's Rock after visiting the Coliseum and Mountaineer Field. If you didn't know, it's pretty much a given in our family to be Mountaineer fans. And the trip was made even better because we were able to visit the WVU Basketball practice facility and see highlights from Mountaineer basketball throughout the history of the program. The visit to the practice facility (and a stop by the WVU Field House) brought back a memory from high school for my uncle of seeing Mountaineer legend Mark Workman play in what is now Stansbury Hall. 

The entire weekend was a blast, but the high point for me was probably having my dad and uncle visit the church we are part of. As an added bonus I was giving the message. My dad and uncle both supported Great Commission Ministries, the mission agency I worked for from 2001-2009 for the entire duration of my time there, but my uncle never had an opportunity to see the incredible community I have been privileged to be part of from the moment I first placed my faith in Christ on November 12, 1994 (which also happens to be my sister's wedding date). He and my dad both commented on how encouraging it was to be able to hear me share, but even more encouraging to see and experience the wonderful faith community that Jamie and I are privileged to be part of. After the service, Dad, Uncle Bill, and I had a few moments of joy-filled tears flowing out of gratitude--gratitude for family, gratitude for community, and gratitude for our faith in a God who allows us to experience joy no matter what the circumstances. 

We all have been given so much. And I am so thankful for the opportunity to see through the fresh eyes of my dad and my uncle some of the wonderful gifts we have been given to share. And to be able to share in anything good is an incredible gift indeed. My uncle told me before he left that he almost didn't come--not for any particular reason beyond a desire to enjoy the comfort and familiarity of being home. But, he shared multiple times, he was really glad he came, and so were we. In fact, as we drove around exploring, my uncle and dad already started planning for their next trip. We can't wait!

Eagle Cliff Mountain Colorado

On our last day in Colorado, we took yet another trip to Estes Park, and this time we visited the YMCA of the Rockies, an incredible YMCA that sits on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. We traveled again with Josh, Carri, and their son, and at the YMCA, one of my long time friends from my old job at GCM, John Drage, greeted us and he and I had a brief reunion. We had about 2.5 hours to hike around before we left for the airport with the Drakes. (Love the Drakes!)

John, knowing we had limited time, and knowing he would not be able to join us, pointed out Eagle Cliff as great nearby summit to take in one last look at Rocky Mountain splendor. We took off immediately. We started at about 7000 feet along a stream, and ended at 8300 feet in elevation over a one mile stretch. I don't think I would have been able to do it if I didn't have a week of high altitude conditioning in. Josh and Carri scampered straight up (with 2 year old on back and soon to be born second child).  We made it to the summit in record time, and again, it was absolutely beautiful. We took some time to soak it in and ate a lunch that Jamie and Carri prepared earlier that morning. We turned around and made our way back down Eagle Cliff just in time to be greeted again by John.

I'm immensely grateful that I was able to spend this last day in Colorado with many friends. John had tried to get me to visit Colorado and attend a summer leadership training program GCM organized for college students, but I never made it out there until this summer. It was wonderful to be reunited with an old friend, and to be physically challenged as Josh, Carri, Jamie, and I pushed our way up to the summit and back in record time.

May we each make the most of every day, and be attentive to the adventures and the fellow adventurers that come across our paths.

Conversation? With An Old Friend

Well, I guess you could call it a conversation.  In this day and age conversations consist of phone calls, emails, skypes, AIM chats, facebooking, tweets, and more.  And this was a chat on AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) with a very dear old friend named Mark Darling.

Mark is the pastor of a church in the greater Minneapolis area called The Rock.  I can remember hearing Mark speak while I was in college, and I remember finding Mark's passion and zeal utterly contagious.  Mark loves people and loves God pretty deeply, and wants to give every bit of his life to helping people grow in their relationship with Him.

In January of 2007, as an encouragement to my mom as she fought cancer, he  sent her an album filled with original folk spiritual songs he had recorded called Medicinal Spirit.

While we were catching up over AI, I told Mark about my recent engagement, and he told me about a resource he was putting together online to make messages he had given on a variety of aspects of faith over the last 24 years available online.  The two sites are called Strong Disciple and Getting Your Family To Mars.

I know there are more resources, itunes podcasts, online messages and talks available to people now than at any point in history, but I couldn't help but write a short note to let friends--particularly friends from the world of Great Commission Ministries know about these resources Mark has made available online.

If you give these sites a try, I know Mark would love to hear your feedback.  Hope you are able to enjoy the messages.

Into The Piedmont

Into The Piedmont, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

While I do have plans to give a quick recap of some highlights from some of the last few weeks (it is always good to remember where you have been!), I will be attempting to keep some blog entries in the present as well.

Yesterday evening, I made the drive back to North Carolina, and had arrived at LT at about 2AM. Last time, it was because I left really late. This time it was because I included a couple of stops along the way, like going to see my friend Ricky Beamer who is keeping a blog here, and is quite a photographer. One other stop was at Pilot Mountain in North Carolina. If you've ever made the journey from Morgantown to WInston-Salem, you've seen this mountain.

Well, last night, after many trips past it, and with additional encouragement from my friend Brittani Kokot, I finally made the stop. It was AWESOME. It's right next to the highway, so it really doesn't take you out of the way on a trip--beyond that, it provided a great opportunity to stretch my legs, and take in some wonderful scenery. Although slightly hazy from the top, it really was breathtaking to look down upon the piedmont and the atlantic Coastal basin from this vista that sits 1400 feet above the rest of the plateau.

Today I am back at The Grind, not so much figuratively, but literally. I'm trying to take it easy today, and get re-oriented to LT, but I did stop by my favorite spot to hang out, grab a coffee, work, and just connect with people--The Grind at Carolina Beach. These folks are just getting their business started, and it's a phenomenal place. If you are in the area, you need to make a stop here! As I stepped into the space it felt like a reunion and an opportunity to catch up. What a great group of people!

Anyhoo, ironically, I feel like these next two weeks promise a degree of "normalcy" for my life. I may be living in a tent along the north end of the island for a few days while a family is using the place where I typically stay. It's a different world down here at LT, and there is a wonderful familiarity to the whole experience. I'm looking forward to savoring every moment to serve and to grow with students, staff, and community before I head back into Almost Heaven.

Rolling Down the Highway

Rolling Down the Highway, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

So I've been on the go for a bit now. I've many stories to tell and many images to share, but it has been hard to find/make the time to get those images and stories out.

The photo above was taken on one of my professor's farm a little over a week ago. We had a mini-reunion as I was returning back from DC on the weekend of the fourth. Three of us went to the top of the farm and watched the sun set over the horizon. It was a beautiful tranquil evening, and one unlike any my friends had experienced in quite some time. It was a gift.

I'm scheduling time tomorrow morning specifically to blog and get caught up on somethings on here.

Last week, I made two trips to Parkersburg. My dad was having blurred vision, and I could tell it was bothering him. He was wondering if he might be losing his vision. He has macular degeneration, and if you take a moment to read that and say it out loud it just sounds scary. Thankfully, my dad's macular degeneration is barely visible and it's only in one eye. As long as he eats right, takes his vitamins, and wears sunglasses outside, he should have great vision for a long time.

But, his prescription for glasses had changed. His eyes are getting slightly more farsighted, so he needs to wear his glasses all of the time. His blurred vision was from not wearing his glasses, and his eyes were just straining to the point of exhaustion. He's getting new glasses this week, and he has been much better about wearing his glasses this week.

It was great spending time with dad while he was up in Morgantown, and spending a little bit of time with him, my sister, and my uncle this weekend as well.

Now I'm preparing for one last summer in a return visit to help close down the leadership training program GCM does in Carolina Beach, NC. Before I leave, my blog WILL be caught up though. So be looking for some posts, and have a great rest of your day wherever you are!

Snow's Cut Park

Snow's Cut Park, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

I took this photo during my first week in Carolina Beach. Each week, we've spent a part of a day there having extended time with God. This cut off of the Cape Fear River is what separates Pleasure Island from the mainland.

Speaking of mainland, I'm back on the mainland again. I made the long drive to Parkersburg, WV so I could spend Father's Day with my dad, my sister, and my best friend, Willie and his family. Being in NC prevented me from being with my dad and sister on their birthdays, but we were all able to celebrate with a trip to the Texas Roadhouse with the Kerr's yesterday.

Today, I've spent the day getting reacquainted with the weather here, and simply recovering from the long drive. I was also able to visit with a few friends and relatives and share with them a little bit of what God has been doing in my life.

It kind of stinks to have left my friends in Wilmington so soon. Although I was only there for 3 weeks, they were three very rewarding and fulfilling weeks. One of my greatest passions is sharing with people who are passionate about following Jesus and learning how to walk with Him, and I had three weeks of doing just that!!! I am looking forward to being with those folks again real soon--I should be returning in Mid-July to help wrap up the program, and more importantly, to hear where God took these 31 students on their summer long journey to know Him better!

Old Buildings in the Old Dominion

Old Buildings in the Old Dominion, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

Last week I had the privilege of traveling to Richmond, VA to meet with a couple of people who serve on the staff of the church I am part of. When I was in undergrad, and during the years I was involved in the leadership of my tribe, I made an annual pilgrimage to Richmond to be part of a conference for Indian people that was hosted by the Virginia government. I’ve always enjoyed those times, but I had never spent much time beyond that in the city.

But last week was different. I drove up Monday night, and met with staff all day Tuesday, and part of the day Wednesday. (Richmond was the midpoint between Morgantown and Wilmington, so we agreed to meet there.)

I also had the distinct pleasure of meeting with a few of my friends who are members of a couple of the tribes in the commonwealth of Virginia. Nothing refreshes my spirit like being around other Native people who love Jesus. I guess it’s because it doesn’t happen too often for me. Sorry for the sidenote—that’s not the point of this entry—just a little thought I had about my time in the Old Dominion.

After meeting with staff, I also had the privilege of touching base with some GCM staff in the Richmond area with whom I have been friends for a long time, and hearing a bit about what GCM is doing in Richmond. My friend Chris showed me around the city a bit, and then showed me the office space that he has acquired for ministry in Richmond. It’s an old row house in the heart of the city, and it sits adjacent to VCU.

It’s so cool to see what God is doing in the lives of others and being reminded of how very large and diverse and beautiful the body of Christ really is. It’s also cool to see an old building like the row house getting renovated and seeing fresh uses come of it.

What fresh new things is God doing in your life? How are you experiencing His renewal and refreshment in your life? Just some thoughts from a short stint in the Old Dominion.

Younger Evangelicals

Younger Evangelicals, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

This morning I read an article in the New York Times that was talking about a trend among younger evangelical Christians with regard to social issues.

For anyone who reads my blog, this trend should be no surprise, but to the New York Times writer, it was a bit of a surprise. Younger evangelical Christians hold to a pretty conservative theology, but their faith seems to involve issues of justice, environmental stewardship, and care for the poor.

Surprised? I'm not. I believe as more and more Christians are challenged to look at the world in which we live we will be challenged to put our faith into tangible practice not only in our own individual personal development with engaging scriptures and prayer and other spiritual disciplines, but also, we will be challenged to work toward finding solutions to the problems that exist in our world, for the glory of God.

The photo above was taken during our opening day of worship and prayer for the Leadership Training program I'm helping to run in Carolina Beach, NC. These students from Ball State, WVU, and Virginia Tech are interested in growing in their relationship with Jesus. They are interested in growing as leaders, and in changing the world for the sake of future generations.

Older evangelicals sometimes get concerned about this interest in shaping culture, but this has always been part and parcel of what it means to be the church.

In the words of Al Reis, "The next generation product almost never comes from the previous generation." What it looks like to be salt and light among younger evangelicals, while fundamentally similar to older generations, may look drastically different.. It is easy to critique, but not always easy to listen and become a student of cultural trends.

When I look at these students at LT, or I think about the young people who comprise our church in Morgantown, I'm excited about the future, and the way these people can potentially influence the world and show people a bigger image of Jesus than maybe they have previously known.

I hope that previous generations of the church can give a measure of trust to up-and-coming generations who are attempting to reach out and influence for Christ.

Carolina Shores

Carolina Shores, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

Although I was extremely exhausted after a long day of gardening and a longer drive into the wee hours of the night, I began the GCM Leadership Training program with a group of others from Ball State University, Virginia Tech, and WVU early Sunday morning at a park near Carolina Beach, NC. That's where I took this sweet photo of the grass and sand along the intracoastal waterway down here.

People were catching some fish while I was there. Among the types caught were perch and sheepshead. Kind of made me regret not having a rod to join in the action.

But that's not why I was walking along this waterway. Nor was it to snap photos. I was asked to ponder a passage from Luke 18 about a blind beggar. I don't know if you've ever read it, but I know I've never meditated upon it like I did Sunday morning.

The synopsis goes something like this. A crowd was following Jesus (as per usual), and a blind beggar asks folks what's going on. They tell him that Jesus is in the area. So then this guy starts crying out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" People try to shut him up, but he just keeps getting louder. Then Jesus cuts through the crowd and walks up to him and says, "what do you want me to do for you?"
You should read the rest and find out what happens at the end of Luke 18.

After hearing the story, we were encouraged to ask the same question. What do I want Jesus to do for me this summer? What is it that I really want God to do in my life? What do I want Jesus to do while I'm away in Carolina Beach? While you may not be able to join us on the Atlantic coast, you can ask yourself the same question.

What is it that you really want God to do in your life? What is it that you are desperate for Jesus to do in your life? May you zealously seek him this summer, and may you be radically transformed as a result of your seeking.

Practicing Generosity

Practicing Generosity, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

As a follow up to my last blog about the stimulus checks and John Piper's blog about the subject, I thought I would offer a few (among many) possible suggestions for giving. Will you prayerfully consider giving 25%, 50%, or even 100% of your stimulus check toward one of these causes. Maybe by starting to give with your stimulus check, you can develop a habit of practicing generosity throughout the year as well.

Nuru International--This organization, which was started by a couple of my friends, is in the middle of a huge fundraising drive, and an individual donor is willing to contribute $100,000 toward this organization if they are able to raise $350,000 by June 14th. They have already raised half of it, and your gift could be a big step toward that goal.

Invisible Children--This is a great organization that is really making a difference in Northern Uganda. Every time I interact with people from this organization, I am thoroughly impressed by their passion, and their ability to accomplish much with the talents they've been given. Giving to this group definitely has an impact beyond the gift itself.

Compassion International--This organization is often endorsed by many Christian recording artists. You could sponsor a single child for most of a year with just half of a stimulus check.

Great Commission Ministries. This feels a bit self-serving, but I feel I would be remiss if I didn't mention this organization. This is the mission agency I work for, and personally I think they do great work all over the world. Maybe consider sponsoring a missionary or one of their many mission projects if you don't already.

All of these organizations are doing great things in our world today, but there are also a couple of local things I would like to suggest to you as well.

Your Local Church--No matter where you live, your local church is hopefully involved in efforts to improve the community and impact the world around them for the cause of Christ. If you are a Christian, it would probably be a good idea to consider giving 10% or more of your stimulus check to your local church.

Neighbors/People in Need--I have no idea what is happening in the community where you live--do you? Maybe take some time today and investigate the greatest needs of your neighborhood or the town where you live. Maybe you have a relative or friend who just lost a job, and needs groceries for their family. Go find out--and help out.

Really, it's very easy to dismiss the value of generosity. It's easy to think that $150, $300, or $600 can't go very far to meet the huge needs of our world. But all of them will go further than $0.

Maybe now isn't the best time for you. Maybe you've already spent your stimulus check. Maybe you really needed that money and it's what is going to get you through this month. If that's the case, perhaps it would be good to look to practice generosity in other ways. Maybe give of your time to help a neighbor or a friend, serve in a church, volunteer in the community. When we practice generosity, God is glorified.

As a wise man once said, "There is not enough for every man's greed, but there is more than enough for every man's need."

May you endeavor to practice generosity every day, but before you spend this recent gift, consider ways in which you can make Christ's name and fame great by the way that you use it.

Into the Wilderness

Into the Wilderness, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

It seems like everywhere we go, people are in a hurry. I took this photo Tuesday afternoon in Chicago’s O-Hare Airport. It struck me because not only are people in a hurry, these folks are trusting in moving sidewalks to get them from point A to point B even faster. There were literally thousands of people in this airport as I scurried from one gate to the other to continue my journey. I was in a hurry too—my flight had just been changed and I had to proceed from one end of the airport to make my flight.

So why was I in this hurried crowd in the airport? On Tuesday, I flew traveled from Morgantown to Pittsburgh to Chicago and then to Los Angeles to make final preparations for a wilderness retreat I am doing with a handful of staff from around the country who are involved with GCM.

The goal of the program is to for staff to experience a period, of solitude, silence, simplicity, fasting, and prayer in order to connect freshly with God. Once I enter the desert I will set up a camp and will not see or hear any other staff until it is time for me to leave next week. The director of the program has said that people either spend an extended time in the presence of God or go through an intense struggle as they realize their own inner emptiness. Most people experience a combination of both. What a time of clarity and direction—no wonder Jesus went to the desert before starting his ministry on earth!

Of course this means I probably won’t be answering my cell phone, or responding to emails, or blogging for that matter, but I plan to return to blogging when I re-enter society. So, while I won’t be able to blog for a while, don’t lose hope—I’ll be back in a week or so. In the meantime, I’ll tell you something you can do. You can pray for me as I venture out into the wilderness. This morning I was reading in the gospels about how Jesus, when he began his ministry, went out into the desert for 40 days to fast. I’m not Jesus, and I’m not going for forty days. But just the same, I have a feeling that there are spiritual forces that would love more than anything to distract me from connecting with the Creator of the universe. With that in mind, pray for my health and safety as well as for my time with God. I want to tear away any distraction in my life to hear Him clearly.

I think this will be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. It is with awe and trepidation that I make my final preparations, and it is with an expectant and humble heart I enter the wilderness.

Only God knows what lies ahead . . .

Heading back across the big water

Exciting news!!! GCM is hosting its first ever European conference Dec 27-31 2005. Churches from all over europe will be joining together for this historic gathering, and I am going to go help out!

Please pray for the conference as well as for my contribution over there. I have friends in Europe who have been part of LTs and Ignites before, and I would love for them to get a spiritual renewal through a conference like this.

I also ask for prayers that the necessary funds would be able to be raised in the next three weeks to pay for this short term support venture for Great Commission Europe.

Thanks again for lifting this whole faith venture up to the Lord. As much as I am asking for prayer for myself, I also ask you pray for the people who will be travelling from all over Europe to Amsterdam for this event. Please also pray for the handful of American travellers who will be journeying over to provide additional support for the Amsterdam church which is hosting the conference.

Connecting with Staff and Preparing for Students

OVer the last four days, my time in Orlando has been extremely busy. I have had a hard time connecting with people back home because of limited access to the internet, and my time has been extremely filled with preparations for the arrival of the students. Tomorrow about 100 students from all over the country will be arriving in Orlando for GCM's Leadership Training (LT) program.

The number of staff in attendance here is much lower than in years past, and it has made for ma much busier time for everyone, but the time has been a great period of connecting with one another and hearing how God has been at work in each of our lives to bring us here together.

I have been living in temporary housing for the last four days, and I am looking forward to having a little bit of time tonight to get moved into my new home for the next three months.

Although I have had my camera all week, I haven't been taking many pictures. Over the past week, it seems i have developed a knack for forgetting to take pictures along the way.

Well, it is back to work getting ready for the students' arrival tomorrow. Much to do and little time to do it!