samwise the brave

emmah, mitch and kaitlyn work on a recycling bin in front of harambee

the past couple of summer’s some good hearted students and i have made the trek out to socal…both times we’ve dropped in on an urban ministry there in pasadena called harambee .  their former director, rudy carrasco has moved on to “G-rap” as he says they say there.  he’s got a short piece in youthworker journal reminding us…

Urban youth workers must have faith. “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it,” Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:24. God loves our young people more than we do. I extend this word of encouragement to you, as well as to myself. I’ve invested a lot in a young man named Jose, who currently is sliding downhill. There are days I think—and feel—his situation is hopeless.

an important reminder to any of us doing ministry…we’ve got to stay in it…

the folks at i-heart.org have a challenge out to the Kingdom…asking the larger question. over the next couple of days about 100 students and adults are going to answer their question -how am i going to change the world - practically these students are headed into a local community to change it as they change themselves.  for many of them it will be their first time even getting close to the idea of serving.  we’re partnering with our mothership – berean baptist in mansfield, oh.  over the next couple days students will be investing through local ministries like habitat for humanity, the salvation army and three other community programs.  i’ve personally encouraged because each day we’ve added a couple of students who are wiling to risk to stretch themselves and see what difference they can make.  you can follow our exploits via twitter here.  check in and offer your thoughts.  more importantly, visit the i-heart.org and add your voice to the effort. answer the question for yourself… how are you going to change the world?

i’m putting the finishing touches on our summer mission trip next week-dare2serve.  for some it will be a journey of great distance…even though its taking place about 27 miles from our outpost.  its really the first that we’ve done something like this in more than a couple of years…(at least at this size…we did help with 1 night on the street in ’07)  i’m getting excited because the numbers are growing each day…right now were at 26 students and adults.  i’m hoping and praying that during our five days together we will better understand this word…entrepreneurs…and gratefully see that together we can change the world no matter your size.

its my prayer that our ideas, dreams, and the vision of daring to serve others may just be what makes the difference in the lives of not only those we serve, but more importantly, in our own lives.  i’m pumped because i know that each person…each adult and each  student has  something in their hands… we truly have something to  offer, and the real question we will be walking through is what will we do with what we have…in action and deed to leave our mark for our King.