Whew! It's been a while since I last updated! If you haven't noticed yet, we average about once or twice a month on here. The easiest way to check back might be via RSS feed!
Well, we have almost been here a year and much has happened! We officially kicked off Reaching Richmond upon the arrival of Jenel in June-Julyish. Man, does time fly! We are now holding big events twice a month. Leia Vergne has joined in helping with much of the planning and we are hoping she will be stepping in even deeper in the future. These events are going great and we have had wonderful turn outs at each! We have also been doing Thursday night bible study geared towards those we are trying to reach. It began with 3 of us and is not about 5 or so! We have found that it is hard for many of the people to get there on Thursday so we may be changing this soon.
Sunday night has also become a big day for us each week! We have started Sunday night "group" which is geared mostly for us Christians to help equip us and have our "safe haven" (although we do allow non-Christians to come as this is another wonderful place to experience fellowship). We average about 7-10people on these nights and they are truly wonderful! God is working and preparing hearts!
Throughout the months, we have grown deeper with our friends. Many have opened their lives to us and we all share together. There have been many, many more spiritual discussions and questions (which we encourage!) and people have begun seeking some of us for advise (which is another step). Katie and I began to notice last night (while we were hanging out with friends) that those who used to come with Leia or another one of us, now come on their own at times and feel comfortable enough to stick around after their original ride and friend is gone. Our friends are making friends with the other friends (does that make sense?). It truly is a fellowship! Everyone has each others numbers and are consistently doing stuff together (what a foot in the door!)!
Well, If you haven't heard, Katie is graduating early! She graduates in December of this year verses next may! I am officially a VCU student now and am signed up for a Math Course and a European History course. I will surely meet more people this way (Lord willing).
A quote I was once told by Marvin Crowson has become the quote I try to live by. I want to share that with you and challenge you to do the same: "Try great things for God and EXPECT great things FROM God!"
May God continually bless you!
--Josh
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
The Journey Continues
It's been a while since I've updated on here. But we have some good things going on that needs to be shared.
A week ago we had a game night and had a really good turn out! We are meeting people and making friendships. One thing I'm learning is that it takes time and patience to do what we are trying to do. I still have the obstacle of meeting people who aren't Christians, but I hope that might change with a summer job. But those who we are meeting seem to really like coming out to our events.
We are just starting up our Spiritual Discussions (as I like to call them) on Thursday nights. It's going to take a lot of prayer and patience to get things going. But we are starting and we are making it available to those who may be interested. I know that I'm excited about what God is doing through us. I can't wait to see what he has stored in the future!
-Jenel
A week ago we had a game night and had a really good turn out! We are meeting people and making friendships. One thing I'm learning is that it takes time and patience to do what we are trying to do. I still have the obstacle of meeting people who aren't Christians, but I hope that might change with a summer job. But those who we are meeting seem to really like coming out to our events.
We are just starting up our Spiritual Discussions (as I like to call them) on Thursday nights. It's going to take a lot of prayer and patience to get things going. But we are starting and we are making it available to those who may be interested. I know that I'm excited about what God is doing through us. I can't wait to see what he has stored in the future!
-Jenel
Thursday, February 21, 2008
A Little Off
The above clip is hilarious! Isn't it true tho? Like Mr. Bean, we, as Christians, at times are out of step with the culture. We think we have it all down but really don't. We need to be of the world but not overtaken by it. As Christians, we must understand our culture as well as those who are of the culture. Only if we understand it can we effectively reach it for Christ!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
A Step Above
As I walk through the VCU campus three days a week, I see many interesting things. The first sight I see is while I walk through the campuses Monroe Park. Every morning, I find homeless people sleeping under trees and in boxes or on the park benches. You can see them shivering they are so cold. As I'm walking, I also notice that out of all the students who walk through the park, I have never seen anybody stop to talk with them or give them a cup of coffee. I then begin to think, "should I blend in so much as I neglect these people also?" We are to be of this world but at the same time be not of it.
The second thing I find interesting as I walk through the campus is the faces of it's students. Many have that same glazed look from a mix of tests and lack of sleep that many of us remember from not so long ago. Many have glazed looks for other reasons. As they walk their routine, sipping their starbucks, I wonder what they think about. Who that cute boy is in Calc I, what club will I join as a Sophmore, or maybe they are thinking..."why am I alone? Why does nobody talk to me? I miss home and my friends." What do you think they are thinking?
Finally, I find the cathedral interesting. If you walk onto the VCU campus, you will inevitably find the Cathedral. It is a beautiful cathedral and is currently being worked on at it's exterior. The only catch is...I never see it being used! I have even asked many students about it and they do not know if it is used. Along with the cathedral, there are a number of campus ministries that are literally dieing. They are run by older gentleman whose idea of evangelism is displaying a sign informing everyone about their Tuesday night Bible study. Is there something more? Is there a reason the traditional ways to church and evangelism are becoming obsolete?
We, as Christians need to step up. We need to step above mediocre and rise to revolution. We need to befriend the homeless and students. Take every opportunity you're given! We must rethink how we have "done" 'church' in the past and begin to "be" the church God intended. We must move from doing to being. If you are "doing" ministry you will eventually end up burnt out or going under like the campus ministries...but if you are BEING the church, it will be a lifestyle and your every breath will be consumed by it's love.
--Josh
The second thing I find interesting as I walk through the campus is the faces of it's students. Many have that same glazed look from a mix of tests and lack of sleep that many of us remember from not so long ago. Many have glazed looks for other reasons. As they walk their routine, sipping their starbucks, I wonder what they think about. Who that cute boy is in Calc I, what club will I join as a Sophmore, or maybe they are thinking..."why am I alone? Why does nobody talk to me? I miss home and my friends." What do you think they are thinking?
Finally, I find the cathedral interesting. If you walk onto the VCU campus, you will inevitably find the Cathedral. It is a beautiful cathedral and is currently being worked on at it's exterior. The only catch is...I never see it being used! I have even asked many students about it and they do not know if it is used. Along with the cathedral, there are a number of campus ministries that are literally dieing. They are run by older gentleman whose idea of evangelism is displaying a sign informing everyone about their Tuesday night Bible study. Is there something more? Is there a reason the traditional ways to church and evangelism are becoming obsolete?
We, as Christians need to step up. We need to step above mediocre and rise to revolution. We need to befriend the homeless and students. Take every opportunity you're given! We must rethink how we have "done" 'church' in the past and begin to "be" the church God intended. We must move from doing to being. If you are "doing" ministry you will eventually end up burnt out or going under like the campus ministries...but if you are BEING the church, it will be a lifestyle and your every breath will be consumed by it's love.
--Josh
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year
Happy New Year everybody! After a much needed break, we have all returned safely to Richmond from our holiday travels and are excited about going full swing into the ministry again! We have many ideas and plans in the workings for this coming up year. Prayerfully, we will soon have established goals, action plans, a vision statement, and a mission statement all for the year 2008! Katie and I have begun searching for another place to live. We are hoping to move farther into the city of Richmond. Later this week I will be checking out a few flats in the heart of downtown! Please continually pray for our ministry and that God sends us people who are searching and willing.
--Josh
--Josh
Thursday, November 15, 2007
From The Battlefield
Wow! I thought this was an amazing video. A lot of different feelings and thoughts hit me as I watched this. Do we have that kind of commitment? My guess is no. I know that it is sad to say but the majority of Christians in the US are no where near this stage in their relationship with Christ. We are caught in a stage where we punch our time clock in and make sure not to step on anyones toes who my be offended by our message. We are the people who give this world to Satan. I'm guilty of this also! We often hide in our meetings, buildings, and "good intentions" but rarely step foot on the battlefield. We fear those who might ridicule us and those who might not want to listen to us. Many of us do not have to worry about being murdered for our beliefs but are still to afraid to do anything with our beliefs. We are even afraid to question the beliefs held by our denominations and bodies as if we believe God cannot stand up for Himself or someone might stump Him. You know what, I'm TIRED of being a complacent Christian. I am sick and tired of sitting around praying that God sends somebody to me instead of praying that God sends me to somebody. Everyday in my job, I see people who enter the battle field petrified and unsure. There was no preparation, only indoctrination. There was no discipleship in their upbringing, only "pat answers" and "shalt not's." When are we, as Christians, going to be the body of Christ. Contrary to popular belief, Jesus was a radical of the day! Look it up! People hated Him, but it wasn't because he set out to cause trouble, it was because he challenged them to become God's people again, a holy nation which was reconciled to their Father! So why aren't we radicals? Why do we allow the culture to influence us rather than influencing the culture? Why do some Christians protest in picket lines and petitions rather than change the world in their daily lives and one person at a time (which is ten times more effective)? I beg of you, step on the battle field, serve the master on the front lines! You know, watching the video makes me get pumped up about persecution for Jesus. It's coming, you better believe it. Whether in our life time or the next, it is coming for us. Dying for the glory of God, what better way is there to go out? Honestly, it terrifies me to think about, but on the other hand, it places a smile on my face to think of the testimony it gives to Gods glory. I'll be honest in telling you that I am not sure how I would react in a situation of life or death, but I would hope that it would be a reaction which glorifies God.
Okay, now for an update of our ministry. We (our ministry team) meet every Wednesday night to discuss outreach opportunities and everything else our ministry deals with. We started with the three of us attending outreach events. We have since added many, many more. Last week we went to a cafe and had about 15 people (I believe)! If I recall correctly, only 4-5 of us were Christians! God is sending many people our way. We are beginning studies in January on a weekly basis and will be meeting with a few Christians who we feel would be an asset to our team (they have also shown interest in joining) before Christmas. Things are getting exciting for us. We have discussed the possibilities of studying with the individual when they decide to become a Christian and other important steps as to not take away from our studies as a group. We have only had one friend drop off the radar to never be heard from again, and I think in 6 months, that is outstanding statistics. The age we are focusing on is college and twenties. Katie and I are considering buying a house and I am hoping to find one closer to the skyline for a decent price (moving in this area will place us very close to at least three if not more universities). We are not sure but should know how possible this will be by January. There is so much more I could tell you but I will leave that for another time. Please continue to pray for us and our ministries. We thank you for all the support you give us and the prayers on our behalf. Katie and I will be in Arkansas the week before Christmas week. Let us know if you want to get together and we will do our best! May God continually bless your lives!
--Josh
Friday, September 28, 2007
What makes you tick?
“I don’t want to be a product of my environment; I want my environment to be a product of me.” --From The Departed
I was watching The Departed tonight and it started with the above phrase. Isn’t this a great phrase? It is so true…especially for us Christians. Many times we find ourselves becoming a product of our environment. We begin to emulate it and incorporate it into our Christian lives. This was the exact problem in the Corinthian church. We, as missionaries, must strive to influence our culture and create it to be a product of us!
It’s interesting what makes a person tick inside. For me, it is travel, ministry, and the hype you get when reaching somebody. For others, it might be history, physical activities, or the chance to have something more. Whatever it is, our duty is to find what makes somebody tick. We need to find out where an open door is into each person’s life. Tonight, Katie and I went to eat Greek food and had such a moment. We had the opportunity to talk with our waiter as we were the only customers. He a great guy to talk to and once we asked where he learned to pronounce the Greek words, he opened up and we had a great conversation. I am hoping that we can continue to return to this restaurant and slowly build a relationship with him. By the way, his name is Tyler. Finally, please learn the name of all you come into contact with. This is so crucial in building a relationship.
--Josh
I was watching The Departed tonight and it started with the above phrase. Isn’t this a great phrase? It is so true…especially for us Christians. Many times we find ourselves becoming a product of our environment. We begin to emulate it and incorporate it into our Christian lives. This was the exact problem in the Corinthian church. We, as missionaries, must strive to influence our culture and create it to be a product of us!
It’s interesting what makes a person tick inside. For me, it is travel, ministry, and the hype you get when reaching somebody. For others, it might be history, physical activities, or the chance to have something more. Whatever it is, our duty is to find what makes somebody tick. We need to find out where an open door is into each person’s life. Tonight, Katie and I went to eat Greek food and had such a moment. We had the opportunity to talk with our waiter as we were the only customers. He a great guy to talk to and once we asked where he learned to pronounce the Greek words, he opened up and we had a great conversation. I am hoping that we can continue to return to this restaurant and slowly build a relationship with him. By the way, his name is Tyler. Finally, please learn the name of all you come into contact with. This is so crucial in building a relationship.
--Josh
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