May 30
En route to Olomouc, CR
Well we started last and ended in 7th for the day. It was totally fun and amazing. We would run to various clue areas, do a task and upon completion go to the next clue. The team had to find the "lineage" to Jon Hus, a martyr for Christ. Such tasks included finding the next locations, looking for a banner from a tower, taking photos of certain tombstones, to catching a train to the pit stop.
May 29
Prague, CR
Our theme this year is Think Again and we are focusing on what is reality. So, we thought the best way we could incorporate this theme & team building with our interns was to do the Amazing Race from Prague to Hotel Malenovice.
In the morning, our team consisted of the Slovak-Serbian interns (Lee Ann, Anka, & Ryan) and a few others from Latvia. The first leg of the race was a time for them to see the city and for us to await all the other intern arrivals. Once they all arrived, we had dinner and began the official JV Amazing Race. Our team ended last for the evening, but were not eliminated. There are 10 teams.
My role is to serve as the cameraman and watch how the team handles themselves in stress and various situations.
May 28
En route to Prague, CR
Traveled to Prague with several camp leaders. It is our time to get together and prepare for the interns arrival. This year, we are doing something different for the first week and half of our intern program. All of our interns will fly into Prague, do a few days of team building, train at our center in northeast Czech and then head to our various countries we will serve in this summer. It was great to be in Prague again.
May 27
Zilina, SK
Today, I did some final errands and tried to relax before our summer events begin. I am sitting outside on Kenric's balcony looking at the mountains, listening to the birds chirping, and watching people live their lives.
Am looking forward to this summer and seeking God's wisdom, discernment, joy and increase faith as I walk with Him. Please join me in prayer as we start this amazing race with Him.
May 26
Lucenec, SK
Today, Amy, Lee Ann, Kenric and I headed to Lucenec, to meet with one of our national teams who will do camp this summer. For me, it was great to be with these teammates who have given so much & living bold lives all for Jesus.
To be open, our time during our meeting could be summarized in a simple phrase, a disappointment yet hope! We have been working with this team, praying for this team, and preparing with them for several months. This will be their third KECY, but are under new leadership. The part that is disappointment is that they have a talented pastor who wants this to happen, but a team that has not met since the last time we were there and a team that is very passive and lacks motivation.
The hope for me during this meeting, presented itself in three different places. The first was when we arrived, there were 10 team members present. That tells me that they have a desire.
The next place was when one of their student leaders had to go home, I went outside to talk with him. He and I shared cabins two years ago when we first did KECY with them. He opened up to me and shared that for him, we feels like he takes two steps forward with God and then one or half of one backwards. I asked what leads him backwards, and he shared, "his friends." Some don't understand his relationship with Christ and how he wants to live. However, he has been praying and plans to be baptized in the weeks to come.
After the meeting, I spent a few minutes with another team member, John, whom I have known since the first KECY we did together. He shared with me that he is excited to do camp, but the team has fears. I encouraged him with how we all need to take steps of bold faith, much like Peter did, when he walked on water. He said he would share this with the others and gave me a big hug.
It was a great experience and look forward to seeing how God leads them and their camp. Please pray with us for this team.
May 25
A message God has been sharing with me.
An eternal cut perspective
When was the last time you had a cut? A cut finger, arm, and/or leg? My last serious cut I had occurred when I was in Serbia last year. And I am very proud of the scar I have from that camp and experience.
Yet, walk with me as I attempt to draw an analogy between a cut and Christ. Prior to having a cut, we were probably doing something careless or not paying attention. And suddenly, the cut appears. We scream and run for a cloth or band-aid to stop the bleeding. Cuts provide pain, blood, & soreness. Then suddenly, there is a healing process. The skin regenerates & eventually creates an ugliness or unattractiveness that takes place (scab), with the final outcome being a scar, or a mark or an imprint that lasts forever.
Why do we have cuts? Could it be that it is a reminder of what Christ did for us on the cross? Could it be when we are tempted, we should look at those cuts and remind ourselves of what Christ did for us, bled for our sins, to provide us freedom?
Recently God has been taking me on a journey related to His son's blood and how when I am tempted, rather then looking at the cross for freedom, I need to focus on the blood of Christ. Why blood? For me, it is the closest humanly (is that a word) connection I have with Christ. He was the man Christ Jesus, who not only wept, but also bled.
As I read several key passages about Christ, so many of them talk about the bloodshed. Too often, I hear about the message of the cross and very few talks or words about the blood of Christ. For me, the Gospel becomes more human as it involves blood, something I have and understand. I bleed, you bleed, and Jesus' bled. The gospel message for me becomes real.
Think about it. The first sacrifice was from God. Go back to Genesis. He had to kill animals to cloth Adam and Eve after they sin. What a God?! To kill one of His creations for another creation that He created in His own image and loved over everything else, including angels. Then there were the animal sacrifices during the OT that brought cleansing to the people. But it was not until the death of His son, that the blood of Christ purchased the power and promises of a new life.
Several key verses speak about His blood and how it relates to us:
Heb. 9:14.the blood purified our conscience to serve the living God.
Mark 14:24.his blood was poured out for many.
Rom. 5:9.by his blood we've been justified.
Eph. 1:7.we have redemption through his blood.
Matt. 26:28.blood poured out for man for the forgiveness of sins.
Acts 20:28.he obtained us with his own blood.
Eph. 2:13 the blood of Christ brings us near.
Heb. 10:10.by His blood, we have confidence.
Heb. 9:11-12.we have a secured eternal redemption by his own blood.
Heb. 13:20-21.by the blood, it equips us with everything.
His blood did a great deal for each one of us. His blood is the seal of our new life- shed for us to have eternal life. I am not trying to gross anyone out. But when tempted, where do you turn to? To the cross, to His blood or do you act upon the temptation and sin? When tempted, look at the scar that is on your arm and turn to Jesus. The battle was already fought & the blood already shed. May you find freedom!
May 24
Presov, SK
Coolest thins happened this evening. Several of the guys from my small group and their classmates went out for pizza. It was our time to celebrate their graduation. Early this year, they held their celebration with their families and classmates. This celebration is much like our prom in the states. They just spent the last week finishing up on their oral exams that focused on the last four years on various subjects they have taken. Jany Figura finished his last exam today and during dinner said, "he was a free man."
For them, when they finish their last exam, that is it. No graduating ceremony like we are accustomed to. But they did have a farewell celebration last week for their school. This weekend, they will go on a class trip to the mountains. It will be the last time this group of classmates whom have been together for the last four years will be together.
The coolest of all coolest took place after we went and got some ice cream. I met up with my friend Robo and spend several minutes in the rain, under his umbrella listening to him share some personal family things with me. I was not ready for it, but God was. In this culture, they really don't share things as open as we do in such short time frames. For them, they take their time, build trust and when they are ready, they share. I will not go into the details, but for me it was a blessing to hear from his heart and how I can be praying for him and his family. I could tell after he shared that he was glad he shared with me and wanted me to know. Please pray for his family.
May 23
Presov, SK
Today, I did errands and got the flat cleaned up for my future summer guests. My first guest will be a friend of mine, Simon, from Switzerland who is graduating from college this year, and the last thing he has to do is a volunteer project outside of his country related to his degree. This summer, he will volunteer with Youth For Christ-SK. During his time in PO, he will live at my flat.
My second and third guests this summer will be Josh and his friend for a week as they wrap up their European tour. Josh plans to spend some time visiting the students from last summer.
Ryan, who is my intern this summer, will stay at my flat and live life with the students in the youth group and with the students he comes across during our outreaches within the city. He will stay until the end of July. And then we will go to Serbia to do a few camps down there.
Additional guests this summer will also include my parent's church team who will help us with our English camp in PO. I look forward to spending a few days after camp following up with students.
This evening, I got to visit the KECY-PO team, the one I used to lead. It was great to be around such talented people. It was weird at times because I was not leading but so encouraging to see Peter lead this team and watch and listen to the team plan and prepare for camps. It was just three years ago that they had some fears in doing their first camp.
May 22
Presov, SK
Today, I spent time on returning emails and spent several hours this afternoon with Robo and Peter. Robo is a believer whom I have shared about in the past. While Peter, is his classmate and is not sure what to believe. We had a great time getting caught up.
This evening, while I was on line, Robo talked to me for a few minutes. I shared with him that I was thankful the Lord brought me into their lives and encouraged him to keep living his life in front of Peter. And that Peter sees the truth living in front of him daily. He replied back to me that he did not know and thinks that this has no sense. I just said keep living truth in front of him and He will see Jesus and is making a difference. Please pray for both of these young men.
May 21
Da Vince Code thoughts-
Ok! So I feel compelled to share my thoughts about the Dan Brown book, Da Vince Code. Prior to reading the book, I listened to the Christian community on how I should not read the book. I had heard various things that led me to follow the masses. However, while living on this side of the ocean, I had several students who were reading it and asking me questions on its truths, etc. And, I could not offer them anything because I had not read it for myself to share my thoughts or the truth about Christ.
This led me to move past the masses and read it for myself. And, I am glad I did. Why? For the same reason I went to see the movie last night. To be able to share truth against the lies that the story portrays. To have a decent, civilized conversation with anyone who has questions or is curious about the story. And to offer a Christian perspective as a follower of Christ who has read the book and seen the movie.
As I surf the web reading the headlines on how the Christian community is boycotting this movie or how they are up and arms about it, makes me sad. Perhaps, this is an opportunity for us to know both sides of the story and share truth with love and kindness rather then in fear or hatred.
After I read the book, I had a fellow student of mine ask me what I thought and I asked him what he thought. It was a great conversation to talk about Jesus and whom He was and is in my life and what the bible has to say about Him. In the end, my friend came to the conclusion that the book has some truths and lies, and that he did not believe the story in the Da Vince Code about Jesus to be true.
After I saw the movie, I was able to have another conversation with Jany S. He had not read the book, and was sad to see Christ portrayed like he was in the movie. He asked me why would they do such a thing? I shared with him, that people are always trying to disprove or slander His name. And am glad we know the truth and can in return share His name in truth and love.
Oh how we may seize the day and be glad to have opportunities like this to share His name in truth and love.
May 20
Presov, SK
Made it home safe and sound! Spent last night with Jany S. He and I got caught up sharing stories and just encouraging each other. I am so encouraged on how God is working on his heart to want to reach students for Christ. Pray with him as he seeks wisdom on whom he should spend time with and ask for camp this summer.
Today, I spent the day at my flat, getting things in order. It's been a long time since I was home. I spent my time in the morning in the word. Again and again, God is leading me down the road to understanding sanctification. In the days to come, I will share with you what God began to teach me during my time in the mountains with Him and continues to teach me.
In the meantime, I have finished up on the seasons of Prison Break, Amazing Race & Invasion. Was happy for the hippies, cannot wait for season 2 of PB, and looking forward to seeing what happens with Invasion. In the meantime, this is the last week for the season finales for Alias, Lost, and 24. What is a guy to do this summer?
CAMPS! Pray for us as we wrap things up before our interns arrive in less then 10 days.
May 19
En route to Presov
Today, I will head back to Zilina with Paige, have a meeting regarding our camps, and then will head back to PO for the weekend.
May 18
Cesky Tesin, CR
Had a good rest before heading over for a few meetings at Mel's flat.
Want to thank everyone for praying for Paige. All went well with her surgery, is sore but doing well.
May 17
Train life!
Ok, within 24 hours, I have been in two Eastern European capitols. I was in Bratislava yesterday to meet with one of our teams for camp this summer. I was encouraged to see how they have been working together and preparing. Kenric, Amy & I had a great time during this trip.
After we returned to Zilina, I then took a night train to Cesky Tesin. And, rather then go to sleep, I stayed up for 2 more hours before catching a 3am train to ride with Mel to Prague. It was our workday together and he had to do a few errands in Prague, so I joined him. It was a good time to be with Mel as well.
May 16
En route to Bratislava
May 15
During my time with the Lord this past weekend, He shared several things with me. My prayer was to find rest in Him, to identify how we may grow into a deeper and stronger relationship and seek cleansing from the lies I have bought into. It was a peaceful & quiet time.
For me to be in His creation is the ultimate place to hear from Him. To walk around a peaceful lake, listen to ducks quack, birds' chirp, fish splash, and the bee's buzz, was amazing. To gaze at the white-capped High Tatry Mountains, watch the sun go down and feel the breeze touch my face was perfect. Total God moments throughout the weekend. (Psalm 24:1-2)
He had me focus on Psalms 23, 24, & 25. For me it was a time to come to Him with junk and all, and find rest, truth and understanding. When I race with the Lord, I lose sight of Him, buy into the deceivers lies and walk and serve aimlessly. Through these Psalms, I found the King of Glory who has been with me all along.
"Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. Look upon my afflictions and my distress and take away all my sins." Psalm 25:16-18. "Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you." Psalm 20.
"Remember your great mercy & love, not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; remember me!" "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth & teach me for you are God my Savior." - Psalm 25:4-7
That was just the beginning. I am not racing through this, but continue to walk in & learn from His truths. I gained a new perspective and am thankful for God's love and grace.
Today, I am on a train heading to Zilina to help the English team prepare for this summer. Amy & I will head to Bratislava in the morning to train and prepare one of our national teams. In addition, I would ask that you lift up Paige Crawford in prayer. She is a fellow youth worker who will have surgery tomorrow to remove her gall bladder. This will be done in the Czech Republic. Pray for comfort, wisdom & discernment for the doctors, comfort for her family in the states, and for a healing touch by the Lord.
May 14
Happy Mother's Day!
Mom, you have been the greatest cheerleader for me all these years and I am thankful to call you my mom. From your prayers, words, emails & Skype message of encouragements to all that you have done for me since I was born is a true blessing from God. He has given me so many gifts, from His grace, presence, and love to you that, today I want to thank Him for you! Have a great day!
I returned safe and sound from my time in the mountains and will share all that he taught me in the days and weeks and months to come. May I take what He shared with me, and chew on them daily to make them become whom I am.
May 13
Chata Popradske, Slovakia
Hiked up to a cottage next to a lake, surrounded by the mountains with snow still on the ground, and in shorts. Upon arrival, I rested on a green patch that served as a peninsula for the creek that flowed down to the lake. It was there that I spent time with the Lord. He immediately led me to read three Psalms, 23, 24, & 25. And it was during this time, that I felt the presence of the Lord leading me in a time of confession, repentance and restoration.
Several key verses spoke to me throughout these three chapters, but it was the following that encouraged me to move forward in Him as I walk, serve and love.
"My eyes are forever on the Lord for only he will release my feet from the snare." Psalm 25:15
May this temple, the temple of Sullivan, lift up to the Lord and allow the King of Glory to reign within. Thanks for your prayers.
May 12
En route to be with the Lord.
Leaving Zilina today and heading to the mountains to be with the Lord. Please join me in prayer as I seek the Lord in rest and understanding how we should strengthen and grow in our relationship together.
Be back on line on Sunday night.
May 11
In Zilina
Spent the entire day working with the English Camp team brainstorming and putting our thoughts and ideas on paper.
May 10
En route to Zilina
"Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered." Heb. 5:8
God is presenting me with a theme of obedience using Jesus as the primary example of His life here on earth. A true blessing for me to focus in on. Pray with me that I capture the thoughts and principles He wants me to have and not rush through it.
Today, Josh, Lee Ann and I are heading to Zilina. I have a few meetings related to our English Camps this summer and look forward to help organize it. Thanks for your prayers and support.
May 9
Presov, SK
Today, Josh & I helped the engaged Lee Ann, move into her new dormitory style room that is located in my building. She arrived last week with a huge rock on her finger. Guess God had a plan for her, sending her home for 5 months, to recover, heal and fall in love. Congratulations Lee Ann!
Lee Ann will stay with us until the end of August and then return to the states to plan her wedding and prayerfully consider joining JV or remaining in the states. Please pray for wisdom and discernment as she goes through this next season of life.
Afterwards, I got caught up with some emails, cleaned the flat and relaxed. In the evening, my small group guys and a few others came over to say hi to Josh and hang out. It was great to be around them.
May 8
Liberation Day- Presov, SK
Today is a national holiday where Slovakia celebrates the Russian liberation from the Germans during WWII. Interesting fact. The Americans were already ready to enter Prague to liberate the Czechoslovakians, but were advised that the Russians were to do it. I wonder what the lives of the people would have been had we liberated them. And as I ponder that thought, I turn to God to acknowledge that He was, is and will be in control.
On a personal note, I am doing well, just adapting to being home. Getting things back in order and preparing for this week. Today, one of our interns from last summer, Josh, is in town so I will hang out with him and a few students.
Regarding my spiritual walk, I have come to the realization that I have been on a spiritual race, always seeking, reading, understanding and then moving on to the next thing rather then slowing down to listen, learn and apply what God would have for me. So, I'd ask for your prayers in this. Am reevaluating my heart as in Prov. 4:23 states, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
Have a great day!
May 7
En route to Presov, SK
Will soon be on a train heading home for a few days. Would ask you to pray for the following:
Paige- fellow teammate will have surgery soon to remove a gallstone. Pray for comfort & healing.
Andrew- friend of mine heading to Romania with JV. Pray for strength & protection.
Summer Camps- our camps this summer. Pray that we follow God's leading & trust.
Me- to focus on His truth daily that produces an in-depth growing relationship with Him.
Thanks!
May 6
JV Spring Conference
Today we wrapped things up to an amazing week. Dave spoke on weariness. He shared how Jesus was tired and slept (John 4:6 & Mark 4:37), spoke on what discharges us false gods of provision, appeasement, productivity, & protection, fear/worry, false quilt or shame, & hopelessness. He also shared how we can find renewal (Isa. 40:28, Matt. 11:28, Psalm 23:2-3, & Isa. 50:4).
For me, it was one of the best conferences I have participated in. I was not only able to use my gifts in serving, but also had time to learn and spend time in the Lord with what He shared. It is time for refining my heart, to expose the lies I have believed, and find ways our relationship can grow deeper.
Staying at the hotel today. I have to take a friend of mine to the airport and then our speaker and his family to the airport before I head back to Slovakia.
May 5
JV Spring Conference
Terry wrapped up his talk with the question, are we getting older or growing up? His main point was. "you'll never be able to take people further then were you are." And focused on 1 John 2:12-17. It was very encouraging and realized that I must act now to what the Lord is speaking to me rather then waiting like Pharaoh did in Ex. 8:8-10. Pharaoh had a frog problem, goes to Aaron & Moses and could have asked for the frogs to be gone that moment, but waited until TOMORROW!
Having a great time with so many other like-minded people. To be around men and women of Bold Faith, is such an encouragement to me.
May 4
JV Spring Conference
Things are going well at the conference. The weather has been great, the speakers amazing, the worship God-honoring and the fellowship encouraging.
This morning, we worshiped in Silence and outside. As I sat on a rock, overlooking the mountains, I closed my eyes and listened. I heard a fast approaching car down the hill coming towards us. It was like a reminder of my life sometimes, always on the go, never taking time to be with the Lord. And then I heard the birds chirping, a stream trickling, the bugs buzzing by. Those were reminders to me of what I miss when I am that car driving in the fast lane of life without God or too busy to stop and listen to the Lord.
I want to thank God for speaking truth and exposing the lies for me at this conference. It has been powerful. This morning Terry spoke on two buckets that were used in the same 24-hour period. The bucket used to wash the feet of His men, while the other bucket was used to wash the hands of Pilate. Interesting, that Jesus did not mind getting His hands dirty for us. We then focused on Cain & Abel's story that is also mentioned in 1 John.
He spoke on anger and where that comes from using this story. He spoke truth by sharing that it occurs when someone stops our will and the reality of life intersects with our desires. Cain was not upset with God but Abel. When we are angry, we take it out on other people. He spoke truth on forgiveness, and when people hurt us, how many times do we fantasize on how they will repay us for the hurt they cause. However, no one owes us anything. Forgiveness says the debt has been cancelled. We don't need to recall it or talk about it anymore. Those are two true signs of forgiveness.
He concluded, with Jesus' examples of his love; a love of surrender, action, great initiative, great sacrifice, etc. We are not called to be manufactures of His love, but be distributors of the love we have received. I am seeing that I am loved and need to grasp that daily. The lies have blinded me. And once the truth has been shared, & I understand it, I am able to go out and love others as He has loved me. A simple lesson, taught to me over and over and over again, yet one where I always need to remember and stop focusing on the spirits of the world that tell lies.
May 3
JV Spring Conference
Blessed be your Name- you give & take away! I was listening to this song in the morning and it hit me. I learned something new from these words that the Lord shared with me. This song and in life is all about Him - His name. He is creator, in control, yet allows me to walk and have free will. He gives my identity and my name. Yet, during my walk, I buy into the lies & become prideful, self-centered/focused and do not yield to or seek Him. I become my master of my domain. And that is not healthy or what God desires. So, to get my attention and draw me back into His presence or His name, He takes my name away in order for me to focus on His name! Thank you God, may your name always be before my name.
Terry spoke on 1 John 2:28-3:10 regarding God's lavish love, that we are children of God & that God is greater than our hearts. He posed the question, what condemns us? Do our actions, habits, thoughts or relationships? And if so, we need to realize that God's love is greater.
May 2
Malenovice, CR
Thanks for your prayers! The presentation went well. Afterwards, 11 of our JV singles got together and had fun getting caught up, praying together, encouraging each other and being in fellowship.
The conference began with a friend of mine, Andrew, leading worship & concluding with Terry Sanderson from Canada, speaking on Growing Daily in God's lavish love. He is focusing on 1 John and discussed three things that John wrote to mend our hearts. He focused on truth, fellowship and joy. And then concluded with a great question to consider. What am I sharing in common with God? A great question to ponder! Or better yet, what do I have right now in common that God wants? God wants us on His page, plan or program. Not ours!
May 1
Malenovice, CR
As I read through 2nd Chronicles, I see the hand of God working in the lives of the people. In fact, I have seen so much grace from the Lord. To see His creation stumble, fall, go against Him, and yet, when they return to the Lord, I see repentance from the people and grace given by God. "May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God!" Hezekiah
I ask for your prayers for my heart. It is my desire that when people see me, they don't see me, but God. For too long, I have sought acceptance for myself, and that is the wrong motive. May my heart become clean, may His truth renew my heart and mind, and may I speak, walk and act accordingly to His plans and not mine. I even ask for accountability in this area and welcome anyone who comes across my paths to check in to ask two questions, "is everything ok in my heart" & "what is the default thought going on in my mind." May it be Christ!
This week, we are hosting our JV Spring Conference titled, Spring Rain- Renewing Your Soul. We should have over 145 participants. Please be in prayer for me tomorrow around 9am (EST). I will present my new role to the council and a few things that we have begun to consider and implement for the organization. This will be my first time to be with the council, which is made up of a North American and a National from the 10 countries JV represents. Afterwards, the JV singles will come together for a 24-hour event for fun, fellowship, prayer and encouragement.
