team

team

people working together in a committed way to achieve a common goal or mission

As we make our way to Minneapolis/St. Paul, we do so as a team. Tiffany Mayes is a fellow CRM staff person from Southern California, who she will be joining our family on this journey. Tiffany is 28 years old and graduated from San Diego State University (my alma mater) with a degree in Economics. Her family has been working with CRM for 14 years, and her father is the leader of ChurchNEXT, which makes him our boss.

We got to know Tiffany when she came to South Africa in 2006 to launch an Enterprise International business to help support CRM ministries in the area. Tiffany then went on to work for CRM-UK in London, where her heart was to reach “creatives” and intellectuals, who are beyond the cultural reach of the existing church. Tiffany hopes to gain valuable experience in the years to come and then one day return to the British Isles to continue her ministry there. We are excited to have Tiffany aboard for this journey as she shares our heart to live “on mission” wherever we find ourselves.

We also have a wider team that surrounds us as we embark on this new adventure. You. You are part of a team of people, who partner with us through prayer, financial support, encouragement and love. Without you, we wouldn't attempt such a journey – it would simply be too much for us. The “support” role is not always the role that gets noticed, but I believe this role to be so vital that we would be fools to embark on this journey without you.

expedition

an organized journey or voyage for a specific purpose, esp. for exploration

As I think about our upcoming move to Minnesota, I think of it in terms of an expedition. We are not just haphazardly flying off to some other part of the world, but rather, we are embarking on a voyage that has been designed by God. And, although we have some idea of what lies ahead, there is much to be discovered. Therefore, as we prepare for our departure in mid-January, our team has begun to listen.

Listening is an art. It is a discipline. It is a posture of life. Rather than blaze into the Twin Cities ready to change things, we will arrive with hearts ready to discover. We will treat Minneapolis/St. Paul like any other place we have ever moved to. We will observe, ask questions, take notice and celebrate what God has been doing long before our arrival. We will come as learners.

Once we are physically present in St. Paul, we will actively listen and explore, knowing that God will lead us into the roles, the lives and the places that He has for us. We will slowly begin to submerge into Thirdway, the Midway neighborhood, local culture and individual lives. We commit to learn, practice and encourage others in missional living, spiritual formation, creativity and new expressions of faith communities.

We honestly cannot wait to begin this expedition. It has been over two years in the making and it is time to set sail. We invite you to stay the journey with us, and continue to be that wider community of support that our family so vitally needs. Who knows where these winds might take us?

letter from the President (of CRM)

Dear Friends of Bryan and Daleen Ward,

At this time of year, I usually exert “executive privilege” to write this November newsletter, first to thank you for your prayers and your giving toward the support of the Ward family. Against this economic backdrop, that gratitude is more poignant and deeply felt than ever. On their behalf, ThankYou!

From all indicators, it appears the U.S. economy is gradually and painfully, pulling out of the worst economic downturn since World War II. But it has been a difficult year for many—a plunge in real estate values, lost savings and retirement income, and for some, unemployment. I know few families—including my own—who have not been affected by these tough economic times.

For CRM and the 400 plus men and women who serve with us around the world, it has been a stretching, if not trying, year. Almost all have had some percentage of donors either reduce or stop their support. Many faithful supporters who have historically given generously out of assets have not been able to do so in 2010, because those assets have simply shriveled up. It has been particularly difficult for our younger staff who are faithfully following the call of God and embarking on ministry careers as they have begun to raise personal support.

Such times have provided a unique opportunity for us to live out Philippians 4:12: “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”

At the same time, it has been a remarkable year as I have watched God supply needs over and over again. It has been touching, and humbling, to see so many friends and supporters step into the gaps and give sacrificially. On behalf of Bryan and Daleen, thank you for your friendship, your prayer, and your support. Your generosity has been a tangible expression of a sovereign God who is not caught by surprise nor out of touch with our lives and daily needs. He can be trusted.

Despite the economy, new CRM personnel have been added to our teams worldwide throughout 2010. We’ve opened up new countries. Leaders in existing churches and those starting fresh expressions of the church have been empowered. Our missionaries living on the fringes of society who minister among the poor and the marginalized have continued to give of themselves, living out in word and deed the presence of Jesus. Our work has continued to thrive and even expand as committed and highly skilled men and women have step forward in the spirit of Isaiah 6, “… here am I, send me.”

I also use this opportunity in November to lay out once a year exactly where the Wards are in their financial situation. Because you believe in them and have supported them with your resources and prayer, we believe you would want to know straightforwardly what their needs are. We have confidence that those who love and back these folks can hear from God and know how he would have them respond.

In 2010, the Bryan and Daleen have been running 14% short of the budget prescribed for them by CRM. As you know, in addition to this, the Wards will be relocating to America soon, which will also increase their financial needs by approximately $500 per month. They need to raise that additional amount in the coming months.

These budgets are carefully constructed and the salary portions are modest by almost any standard. They also include a host of other items beyond salary, such as health insurance, disability, ministry expenses, and retirement. Particularly in times like these, CRM and those who serve with us are committed to using your gifts effectively and being the best stewards possible of your hard-earned dollars.

Would you prayerfully consider what part God would have you play in meeting the need I described above? Perhaps you are in a place where you can help out, and particularly help pick up the slack from others who have been hurt in the economic downturn. Whatever you can do will go a long way. For your convenience, you can go online at www.crmleaders.org.

Again, thank you for your friendship with the Wards and the encouragement you’ve been to them. We are honored to have them serving with CRM and honored to have your partnership in ministry.

Gratefully in Christ,
Dr. Sam Metcalf
President, CRM

well...between

well

As we transition from one place to another, from one missional context to another, we keep asking ourselves what it means to finish well here in South Africa. Our family recently sat down to make a list of all the people and places we'd like to visit in order to say “goodbye” to our lives in South Africa. As I look at the list, it seems a bit daunting because there are a lot of significant people we'd love to spend time with. And, there are a lot of special places we'd like to visit one last time as a family. This will take some time and planning, but it will be worth the effort as we release one context in order to embrace another.

In addition to finishing well, we'd like to transition well. I've been thinking more and more about what it means to transition well. Contrary to popular belief, the end doesn't always justify the means. We want to walk through this time with the same integrity, passion, peace and sense of mission that we hope for in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Location does not determine how our lives are lived.

Two words have become increasingly helpful in shaping my thinking about how we, as a family, would like to navigate this transition. The words expectancy and expectation help paint a mental picture of how I want to live while in transition. Expectancy trusts, while expectation seeks to control. Expectancy submits, while expectation demands. Expectancy hopes, while expectation worries. Expectancy rests, while expectation strives. I want to be filled with a sense of expectancy of all that God has for us, while keeping a check on my expectations.

between

During this time of transition, we keep finding ourselves yearning to be in Minnesota. However, when we stop and consider our lives right here, right now, we realize that our lives are good. When we consider the people we are pouring our lives into, and the daily opportunities to live out the mission God has given us, we see a design in the present.

Finishing up the “life compass” process with our friends Christo and Petro as they prepare to emigrate to Australia. Journeying with Busi as she embraces her calling after a year of NieuCommunities. Walking with Doug and Colletta as they explore their future ministry with CRM as a newly married couple. Helping Christo, Johannes, Chris and others process all that God is doing in their lives. Loving our neighbors, who are facing financial difficulties. All of these people are significant to us and part of our contribution to the kingdom here in Pretoria.

Yes, we'd love to sell this house. Yes, we'd love to have Daleen's visa in hand. Yes, we'd love to have a specific date and airline tickets. This tension of being content in the here and now, and the hope for what is to come, is the reality of the “in-between-ness” of transition. And in this in-between stage of our journey, in the midst of the unknown, we find life, purpose and meaning.

walking

"Man, Africans sure do walk slowly!" That was my first thought as I observed a young, African couple with their baby stroller walking down the street near my house. "If they were walking any slower, they'd be going backwards," was probably my second thought.

All of a sudden I was very aware of how people were walking, and images began to flood my thoughts. I could picture Western women with their "jogging strollers" running through the neighborhoods of my mind. I could see white people walking "with purpose," going somewhere. And, finally, I could see myself walking briskly through my neighborhood with my kids on their bikes because we only have 15 minutes before dinner.

As I thought about the African couple with their stroller, the one thing I could remember is the way they were looking at each other. The way they were enjoying each other. Lost to the world and enraptured in a moment in time. My judgmental thoughts of their "slowness" quickly gave way to a constructive envy.

As a "Westerner," I struggle with slowing down. It seems that I always have to have a goal. Even when I walk through my neighborhood with my kids I am, more often than not, bound by how far we want to go, or how much time we have. And, before I know it, the journey has given way to the destination.

Unfortunately, my physical life often mirrors my spiritual life. I often approach my time with God in much the same manner, as if there is a goal other than being with Him. As though I must "get something" from my time with Him or else I may have wasted it. And, oh, how we hate to waste time.

As I get older, I find that being with Him is the goal. Resting and enjoying His presence is what He calls me to. Yes, He is concerned with who I become, what I do and how I live, but first and foremost He wants me. All the other things will flow from that, not the other way around.

Hopefully, the next time I sit in my car and wait (for what seems like eons) for a couple to cross the road, I will be grateful and remember. Grateful for a culture that slows down and enjoys the journey. And mindful of the value of relationships along the way.

midway...thirdway

Midway

Saint Paul, Minnesota has long been recognized for its neighborhoods. The city has been called "fifteen small towns with one mayor", owing to the neighborhood-based life of much of the city. Midway is one of these neighborhoods, which derives its name from being midway between the downtowns of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. This neighborhood was established in the 1880's and continued to develop through the 1930's.

St. Paul is home to the largest urban contingent of Hmongs (formerly of Vietnam) in the United States. A significant number of both Hmong and Somali refugees live in the Midway area. Hamline University is also located in the neighborhood, and nearly a dozen other educational institutions are close by, which draws learners from nearly every state and from over 30 countries.

St. Paul is known for its citizen activism and Midway is no different. Numerous civic groups address local issues from urban greening to engaging youth and elders.

Interesting observation - while visiting Midway in May, I noticed that some of the intersections in the neighborhood had huge paintings in the middle of them. I found out that a group called Paint the Pavement is responsible for the initiative of “street paints.” The aim of these street paints is to develop relationships and social networks; creation of a community gathering place; calmed traffic; crime prevention; and, a local neighborhood identity.

A fun fact about Midway - Peanuts cartoonist, Charles Schultz, came from this neighborhood.

Third Way

It is into this neighborhood called Midway that God is leading our family to “pitch our tent” for the next season of life. We will join a missional community, who call themselves Third Way. The name of the community comes from the teachings of Jesus to express God’s love at all times by choosing new creative responses to the brokenness in our own lives, and the brokenness we find in the world. This means we are always looking for the third option in a world of violence and withdrawal.

Third Way is also experimenting with different ways of living out the shared life of community, and they are asking hard questions about what it means to contend for your neighbors. Whether they are running their coffeehouse, Groundswell, or working with Somali refugees, this community of 30-40 people seeks to be a redemptive presence in the Midway neighborhood.

We desire to use our gifts to assist in the shaping of a dynamic, creative, healthy community. We hope to help expand Third Way's mission in and around Midway, as well as network with other missional communities in the Twin Cities. We trust that this is the beginning of a journey that will surpass what we can think or imagine at this time.

New Global Love Economy

I'm reading a book at the moment where the author ponders the metaphors Jesus would use if he lived in this day and age. I found the following to be very insightful and descriptive of the challenges we face in our world today:

Jesus might confront the global prosperity crisis by announcing the new global love economy...Our current prosperity system, as we shall see, is amazingly powerful - growing more so every day - yet it is unsustainable long-term, an example of self-delusion and denial about our creaturely limits that may be on of the most striking characteristics of modern times...

Socially, in this economy we consume time and produce fatigue, consume art and talent and produce entertainment and amusement, consume work and leisure and produce paychecks and heart attacks. And ultimately we consume communities and produce extended families, consume extended families and produce nuclear families, consume nuclear families and produce individuals, consume individuals and produce consumers, and finally consume consumers themselves and produce disembodied fragments called "wants" and "needs" and "markets" and "segments" and "anxieties" and "drives" that the economy consumes and excretes and reconsumes in a kind of cannibalistic ferment or rot. In the process, we commonly produce successful megaconsumers of unimaginable wealth who are more or less bankrupt in compassion for their poor neighbors. And in a stroke of suicidal genius, we simultaneously produce poor people whose greatest dream is to be like those megaconsumers who don't care at all about them.

That's why if Jesus were here today, I imagine he would speak frequently of the new global love economy of God - not an industrial economy, and not an information economy, and not even an experience economy, but a wise relational economy that measures success in terms of gross national affection and global community, that seeks to amass the appreciating capital of wise judgment, profound forethought, and deepening virtue for the sake of rich relationships. (Everything Must Change, p. 130-131)

The author is not asking us to remove ourselves from the reality of the world in which we live, and live in some "pie in the sky" place of religious irrelevance. Rather, I think he is encouraging us to engage the world in the most relevant of ways. In ways that truly reflect the reality of the God's kingdom and His heart for humanity.

August Newsletter

Dear Friends,

As we begin to move toward Minnesota, we want to paint a clear picture of our transition within CRM. Our new supervisor, Gary Mayes, is the Director of ChurchNEXT, which is a collective of CRM ministries based in the U.S. We have asked him to give his perspective on our new role, as well as the new context in which we will be working. The following is Gary's letter:

Dear Friends of Bryan and Daleen,

By now I am sure that you know about the big transition that lies ahead for the Ward family. I wanted to write and tell you what this transition means for the rest of us. Having known the Wards for years, I am very excited about what they will bring to a new place in this next chapter.

First, indulge a little background. I believe we live in a pregnant moment of history where the U.S. is now one of the world’s strategic mission fields. The culture is racing headlong into the secular post-Christian reality that pervades Western Europe. Established churches are struggling and church plants are failing at an alarming rate. Over ½ of all congregations in North America did not see one person join through conversion last year. I know of one denomination that invested ten million dollars to launch 40 church plants to have only one succeed. Barna research reports that only 3% of 16-29 year-olds in the U.S. have a positive view of Christianity.

It is into this vortex, we are deploying Bryan and Daleen. We have asked them to help us pioneer new ways of planting and forming churches in this emerging mission field. They are instrumental to an R&D initiative that is exploring new methods, new strategies, and new ways of bringing the Gospel to life among people who are beyond the reach of—and even hostile to—traditional expressions of the church. My prayer is that in addition to reaching people for Christ we will successfully incubate pioneering efforts like this so that in years to come, our cumulative experience will be a goldmine for church planters and church planting movements on a broad scale.

We believe the church is God’s primary delivery system for hope and healing in a lost and broken world. However, this land that many of us call home cries for leaders who are courageous enough to find contextually appropriate ways to deliver the timeless truth of the Gospel.

Bryan and Daleen will work alongside Third Way, a creative young church planting community in St. Paul, Minnesota. In this role they will bring all of their experience from NieuCommunities. And, I have asked them to bring their cross-cultural sensitivities as a resource to sharpen the global work of the fifteen teams and initiatives that form this piece of CRM called ChurchNEXT.

Because you know the Wards, you understand why I am so enthusiastic about having them in a role like this. What I also hope is that for their sake and for the sake of the Kingdom, you would partner with them generously as they step into what might be the most complex and important mission field of their lives.

Grateful, for you and for them,

Gary Mayes, Director of ChurchNEXT

Sports

Most people in America don't know about the sport of netball. I didn't either until my daughter, Zoe, started playing several years ago. Some people describe netball as "basketball without dribbling," which is close, but doesn't capture the actual differences and nuances of the game.

Wikipedia describes netball like this:

Netball is a ball sport played between two teams of seven players. The sport shares many similarities with basketball, having been derived from early versions of women's basketball. It developed as a distinct sport in the 1890s in England, from where it spread to other countries. Netball is popular in Commonwealth nations and is predominantly played by women.

Games are played on a rectangular court divided into thirds, with a raised goal at each short end. The object of the game is for teams to score points by passing a ball and shooting it into the opposing team's goal. Players are assigned "positions" that define their role within the team and restrict their movement on court. During general play, a player with the ball can take no more than one step before passing it, and cannot hold the ball for longer than three seconds. Goals can only be scored by the assigned shooting players.

Zoe's position is one of two shooting players on the team, and she had many games this season where she was the high scorer for her team. Although she has done quite well in netball here in South Africa, Zoe is looking forward to playing some typical American sports like basketball and soccer. Kyle is looking forward to playing football and baseball in place of rugby and cricket.

We look forward to this next season of life as we prepare to transition back to the States later this year. We hope that sports will play a significant role in helping our children to make new friends and enjoy life in America.

May Newsletter

I don't mind stealing bread
From the mouths of decadence
But I can't feed on the powerless
When my cup's already overfilled

“Hunger Strike” by Chris Cornell

For years, the words to this song have haunted me. Nearly 20 years of living overseas in Russia and South Africa has opened my eyes to those I call the powerless. Not that I wasn't surrounded by such people in America, I just didn't see them so clearly. This powerless-ness can come from a lack of opportunities or resources, but it also stems from a lack of love, respect and dignity. And, even more than a lack of money, a lack of these things can be a deep burden that eats at the spirit and diminishes hope.

Africa

Over the past 12 years I have been learning about the history of South Africa specifically, and Africa in general. The history of Africa is complex, bloody and, quite frankly, sad. The atrocities that this continent has endured are countless. Unfortunately, much of the pain has come at the hands of Westerners, even missionaries.

In his book, Eye of the Needle, South African author, Richard Turner, writes:

One specific characteristic of "white culture" is a major determinant in the conflict system: the drive to accumulate wealth and the drive to seek personal satisfaction in the consumption of material goods, rather than, and often at the expense of, relations with other people. While this continues to be a dominant cultural trait, the details of the conflict may change, but the essentials will not.

I don't want to oversimplify Africa's struggles and challenges by blaming everything on “white culture.” I do, however, as a white man, want to own up to a cultural trait that seems to pervade our society. A trait that lends itself to conflict, exaltation of self and holding others down.

dec·a·dence

1. unrestrained or excessive self-indulgence.

2. moral degeneration or decay.

3. the act or process of falling into an inferior condition or state; deterioration; decay.

Although I see decadence as being an ever-increasing trait of our culture, I would say that entitlement is the daily form most commonly lived out. And entitlement has even seeped deeply into the Church. Entitlement is sneaky and can slip into our lives almost unnoticed. It woos our heart to demand what we want because we feel like we deserve it.

Working with NieuCommunities for the past 10 years has helped me to look at my life and its effect on others, both locally and globally. One thing I have really appreciated about working with 20-somethings is that, although they struggle with entitlement, they are asking some tough questions:

• How does my lifestyle affect the lives of others either locally or in other parts of the world? For instance, do the products I buy come from a sweat shop or from child labor? How do I support free trade so that locals in poorer countries can make a fair wage?

• How can I bring the reality of God's kingdom in a tangible way to those who live around me? What does it mean to be the Good News?

• In what ways can I give to the powerless that shows respect for the person and helps to restore dignity to their life? Other than money, what do I have to give to those in need?

In our current global economy, such questions are necessary, even if they make us uncomfortable. Like no other time in history, our daily choices have a far-reaching effect on countless others. My hope is that the Church will choose to live counter-culturally. That we will choose to live in a way that brings good news to the afflicted, binds up the brokenhearted, proclaims liberty to captives and sets prisoners free.

With my cup overfilled,

Bryan

somebody might wave back

seven o'clock in the morning
I'm riding the overnight train
I got ten tons of luggage
but I left it behind when I came

I look at my watch
it says September seventeen
we're riding through some place
where I've never been

and I'm waving through the window as we go
somebody says, 'what are you waving at?'
but what do I have to lose?
- somebody might wave back 

Somebody Might Wave Back, The Waterboys

The following is a "lesson" that comes from the rough and tumble world of elementary school. Actually, I've had similar experiences in adulthood, but 4th graders are less sophisticated. Okay, sometimes they are just as sophisticated, but they wear less masks and, therefore, the "lesson" is easier to see. Where was I? Oh yes, trying to explain the world of a 4th-grader.

Okay, so two years ago my son, Kyle, was having some problems with a boy named Johan. This always baffled me because Kyle and Johan seemed to have many shared interests. Anyway, the gist of the story is that Johan and another one of his cronies used to tease Kyle until he would break down and cry. For some reason, it is fun to see your fellow classmates cry when you are in 4th grade. After graphing out the teasing occurrences and determining the correlation coefficient, I determined that this was happening often enough to warrant a trip to see the principal. And, nothing like a talking to from the principal to bring an end to a situation.

That was all two years ago. This year Kyle and Johan are in the same class. And, guess what? Yep, good friends. It is Johan, who is often in the same study group as Kyle (by choice mind you). It is Johan, who has invited Kyle away for the weekend to celebrate his birthday. And, it is Johan, who was first to offer help with getting Kyle from class to class while Kyle is on crutches after his surgery.

I have found that it is often the people that I butt heads with the most that I later end up enjoying the most if given the chance. I'm not sure how Kyle and Johan became friends, but I suppose it started when one of them took a leap and pursued the other. It might have been a seemingly insignificant leap, but it was enough to turn the tide of a relationship gone awry.

Observing this new relationship between Kyle and Johan has made me wonder, Who in my life might wave back if I would just venture to wave?

Polarized Society

The events of the past few weeks show just how far South Africa still has to go as we move and work toward a society that reflects the Rainbow Nation. Race relations are tense as a result of a couple of events. Recently, the leader of the ANC's (the ruling party of South Africa) Youth League, Julius Malema, publicly sang the "Shoot the Boer" song (click here - and scroll down to find lyrics to the song). A Boer is another word for an Afrikaner, which means "farmer." My wife, Daleen, is an Afrikaner. Then this past weekend Eugene Terre'Blanche was hacked to death on his farm. Terre'Blanche was the founder of an extremist white group called the AWB (Afrikaner Resistance Movement).

Events such as these don't help us to heal from our divided past, but rather open old wounds. They heighten tensions between races, which has led to several bomb threats in and around Pretoria. One of the bomb threats was at the mall where we normally shop, and another was at a bank in our suburb. As far as I know, no bombs went off and no one was hurt. And, unfortunately, this is not the type of press we need just before the Soccer World Cup that will take place in South Africa in June/July. South Africa is a beautiful country with a lot going for it, and these type of events overshadow the reality of life for the vast majority of people.

Won't you please pray with us for the nation of South Africa. Pray for true reconciliation and healing of the wounds of the past. May we learn from the past rather than repeat it.

to flow: to be plentiful

Hartebeespoort Dam is not far from where we live. On the one side of the dam wall is a placid reservoir with stunning houses perched on its shores, and all sorts of boats traversing its waters. On the other side is a steep, rocky slope and a riverbed hewn from the rocks. Some weekends we take a trip to the reservoir in order to drive across the dam wall. Cars are sometimes backed up for kilometers waiting for their chance to cross the wall in hopes that the flood gates are open. It is a quite a sight to see the water bursting forth in a magnificent, gushing stream, over the rocks and down the hill.

Daleen and I desire for our lives to flow out of us in much the same way. We want our lives to burst forth from the overflow of our “inner reservoir,” not to dribble forth like cream into coffee. One of our greatest joys is to pour ourselves into others. We love to be agents of healing, helping others to see who they are in Christ and who He has created them to be.

Upon our return to South Africa last month, Daleen and I found ourselves immediately easing into the roles of mentor or “soul friend” with many of those who live around us. We have the privilege of pouring our lives into people who live in our suburb, young leaders, local church leaders, former apprentices and co-workers. Some of these relationships take place over a cup of coffee while others take place in a more formal setting.

to flow: to pour forth

One of my long-term mentoring relationships is with Christo, a 46-year-old mechanic. Christo has been servicing cars for NieuCommunities for the past six years. When I met him, he was a “young” Christ-follower, who was hungry to grow. Although Christo and his wife, Petro, ran their own business, their passion was to bless others through their business by giving of their time, energy and money.

Three years ago, I began meeting weekly with Christo on Friday mornings. By this time, his family had already become a permanent fixture at our Sunday afternoon barbecue and worship time. The highlight of our times together is the ease at which we share our hearts, and how we encourage each other through our challenges. As we've met over the past three years, it has been a delight to hear of his inner transformation, as well as his continuing desire to work more closely with CRM.

During the course of last year, I got Christo and Petro connected with Enterprise International. The result is Christo's Cars, which buys slightly damaged or repossessed cars, fixes them and sells them at a good price. Enterprise International is a division of CRM that mobilizes business people who are compelled to serve the Kingdom by developing and managing businesses that fund ministries (for more information go to www.enterpriseinternational.org).

I have enjoyed seeing both Christo and Petro come alive as they identify their gifting, find their niche and live more “on mission.” My hope is that they will make a success of Christo's Cars and continue this kind of work far into the future. It is a pleasure to walk with others as they get a tighter sense of God's calling on their lives, and begin to live out of their true selves.

women are like tea bags

There is a saying that women are like tea bags, you don't no how strong they are until you dunk them in hot water.

Recently, a well-known South African Christian singer's wife was raped. The other day, I was speaking to a friend of mine and she told me of this woman's response to this ordeal. Although the woman is waiting to find out if she is pregnant, and whether or not she has AIDS, she is praising God. She feels that God had asked her, "who will stand in the gap for my name?" and she said that she would. She feels as though God has now called on her. She feels that although her body was used, her soul was not touched and her heart was not stolen away from God.

Not knowing what kind of tea bag I will make, I marvel at her strength and unwavering love for God. I have been angry at God for far less. I have felt let down and disappointed by Him. And, although I have know my share of misfortune, I have not really tasted true sacrifice for God. I can honestly say that I would not wish to be called to stand in the gap if the gap looks like that, but maybe I could handle a crack.

I wonder if my fear keeps me from knowing true faith? I wonder if I have gotten so comfortable with my life that I don't want to be one of God's warriors anymore? I wonder if a stolen car is as much of a sacrifice as I am willing to make (someone tried to steal our car last week). I believe we all have different burdens to carry and not all of them are a call to tragedy. But if mine was, I hope I am made of stronger stuff than I think, and that it will not destroy my faith in God.

Daleen

Intentional Missional Community

Daleen and I often say that we desire to live in an intentional, missional community. In my recent solitude times with God, I have been thinking through just what I mean when I say the words intentional, missional and community. Actually, I don't like to separate them because they flow so very well together. Here are some of my desires for living in such a community:

• sharing meals together on a regular basis
• having authentic relationships - sharing and enjoying life together
• sharpening one another - could be a mentoring relationship or just doing life together
• learning, worshipping and praying together
  
• growing deeper - with one another, individually with God and corporately with God
• living out Kingdom values with one another and with those who live around us
• hospitality - being a welcoming haven for one another and for those who live around us
  
• facing conflict and working through conflict
• seamless, missional living in the daily places in which we find ourselves (basically living "on mission" wherever we are out of our true selves)

A couple of days ago, I was reading Romans 12. As I read the chapter I felt like it was a great commentary on intentional, missional community. Here are some highlights from Romans 12:9-21:

• be devoted to one another in brotherly love
• honor one another above yourself
• serve the Lord
• be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer
• share with God's people who are in need
• practice hospitality
• bless those who persecute you
• rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn
• live in harmony with one another
• associate with people of low position
• do not repay evil for evil and do not take revenge
• as much as it depends on you, live at peace with one another

Striving for such a life is not always easy, but I believe it is the life we are called to as the Church. And, although not easy, it is in such a community of people where we will truly be transformed, and thus the world around us will also be transformed. Because of this, Daleen and I feel called to not only participate in intentional, missional communities of faith, but to also help birth them wherever we go.

Active Waiting

This morning I was sitting on my couch, fixated on one of our trees in our yard. I realized that in the 7 years of living in our house, this particular tree has grown tremendously. Of course, it was a small tree when we moved in, so perhaps it is easier to notice the growth. And, although I know that the tree is constantly growing, I just don't think about it that much. I trust the truth of what I know - trees grow.

So, back to my couch.

There I sat, thinking about the future of my family and our transition to whatever is next. Somehow my mind made the connection that waiting on God is a lot like watching a tree grow. Sometimes it just doesn't seem like there's a whole lot going on. Day in and day out I don't necessarily gain clarity or have an "ah-ha" moment. Quite frankly, it is easy to wonder if anything is happening at all.

But I know the truth, and I trust the process. There is more going on here than I can think or imagine. God is doing things that I cannot see. Some of which is happening in my own heart, the heart of Daleen and my children's hearts.

So, I wait. I wait on Him even while I actively live in the moment with all that God has called me to today. I wait and draw close to His heart so that my heart will be ready to respond when He shows the way forward.