Less than a Fortnight left... and some great quotes

In less than 2 weeks, I will return to 'the States', with bags full of Christmas presents and other memorabilia collected along the way, my stomach full of great English food (and Chinese, Indian, and other cuisine from new-found friends), a mind full of wonderful memories (and some not-so-good ones too), and a heart full with emotion, excitement from what God has done, emptiness from leaving great friends and memories behind, and also eagerness to be returning to family and friends.  If that is not a run-on sentence, I don't know what is...

Over the past few days, I have reflected on my experiences here by looking back in my journal. I began to write down the highlights, and so far have 5 and a half pages full of great memories. I will try to pick out the top 10 or so, but until I do that, I will share some of the great quotes that I have come across durning my stay in England:

"If we live like we sing, this planet would be different."

- David Crowder

There is nothing we can do to make God love us more; there is nothing we can do to make God love us less.

"Pain is God's megaphone to rouse a deaf world..."

-C.S. Lewis

"Being active and being effective are not necessarily the same thing."

- (from Young People and Mission)

"For in everything natural there is something marvelous."

- Aristotle

"Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in God."

- Aristotle

"Life is now seen as an anticipation of something more marvelous which is yet to come."

- Allister McGrath

"Your love is over, it's underneath..."

- From Tenth Avenue North

"God is the highest good of the reasonable creature; and the enjoyment of him is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied."

- Jonathan Edwards

Long time, no blog

Wow. Time flies when you're having fun. Or, just when you're busy.  It's been some of both for me.  I have found a sort of routine, but this 'routine' often includes last-minute preparation and is by no means organized. But, such is life. It's messy, unorganized, mixed with good and bad, etc. We shouldn't settle; that's not what I'm saying. But, we have to admit our faults; we can't act like we have it all together, because I'm pretty sure none of us do. I digress...

I will share some of the highlights of the past month or so. A couple great worship times that come to mind are IXth hour, for hundreds of youth in the Northeast area. It was a great time of worship, talking about our identity in Christ. We all need to be reminded that what others think of us doesn't really matter; certainly not as much as what God thinks of us. And He loves us. He died for us. He offers abundant life for us. The other worship time was the Forum, which connects churches from around the area in worship, prayer, and fellowship. It was great to get outside of our own church walls, and interact with people from around the area... people with the same passion for Christ. We learned how God's people can be compared to a stream. Each of us on our own are nothing but a drop... but as we draw together, a tiny pool forms... then a little trickle... then a stream... and eventually, as we work and love and serve together... a mighty river.  Oh, that we would work together for the purposes of God.

I have also been encouraged by my time in the schools. It was great to give my testimony in Joseph Swan school, to three classes. I am now working in small groups with two of the classes, talking about the basics of Christianity, moral decisions, and simply building relationships. I was also privileged to share my testimony in Emmanuel College, a very strict and religious (maybe too religious) school. Some people have shared how it feels like the Gospel is shoved down the throat of students there. In any case, I shared about my own struggles, through high school and growing up. I focused on the difference in my life from saying the 'sinner's prayer' to really living in relationship with the Living God.  It took a long time for me to understand that Christianity is relevant on every day of the week, not just Sunday.

Well, I am still learning and growing a lot. I thank you for your prayers. The excitement is growing, as my parents are coming to visit in a couple weeks! Please pray that they make it here safely and have a great time. I am here for less than 2 more months, so also pray that I will make the most of every opportunity as the day for my departure approaches. Grace and Peace be with you all.

Overwhelmed by His Love

Have you ever been in that awkward situation where you overhear a stranger talking about a certain group of people... and you happen to be a part of that group? It happened to me today.

I went out for lunch, to take a break after a long and exciting morning. At school, I talked to three classes about my experience in America. We talked about life, culture, religion, and how we often have misconceptions about other places. As I sipped my tea, I overheard a group talking about America-- mostly about how American television is corrupting their kids. I couldn't pass up such an opportunity. So, I turned round, and said, 'sorry, I couldn't help overhearing...' 

From the first word I said, they could tell I was an American. The accent is apparently quite obvious. I then attempted to explain that we all have misconceptions about places we've never been too-- I certainly had them about England. We were able to agree that there are good and bad things about both England and America, and that you can't get the full picture just by watching tv or reading newspapers.

I had a great discussion with my dad today as well. We talked about the miracle that is salvation, and the power of testimony: to tell your story, to give an account, to witness. In fact, we talked about this very thing in one of the youth clubs tonight. We discussed all the different things that affect or influence our lives, and found that people--especially parents, friends, and teachers, affect us the most. I found that the people who affect my life are those I see, living and struggling, facing good times and bad, and still growing and striving to seek Christ. The people who admit their weaknesses, and therefore show God's strength in their lives. I hope to be a witness like that.

We also talked about acceptance, in the Fit For Life youth club. How God accepts us, just as He accepted the Samaritan woman. Even in her admission of sin, Christ accepted her. Similarly, he calls us to admit our mistakes and weaknesses, knowing that he has accepted us. That he loves us. I am simply overwhelmed by His love. His acceptance; that we can be a part of something bigger than ourselves... a part of a family, a group, a body. You would think there would be more chatter about this group. There certainly are misconceptions. Maybe, as we live our live openly and honestly, and in his love, maybe then people will be discussing something bigger than america at the local tea house.

Peace

Last week I headed off to the Scottish borders for camp. There were about 150 youth that attended, along with about 50 leaders; and only one 'Texan' (I use this term loosely; I am not really a Texan). It was great to interact with so many youth as well as build relationships with fellow youth workers. It was great for the youth as well, to get out of the city, and into an environment surrounded by fellow Christians, where you can really be yourself. Everyone loved the games and activities, but the sense of peace was most noticed: students could let down their guard without fear of being made fun of. The last night of camp was especially powerful. The Lord moved in a mighty way, people from all over northern England were united in worship. Then, we ended the night with a good ol' fashioned barn dance! (The camp theme was 'the wild west') Pray that the commitments made and relationships built at camp Whithaugh will be used for God's glory.

Now, I'm back in Gateshead, busy preparing for the coming weeks of youth clubs, school work, college class, and church events. Tonight, David (who leads a Thursday club for 7-11yr olds) and I travelled around meeting young people and their parents who may come to the clubs. I wasn't prepared for the poverty that I saw most of these kids living in; it reminded me of apartment ministries back at college. But what really broke my heart was the fear that some of these kids, and even some parents, lived with.

I also saw hope and joy. I hate to write such cliche' sentiments, but it was quite obvious that those who knew the Lord had an unshakeable peace about them. It was like they saw something that those around them didn't see-- I saw it too, once I looked closely. That is, there was a glimmer of light in the darkness. There was hope for a new life in Christ, and joy that surpasses any circumstantial happiness. My hope and prayer is that we may know the peace of Christ, whether we are at camp or not. That we can vulnerably be who God created us to be regardless of what others think or say.

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

-Philippians 4.7

Pray

I'm kind of tired of writing about my experiences in the same old way, and I figure you may be tired of reading about them as well, so I decided to simply write down some prayer points that reflect what has happened over the last week or so:

• Pray that I can build deep relationships with the people of Durham Road Baptist Church, as well as that I can meet people outside of the church who I can minister to.
• Pray for the young people that I have gotten to know a little bit, especially Fibon, Allison, and Dominic. Also, for the kids who don't come to church very often, and seem to hold football as their idol.
• Pray for David Hunt (the pastor) and his family as they are away on holiday for 2 weeks. Pray that they will be refreshed as they take a break off.
• Pray for the young adults, that I may build relationships with them in such a way that we can build each other up. Pray for Stuart, Sarah, Enola, Martin, and Gareth & Mandy. Prayt that I can help Martin to learn english (he is from Slovakia) and that Stuart's 24-7 prayer meeting will go well.
• Pray for the summer break (students just got out of school, and are off for 6 weeks). Pray that the kids will be safe and will find productive things to do. Pray for the church camps and other activities that might draw kids to Christ. Pray for direction, so that I can organize fun and influential activities for the students.
•  Pray that I can get used to the culture and language here (it is still English, but there is a 'Geordy' accent). Pray that I will have peace and focus on Christ above all else.

Thank you for your prayers. I hope you are all doing well and keeping your focus on Christ. 

Colosssians 4.2

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

1 Thessolonians 5.16-18

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Joy

Have you ever had that feeling of looking back on some great experience and being overwhelmed with a sense of happiness that you were there along with great sadness that you there no longer?

It's like a good meal. The other day, some friends and I went to an Italian restaurant. We splurged and bought some excellent meals; mine was roasted duck penne with plum sauce. It was so scrumptious that I couldn't help but gobble it all up. I savored the flavor, but followed it with 'the godfather', an aptly named mass of chocolate, toffee, brownie, and ice cream. Again, I gobbled it up. As we sat there with bellies full and smiles on our faces, the flavors began to fade. I scrambled for another taste of that chocolaty goodness, but it was gone. As satisfied as I was, I realized that it was over. And in only a couple days, the experience at Oxford would be over too. 

The sites and sounds of that great city of dreaming spires are fading along with the belly-ache that came with 'the godfather.' I scramble for another taste: I look at pictures and reminisce with friends, but still, the flavor is leaving. I'm beginning to wonder if it wasn't all a dream after all-- the city has lived up to its name. But then I remember that Oxford is not the dream which I hope will come true. It has come, and is now past. But it was only a shadow of the real 'city of dreaming spires.'

C.S. Lewis reminds us that joy is a longing for something which is so beautiful, so amazing, so unimaginable, that it cannot be experienced in this life. The friends and fun, the sights and sounds (and smells), the essays and the escapades all brought joy; but they were not what I was really longing for. They are not eternal; they've already come and gone. But there is something, no, Someone, who is far greater and lasts far longer.

Just a Few More Days

I've been in Oxford for a few weeks now, and I have mixed emotions about leaving this Saturday. I will miss the wonderful people that I have met here as well as the exciting experiences that I have had. But I am also filled with excitement about working alongside the people of Gateshead for the next five months. 

I'm sitting here in the lower reading room of the Radcliffe Camera, thinking about all of the great thinkers who have studied here before me. I would like to think that I am included in the 'great thinker' category, but I realize that labels aren't terribly important. My real hope is that the knowledge and experiences gained here will draw me (and my new found friends) nearer to Christ. That seems more important than all the books of 'great thinkers' which surround me. 

In any case, I think the Lord has drawn me to go deeper; to ask the difficult questions; but also to trust Him when the answers are not apparent. For this reason, I will continue to follow where He leads, even though I don't have the answers. When He asks "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?", I hope to reply "Here am I, send me!"

Oxford! Wow! (need I say more?)

Wow. I've been in England for 5 days now, and everyday has been packed full of amazing experiences. We've toured Oxford quite a bit, and I can't really put into words all I've seen, but I will tell you it's amazing! Overwhelming, really. We received our reader cards, which allow us access to the Bodlean library (which holds millions of books). It really helped us step from the feeling of 'I'm a tourist' to 'I'm a student hear,' especially as we walked passed the sign that reads 'no visitors beyond this point' into the spacious interior of the Radcliffe Camera. This rotunda is as glorious on the inside as it appears from the outside (but you can't take pictures, so you will have to take my word for it). Still, the silence in such a huge space is overwhelming, every creaky step reverberates about the room: no one speaks above a whisper. It's similar with the ancient churches in the area, but seemingly less forgiving. Speaking of churches, many of us attended St. Mary Magdallen's, which is very High Church-ish, and a wonderful experience (especially for someone who has never experienced anything like it). Hearing the Scripture in song, songs in Latin, taking the Eucharist in such a traditional way... it was really amazing. Well, there is so much more to say, but little time now. I am off to Wycliffe for a seminar on Philosophy and the Christian Tradition...

Cheers!

PS 

see pictures at http://web.mac.com/matt2819/Site/Homepage.html

Awesome Orientation

Last weekend, GoNow missionaries (who weren't already on the field) headed to Dallas for a time of spiritual growth and preparation. One of the first and most important lessons we learned was to take off the bib and put on the apron. That is, we need to serve others rather than simply be served. Likewise, in order to mature spiritually, we ought to move from 'toast' to 'pretzels.' Examples of spiritual toast are the basic disciplines such as attending church, reading Scripture, and praying. Toast is essential, but in order to move further toward Christ, we must practice the 'pretzel' disciplines (I like to think of this as moving from milk to meat...). Examples are silence, reflection, self-examination, and scripture memory. Of course, these disciplines are not ends in themselves, rather, they are a few ways in which we may draw closer to Christ.

During the weekend, we were able to practice some of these less-known disciplines. One of the most moving experiences was prayer-walking. It is amazing how difficult it is to walk and have a conversation with God at the same time. I hope that during this journey I will practice this discipline in such a way that conversing with the Lord will became as simple as talking to a best friend.

Please pray that God will continue to prepare the hearts of those I encounter and fill my own heart with His love. Pray that each missionary will be used in a mighty way as they serve around the world.

I pray that each of you 'may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects...' (Colossians 1)

Hebrews 5:13-14

Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not aquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Ephesians 4:14-15

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed bak and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

Blessings Abound

God is so good! The Lord has blessed me so much already, through friends, family, and great experiences. Likewise, God is pouring in the resources necessary for the trip to Oxford and the mission to Gateshead.

First, thank you to all of you who have received the support letter and have responded quickly with a commitment to pray and/or give. I need to raise $2600 for the GoNow portion of my trip, and the funds are beginning to come in for that. Mind you, there still is a long way to go... 

Second, the GoNow portion of the trip costs much more than the $2600 that I have to raise. The difference is funded in large part by college students who support GoNow missions. Also, the church that I will be staying at is taking care of room and board; and this help is only possible through generous donations from people in England. Thanks be to God for providing this web of support.

Third, the Oxford trip is quite an expensive trip. However, because of the financial aid that Wayland has provided, the price is cut way down. The religion department has been a great help to provide most of the tuition expense while I am at Oxford. Financial aid has also helped through a trust fund. And, none of this would have been possible without the help of the honors program at Wayland. In fact, I wouldn't have even thought of going to England if it wasn't for an honors meeting, about 9 months ago, in which this vision was born.

Again, thank you to all you 'Partners in Mission' who are supporting me through finances and prayer on this incredible journey!

Light at the end of the tunnel

I've just returned from an enlightening experience at Logsdon Seminary in Abilene, TX. There, I attended the T.B. Maston Lectures, and was honored as a Young Maston Scholar. The lectures, given by Melissa Rogers, were primarily on church and state relations. It was a splendid experience.

Also, for those who have not yet received a letter, I have been accepted to be a part of GoNow missions for the England trip! (sorry I didn't let you know sooner).

Now, I am busy raising financial and prayer support, preparing spiritually through Bible study and Scripture memory, and still attempting to finish strong as the semester comes to a close. We have a week and a half left, then finals, and we are done. There is a mix of excitement and urgency, as I have much to do and much to look forward to.

A Glorious Day

The day began with an early commute to the Lubbock airport. From there, our plane cut through a beautiful blanket of cloud to reveal the sunrise over an ocean of white. If this morning was any indication of what the rest of the day would hold, then I was in for a glorious time. When I arrived in Dallas, God continued to reveal Himself.

The GoNow 'interview' was much more than the stereotypical awkward and uncomfortable business-type introduction. Rather, it was a building of community, fostering of disciples, and equipping of missionaries. The 'interviewees' were actually teachers, leaders, and ministers who cared about me more than they cared about whether I 'got the job' or not. I met with a key leader who has sent hundreds of student missionaries around the world, and another who has first-hand experience and love for the people of England.

The day flew by quickly with a sense of determination, just as the plane I was in and the calling that God had revealed only 3 weeks ago. But the profound implications of this day and this call will continue to be felt long after the plane departs. As I drove back to Wayland, with the red sun descending to my left, I sang with a revived passion, "You are glorious..."

GoNow: North East England

SERVING YOUTH IN A CULTURE OF RELIGIOUS DECLINE

In addition to the Oxford program, I plan to head north to Gateshead from July-December to be a youth worker interim. Mind you, I have not yet been officially accepted into the GoNow Missions program, but I will still explain below what I understand of the mission so far. I trust that God will work out all the details according to His will.

GoNow is a mission sending service for college students in Texas. I've had a few friends travel all across the world and serve in different ways through GoNow. They have told me how wonderful the staff is, how much they learned and the amazing things God did; they also shared the difficulties they faced, which enabled them to grow in Christ. The specific program I applied for is a mission to Gateshead, England, to minister to youth.

The Millennium Bridge over the River Tyne, in Gateshead

In Gateshead, I will serve children and youth (11-25 yrs. old) at Durham Road Baptist Church (DRBC). The GoNow site explains things well: "You will run games, lead discussion and give talks at established youth group meeting. As well as conduct home visits and arrange social events to maintain contact with youth group members and to reach out to other young people. You will help in local secondary schools in Religious Education classes and establish and run Christian Union groups. You will also establish links with students at Gateshead College and develop ways to include them in outreach activities."1

DRBC HISTORY

I have been studying the decline of Christianity in England for a research paper in my World Religions class. DRBC is a testament of that decline, but also to the resilience (and even growth) of the faith in an area of secularization. The church was established in 1877, and enjoyed life and vigor throughout the years. Yet, from the 1950s to '80s, it was struck by the effect of secularization, and declined in membership and influence. By the time the 21st century rolled around, the church was struggling to survive. Yet, through great leadership and the power of the Holy Spirit, the church is back on its way to being a powerful positive influence in the community.

YOUTH

The youth group is still in its infancy, but is growing in depth and breadth. The programs that I will be involved with include:

The Rock Solid Club
A weekly club for ll-14 year olds. This club includes games, small group discussions, and Bible study.

The Fit for Life Club
A similar club, but for youth 15 and older.

Other Opportunities:

• Home visits and social activities to build relationships.


• Speaking at or attending religious education classes, Christian Union (CU) meetings, and other involvement in the local schools.
  
• Building relationships with students at the local college. Working to establish a CU group at the college and, possibly, enrolling in courses there. Also, attending social and church activities with these older students to encourage spiritual growth.


• Possibly, attending summer camp with youth from the church.
  

REQUEST:

I am overwhelmingly excited about serving alongside brothers and sisters in Christ across 'the pond.' Please pray that all the details will be worked out: forms, visa, finances, and an interview on the 29th. Pray for the church and youth in Gateshead: that God will continue to work in them and draw them to Himself. And please pray that God will use me in an effective manner for His glory.

BestSemester: Oxford

As I said in the blog below, I am headed to Oxford this summer for a month's study. My college, Wayland Baptist University, has partnered with BestSemester, a study abroad program. BestSemester is under The Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), which unites over 100 colleges around the country.

The Oxford program is aimed at teaching students about the Christian Tradition in the British Isles and continue their prior learning in specialized studies. I will study from June 12- July12 at the distinguished Wycliffe Hall. This Oxford college "was founded in 1877 by a group of evangelical churchmen in response to growing ritualism and rationalism in the Church of England."1

I plan on taking 2 specific seminar courses: Philosophy and the Christian Tradition and The Bible and the Environment. In addition, all students attend the lecture series, The Christian Tradition in the British Isles. This course surveys the history of religion and culture in Great Britain. Many lecturers are guests from one of the 40 or so Halls and Colleges which make up Oxford University. Others are Oxford Summer Programme (OSP) staff and tutors.

Philosophy and the Christian Tradition is a discipline seminar which questions the assumption that belief is voluntary. It will be interesting to compare this course to a college course I am currently taking, Christian Theology, which examines this question from the opposite position. The Oxford philosophy class will be taught by Dr. Kevin Kinghorn, who literally wrote the book (at least our textbook: The Decision of Faith) on the question of belief and faith.

The movement to take care of the environment has been rising in popularity for years. Consider the worries of Global Warming, sustainable energy, and biodiversity loss. The Bible and the Environment "will examine the biblical relationships between God, humanity, and the rest of nature." 2 This course will go along with a class I took at Wayland a year ago: Faith and Science. There, we studied everything from evolution to multiple dimensions to ethical issues like abortion, stem cell research, and the environment. At Oxford, we will focus in on the mandate of Christianity to take care of the earth (Genesis 1:28-30).

So, that is the plan for my month at Oxford. Please pray that I can get all the forms, flights, and payments worked out as I prepare to study. Also, I have four books to read for the Oxford lectures before I get there: pray for discipline. Finally, please pray that I will have a safe trip and an awesome learning experience.

God's Plans are Much Grander than Ours

I applied to study at Oxford this summer through a study abroad program called BestSemester. I have been accepted and I'm in the process of preparing to study in the 'city of dreaming spires' from June 12-July 12. I have the amazing opportunity to study The Christian Tradition in the British Isles and attend two seminars: Philosophy and the Christian Tradition and The Bible and the Environment. These courses will compliment my current studies at Wayland Baptist University. My excitement about this program is indescribable, and yet, God's plans are "Immeasurably more than we can hope or imagine." (Ephesians 3:20)
God's revelation of His vast plan began a couple weeks ago with a seemingly insignificant e-mail from an organization called GoNow. They sent a mass e-mail with dozens of mission programs for the summer and fall. I glanced at it and happened to see something about England, but I thought nothing of it. Then, just a few days ago, I received a similar e-mail with bold red letters saying "application deadline..." That is all I read of the e-mail, but I left it in my inbox, in case I ever actually wanted to read it.
Sometimes God can show us what He has for us through whispers and nudges, other times He has to spell it out and get our attention with a much louder voice. The latter occurred to me just a couple of days ago. It began with a conversation between my friend Kevin and I. We talked about our summer plans, and I mentioned the trip to Oxford. He congratulated me, and then mentioned a church program that he had heard about in England: "I talked with this guy about working as a pastor or something in England, it sounded pretty cool, but my parents didn't want me to take a semester off of school." I replied by telling him about some kind of mission trip to England that GoNow offered. It sounded like two different opportunities to serve in England.
So, urged by the talk with Kevin, I decided to look into the GoNow trip. I called their office, and found out that I still had a week to get in an application (I thought the deadline had passed). They also gave me a contact number for more information. I called the contact, Chuck, and he told me all about this great opportunity to serve as a Youth Worker in northern England. I was excited about the chance to stay in England for a longer than a month, so I began the application. Chuck called back, then by the end of the conversation, I put 2 and 2 together. I asked him if he knew a guy named Kevin from Wayland, and he quickly replied, "Ya, I know Kevin. I've talked to him about this program a couple times." The connection was made: the two opportunities were actually one in the same.
If that wasn't enough to get me on a plane right then and there, God gave another boost of encouragement when I talked with my parents. College students often fear that their parents will stifle their (sometimes careless) plans; yet, when I called them with the unfolding news, they wholeheartedly supported me (thanks mom and dad!!). God opened a door, made the door wider, put flashing lights up pointing to the door, then firmly ushered me through the door of this prospect.
So, the next couple days, I filled out applications and sent out reference requests (thanks to all of those who quickly responded), and began preparing to go to England, to study and to minister. While my own preparation has only started recently, God has been preparing me since the beginning for this God-sized chance of a lifetime.