mike @ heartland blog

Chaplain Transition

2011-09-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

For the past 5 years I have served as a volunteer chaplain for the Chilliwack Bruins. I was working with Hockey Ministries International and was part of a team of chaplains that served hockey teams throughout BC. It was a good fit for that time. Heartland, the church I serve as pastor, gave me the freedom and time to provide chaplain services to the team. The church was involved as they adopted players, provided meals for chapels, helped organize faith nights and made Christmas hampers for the team.

When the Bruins moved to Victoria (now the Royals) and the Chilliwack Chiefs moved in, I was approached by the team to be the chaplain for the Chiefs. I asked the council what their discernment was if it would be wise for me to start again with the new team. After prayer and discussion we all felt that it was time to step away from the chaplaincy role. The church has grown in 5 years and now more than every the church needs my full attention. The church council will continue to discuss what areas they want me to focus on more within Heartland or what new ventures they want me to pursue for Heartland.

I just informed Hockey Ministries and the Chilliwack Chiefs about this decision. Hockey Ministries assured me they are committed to finding a new Chaplain to serve the Chiefs.

Jim Hiller, the first Bruins coach had a saying: Once a Bruin always a Bruin. I like to say: Once your chaplain, always your chaplain. Even though I won't be involved in the future with the Chiefs, I hope to keep in contact with the past players, office staff and coaches.

I want to thank Heartland for the support they have given me and to the hockey community within Chilliwack for embracing me over the years.

Sabbatical: Books Read

2011-08-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

I had high hopes of reading all the books on my pile during the sabbatical, but I only got part way. Here is a list of some of the reading I was able to read.

On Leadership and The Internal Life Of The Leader

1. Generation to Generation, Edwin Friedman
This is the bedrock work that shows the emotional dynamics of families, relationships, groups and organizations.
2. Failure of Nerve: Leadership In The Age Of The Quick Fix. Edwin Friedman
This is a watershed book that explores the emotional process of families, churches and organizations and outlines the need for well differentiated leaders who are emotionally healthy to meet the diverse leadership challenges of today’s world. It draws on his previous work, Generation to Generation. Best book on leadership I have read in 10 years.
3. Friedman’s Fables, Edwin Friedman
Short stories that are filled with paradox and pathology that gives material to apply some of Friedman’s thinking.
4. What Are You Going To Do With Your Life, Edwin Friedman
Friedman was a Jewish Rabbi, therapist and corporate consultant before he passed away 10 years ago. This book contains many of his journal entries and unpublished material.

Community Development and Missions

1. When Helping Hurts, Brian Fikkert
Brian Fikkert is a friend from my Dordt College days and is one of the top 5 smartest people I have ever met. The Lord is using him in the world of macro and micro economics to help developing countries. He has written with conviction some things many of us have suspected from some time - that giving handouts and helping people in certain ways actually does more harm than good. Rob Wall, from One Life Once Chance recently referenced this book when he explained how some helping actually hurt an entire community near San Quintin. An important read. I’d recommend reading this book along with Compassion, Justice And the Christian Life.
2. Compassion, Justice And The Christian Life: Rethinking Ministry To The Poor, Robert D. Lupton
Some friends who are involved in urban community development recommended this book to me and it has become a practical book on community development – a topic that I want to learn more about. When Helping Hurts shows the negative side of misguided helping, whereas Compassion provides a positive model and approach to helping.

On Prayer

1. Living Prayer: The Lords Prayer Alive In You. Dennis Fuqua
I met Dennis two years ago at a pastor’s prayer summit. I immediately enjoyed his approach to prayer. Living Prayer is about the Lord’s prayer and has opened this wonderful prayer up to me in profound ways. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to pray the Lord’s prayer
2. Praying God's Heart: Prayers That Make A Difference. Alvin VanderGriend.
I heard about Alvin before I met him. Alvin has provided significant prayer resources for the church. Praying God’s Heart is the best practical theology book I have read on prayer. A must read for all believers.
3. Love To Pray: A 40 day Devotional for Deepening Your Prayer Life. Alvin VanderGriend.
Love To Pray is a wonderful devotional that inspires one to pray and to pray with more joy and conviction.
4. Prayzing, Daniel Henderson
Prayzing is a resource book for creative ways to lead groups in prayer.
5. Fresh Encounters, Daniel Henderson
Henderson writes about his approach to leading groups in prayer. Practical and helpful.
6. 24/7 Prayer Manual, Craig & Blackwell.
Before reading 24/7 I didn’t know there was a worldwide movement to pray for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is book is a very helpful resources for anyone who wants to empower a church to pray for 24/7. More to come.
7. And The Place Was Shaken, How To Lead Powerful Prayer Meetings, John Franklin
Another book on leading group prayer meetings. Loved it.
8. The Bible. Read through Genesis to Revelation.
The Bible I have is about 1050 pages long and I realized if I read 25 pages a day I could finish it in less than 2 months. This is the second time this year that I have read it cover to cover. It is so rewarding and helpful. I also read it in the ESV version, prior to that the NIV. I have come to love and appreciate the ESV version.

Sabbatical: Now That It Is Over

2011-08-17T07:07:00.000-07:00

This past spring I was given the gift of a 3 month sabbatical from ministry responsibilities and concerns from Heartland Fellowship. This time has created a context for me to experience a measure of inner renewal and mental focus.

I’ve been in pastoral ministry for 18 years and I realize that at the age of 47 I am half way (if I retire at age 65). The Lord willing, I have another 18 years in pastoral ministry.

This sabbatical has been about preparing myself to enter into the next 18 years. I want to be focused and principled but also emotionally and spiritually healthier – to pay attention to not only my mind but also my heart and soul. I want to be prepared to grow into each new phase of life and understand what an effective pastor is when he is 47, 55, and 65. I hope to mature and understand what I have to offer the Kingdom of God in the next 18 years. I am in it for the long haul.

There is widespread concern over the longevity of pastors these days. Our denomination recently had this on it’s web site:

“There is increasing discussion in churches about the value of sabbaticals for pastors—and for good reason. The pastoral vocation seems to be more demanding than ever.

Years ago, pastors’ duties were simpler and more focused. Today, pastors are expected not only to preach the Word, visit their congregants, and teach some catechism classes but to lead dynamic churches, sustain creative evangelism programs, excel in administrative skills, plan meaningful worship, possibly manage multiple staff positions, and more. Pastors are expected to accomplish all of this during their normal work week—a week that can be 60-plus hours long. James O. Davis, president of Global Pastors Network, has stated that:

• 1,600 pastors in US churches quit or resign from their jobs every month
• nearly 20 percent of pastors suffer stress or burnout
• 50 percent of pastors become divorced

A sabbatical is a change or a break from the normal routine. It’s an opportunity to step back, reflect, relax, recharge, and renew. Here are some opportunities to do just that."

Wow, 1600 pastors a month leaving the ministry. I don’t only want to survive for the next 18 years but I hope they will be the most fruitful and joy filled time of my life.

I recognize that much of life is about patterns and routines. I am learning to insert the type of disciplines into my everyday routine that will nurture my soul/spirit and provide increasing measures of emotional and spiritual health.

I’m also thankful for the extra time I could spend with my family. Each of my kids have gone through significant events (car accident, death of a friend, recovery from surgery etc.) and transitions during this time. I am thankful that I could have the undivided time with them.

So, I am thankful for the release from ministry this past 3 months and I am eager to step forward and enter the next 18 years. Let's go!

One Life One Chance #7 - Rob's Prayer

2011-08-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

Rob recently wrote the following on his blog. Please pray for the work of One Life One Chance, for the San Quintin Valley and for Rob and Brenda Wall.

The God of Judges

07/31/2011 Posted by Rob Wall

I have been spending some time in Judges lately. As my faith grows I am quite consumed in the Old Testament.

On Friday Ed left Los Olivos and Saturday Justin flew home. Change is in the air. Interestingly, God has already started some threads and we are praying forward.

This summer I have met more Pastors than I can remember names. Respectfully, Brenda and I have begun friendships that will last a lifetime. We are blessed to be next to a community of Pastors that only want Jesus. We leave in two weeks and so much seems undone.

Los Olivos continues to be a battle ground. Strange things happen that defy anything back home and would take to much time to describe. Yet, they are common for our situation…local churches affirm the push-back. Our neighboring churches have been wrestling this for years and pushing back darkness is nothing new.

Last week I was speaking to a Pastor that was describing the situation around the base. He said;

“the area beyond San Quintin is filled with witchcraft. Our church walked around our town in prayer; because the enemy placed four hooded figures at the corners of our community…they were praying to the enemy against us.”

The enemy is so real down here that he manifests himself physically and produces spiritual road-blocks at every turn. Positively, God is making inroads to almost every community we work in and is changing lives! Our God will not be undone…please continue to pray!

Back to the God of Judges (Chapter 13):

“17 Then Manoah inquired of the angel of the LORD, “What is your name, so that we may honor you when your word comes true?” 18 He replied, “Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding.”

Personally, I come against an enemy that can bring the ruin of me, but I serve a God that has a name beyond understanding! OL is weak by itself, but we serve in His strength. Together; the Mexican Pastors, Board, Staff, and I claim victory through what our Lord did on the cross and resurrection. Our God has already won!

Gracias a Dios

Rob Wall's Blog

Where The Forest Songs Are

2011-08-14T16:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was "Where the Forest Songs Are" music festival at Island 22 in Chilliwack. Bands like State of Bliss, Kingdom Cloud, 41st and Home, Oh No! Yoko, We Are The City and Teen Daze.

I have been introduced to Canadian Indie music through my kids, Matt and Levi (and their friends) and I love it! The crowd at Where The Forest Songs Are was young, hip and clean. Lots of good fun and great music. A huge thanks to Rob Dunning who organized the event.

One Life One Chance #6 - Midweek Outreach

2011-08-14T16:28:00.000-07:00

We knew the outreach was coming as Rob mentioned it at Orientation. I've been on them before. The experience is so unique that it gets seared into your conscience.

We loaded up the van with food and good-will and headed out first on the main road then off onto the bumpy back roads. The unpaved roads are in whatever state they are after the last rain fall. It rains, the road gets soupy, people still try to use them, and then they dry ready for your driving pleasure.

Twenty minutes of driving and some lefts and rights and we enter the neighbourhood. We bypass a compound surrounded with a tall chain link fence topped with barbwire hangers slanting in. Normally when you try to keep people out of an area you put the barbwire hangers facing out to deter anyone from climbing the fence and jumping in. Unless you are in a prison and the hangers are facing in - to keep people from climbing out. This was a compound with some shacks where farm workers lived. The conditions horrid. Apparantly the farmer doesn't want to loose his, assets - his workers.

We coast into a dusty side street lined on either side with various structures: pallets and cardboard or unfinished block construction with vertical protruding rebar or simple rectangle wood houses. The van pulls over driver opens the door and immediately you hear a dull roar that sounds like a pack of moving, yelling, and happy kids. A few seconds of sound and then the swarm. Kids everywhere wanting hugs and piggy backs.

I follow Rob into a dirt yard, around a corner into a narrow ally that leads into an open room. Rob says that is the neighbour church as he points to a lady who is about 4'10". She is the pastor, 23 year old local.

We all gathered inside the church room. The room was maybe 30x3 with a step up stage in the front and the walls and ceiling were unfinished drywall. Folding chairs on a dusty floor. There were announcements pinned to the wall with some pictures. There was a guy on the stage playing an electric guitar who led the songs, another lady behind the podium giving annoucments and lead us in prayer. The room was full of peoeple with standing room only. Our team was standing against the back wall, various families and lots of kids sat on the metal folding chairs.

The pastor went up and tried the microphone, but it didn't work. So she followed the cable into the sound board, fixed the problem, tested the mic and started to preach. All 4'10" of her delivered a power message on giving that challenged us all. She had fire in her eyes and clearly had the support of the people. They were enthusiastic and welcoming.

It's amazing to me everytime I run into someone who is holding up a corner of fragile society. Working hard to keep out the chaos and provide care and nurioushment for the soul. The church was the lighthouse for the neighborhood. It was the reason there was hope there. People could come, be prayed for, find friends and receive food and support.

When the service was over, we set up tables in the dirt yard and we quickly got into place as a long enthusiastic line of kids and parents formed. There was soup, tortilla's with toppings ready to serve. And serve we did. Kids coming back for 2nds and 3rds either eating themselves or bring a serving home and then rushing back to get more.

We came to the neighborhood with food and good-will for the community outreach, but when we were driving home, I realize that I was being reached myself. I came to give, but actually received. I was inspired by the 4'10" woman pastor, by Rob showing up again and again at the same neighbourhood, by One Life One Chance and their long term commitment in a dusty needy neighbourhood.

One Life One Chance #5 - Nothing Is Easy

2011-08-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

Part 1 - The Trip | Part 2 - Orientation | Part 3 - The Empty Lot | Part 4 - New Home Owners

We have a fascination with making things faster, easier, and more convenient. The iphone, android platform, blackberry exist to satisfy the human cravings for more and faster. Interfaces must be user friendly, customer support needs to be like your talking to a best friend, and we must, must not ever wait - wait for a file to download, a video to render, or a text to arrive. Somehow that fast changing reality with the promise for more has fully captivated the modern life. Whether all the red bull buzz is actually making our lives better or worse time will decide. But what is uncontested is that ease and convenience are highly sought after values.

Yet, Rob and Brenda run towards inconvenience, chaos and hardship. Why? Because, what they find there is the purpose they exist - to help people. People whose life is poverty, survival is not a tv show, where the very basics of life is in scarce supply - safety, water, health and certainty.

Nothing seems easy in the Baja. Life is on the edge, and it often feels only one small step from chaos stepping in. It's easy to get sick, car accidents are frequent, and bank lineups are measured in hours. There is no couch with big screen to retreat to.

There are local pastors to help, missing tools, food needs to be delivered, the bus breaking down again and there might be a hurricane coming through in a couple days. Things break, staff retire, funds are tight, constantly under staffed and there is another knock on the door - a local pastor needs some support for his church member. Balance that with being gracious and generous hosts at Los Olivos to the various teams that cycle in and out all summer long for single week short-term missions.

Nothing is easy or straightforward. There is the language barrier. It's not just the spanish english thing, its all the different dialects of spanish that needs to be stickhandled. You can have a spanish conversation with one person and understand them, but it all changes when another comes with a different dialect and tries to explain something urgent and you are missing each other by a million miles.

Some local helpers on the job site.

When you are 6 hours south of the US border and you remotely run a business back home and you may have to submit bids for a large job in BC, you will need to keep your nose above the chaos of the Baja. You can make the bid, but what if the power goes off or the internet decides to take a vacation and the bid needs to be in an hour? Stress and chaos are normal. Must keep things going at home, yet life and death needs are right at your door step that need attention now. Constant juggle of priorities and survival may mean developing both a deep compassion and then being able to suppress it for a time when life back home needs your immediate attention.

The problems in the Baja are complex. All the systems have some level of flaws. Roads are sketchy, banking is uncertain, policing and government are distrusted, there is little social safety net outside of the churches, education is unavailable to many, health care is unaffordable by many. Infrastructure that we take for granted like water, sewer, electricity, roads, bridges, are patchy or nonexistant.

Bring your iphone apps, your western linear mind, and an overestimation of yourself to try and "make a difference" and you will be humbled. There are no easy answers. No quick fixes and no single development model that will fix it all.

What is needed is a long term investment of one life to others. There are plenty of books that are all about 150 pages with endorsements that string together glowing reports announcing systemic, sustainable approaches to fixing other people's problems - I have about 10 on my shelf. But nothing is easy that really matters. Not raising your own kids nor helping people in a 3rd world country.

Life for Rob and Brenda is complex. They are at peace and content in the middle of brokenness and chaos. They have made a life out of doing what God has been doing for centuries: repairing, reclaiming, and restoring people. And they are seeing a difference, they are seeing change. Keep going Rob and Brenda, you are an inspiration.

One Life One Chance #4 - New Home Owners

2011-08-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

Part 1 - The Trip | Part 2 - Orientation | Part 3 - The Empty Lot

Part 4 - New Home Owners

Framing begins

Wall with siding is up

Connecting the walls and making sure they are straight

Cutting out the windows and door

Framing inside support wall

Video of a roof panel going up

Putting the roof panel in place

Getting the trim ready

Playing with paint

Side of the house trimmed and painted

Finish carpenters at work putting in the rough kitchen

New home owners! Hosea (blind) and wife Filomena

The build team with the Hosea and Filomena

House was dedicated on July 28, 2011

Thank-you Hockey Ministries International (HMI),

Heartland Fellowship and

One Life One Chance.

One Life One Chance #3 - The Empty Lot

2011-08-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

Part 1 - The Trip | Part 2 - Orientation

We drove to the empty lot and arrrived at the same time as the delivery truck - which was dropping off the construction material. Getting out of the van we were hit with the hot sun - it was dusty and dry. Not the oh it's hot nice weather at the beach type hot, but oh this is going to be a relentlessly hot day - better drink plenty of water. There was a mild lingering outhouse smell in the air. No services to the lot, no electricity, no plumbing, just a pad in the middle of a dust bowl. This would soon become the home of a family that needs a house. It was their lot, they bought it and now we were going to do a push up and build a roof over their heads. It will provide safety and security in a sketchy and unsettling part of the world.

The pad of concrete was poured the previous week by a previous team. The fresh concrete and pile of new 2x4's and plywood lay there in contrast to the neighbour's which was made of pallets and plastic - the standard accommodations for thousands of people in that area.

There is a housing shortage that has been compounded since the government outlawed camps for migrant farm workers - they all had to move from their camps to town. Many people don't own land and just find a place to squat for a time. There is this law in Mexico that if you squat on a piece of land for 5 years, it's now yours. So, many are trying to hold on to their little piece of residence trying to make it to 5 years. The actual land owners are kept on their toes trying to dislodge squaters. The lot we were going to build on was bought and paid for by the family we were building for.

One Life One Chance #2 - Orientation

2011-08-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

Part 1 - The Trip

Part 2 - Orientation

After a good night sleep in our tent, b-fast was at 8am with orientation for the 3 groups at 10am. Patti and I found out what we would be working on for the week. It was a bit of a question for us and we didn't have any expectation since we primarily wanted to support Rob and Brenda. Rob let us know that the cement pad was poured and the HMI house was ready to be built. He wanted Patti and I (with James - our 10 yr old) to work with another team to do the build. I was excited since not only would we see the HMI house but we would help build it.

Rob began his orientation by letting us know that one of his compelling goals was that everyone, once in their lifetime would be able to do short term missions. When you walk through the door of missions, you will never be the same. He doesn't want OL to be another ministry in San Quintin but to be a support to the local churches there. He currently is working with 28 different churches. San Quintin, location wise is the last stop for mission organizations. There are plenty north but in the valley, OL is the last one. That means south of them, the forgotten area, there are many people where poverty is their lifestyle - without much support.

The churches in the area don't have a unifying force so OL decided to invite as many pastors as they could to a hamburger lunch. There were 120 people that came, some as far as 300 kms. All local pastors who not only loved the hamburgers but also began to meet each other and network as a first step towards working together. There is renewal in the air.

Rob's long term plan is to begin a Christian School to help educate the next generation - K through 12. They want to start a school of theology to train pastors and build a multipurpose facility for churches to use as a resource.

Rob and Brenda have been working in this area for 20 years and it sound like they are just getting started.

One Life One Chance #1 - The Trip

2011-08-04T16:25:00.000-07:00

While laying down plans for my 3 month sabbatical, one of the first things I calendared was a trip to Los Olivos to work along side of Rob Wall and One Life One Chance in the San Quintin Valley of the Mexico Baja.

The purpose was two fold. The first was to check on the house build for a homeless mexican family that Hockey Ministries International raised $1800 for at a recent Faith Night. The house build was a project funded with the money raised with ticket sales at Faith Night. I had been in the Baja a few years earlier and helped build a house with Heartland's youth group and I was itching to help another family who needed a home.

The other purpose was to support Rob and Brenda wall and to be with them for a week. This was important to me because as a friend I know that Rob has been going to the Baja and helping the poor there for over 20 years. He recently made a bold step in establishing a permanent base in the San Quintin valley that he runs all of his service/mission work from. Patti and I wanted to support them and want to be on the ground with them for a week.

We flew into LAX, rented a car, visited with some friends for a couple of days in LA then drove to San Diego airport where Rob and the One Life bus pick us and two other teams up. We were on site from July 24-30th.

It was an unforgettable week.

Part 2 Coming

Sustaining Pastoral Excellence In The CRC: Sabbaticals

2010-12-14T10:12:00.000-08:00

Here is a helpful resource for understanding sabbaticals. It comes from the sustaining pastoral excellence page on our denominations web site.

There is increasing discussion in churches about the value of sabbaticals for pastors—and for good reason. The pastoral vocation seems to be more demanding than ever. Years ago, pastors’ duties were simpler and more focused. Today, pastors are expected not only to preach the Word, visit their congregants, and teach some catechism classes but to lead dynamic churches, sustain creative evangelism programs, excel in administrative skills, plan meaningful worship, possibly manage multiple staff positions, and more. Pastors are expected to accomplish all of this during their normal work week—a week that can be 60-plus hours long. James O. Davis, president of Global Pastors Network, has stated that:

• 1,600 pastors in US churches quit or resign from their jobs every month

• nearly 20 percent of pastors suffer stress or burnout

• 50 percent of pastors become divorced

A sabbatical is a change or a break from the normal routine. It’s an opportunity to step back, reflect, relax, recharge, and renew. Here are some opportunities to do just that.

More here.

Sabbatical Grant Request

2010-12-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

This spring I heard about an institute that gave grants to pastors who are planning a sabbatical. It's called the Louisville Institute.

I put together all the paper work and submitted the grant request. They required a 12 week schedule for the sabbatical and a detail of what I felt would be the outcomes. It was a very good exercise, it forced me to think things through and to ask some new questions.

Well I just found out I didn't get the grant. I was a little down after I got the news. I had some great things planned if I got the grant (study trip to Israel with Ray VanderLaan) but now that is all up in the air.

But today I asked my son if he thought it was a good thing or a bad thing that I didn't get the grant. He replied without hesitating, "Dad, I think it's a good thing. You won't have all the expectations associated with receiving a grant." After he said that I felt a weight being lifted and some new ideas came about what the 12 weeks could entail. More to come.

Sabbatical Resources

2010-12-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

A blogger friend (someone I haven't met but have read his blog - Darryl Dash) announced this spring that he was starting a Sabbatical and he made an excellent blog post about Sabbatical Resources. I flagged the post and have turned to it a few times as I am preparing for my own Sabbatical. I like his post so much I copy and pasted it here:

The countdown is on. I’m starting a sabbatical in just two weeks. I can’t wait.

I wish that I had known about some resources a little earlier. I thought I should pass them on. Learn from my mistakes.

For pastors in the United States, the Lily Foundation provides grants of up to $45,000. It’s definitely worth looking into. Even if you’re not in the States, their application guidelines (PDF) are worth reading. The question on the front cover is a good one: “What will make your heart sing?”

The Louisville Institute provides sabbatical grants of up to $15,000. It’s open to pastors in the United States and Canada. It’s really nice to see that Canadian pastors are eligible for this one!

For both of these, take note of the deadlines. I learned about the Louisville Institute two weeks after their deadline last year, and it’s a hard deadline.

There are lots of places that provide places for pastors to spend some time away. Here’s one:

Founded in 1997, Pastors Retreat Network offers five-day retreats to pastors and pastor couples. Our programs balance solitude and community time. Scripture reading and meditation are at the heart of the experience.

I’ve heard good things about them. You only need five days, so you can take advantage of one of these even if you don’t have much time.

One of the best articles I’ve read on sabbaticals is “Sabbatical is not Study Leave” by Eugene Peterson. It’s from the Winter 1988 edition of Leadership Journal. Here’s a sample:

If the life of faith is reduced to a church program or into jargon, the gospel is betrayed and the spirit dulled. Yet churches make little provision for renewal of spirit in those they set as overseers for the renewal of their spirits.
The omission impoverishes the church’s spiritual vitality. Pastors enter their ordained work centered in prayer and alive to grace; after ten, twelve, thirteen years they find they simply don’t have the energy for a life of prayer, of spirit. One after another and year after year, they abandon the terms of their ordination and settle for running churches.

Peterson argues that universities stole the idea of sabbaticals from churches. Churches stole the idea back, but turned them into study leaves. Peterson says that this is a mistake:

The all-but-universal practice is for pastors to go to universities and seminaries for these bastard sabbaticals and take academic courses. They return to their congregations with starched and in-fashion ideas, but their spirits as baggy as ever.
If we are going to take sabbaticals, let them be real sabbaticals: a willed passivity in order to be restored to alert receptivity to spirit-prayer, silence, solitude, worship…The original intent of sabbath is a time to be silent and listen to God, not attend lectures; a time to be in solitude and be with God, not “interact” with fatigued peers. If help is to be given to the pastor in midcourse, it is not going to come by infusion of intellect but by renewal of spirit.

If you know of any other good resources, leave me a note in the comments.

Sabbatical - Seventh Year

2010-12-02T13:08:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Heartland Council gave me a 12 week sabbatical?

No, nothing is wrong - I'm not sick, burned out or have a doctor's note in hand or anything like that.

When I came to Heartland 6 years ago, Council wrote a personnel policy that outline issues like vacation time, sick time, stat holidays etc. One area they also addressed was ongoing education and time for a sabbatical - that after 6 years of service in his seven year, the Pastor would be eligible for a 12 week sabbatical (2 weeks for each year of service).

Since I am in my seventh year of service at Heartland, Council last spring approved a Sabbatical for me that would begin this spring (2011).

What is a Sabbatical? Simply put, a sabbatical is a time of study and rest. It's a time to recharge the batteries for the future. One person described it this way: a vacation or long weekend would be like a quick re-charge, but a sabbatical would be like a slow, deep recharge.

If you have any questions about the sabbatical, we will have a Q and A section in the connector where I or a council member can answer your questions.

You can email me your questions.

I'll try and post here as often as I can about the Sabbatical.

The Expulsive Power of a New Affection - Thomas Chalmers Quote

2010-11-25T12:39:00.000-08:00

Thomas Chalmers quote from one of his sermons entitled "The Expulsive Power of a New Affection" (Chalmers was a 19th century Scottish theologian) has me thinking about modern idols

"It is seldom that any of our bad habits or flaws disappear by a mere process of natural extinction at least it is very seldom that this is done by the instrumentality of reasoning, or by the force of mental determination, but what cannot be destroyed may be dispossessed, and one taste may be made to give way to another and to lose its power entirely as the reigning affection of the mind. The boy, who ceases at length to be a slave to his appetite does so because a more mature taste has brought it into subordination. The young man may cease to idolize sensual pleasure, but it is because the idol of wealth has gotten the ascendancy, so the love of money can cast out the love of sloth. However, even the love of money can cease to have mastery over the heart if it is drawn into the world of ideology and politics and he is now lorded over by a love of power and moral superiority. But there is not one of these transformations in which the heart is left without an object. The heart's desire for an ultimate object may be conquered, but it's desire to have SOME object is unconquerable. The only way to dispossess the heart of an old affection is through the expulsive power of a new one. It is therefore only when admitted into the number of God's children through faith in Jesus Christ that the spirit of adoption is poured out on us -- it is then that the heart, brought under the mastery of one great, predominate, and supreme affection is delivered from the tyranny of all its former desires and the only way that deliverance is possible. Therefore, it is not enough to hold out to your people the mirror of their own imperfections. It is not enough to come forth with a demonstration of the effanecent character of their enjoyments, or to speak to their consciences of their follies. Rather, make every legitimate method of finding access to their hearts for the love of him who is greater than the world."

Trying To Make Church Safe

2010-11-13T10:57:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard of someone being hurt by a church or church leader? Most, if not all of you that read this will probably answer yes.

We hear news stories about how church leaders have violated their parishioners and how churches respond to the allegations. I feel sick to my stomach when I hear these stories. Churches are made of God's people and our mission is to bring healing and renewal to people and this earth. We pray about this, we teach about this, we apply it to our lives - but every once in a while the mission goes sideways.

People hurt each other. Sometimes its hurt feelings, people get slighted and offended. Sometimes people have expectations of the church and they aren't met "the pastor didn't call me when I had this ______ was going on in my life." Other times during intense times of conflict people say things that hurt deeply. In my 17 years of church leadership I have been on the giving and the receiving end of this type of church hurt. Not the type that makes the news, but the type that makes me aware enough to not discount the reality that some churches and or church leaders are not safe.

Then there are the more violent ways people abuse each other. Abuse of power, abuse of position, abuse of trust that results in someone being violated. The types of abuse that scar people deeply and ruin lives. The types of abuse that makes the news. And this does occur occasionally within the family of God. More stories come to the surface as it becomes safer to come out.

Dr. Seuss wrote a book called "Yertle The Turtle" that shows in epic Seuss fashion, how power can corrupt and lead to abuse of others.

Within the circle of churches that Heartland is a part of (Classis BCSE - Christian Reformed Church) there have been cases of this type of abuse. A friend of mine, John Stellingwerff is the Safe Church co-ordinator for the churches in our province. We interviewed John at Heartland a few weeks ago during our Dangerous Lives series as he talked about abuse and abuse prevention. He trains churches in abuse awareness and prevention and is on the front lines when there are allegations of abuse. He recently was part of an intensive restorative justice process for a local church. It was powerful and led to the promotion of healing in the lives of people who were abused by a church leader years ago - scores of people were affected - some still coming forward.

One of the important initiatives that Heartland has taken on in the past year is becoming a Safe Church. That means we receive training and have policies and practices in place that promote safety (police checks, moral codes of conduct contracts etc.) We are at the front end of this process. The amount of work needed is dizzying. We have a new Safe Church advocate within Heartland that is going to guide us through the process. Our council went to a training session over a month ago on the issue of leaders and boundaries and we need more training.

One of the questions is where to start? Each church has to answer that question themselves, but for Heartland where this is hitting the pavement first is our youth ministry. We are creating safe church practices for our youth ministry which includes moral code of conduct, police checks among other things. And it is taking much longer to get this started and to make progress than we originally thought. Our youth ministry isn't even up and running yet because we are still working on safe church practices for our volunteers.

It's not only a long process but a difficult one too. A few years ago everyone knew everyone at Heartland, but now with new people and more volunteers for ministries we need to be intentional in who we invite to be leaders and mentors of our youth. We need to be intentional in what we ask of volunteers. This means we need to write out in detail what we are looking for in the conduct of volunteer leaders and what practices we are asking them to be a part of. All of us are in process and sometimes it feels like trying to train patients in the ER room to also be doctors.

We feel it's all worth it because we want Heartland to be a safe place of healing, restoration and renewal.

Surfing By An Island

2010-11-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

Sunset Beach - North Shore Oahu

Picture a 7 year old in northern BC during winter sitting in the living room and watching slide after slide of his parents recent get away trip to Hawaii. "Here is a palm tree, here is some coral, here is diamond head - it's really nice and oh the pineapple there is really good ..."

What goes through his head? "It's looks really cool there. Will I ever see that myself?"

Now picture a 40 something watching surf documentaries from the North Shore of the island of Oahu - the birthplace of surfing, the mecca, the proving grounds for any surfer wanting to enter the upper echelon of the surfing pecking order.

What goes through his head watching warm water surfers paddling out in board shorts and a rash guard? No wetsuit, no booties, just sun screen and melting into the laid back surf culture? "What would that be like?"

Last week I was there. A week of exploring the island of Oahu and surfing everyday. We snorkeled, hiked, and played in the warm tropical fish filled water. I think I sat in a beach chair once for 5 minutes just to catch my breath. We staying away mostly from the overly crowed vacation destinations and went to the next look-out, the next beach, and the next road side eateries.

About 4 months ago a friend and I started throwing the idea of a trip around. He said he had air miles so we could fly pretty cheap. I said I have a friend who lived in Oahu and we could probably stay at his place. Situation = cheap trip. Heartland Church council gave me vacation time and Patti was more than supportive. Then the tickets were purchased. And soon enough we were airborne and heading south over the pacific.

The vacation pictures of my parents and the surf documentaries all came to real life. There were many times when I was just standing somewhere in awe or in the water thinking is this really happening? I didn't deserve such a trip. I wondered aloud at a recent elders meeting what the trip would mean and if there was some purpose in me going so far away. One elder responded with, "Have fun, enjoy yourself."

At times I was overwhelmed with the reality that I was there, in Oahu - the north shore and paddling out in the same waters over the same coral as some of the surfing legends. It felt like lacing up the skates and playing a game of pickup in Rogers Arena, the home of the Vancouver Canucks. Same ice surface where so much drama, passion has played out. Same place as some of the worlds best talent have been. Surfing in Oahu was like stepping into a historical stream that has influenced me for many years.

I'm home now, back to reality and some of the mystique of the north shore has somewhat been drained for me. I've been there, came, saw, and experienced. All the build up is over, just pictures, memories and some dings from the coral reef are left. It's just a place with roads and water and people. Nice place yes, but just a place.

This morning I returned to the question of what is the purpose or meaning of the trip? And yes I did have a lot of fun. But as I thought of the build up I began to ask myself the question, what will it be like when our hope in this life is fully realized? When we see our Saviour face to face? This life is the build up for the time when there is no more suffering, no more tears and we are standing in awe of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. That will be a time that we all long for when our dreams and desires of the Kingdom of God will be real. We will be there. We will experience it.

Know what I find is cool? There is no return ticket then, no back to reality. It will be the new reality.

Family Friendly Farms

2010-10-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

I’m not a farmer nor do I profess to have much knowledge about farms. But as a Pastor I do know about families. I do know that families and farms go together and that a farm is a great place to raise a family.

A farm can also be a dangerous place for a family. There is risk created by heavy equipment, augers, and large animals just to name a few. Unfortunately accidents do happen on farms, and when it’s the family running the farm, the family is personally affected.

I learned this on May 23, 2009. On that day, the phone rang and on the other end a weak voice said, “Can you come to the farm, there was an accident and Scott has been killed.” Fifteen minutes later, I turned into the farmyard and saw the ambulance, yellow police tape circling the accident scene and a devastated farm family.

What happened? It was harvest time and Scott was packing silage. The job was almost finished. The bunker was just full, there was maybe a few more minutes needed on the pile. When Scott was backing up, the tractor’s back wheel rode over the edge of the concrete bunker wall, causing the tractor to tumble down the side of the bunker to the ground. It landed on its side. Scott was underneath the back tire. He was 18.

He died instantly and in that moment a farm family was forever changed. The farm, on that day, was not a safe place for the family.

There was a display of compassion and concern that followed from neighbors, family, friends and church members. There were around 1300 people at Scott’s celebration of life service. People volunteered to milk and help on the farm. Even today, over a year later, people still stop at the farm and visit knowing how much it means to the family. The family is doing as good as can be expected considering their enormous loss.

Recently I happened to be on the farm when Scott’s dad was packing silage. He invited me into the cab of the tractor and before he put it in gear he made extra effort to make sure the door was shut tight. As he worked the bunker, he talked about safety and farm practices. He is a grandfather now with 3 grandkids all under 1 year old. Family and farm safety has deep meaning to him not just for his family but his thoughts go to other farm families as well. “I wonder how other farm families are doing during harvest. Harvest time is busy and safety is too often second place to getting the job done,” he said with concern.

When I drive by farms now I find myself looking for the bunkers and I’m prompted to say a prayer for the farm workers. I drove by a farm recently and got a horrible cringing feeling when I saw a concrete bunker filled to the very top with the top crest much higher than the concrete sidewalls.

My request to the farm community is, “Please do everything you can to make farms a good place for families – even during harvest.”

(If you have changed any farm practices to increase safety since Scott’s death, we want to hear from you. Contact Pastor Mike VanderKwaak mikevkshema@yahoo.com)

Chilliwack Connect Experience

2010-10-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

The sign said, “Buggy Check-in.” “Odd,” I thought. Then my eyes saw the shopping carts filled with plastic bags, sleeping bags and odds and ends. Next to them were at least 50 bikes. And close by were the watchful eyes of friendly security.

Welcome to the first impression of Chilliwack Connect – they thought of everything. If you are homeless all your processions are either in a backpack or shopping cart. The buggy check-in was a symbol of trust. Come to Chilliwack connect, you can trust us we want to help.

I walked into the building, saw Pastor Jay from 1st Avenue Church, and was immediately greeted by at least 6 people. All trained, helpful and disarming. I walked in and there was a buzz. I saw what could be described as a cross between a missions festival, barber shop, doctor’s examining room and high school cafeteria.

People were eating, drinking coffee and shopping at the free clothes section. There must of have been a hundred people in the gym alone and it wasn’t lunch time yet.

There were agencies setup in rooms and hallways. They had displays that had brochures, free things (free dog food) and cardboard standup trifolds with the names and services described. Every table had someone asking about services. Talked to Bobbi Jacob from Ann Davis Transition, Kim Lloyd from HIV Prevention, and Tom McMahon from Fraser Health - they all had smiles on their faces.

Chills were going up and down my back and I kept thinking, “It’s working, it’s working.” Homeless and at risk friends are getting connected to people and services. They are meeting caring professional people and they are not alone. They are getting help.

Service Learning Issue 8 - Hope In The Warehouse

2010-03-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 11^th - pm

The vans were loaded and on the LA freeways again. We were determined and 6 lanes of criss-crossing traffic during rush hour (with a bathroom break) was not going to stop us. We did miss a turn off however and got a nice tour of East LA. Left here, right there, and then park. Okay. Lookup and a long warehouse stretching into the horizon. 40,000 square feet of converted warehouse.

We were greeted outside by our host who gave us a tour of this unique community. He tells us that the Shelter opened in January 1988 with help from Judge Harry Pregerson, who recognized a critical need for emergency shelter who arranged for the shelter to be sold for $1. It is the only program of its kind in California to fulfill the objectives of the 1987 Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, which encouraged the use of vacant Federal facilities as homeless shelters.

The place is a community. It offers transitional care for 350 homeless men and women as well as vocational assistance, substance abuse rehab, case management, counseling, on-site health care & medical referrals, ESL classes, HIV/AIDS education, 12-step substance abuse recovery program, computer training, job training and referrals and life skills classes. The goal is to provide a one-stop solution to the homeless condition by addressing the problems and barriers that keep homeless men and women from achieving self-sufficiency.

In a word, my response was WOW.

At one point in the tour we were told that a person who comes through this program can have a guaranteed job. My engineering mind saw the process of entry to graduation and all the steps in between. I observed the security of the place, the video cameras, the staff, the professionalism and most importantly the hope that was in the air. I noticed the 10 million dollar renovations, the clean floors, and the various classrooms, medical offices, and I could hear the music lessons in the background. It was a village whose purpose was to address and provide solutions towards self-sufficiency and dignity.

It was all based on process. Get sober and you’ll get help with 12 step recovery. Find the right meds to help your mental health issues and you can take a computer class. Be sober and healthy and you can learn a trade – how about as a hairdresser? When you are making progress within the warehouse living, you can move to a mobile home on the edge of the property – you can be there for up to 3 years to get further stablized.

Doesn’t matter if you were an addict, street worker, heroin dealer, or bi-polar, you have hope at the shelter. Just get there (Jeff will give you a ride) and stick with it.

The power of cross is evident and at work in the warehouse.

Service Learning Issue 7 - The Three Crosses

2010-03-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 11, 2010

A later start to the day, meet Jeff at 10:30am at the school. We are all going to a special place called the center that cares and trains people with mental illnesses. Once a month they have an outdoor barbeque and today is the day.

We are all getting pretty good at cooking hotdogs. So far on this trip we have cooked about 250 of them, today would be another 150 with same amount of hamburgers.

The setup and food was all taken care of by Jeff’s students and the center. We had the opportunity to serve the food. On the long table was condiments, trays of fruit, coolers of pop and bags of chips. Don’t tell anyone I had the best hotdog of the trip right there. Yumm.

The clients were out on the lawn eating, milling about. They had looked forward to this day for a couple of weeks. Most were interested in conversation. I was drawn to guy who I’ll call Bill.

Bill had the vibe of a biker and brawler and the conversation started with me saying, “Nice tattys.” He had a sleeve and a few random ones here and there. I probably could see only 50% of them. Conversation at first was mostly about the occasions and story behind each tattoo until we got to the cross ones. He hesitated a bit and began with, I don’t tell many about this, but when I was in the service, they gave us the wrong address and I killed the wrong people. Each cross on my arm is for one of them.

He said that was the beginning of his problems, he started to drink and use to mask the pain. He was eventually discharged because of his drinking and drug use even though he was special ops. He entered civilian life confused and hurt and continuing to mask the pain of what he had to do as a soldier. He is a big dude with a love for adrenaline, fighting was a daily occurrence. Biker scene, surfing and partying was his life. And it was taking him nowhere except down. He is now on disability, with mental health struggles. He hasn’t touched a drink in 10 years.

I could see myself in him. I resonated with him and his story and wanted to talk more. He was in a place that I couldn’t help him except to listen and care and be next to him for a bit. He talked about his hurt accumulated from churches that misunderstood him. We talked briefly about the power of the cross for forgiveness.

Jeff reminded us before we came to the center, that we are all a bit crazy, all a little damaged and disturbed and in that sense not much different than the people at the center. We can be the Christ presence for people and bring hope and value to them.

I’m sure glad we came that morning. Bill did all that for me.

Service Learning Issue 6 - Being Rescued

2010-03-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 pm

We are getting used to the routine by now - meeting Jeff at the school, loading up the vans and driving as a caravan to our next place of learning and service. And tonight we were on our way to a rescue mission - a place that offers food, shelter and spiritual guidance to homeless men, women and children.

We arrive safely and Jeff is greeted at the front desk like a long time long awaited friend. He and his students have favor there, if not all over the city. Our role with his students is to help the kitchen staff get ready for supper, take part in a chapel service, and most importantly mingle with the people who call the shelter their home, their refuge.

I enter the atrium and realize there are two groups of people, those off the street looking for a meal and those in the one year program. The people in the program are open for conversation. They were once living on the street, addicted, alone, but now are in a community of believers and are entering a new life of freedom and purpose – the program is even called New Life.

This is a well run shelter. There is order, routine, purpose and a sense of being in an oasis. There exists a delicate balance between structure and grace. High structure and direction is needed in shelters to keep order and accountability, but it’s the grace and love that takes people toward the new life.

Jeff comes to a place like this to learn. Here is a seasoned teacher, with multiple degrees, above average intelligence, reads at least 5 books a month and comes to learn from people on the street. It shows in his ability to listen and value anyone. He is asked to lead the chapel talk and instead of giving a 10-15 talk, he engages the street people people. Asking questions, clarify answers, drawing connections, and affirming the profoundness of the moment.

You get the sense if you are sitting there that you are valued and valuable. And to Jeff that is the whole point. The learning for me continues.

Service Learning Issue 5 - 8 Foot Burrito

2010-03-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

I’ve known Ryan for a number of years and he has always stuck to one thing – helping marginalized people. At first, when he moved into town, there was a job here and a job here, but the same heart. Now he has roots planted and the agency he runs is favored in the city and he is making some wonderful progress building partnerships with others. Our group was just one group that was going to partner with him.

We met at his strip mall office called the “Community Resource Center.” I know Ryan is busy, short staffed, and short on budget so I was reluctant to have us take up his time. But he seemed genuinely grateful to have us. He gave an orientation to what their stragedy is: building relationships with food distribution and service projects; with that trust work towards community development by helping people retool for work (good soil), address housing needs, and the latest is starting a school.

I wanted our team to hear his heart and how he was putting his vision into action. I wanted us to be exposed to the sacrifices needed to help people, the intentionality and the creative thinking required to truly make a difference in a community. He was about helping people yes, but more than that developing a community. And that takes careful thinking and planning.

He had a project for us. I told him we want to leave town broke and tired so put us to work. There was a lady who has made wonderful progress from living in a garage, one step from homelessness, to now living in a donated trailer in a trailer park. The trailer has had a lot of work done to it, and needed some more. The lady loved to cook. She lived on food stamps, designed to feed one person, but she learned to be resourceful enough that she often fed her trailer park neighbors meals too.

Her trailer had an old condenser on the roof that was chronically leaking and needed to be removed and the hole patched. Ryan also suggested a raised garden bed so she could grow peppers and vegetables.

We got to work. Materials list in hand we went to Home Depot and returned with bags of soil, bucket of tar, lumber and some lovely plants. We had our mandate. Fix the roof and make the garden. It was fun work and the team had a blast.

We decided to put together lunch for the lady and the team, but Ryan knew a place that made killer Burritos. Then someone had the idea of getting enough food to feed the whole trailer park. We made a plan and Ryan ordered an 8 foot burrito, 5 gallons of lemon aid, some salsa and corn chips. It was awesome. The lady went around the trailer park and knocked on people’s doors inviting them over for lunch. And they came. We all ate and laughed and had good conversation with some new friends.

Hopefully one day we can see them again and check in on the peppers.

Service Learning Issue 4 - Charles and The Coat

2010-03-18T12:04:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 - pm

We had an hour and a half to get ready for the next part of the day – a trip to downtown LA skid row. We met at Jeff’s school with his students and he prepared us for what we would walk into.

We viewed a short film of a young middle class family man who was killed in a car crash and what occurred in the afterlife. He found himself on a train to go met the “Judge.” He was placed next to an over weight, undesirable looking women who was in no way someone he would have associated himself with. But there he was stuck next to her as he waited his turn with the Judge.

She was cold and he had a jacket, but didn’t think of giving it to her. She was hungry and he had a granola bar but didn’t offer it to her. He had more important things to do. He didn’t really want to talk with her. When the train stopped he ran off following directions to the Judge. When he rounded the corner there was the Judge standing there – it was the lady in the train. The credits rolled.

Jeff said we are going to meet some people on the street tonight and you may want to take along some extra granola bars or an extra jacket, you may meet Jesus tonight.

Some of our team with Jeff’s students prepared hot dogs meals and the rest of us went out on the streets in teams to meet and talk with people. We took granola bars, socks, and we were ready to part with our coats.

Our team was very close to the area of town where part of the Soloist took place. We ran into a guy whose name was Charles. He was bitter, impatient yet open to conversation. The conversation turned theological. Most of what he said didn’t follow logic – multiple threads of thought coming out all jumbled. But in the middle of it he said something with clarity that left its mark on me. “How can you say God loves me, when you come here and leave? Is that love? Does God say he loves me and then leaves me? What about tomorrow?”

The team inside put together plates with hot dogs, buns, chips and fruit and we went outside and handed them out.

Jeff and I were standing next to each other and a hunched over young man received one of the plates of food from Jeff. He was shivering. It was very cold that night. He was struggling. Jeff started conversation with him. He looked as if he had a stroke or something as his right arm didn’t seem to work well. Jeff got a jacket and offered it to him. I just stood there watching Jeff care for him - slowly putting the jacket on the man who was unable to do it himself – one sleeve then the next, straighten out the collar, pull down the hem and draw the zipper to the chin. The man was off into the dark night. I still had a granola bar in my pocket.

This blog has been moved

2010-03-17T11:40:00.001-07:00

Well, Blogger has ended FTP support so I'm forced to relocate this blog. Welcome to it's new home.

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Service Learning Issue 3 - Heros

2010-03-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

The team slept last night in church classrooms. I use the term sleep loosely. It seems the anticipation of the past 10 months was all coming down to right now and my mind would not let me forget it. Every possible thought was occurring at once – a curse of ADD. I laid awake most of the night wrestling each rudderless notion into prayer leaving them at the cross. I finally fell asleep, only for my alarm to wake me up 2 hrs later.

I made the trek to Starbucks to get coffee for my leaders. I had learned a long time ago you need to take care of your leaders and if that means Starbucks in the morning, so be it. Might as well get one for me to. Good idea.

We meet Jeff and his students at the school at 8:30am and followed the school bus to a nearby city. We were on our way to a pre-school. Not just any pre-school, it was for young kids whose parents were in a shelter, homeless or in rehab. These young kids have seen more than most of us will in a lifetime, and yes that has shaped them. They are adorable yet very challenging for the staff.

Jeff introduced us to the teacher who takes care of the preschool. He said you may want to get your picture taken with her, because she is a hero. After we leave, she will be putting in long hours caring for kids with unimaginable emotional needs. She is there not because she needs a job, but because it is her calling, her passion. God does that, he prepares and gifts people to care for the uncareable. I got my picture taken with her.

The agenda for the morning was to pile the kids in the school bus and take them on a field trip. Our team’s role was to feed the kids, Jeff’s students and preschool staff lunch. We had to find a place where we could setup our stoves and tables without getting asked to move along. We cooked 140 hotdogs, distributed salad, fruit, cookies and juice boxes. We had a blast. The team worked well together.

It was a small thing for us, but Jeff put the perspective right. He said, “We come to honor the staff and give them a break and encouragement. They are at it 24/7 and for someone to think of them, take them on a field trip, take care of the logistics and spend time with their little 4-5 year olds can be a big deal to them.”

Service Learning Issue 2 - Out Of Control

2010-03-16T15:24:00.000-07:00

Monday, March 8th, 2010

The alarm went off at 5:45am - didn’t sleep very well last night – too much on my mind. I have led teams on trips like this a handful of times in the past, enough to know that anything can happen and the best one can do is be as prepared as possible. I felt we were well prepared. The trip itinerary was set and the paperwork was all in order (I thought).

We drove to the US border in two vehicles on our way to Seattle airport. Our vehicle got through okay, I anticipated a bit of delay for the second vehicle – one tripper had a foreign passport and needed a travel visa for the US. As predicted, they were pulled over and brought into the building. I was waiting up the road. I got a call – they needed a letter.

I took the binder of documentation with me, sprinted to the border building and noticed right away that something was wrong. I walked over to the desk and the first words the border agent said to me was, “Where is it?” Of course I had no idea was “it” was, so I asked for clarification. He was agitated and impatient. He said we needed a letter stating purpose of trip, the name of the contact person, all on letter head etc..

So, I got on the phone to Jeff, and he produced a letter and faxed it in. Everything good, right? Nope. Supervisor gets involved. The trippers are praying (with eyes open) and my stress levels are in the red zone. It seems they interpreted our trip within the category of “work” and we needed documentation to clarify what type of work we will be doing. It seems when it was said we were on a mission trip to do service work in LA, we were needing a whole new level of documentation and permissions.

The supervisor is running out of patience. He starts reading us the regulations off his computer screen. This all takes about an hour now. He then says, “I need the correct documentation in 1 minute and if I don’t I’m sending you all back home.”

I felt out of control. All our preparations didn’t include this scenario. Mind you, next trip it will. I started to imagine what it would be like to go back home and one by one drop off all the trippers at their homes and having to explain what happened and why our 10 months of preparations and fund raising was out the window.

What was God doing? I resolved that if we did not get permission to cross into the US, that it was within His purposes and I may never know why, but I would have to accept it.

The supervisor looked at his watch – the minute was up. He looked at me and said, “You can cross as an exception, but next time I need the correct letter.”

In disbelief we all quietly and quickly gathered our stuff, didn’t look back, got in our vehicles and drove through Sumas on our way to Seattle. I thought, wow, that is grace. We were granted a favor without having it all together.

We made the flight and the plane landed in LAX at 4:00pm.

My heart rate was still above 120, and it didn’t change much the whole week.

Service Learning Issue 1 - The Idea

2010-03-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I were talking last summer and the idea formed to take a team to see and experience what he has gleaned in over 10 years of service work.

Jeff is the service/mission coordinator at his school and he has friends that provide services and programs to marginalized people in the Los Angeles area. A true teacher, Jeff takes his students out of the classroom for them to be involved in the problems of modern society - mental illness, homelessness, addictions, urban poverty.

Why? To learn, to be changed, to serve, and to honor those who give their lives for the betterment of others. His approach and heart, as we experienced, is very contagious.

The project became known as Crossing Borders. The idea is to cross economic, social, class and international borders to learn and serve.

We left on March 8th and arrived home on March 14th.

There was 4 adults and 6 youth - affectionately known as "The Trippers."

Harvest Party On Sunday (Oct 18th)

2009-10-15T16:27:00.001-07:00

This Sunday is one more of the Heartland Family Fun series.

This week it's the Harvest Party At The Maarhuis Farm.

Rain or Shine come to the Maarhuis Farm at 49309 Chilliwack Central Rd

It all starts at 2:00pm

Pumpkin carving, hayride, weiner roast and more fun.

Please bring the following
- lawn chairs
- roasting food (ie weiners)
- roasting sticks
- juice or pop

Forgetfulness Part II

2009-09-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

The school district is more than supportive and helpful to us as tenants to their schools on Sundays. We have a great working relationship with them and the no show from the janitor last week really was unusual. They went out of their way to apologize and of course we are very appreciative for them and their support.

So last week we were ready after the outdoor service to see things sort of come back to normalicy. The janitor was there early to let us in and we started set up but we soon realized that we didn't have any speakers. It was my job to pick up the speakers on Saturday from the rental place, but .... so, we huddled again and decided to go completely unplugged. No amplification of sound.

The musicians were up for the challenge. Heather and Melanie were great. We moved the chairs all closer in and I as people arrived we tried to explain that we were going to be unplugged that morning. I was loosing my marbles and some people prayed for me and I was fine after that. The service started and it was again memorable.

I did go this week to the rental shop and I have the speakers and extra cables ready to go.

Hopefully, I or anyone else doesn't forget much this coming Sunday.

Forgetfulness

2009-09-24T10:02:00.001-07:00

With all our sound equipment gone, we had a few days to pull together some equipment for the upcoming Sunday gathering. Brian did a huge effort detailing stuff missing and renting enough equip for Sunday. Alex bought a new lock and put in extra hours following up on things.

Sunday came and there was a lot happening that morning. There was going to be a baptism, some testimonies, a pot-luck after the service -- just a whole lot of fun and good stuff - and add the edge of patching together a sound system.

I got to the school early at around 8:50 to get a jump on the setup. The janitor usually arrives at 8:55ish. But by 9:12 no janitor. Made a ton of calls to janitor and school district office - all answering machines. 9:16 we realize that we will not have access to the school. We huddled around and thought of our options. Mike DV had some generators and kevin went to pick them up. We found an outside hose tap to fill the tank for the baptism. Some extra tents showed up for shade. It was going to be an outside service on a hot day.

Brian patched the sound together using one generator and the other generator was used to keep the crock pots hot for the potluck.

The service was special and raw. Carina and Kyle professed their faith and Carina was baptised. Very emotional. It was a special morning. And the food after was great. Melanie did a great job co-ordinating all the social part of things.

It was quite something to see how people pitched in happily to make a difficult situation turn into something fun and very meaningful.

Welcome Coby Grace!

2009-09-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

Coby Grace was born into this world yesterday, Sept 23!

A new sister to Finn. Mom and Dad are doing great!

The Storage Bin Break-In

2009-09-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

Got a call last week Friday from the school that we rent on Sunday's, that our storage bin door was open. I was visiting with some other ministry people in Abbotsford and left the meeting early and drove to the school.

I called our setup team leader, Alex, and he got to the school before me and noticed that the bin door was open and all our sound gear was gone. Probably $15-20K worth of stuff. Sound board, speakers, monitors, cables, etc.

The church people are troubled that someone would be that desperate that they would need to steal from a church. We are more concerned for the people that needed to steal than we are the stuff that was taken. The church owned equipment will be replaced over time, but the people who stole the stuff are more valuable to us than the equipment.

The church has an insurance policy, but we are unsure how much of the equipment will be covered.

This is difficult news for us, as we are trying our best to help people. In just two days, this Sunday, we will be discussing as a church family how to help people in the community in a more intentional way. We are growing in this. This theft will give us more resolve to help others.

Bruins Chapels Start Today

2009-09-21T12:12:00.001-07:00

There are a lot of changes with the Chilliwack Bruins this year. With a new coaching staff and many new players, it has been educational for me to see the changes being rolled out.

I am very fortunate and grateful that the coaching staff does support the work of a chaplain with the team. They have been very gracious and supportive as we are getting to know each other.

This is my 4th year as the chaplain for the Chilliwack Bruins and after the season opener is when the first chapel is usually scheduled.

This year, the first chapel starts today at 5:00pm at the rink.

We bring in food (usually lots of protein and carbs) and I have a talk from scripture about life and hockey. There is often some lively discussion and prayer for the team at the end.

Can't wait for 5:00pm.

would make for a long wedding rehearsal

2009-07-23T22:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, I think this may change how we do rehearsals ...

Hope In Tragedy

2009-07-23T21:02:00.001-07:00

The phone rang and my son passed it to me, “It’s for you, Dad.” I had just sat down on the couch after an afternoon of Saturday yard work “Hello, this is Mike.”

A weak voice replied, “Can you come to the farm, there was an accident and Scott has been killed.” I heard the words, but everything in me didn’t want to believe them. Fifteen minutes later, I turned into the farm and saw the ambulance and yellow police tape circling the accident scene.

Before I turned the van off, I prayed, “Father, please help this family.” I picked up my Bible, opened the door, and began walking towards the farmhouse.

The police officer met me on the front yard and asked who I was. I told her I was the family’s pastor. “It’s good you are here,” she said. I asked her what happened and she replied that an accident took the young man’s life and he died instantly.

The words sunk in and the enormity of the situation began to take hold of me.

Scott was a close friend of ours. He was often in our home. I was his pastor. I noticed that his relationship with Jesus has been growing and he was making life choices that indicated his commitment to live in a God honoring way. He was 18.

Six days later, we buried Scott and the memorial service had over 1300 of his friends and family present.

The memorial service was about celebrating the life that God gave Scott and celebrating the work of God in Scott. We found hope when we turned to God who gave Scott life, who sent his own son to die for Scott and for others who would trust Jesus as their savior. The family has confidence that since Scott put his faith in Jesus as his Savior that he is now in heaven, with Jesus. In the middle of a horrific tragedy, the family has hope.

As a pastor I was deeply touched by the power of hope that Scott’s family held on to. Those who live for Jesus have hope that when our earthly body dies it is not the end, rather it is the beginning of living for eternity with Jesus in heaven. This we believe is where Scott is. With his heavenly Father.

Three days after the accident there was a bit of a strange weather system with the combination of sun, dark clouds and rain. I noticed a rainbow in the sky. The next day, I was at the farm with Scott’s father and the topic of the rainbow came up. He said there were actually two rainbows right next to the farm.

Do you know the biblical meaning of a rainbow? God made a promise, a covenant not to fill the entire earth with a flood again. The rainbow is a sign of Gods promise and it gives hope. There is an end to suffering.

It’s as if God was saying at that moment, “I know the loss is enormous, but Scott is all right, he isn’t suffering.” And maybe the second rainbow was for the family and for you and I. God is saying, “I am with you in your suffering, I am close to you and I will not forget you. Put your hope in me.”

- today is two months since the accident
- this was written for the Chilliwack Times

Scott Elzinga and Heartland Fellowship

2009-06-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

On the morning of Friday, May 29th 2009, the Elzinga family buried their son and brother, Scott Elzinga. Scott was 18 years of age and was tragically killed in a farm accident on May 23rd. The Celebration of Life service was held On May 29th at 1:30pm at 1st Avenue Church in Chilliwack.

More than 1200 people in a sea of orange were in attendance to remember Scott and remember the work of God in Scott's life.

Patt and Bouwe along with their three girls Hannah (Matt), Shanine (Chris) and Heidi invited everyone to the family farm for refreshments. Hundreds of people came and with them food. With a harp playing in the background, people visited, grieved and gave thanks to God for the life he gave Scott.

Scott was born on September 14, 1990, baptized on Oct 14, 1990 and professed his faith in Christ publically on Easter morning, 2006. Scott graduated from Unity Christian High School in 2008 and completed one year of college at Columbia Bible College where he played basketball.

Our Heartland family was shocked at the news of Scott's death. Scott was one of us and it is difficult to accept the reality that he is no longer with us. The day after the accident, we gathered for worship as a church family and surrounded the Elzinga's with our prayers and promises from God. It was an emotional and deep time of prayer, worship and hearing the word of God.

When people first heard the news, many people came to the farm right away. Food, offers of help and many loving hugs and tears were given. In the days that followed, the Heartland family was mobilized to help the Elzinga's. There were immediate needs (food and being present) along with short term needs - services and events to plan and the people of Heartland stopped their regular routines and helped and cared.

From my perspective as a pastor, I have never seen that deep and widespread expressions of care and mercy in my 15 years of ministry. So many took the initiative, self-organized, and gave. From my heart and the heart of the Elzinga's, thank-you Heartland!

During the viewing, on Thursday, May 28th at Woodlawn funeral home, the family gathered for prayer. We read together Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Please continue to pray and seek ways to support the family in the long term. The family is coping with your prayer, but the road ahead of them will be difficult.

Scott Elzinga

2009-05-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

The Celebration of Life Service for Scott Elzinga will be held on Friday May 29, at 1:30pm at 1st Avenue Church in Chilliwack.

Grave Side Service is at 10:30am at Vedder View Gardens

Viewing is at Woodlawn Funeral Home on Thursday, May 28 from 7:30-9:00pm

Visit Scott's Rest In Peace Facebook memorial page here

Everyone is invited to the Elzinga's 47845 Lindell Rd., after the service for a time of fellowship. If you are attending, we are asking that you please bring a potluck dish, as well as your own plate,cutlery, and lawnchairs. Refreshments will be provided.

Worship Back For A Nickel

2009-05-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

Worship back for a nickel. Funny and interesting. Could offend.

Monday/Tuesday

2009-04-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

The weekend that was: For me, the week before Easter is the most intense and heavy week of the year. I think the thoughts and reality of why there needs to be a cross brings the heaviness. Also, the realization that as a pastor you need to lead people into the right mindset of Good Friday and then Easter - the two most important days on the Calendar - adds some pressure and thus the intensity. On Easter Sunday, after the service, the VK Fam loaded up the van and went to my sister's place and we had a fun family time - great food and people that I love. It's Tuesday am right now and I feel hopeful and I'm looking forward to the next couple of months.

Where I am at the moment: At home. Just brought the kids to school, sky is blue, and the smells of spring are in the air.

Procrastinating about: Not going to tell you, then maybe it won't be procrastinating :-)

Book I’m in the midst of: I just finished a surfing book called "The Big Drop" stories about big wave surfing - Mavericks, Jaws, Waimea etc. I picked up my Amazon order and in it are a number of books: Two by Richard Rohr, two by John Calvin, Laird Hamilton (another surfing book), and by Neil Cole.

Music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: Cold play, Chris Tomlin, Abba.

How I’m feeling about this week: Really looking forward to this week. I'm working on a new series on Heart Transformation. I'll be at a prayer retreat today and tomorrow with some other CRC pastors and Levi and I have planned an overnight surf trip to Westport Washington on Friday/Saturday.

best interview ever, really

2009-02-26T14:48:00.000-08:00

got this from scott

Goalies and Burgers

2009-02-24T08:30:00.001-08:00

I don't like the golden arches but do like the 'tude of this little guy!

Bruins Faith Night 09

2009-02-23T13:49:00.001-08:00

Faith Night 09 was on Friday, February 20th when the Bruins hosted the Rockets.

It was worth all the effort leading up to the event. This was my first large event that I was a part of - the Bruins staff put on one every home game. I am amazed at how much work goes into putting on a WHL hockey game. There are the rink operations staff, the Bruins staff, people that we brought in from the community to promote their cause and the band Sterr who provided great music for us. It was a lot of co-ordinating for everyone.

I was left with so many impressions. The Bruins staff were wonderful. They wanted to make this event positive for everyone and they went out of their way to do so. Thanks Barry, Derek, Vanni, Jacob, Andrea, Janice, Zelda, Robbie and Randy. The coaches, Jim and Dan were very supportive and assisted us with the players when we needed to have their involvement.

The causes/agencies that came in to promote their cause, they were all very positive about how things went for them. MCC, Worldvision, Salvation Army, Hungry for Life, BC Teen Challenge, Stoney Creek Expeditions, Unity Christian School were terrific to work with and I'm so glad they were all there. Hopefully they will be back and maybe be able to have an additional 4-8 more causes/agencies.

The Prospera staff were very helpful and wanted to make this event a positive one and their contributions certainly paved the way. Thanks Lars, Greg (and his staff) and Willa.

Heartland was tremendous in giving me the permission and blessing to be involved with Faith Night. Many too were at the game.

Looking forward to Faith Night 2010.

Complexity of Issues Surrounding Homelessness

2009-02-05T08:20:00.000-08:00

A blog I read regularily - Jordon Cooper - has a great article about the complexity of big picture solutions to homelessness. He works for the Salvation Army two provinces to the right.

This is worth reading:

I was recently with the Inner City Council of Churches giving a presentation on homelessness. It was a good time and at the end of the talk, there was a Q & A time where someone said, "While we all want to do something, we don’t have the resources or the expertise to do all of it. We need to get behind and support those that do have the expertise." It was a nice thought and I appreciate the encouragement and support of the churches in the inner city of Saskatoon. They deal with the same clients that we do and have similar experiences.

more here

Mason and Baja Fresh and Homeless In LA

2009-02-02T12:16:00.000-08:00

I love Baja fresh and the two fish tacos were just off the grill as I sat down outside. I had two wonderful bites when an older gentleman walked around the corner and we both noticed each other. He had layers of clothes, soiled ball cap, and walked slowly. "Do you think they serve beer in there now?" he asked. This was a fast food place without a liquor license. "I don't think they do yet." I replied. "Would you have some spare change for a 62 year old to buy some food?" he asked. I welcomed the company, "No change, but I have a fish taco here and if you'd like to sit down with me and we can have lunch together."

He told me his name is Mason and that 15 years ago he was married and had kids, but life became tough and he took off. He disappeared for over 6 years and when he came back on the grid, he no longer had a drivers license, birth certificate and he found out that he was actually dead - not really but considered. So, here he was ready to try life again and he didn't exists. He said he served in Vietnam, had a degree in computer technology, but his eye site was so bad he can't see the screen. He tried to get his disability checks going again, but the paper work without any ID was too tough. He is trying to get his old age security going, but it is proving to be really tough. So, he is living hand to mouth and having lunches with strangers who are eating alone.

Mason is one of tens of thousands of people in the Los Angeles area who are living on the streets. Many of their stories have common themes, hardship, addictions, and handicaps with no options - so it seems. Mason's friendly outgoing personality is serving him well. So many are much worse off. He did like fish tacos (which makes him a brother in my books), said they were one of his favorites. I didn't need all the food anyways.

Glad to have met Mason.

LA Homeless Count 09

2009-01-29T08:43:00.000-08:00

I'm staying at a friend's place in Bellflower and he was the site lead for the Bellflower area Greater Los Angeles Homeless count - aka HC09. I tagged along and passed out brochures and drank coffee.

The HC happens every two years and it helps understand the scope of homelessness and gives the bedrock info to bring in federal, state, and local funding for services.

There was 14 routes and about 40 volunteers came to help. It's a massive effort LA county is huge and it was broken down into sections and streets. Our work was a small part of what was going on for 3 consecutive days all through LA.

Volunteers came, received training and left with a clipboard that had their map with tally sheets. Some walked, some drove and it was intentionally done in the winter and at night to get a feel of the scope of the issues involved.

The tally's included individuals, families, vehicles and encampments.

The idea was to keep a respectful distance but to make observations and judgements as to who was homeless. The training included indicators such as wearing many layers of clothing, in poor physical condition, sleeping orlying down on the ground or on a bench. We were to look for blankets on the windows of cars, cars packed with belongings, fogged up windows or campers/RV's in disrepair.

There county dispatched security who were with counters and on call in case there was any issues during the count.

It was a bit chaotic and organized at the same time. Everyone was invested in the project and there was volunteers, health care professionals, county deputies, and security all involved from what I could see. High school students doing service work hours and others just wanting to help - ages 16 to 60 were involved.

It took from about 7 to midnight to complete the project, but it was a vital project for agencies who advocate for the homeless.

Buy Bruins Tickets and Help Build A House For Homeless Oaxacans

2009-01-19T19:15:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 23rd, the Chilliwack Bruins take on the Kelowna Rockets. Game time 7:00pm.

In partnership with the Bruins, Heartland Youth are selling game tickets as a fund raiser for a trip we are planning this summer down the Baja of Mexico to build a house for a homeless Oaxacan family.

Game tickets are $14/each.

We also have raffle tickets for a David Robinson game worn jersey (1st prize) and a team signed hockey stick (2nd prize).

Raffle tickets are $2/each.

Support a great cause and purchase game tickets and raffle tickets.

Raffle draw will be following the 2nd period.

email me "mikevkshema at yahoo.com" if you want to help

Chilliwack Flood Relief and Volunteer Information

2009-01-15T13:52:00.001-08:00

If you are wondering what you can do to help flood victims here in the Chilliwack area, here is some info that can help you get connected.

From Leonard Klassen the MDS BC Unit Chair:

Samaritan’s Purse and Mennonite Disaster Service are excited to announce to churches that they are partnering together in providing clean-up assistance to those impacted by the flood and mudslides in the Fraser Valley. Both agencies are cooperating fully with each other, and with other agencies active in the recovery effort.

What can you do to help?
1. Pray.

2. Please encourage members of your congregation to volunteer (please publish this need in your bulletin). Anyone who wishes to volunteer can call 604-393-3901 (volunteer centre in Greendale). Even more efficient is to appoint one person in your congregation to organize a group of volunteers to serve together.

3. Anyone who is requesting assistance should contact the Resiliency Centre in Chilliwack to complete the necessary forms (604-824-8206, Unit 434 44550 South Sumas Road, Chilliwack). Please also remind them of the assistance that MDS and SP are willing to provide.

Any questions can be directed to Leonard Klassen (MDS BC Unit Board Chair) 604-855-2542 mdsbc@mds.mennonite.net or Andy Northrup (Samaritan’s Purse) 604-393-3901.

Pink In The Bruin's Rink

2009-01-14T09:07:00.000-08:00

The Bruins was pink in the rink last night - creating awareness and raising funds for cancer. It was a tremendous night (if you ignore the score of the game).

So many things went well. There was no question what the theme was when you walked in the door. Pink ties, pink shirts, pink trucker hats, and pink hoodies. Most of the 4,800 crowd had pink on. Then there were the skin head wanna-be's. There was a shave-your-head station (thanks Michelle) and people could donate money and get their head shaved. During the first intermission, four of our own shaved their heads at center ice- Derek, Barry, Matt, and Vanni. Vanni had the most to loose, Barry the least. Andrea - who just finished treatments and is a huge part of the Bruins organization - was shaving heads and loving every minute of it. Some of the players were using pink Easton sticks that were auctioned off and raised hundreds for cancer.

Cancer is something that has touched all our lives. I lost my mom 20 years ago. I observed the road from diagnosis to treatments to hair loss, to loss of life. It is so tragic and I think that is why so many of us empathize and show up for nights like Pink In The Rink. There is a story about one of the players, Andy Smith, who cancer has affected profoundly.

It takes a huge push and massive planning to put on an event this large and far reaching. I know the Chilliwack Bruins staff have been working on this since this summer, at least that is when I first saw the loud pink Easton stick in the office.

Great work everyone. Great cause. It touched us all.

Try This

2009-01-07T13:45:00.000-08:00

This is to much, over the top. Wow.

wingsuit base jumping from Ali on Vimeo.

tithing .... from threat to thrill

2009-01-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

We are going to have a fresh look at what the bible teaches about tithing.

We at Heartland believe in the life principle of tithing - giving 10% of your income to God.

So many people are for giving and being generous, but when you bring up the topic of tithing, heads go down, feet shuffle and it goes quiet. Odd response to something that is intended to be a thrilling principle for Christians.

I think people see tithing as threatening rather than thrilling. Threatening to what they have, to their plans, to their theology to their status quo. If people could see the huge benefit to them personally behind tithing and test it and experience the thrill of it, many more would adopt this biblical direction.

TIm Tam Slam

2008-12-23T14:26:00.000-08:00

Well Matt is home and the house is filled with new music, old friends and late night sessions.

We picked up Matt from Vancouver airport. His flight was scheduled to arrive at 11:30pm, but came in at 12:30am instead. After getting his luggage we were on the road home at 1:15am.

He was insistent on stopping at Super Store to get some Tim Tams. I had no idea what they were. It was a little late, so with some gentle persuasion and promises of going the next day, he was okay with not stopping. We got home and when I crawled into bed I looked at the clock and it was 3:15am. Short night.

The next day, Matt passionately introduced us to possibly the best snack food ev'arr - the Tim Tam Slam.

Tim Tam Slam 101

1. You make a cup of hot chocolate - not too hot.

2. Take a Tim Tam, either variety will do. Bite off a small piece of one corner, flip it to the opposite end and bite off another small piece off of an opposite corner.

3. Place the modified corner of your Tim Tam in your mouth. You will have about 1/8 of the Tim Tam in your mouth at this point.

4. Place the opposite end of the Tim Tam in the cup of hot chocolate facing down. Dip in about 2 centimeters deep.

5. Produce a sucking action and notice the fluid flowing upwards through the modified Tim Tam into your mouth - similar to what a straw may do.

6. Once you sense the fluid entering your mouth, stop sucking and quickly place the whole Tim Tam in your mouth. Enjoy. WARNING: if you do not stop immediately and delay putting it in your mouth the Tim Tam will self destruct all over the counter. Not good and not to mention a huge waste of a Tim Tam.

7. If you have followed all the above steps you are successful. Welcome to the Tim Tam Slam club! Only a few have made it this far. Congratulations.

If the above was confusing, here is an instructional video on how to do a Tim Tam Slam!

Covenant Eyes

2008-12-09T16:57:00.000-08:00

I'm a user of covenant eyes --accountability software for the Mac (it's also available for the pc).

It doesn't filter or even slow down my computer, but it works in the background to log internet usage onto their server. Then once a week it sends it to my accountability partner - which is my wife Patti. Hit a questionable site and it flags it. Hit something on the edge and it flags it. Hit something you don't think is on the edge but is, it will flag it. It's relentless.

Once covenant eyes is installed, you can't get on the internet without first logging in and you can't uninstall it without getting an uninstall code. If you ask for one, they notify your accountability partner.

It provides peace of mind and accountability - both of which I need.

last and this week

2008-12-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

the weekend that was: i'm through the cold/flue that has been dogging me for the past 10 or so days and to feel and think at a normal level has been relieving. we went to a friends b-day party and enjoyed the conversations, kassi's soccer game was entertaining (no cards this game), sundays advent message on peace came in a way that i think was reflective and many questions emerged about peace in our own lives and world peace -- big topics. we had friends over sunday night and shared family night with them - great time with wonderful people.

on my to-do list this week: working on the advent series, putting together gift bags for the players - more later don't want to spill the beans, creating and refining a marketing plan for bruins faith night, recruiting some more leaders, planning for the new year, and getting my blackberry to work with the new unibody macbook pro.

procrastinating about: organizing the office (still)

books i’m in the midst of: "leading with a limp," by Dan Allender - the most helpful book for me this year on making sense of my life and battling the old nagging thoughts of disillusionment, hopelessness, and wandering in leadership.

down the road: faith night, youth mexico trip, new series in the new year, try to create a rhythm of working out.

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: ELO, matthew.joel, little river band, and some christmas music.

how i’m feeling about this week: i'm attending the funeral for an uncle today and i'm anticipating the emotions that come with saying good-bye to a family member. tough to think beyond today.

Matthew and Conflict

2008-12-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

I've had a fair bit of conflict in my life the last 10 years. Matthew Joel writes compelling thoughts about the benefits of conflict.

Involving stories are built around conflict. With out conflict, there is nothing to be resolved, nothing to learn from, and nothing to give the story relevance. As humans in a world of prosperity, health, and resources, we need conflict. We live for it. Conflict is the force that gives meaning to our own stories. Day by day, life is lived in anticipation for the issues, problems, and disagreements that are sure to rise. Smoke alarms are installed, security systems are instigated, second keys are cut, godparents are assigned, car insurance is bought, diets are started, and savings accounts created. All of this is our indemnity, our protection against the conflict we are sure life will bring ...

From here

U2 Father Christmas

2008-12-06T13:06:00.001-08:00

Church As Family On A Mission

2008-12-06T13:03:00.000-08:00

From Neil Cole, quoted at Church Planting Novice:

We must transition from seeing church as a once-a-week worship event to an ongoing spiritual family on mission together. Then people will see church as something worth giving your life for. Honestly, people need one another more then they need another inspiring message. You would be surprised what people will do for Jesus, or for a brother or sister, that they will not do for a vision statement and a capital giving campaign.

(from here)

Why Calvinists are so Negative

2008-12-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

What The New Humanity Sounds Like

2008-12-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

Welcome Samantha Kate and Phoenix Marlene!

2008-11-27T14:20:00.000-08:00

Heartland's nursery got a little bigger with the births of Samantha Kate and Phoenix Marlene.

Moms and babies are doing fine.

Congratulations!

Update On Jadon Potter

2008-11-22T20:03:00.000-08:00

Some good news about Jadon Potter today.

Jadon will be released from the hospital soon. Here is the article from the Chilliwack Bruins site:

November 22, 2008

After being injured in Friday's game vs the Tri City Americans, Bruins Captain Jadon Potter was taken to Chilliwack hospital where he was given a series of tests including a CT scan. He was moved to Vancouver General Hospital at 1am. Some damage to the vertebrae in his neck was discovered. As a result, he has been fitted with a neck brace which he will be wearing for approximately 6-8 weeks. No damage to his spinal cord was discovered and no surgery was required.

He is expected to make a full recovery.

Jadon has been released from the hospital and will be returning to Chilliwack this evening.

The Chilliwack Bruins on behalf of Jadon Potter and his family would like to thank everyone for their concern and their support.

Continue to pray for his full recovery.

Pray for Jadon Potter

2008-11-22T15:41:00.001-08:00

During last night's Bruins game, Jadon went headfirst into the boards. Here is a write up from The Province.

In the second period of last night's Chilliwack Bruins/Tri-City Americans game at Prospera Centre, Bruins' centre Jadon Potter slammed head first into the boards behind his own goal, racing back to defend what turned out to be a short-handed goal.

There's nothing official from the team at this point but assistant coach Dan Price did say "the current information from the medical staff is positive and the prognosis is good. He's expected to make a full recovery."

No one on the team would comment further at this point, but early suggestions are that Potter could have a fractured vertebra that would keep him out for the rest of the season, but again, nothing is confirmed. The Bruins expect to have more information tonight or tomorrow morning.

Potter was taken by ambulance to Chilliwack General and after X-rays there, moved to VGH by ambulance around 1 a.m.

Teammate Matt Meropoulis, who was on the ice at the time of the incident, said the team was really shaken last night, but their spirits were lifted after talking to Potter post-game and again today.

"In the room it was just dead silence," Meropoulis said of the time the teams were sent back to their rooms while Potter was attended to. "It was beyond the game.

"I spoke with him today and he's actually in great sprits. He's a tough guy to get down."

Potter's mom flew into Vancouver this morning. Potter is Chilliwack's leading scorer, with seven goals and 22 points in 26 games. Chilliwack lost 2-0 to Tri-City.

At the time of Potter's injury, the ambulance crew was already responding to a woman in the stands who was having a seizure. The crew split up and both the fan and Potter were transported to Chilliwack General together.

update: another article in the chilliwack progress by eric welsh (here).

podcast

2008-11-20T11:52:00.000-08:00

We re-designed our website awhile back and one feature that people were asking for is to create a podcast of the messages. They wanted something that they could subscribe to from iTunes or listen to from the site.

Before I came to Heartland they had a tape ministry. Raise your hand if you still have cassettes kicking around the house. Recording on tapes was a bit easier, I think, than onto a digital file. The tape player has LEDs that flash with the audio levels telling you if things are recording. But since we went to digital, the recordings have been about a 70% success. Which in baseball is a pretty good batting average - but this ain't ball. Lately we have been using garage band, then import into iweb, then publishing into a folder, then uploading with dreamweaver. That's alot of steps and alot of programs. Then there are issues with garage band. The levels are different from week to week, file size and compression - anybody know about this etc.

Anyways, there are now podcasts on the site and you can subscribe through iTunes. So, if your working in children's ministry and want to catch what happened when you were with the kids, you can subscribe to the podcast.

Adopt A Player Program

2008-11-19T21:42:00.000-08:00

When the Bruins came to town, we at Heartland began to ask the question how can we support the team and players.

One idea that came was the idea of having people from Heartland regularly pray for the players. We wanted to pray for each player for safety with all their travel, safety during the games and we also wanted to pray for God's blessing on their lives.

So, we created the adopt a player program where a family from Heartland would "adopt" a player and pray for that player every day.

We didn't know how if it would work, or if people would want to adopt a player, not to pray for them, but as a fan with the hopes of meeting them or getting their autograph etc. But we found that Heartland people have been more than willing to just pray. Just serve.

For the past three seasons we have been doing this and it has been a way for us to serve and help where we can.

It's amazing how many ways there are to serve other people. It just takes some time to think of them, risk and try them and learn along the way. This reverses the mindset that church is only to be blessed. Instead church is a place to receive a blessing to pass on a blessing. Without the passing on the blessing part, the church borders on narcissism.

We are still learning how to do this at Heartland

last and this week

2008-11-04T07:54:00.000-08:00

the weekend that was: entered the weekend running on fumes. not much in the tank with time or energy. i sat in meetings/training for about 26 hours last week and entered the weekend with the message about 10% done. take out 3 work days with the same volume of work needed to be done and you have a very anxious mike. needless to say, saturday night was frantic.

on my to-do list this week: working on the curb appeal series still, lots to study and figure out for this sunday yet. i have a backlog of emails I haven't looked at or responded to. my new laptop arrived (15" mac book pro) and i have apps to install and get everything working on it that is important to my work style. currently the usb drivers for my blackberry pearl are not working and no one on the discussion forums have answers. i have 5 book shelves being delivered this afternoon. pull out the screw driver and hammer and put them up. maybe levi can help me. dan is lending me his compactor, so maybe on friday i can compact the crusher gravel in the backyard in prep for paving stones.

procrastinating about: organizing the office, figuring out how filing will work in the new space, updating the church's web site.

books i’m in the midst of: humility, andy murray (still), i picked up a book off the shelf again that i bought about 5 years ago called "emergence: the connected lives of ants, brains, cities and software." its not about church ministry (although the name may suggest it is) its about science and making associations - it reads like an engineering text book. i just started archibald hart's new book, "thrilled to death." absolutely fascinating - again, archibald is helping me make sense of my complicated inner world.

down the road: got some stuff cooking with the bruins that i'm really excited about. we are carving out a concept called, "faith night" where one game has the theme of faith. our goal is to sell out and get the message of faith out to the 5K plus fans in the building.

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: nazareth greatest hits (remember "turn on your receiver" - i'm in this kick of reconnecting with my high school music preferences, david crowder band

how i’m feeling about this week: relieved last week is in the books, but this week is slipping away fast, so peaceful and anticipitory (is that an emotion?)

Coptic Church Under Siege $60 million ransom

2008-10-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

Patti came home from the pool with a newpaper in hand. "Read this" she said. I opened the newspaper, sat down and began to read the national post article on the Coptic church. It grabbed my attention so fully that I read it from start to finish without stopping -- quite an accomplishment for someone with ADD. It was a shocking to read.

Read it yourself and leave a comment on your thoughts.

It starts here:

Last week I was supposed to interview Father Zakaria Boutros on my television show. It would have been the second time I had spoken to this gentle, thoughtful man, one of the leading figures of the Egyptian Coptic Christian community and now obliged to live in exile in the United States after twice being arrested in his homeland. But on this occasion the interview was suddenly cancelled. A $60-million bounty had just been put on his head by Muslim extremists in Iran and Saudi Arabia, al-Qaeda were thought to be intent on fulfilling the fatwa and it was considered too dangerous to allow him to travel to Canada. The fact that the United States government bounty on Osama bin Laden is a mere $25-million rather puts the case of this disarmingly gentle and jovial priest into proportion.

More here

Sidney Crosby's Top 10 NHL Goals

2008-10-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

I love watching NHL highlight clips. Here is one that has Sidney Crosby's top 10 NHL goals.

Just awesome!

from puck_daddy

Last and This Week

2008-10-15T14:14:00.000-07:00

the weekend that was: a great weekend. Dorothy announced at the church gathering she was officially in remission. we all celebrated. Kassi was gone to Dordt checking the school out and seeing the family. Our thanksgiving gathering at my sisters place in Cloverdale was wonderful. it was the probably the most peaceful time we have had together as a family in a few years, not because of disagreements, but because there has been so much pain and difficulty in some of our lives and this year things are going better for many of us.

on my to-do list this week: alex painted the office and so I'm moving things around and trying to organize stuff. I'm a horrible organizer, actually I can organize but just can't keep it there. i'm too all over the place. I need to value simplicity and minimalism more. I'm a piles guy and to have an office that is neat and tidy doesn't last. i'm sketching out the advent series and the series after church without walls.

procrastinating about: probably more than i realize

book i’m in the midst of: humility, andy murray

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: little river band - remember "cool change" and "help is on its way?"

how i’m feeling about this week: focused.

Church Without Walls

2008-10-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

I kept Peterson's book, "Church Without Walls" in a handy place for 10 years not thinking I'd use the title for a sermon series. It best describes what we are trying to figure out at Heartland -- meaning how to be the church when we are not within the walls of a church building.

Churches are pretty good at doing events, such as worship services, youth night or bible studies. But churches are lousy at acting like the church when they are not gathered together in some meeting or event. What I mean is that the call do be the church tends to be lost unless there is some official function. The reality is that most of our time we are not at a church function.

So at a church service, we may be friendly to someone new, but not that friendly to new people we meet elsewhere. We may bring cans of food for the food bank collection at a church service, but we pass hungry people on the street daily without thinking that we are the church and what our role with the hungry is.

We may listen intently to a sermon at a church service, but won't crack the Bible after. We may tithe or say we do at a worship service, but don't help someone who needs some furniture or a meal, or shoes.

We are good at doing things when a whole group is doing it or when we are asked, but we as a church are not very good at doing things spontaneous as part of a desire to be like Jesus. We can be busy being a part of a ministry, but we don't engage with culture or people outside of church programs unless we are asked to.

There are several problems with this. How genuine and heartfelt can people be if they are only doing it because they have been asked to? How much more would it mean to the city if people of the church began to look for needs and meet them just because - even if no one is looking.

How can people take individual responsibility for living out their faith when the only time they engage in the kingdom is after the phone rings from a church leader trying to recruit someone? There is so much more to living within the kingdom. Its an everyday, 24 hour a day venture. It never shuts off or takes a break.

How can the church make a dent in the needs of gospel-less living when people will do something only when they are asked?

That is the limiting factor, I believe, of the church. We only get stuff going when a leader within the organization initiates something then invites others to be part of it.

What if all church people considered themselves to be leaders and just met needs as they run into them?

This has been Heartland's philosophy from the beginning and we are trying to figure out how to do this at new levels. We feel that ministry activity follows ministry values. In other words, values first then practices. We are doing our best to live this way, but the dominate culture and the dominated expectation is that people will "serve the church" only when they are asked. So they wait around waiting to be asked.

What if we would turn this around and say we would like to serve as the church - anywhere, anytime. Not just because a leader is trying to recruit others, but because there is a self-motivating, heartfelt desire to serve others because of what we have received from the cross.

This Week

2008-10-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

the weekend that was: a great weekend. the weather was fallish, went for multiple walks, enjoyed the kids. kassi played hard in Burnaby, worked most of saturday on the message and support material, Levi designed a new bike, James won all the games during family night last night. Sunday am was a morning of 1sts for many and the coffee was great but the gym was cooooold..

on my to-do list this week: well, there is a bruins chapel (so, food, setup, talk, networking, etc.), multiple meetings with individuals, writing "going public" material for youth (at the barn), podcast is up already, fix a toilet, and begin planning for new series.

procrastinating about: working out, writing, and some house projects

book i’m in the midst of: unfailing love of Jesus, R.T. Kendall; reimagining church, frank viola.

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: tomorrow's worst enemy, daft punk, david crowder band

how i’m feeling about this week: peaceful -- it's going to a great week.

Air Quality And Office Space

2008-09-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

I've worked in lots of offices over the years. Some good, some not so good. When I was just starting out as an engineer, there was the first job with the office in the converted horse barn. The walls were drywalled but not painted, the floor plywood and the desk tops were rejected doors bought at discount at the local door factory. There were many challenges with that space. Keeping a regulated temperature was one. It was either blazing hot with kmart fans trying to move air, or really cold in winter with small heaters trying to keep the air warm. There were a few critters that also leased the space with us - mice, cats, and big ol' spiders. Each had to be convinced we had the 8-5 shift and that they should scram until the door closed at 5:15pm.

Then there was the space where we were all in a big open room with low walled dividers. We could hear each others phone conversations, see what we were working on and observe how much coffee or big gulps the other person consumed. From there it was in a multi-floor high tech space with mazes of cubicles. I think there was 3 underground levels of parking. My first day I was shown my cubicle, I left to go to the bif, got disoriented and couldn't find my space back. That's how I got to be good friends with the janitor.

Now, I'm in a warehouse converted into office space place. Where I sit right now, used to be a truck loading bay. Since I've been here we have had troubles with the air quality. Not that it stinks or anything and the temperature control is perfect - there is A/C and a heater. But its the lack of fresh air input into the building that is a problem.

At first I thought it was just me. I'd get here and within 1/2 hour I'd be lethargic, flush cheeks and feeling really old. So, I'd go for a walk and get more coffee to try and salvage the day. This went on for 3.5 years until this summer when the lease was up and I raised the issue again in a firm, I'm not going to let this one go manner. Air quality is important, right? They inspected the HVAC system and discovered there was no fresh air input into the building. None. No fresh air - just the same old air being breathed in and out. It was like being in the car with 4 kids all day with the recirculate on.

They got some tools out and worked on it and they said they "fixed" the problem and it should be better now. But it wasn't any better. So they checked it again on Monday and reported that the filter was very clogged and the fresh air intake damper was not all the way open and it should work now. But as I sit here, the issue is still not fixed. I want some more coffee, need to go for a walk and try and salvage the day. At home, the coffee is better, maybe I should just stay there and work.

Randy Merkley

2008-09-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

With the Chilliwack Bruins season just starting, Chilliwack got their first experience with Randy Merkley, the new Bruins radio voice.

Following the Kamloops game on Saturday, where Randy called his first game here, the discussion boards were buzzing with high ratings. I think he's going to bring another level of passion to an already impassioned hockey town.

Before the game on Saturday he was working the rink doing interviews. At one point, while interviewing a coach, he was so involved with the interview he didn't notice that a Zamboni just about ran him over - what did bother him is that interview may have been affected by the engine noise. Great moment.

Here is a write up in the Chilliwack Progress on Merkley's arrival:

In three years of existence, the Chilliwack Bruins have rolled three different guys through the radio play-by-play role.

In year one, veteran Denny Larochelle handled the gig, followed by Dave Sheldon in year two.

This year, it’s Randy Merkley, and here’s hoping he hangs onto the job for a while, because it’s a position crying out for stability.

“Yeah, I’ll agree with that one,” said radio colour man Jacob Bestebroier, who called his first game with Merkley Saturday night. “I think that’s why Randy’s a good hire. It’s a big move for him and I don’t see him going back the other way any time soon.” More here.

Year Book Pictures

2008-09-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

I have to be honest, it took me a while to graduate from high school. Here are all my high school grad pictures.

This Week

2008-09-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

the week that was: it felt like a great week. the bruins won in OT on saturday, we are deep into the new series and i feel like i have a handle on it now, had some difficult/sensitive conversations, i figured out some technical stuff with the website, glad the belay analogy wasn't a gong show on sunday (but podcast didn't record), we had a great elder's meeting, and our first youth event at the corn maze got things going - it's going to be a great year.

on my to-do list this week: date with Patti tonight, sermon on value #2, prepare materials for bruins chaplaincy promotion, get material ready for youth sunday night at the youth barn, keep going on fixing and updating the web site, pending bruins chapel (first one) and visit some people.

procrastinating about: lots of projects at home that need attention.

book i’m in the midst of: subversive spirituality (eugene peterson), my amazon shipment will be picked up friday!

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: U2, Creed, Bill Marley and Brian Doerkson's today

how i’m feeling about this week: good, dreading somethings, but this will be a building week. maybe i'll get my CT scan appointment booked this week ...

Your Home's Address

2008-09-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

About 4 years ago, our family moved from Los Angeles to Chilliwack. The moving truck left a few days before we did, and we drove up the I-5 and got to the Canadian border crossing. We had to declare our items, and take care of some paper work associated with moving from one country to another. It helped that we had lived in BC before and that I am a Canadian citizen. When all the paper work was finished and they gave us the approval for entering into the country, we stepped back from the counter and then the immigration officer said to me, “Welcome Home.”

Those words drew considerable emotion from me right then and I have often reflected why.

It could be that I was Canadian and was living in the US for 5 years and now I was returning back to Canada, even BC the province I was born in. That certainly had a part to it but I don't think all of it.

I think there is more to it. Near the end of our time in Los Angeles I experienced personal trouble associated with my work as a pastor. Conflict developed between myself and my co-worker and a few others. We both believed in our positions and they concluded I was a bad person and developed a campaign of sorts to make sure I was “exposed” and that I would leave.

So, when I heard the words “Welcome Home” it was like God saying, "It will be different now. It will be better. I am with you. Your safe here."

Don’t get me wrong. I loved Los Angeles, the weather, good friends, surf, the city – it was home to us. We were not looking to leave, but suddenly our home was no longer there, but here.

I don’t think finding your home has much to do with the address you live at.

Home has more to do with the condition of our heart than the address on the house.

Brother Lloyd Is Now A Doctor!

2008-09-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

Lloyd (my brother in Des Moines) successfully defended his dissertation late last week!

"We’re just back from Minneapolis where we spent the last 36 hours. We were there for Lloyd to defend his dissertation to his dissertation committee. “Defend! Defend! Yea!” “The closest thing to sport in years”, says Lloyd. “Defend” is exactly what he did yesterday afternoon, from 1:00-2:30PM. And he did well! He passed with flying colors, and is now officially DONE with the dissertation process ... " More here.

michael phelps and genetics

2008-09-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

This puts the drug issue to rest. More here.

This Week

2008-09-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

the weekend that was: it was a whirrrr. i remember looking last week into the week thinking, if I make through, it'll be a miracle. so, miracles or miracles i'm here. filled with Bruins stuff, youth, website (it's up now check it out here), council meeting, sermon writing, house projects, and Patti being away all weekend.

on my to-do list this week: learn how to make forms on the website, learn how to tell itunes there is a new podcast, date with Patti tonight, read and write, elder's meeting thursday night.

procrastinating about: looking for office space (still).

book i’m in the midst of: missional leader (roxburgh) and i'm waiting for my amazon shipment to arrive :-)

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: catchy tunes by metro station, david crowder

how i’m feeling about this week: good, some stuff has already got motion and others need some more work yet (youth).

thx to marko for this idea ...

advice for matt

2008-09-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

Matt's been "in college" for a couple of weeks now. It's going pretty good for him, he's digging his classes, meeting new people and he bought a new winter coat - which is good since he is in Saskatchewan.

We have talked a few times on skype and we trade stories, he shares his experiences etc. It's all thrown me back to my college days (82-86) at Dordt College.

So, I have some advice for Matt about going to a Christian college. It's really important he gets this. I got it from here.

If you live on campus at a Christian college, and you didn't go to church one Sunday and you want to go to the cafeteria for lunch, you better dress up. You better throw on a pair of khakis or a skirt or something else that doesn't instantly scream "I am a sleepy heathen." You wear shorts? People are going to know you didn't go to church. You wear flip flops? People are going to know you didn't go to church.

It doesn't matter if you went to a Saturday night service or are going Sunday night or go to a church where jeans and flip flops are the norm, you're going to get some looks. And maybe at your school, people have developed highly sensitive "that dude dressed up so it would look like he went to church" radar. What to do then? Fear not. I came up with four new ways to look like you went to church.

1. Carry bulletins with you.
When you reach for a meal in your school cafeteria, casually drop a church bulletin out of your pocket. Act like you're surprised it's there, as if you just rushed in from church and forget you even had it with you.

2. Use loads of "church" words and puns.
Everyone knows that on Sundays, the food they serve in college cafeterias is just the food no one ate during the week with a layer of cheese melted over it. Same thing happens at camp. That doesn't mean you can't describe it with really silly church words and puns. Say things like, "Our corn is an awesome corn, its grains, are on top of my plate." Or "I'm not sure I understand the systematic theological implications of sitting on this side of the cafeteria." People will over hear you, especially judgmental people because they have pretty phenomenal hearing, and will think, "Wow, that lady sure sounds churchy. She must have gone this morning."

3. Show up in a group.
If you show up to the cafeteria alone, people are going to know you didn't go to church. That's why it's better to arrive in a group. There's great strength in numbers. Grab a few other friends that are going to the Sunday night service or just went to bedside Baptist. Work out a plan and then show up all together as if you were on your way to a restaurant after church but then remembered the cafeteria is delicious too so instead headed there. Designate a "key carrier," who can swing a set of car keys around to give the impression there's a car involved. That adds a nice touch of realism.

4. Wear a guitar.
Forget looking like you went to church, pretend you actually played some music while you were there. Just walk through the line of food, grabbing things on your tray, knocking plates off with your guitar, bumping into people and saying, "whoa, sorry about that, musician here."

Hopefully those will work for you like they did for friends I had at Samford University. I personally didn't use these methods when I was there. I was too busy church hopping, but that's a whole other story.

This Week

2008-09-08T10:14:00.000-07:00

thx to marko for this idea ...

the weekend that was: a bit of a scramble week trying to line up new things for the fall and preparing the last sermon "exposed" of the "no ordinary joe" series. we started draining our canadian tire pool yesterday.

where i am at the moment: church office, in front of my imac working on the church's new web site.

on my to-do list this week: finish new web site, continue to sketch out the "church without walls series", prepare our 8-10 new youth leaders for the upcoming fall season, council meeting thursday night, try to figure out how to make a podcast. date with my wife tonight.

procrastinating about: looking for office space.

book i’m in the midst of: the tangible kingdom, halter and smay; breaking the missional code, stetzer and putman.

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: haven't opened itunes yet.

how i’m feeling about this week: cautiously optimistic - some projects are going to come together this week - youth, new site, and new series

Welcome Holly Autumn!

2008-09-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

We want to welcome Holly Autum into this world!

She is a beautiful baby girl, born to Jeff and Maria! She was born Sunday, Aug 17 - 8 lbs 6 oz.

Gowning Around

2008-09-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

I've been following Cam's blog as he vividly describes his battle with cancer.

Today he put up this great post about the hospital gown:

I was reminded today how significant the humble hospital gown is. Its power is amazing.

There are two kinds of gowns I am familiar with. One has three arm holes in it - yes, three, and yes, arms. I am not sure how many other people have embarrassed themselves trying to squeeze their head through the middle arm hole, wrestling about half-naked in a change room with the flimsy floral curtain does little to contain the frantic gasping breaths that accompany claustrophobia. But I know a friend of mine has. Um, then there is the other kind of gown - the one that if you do happen to put it on back-to-front you get to the lowest and final tie before thinking, “Hang on, that can’t be right! Surely?” It happened to another friend of mine.

There are few things in this world that have the power to annul social standing, economic welfare, education achievements, professional accolades or culture affiliation. The hospital gown, with it’s mysterious powers, seems to achieve such disarmament with incredible ease.

After many frustrations experiencing what a hospital gown allows to be revealed to the world, I think it is not recognised enough for what it can hide.

Day-surgery patients, whose conversations rarely get to the next level of conversation after hospital food and the weather, may be in conversation with others they would never know how to relate to in the real world. Every attempt to identify yourself in society has been left behind.

You can’t even vary your garment. You can’t roll up your sleeves to say you’re relaxed at the end of a day, you can’t unbutton your shirt to say you loved the 70’s, you can’t roll your skirt up to show off your legs. It is how it is. You become refreshingly un-categorizable . People’s response to you then has to rely on your countenance and the words that you speak. You come away feeling more connected with people than you expected, and all without having to present your identity through what is worn or adorned.

Such is the power of the hospital gown.

This Week

2008-09-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

thx to marko for this idea ...

the weekend that was: last week i used the last 5 days of vacation. we visited southside church, kassi had a tournament and lost the gold game in the last 2 minutes - heartbreaker. had a wonderful visit with cousins from florida: terri and al.

where i am at the moment: church office, in front of my powerbook g4

on my to-do list this week: get organized, weed through the 150+ emails, write last "Ordinary Joe" message for sunday, rebuild and plan youth ministry, continue to re-build heartland web site, continue to map out the fall series "church without walls." install skype to keep up with matt, council meeting on thursday, keep searching for new office space.

procrastinating about: probably everything, since i've been away last week ...

book i’m in the midst of: transforming mission, david bosch; rainbow 6, clancy; the tangible kingdom, halter and smay.

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: ramones, david crowder

how i’m feeling about this week: anxious and out of control - overwhelming to have everything hit you at once.

he has left the building

2008-08-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

Matt has left the nest. Welcome back anytime yes, but this is the big first of leaving - off to college. I waved good-bye and when the car was out of site, I went to my room and wept. Not a surprise that I would feel this deep saying good-bye to my oldest. Right now, I can identify a few thoughts and feelings that bring on the strong emotions.

One of the them is pure fear. This summer there have been four deaths of teenagers in our small community. Drowning, stabbing, gun shot etc. The worst fear of any adult is to loose their children prematurely. For the families that lost theirs they are going through the most difficult thing a parent can go through. Matt is away from our home now, and will be making his own choices. I can't protect him anymore. He is on his own.

Another feeling is loss. He is now gone. We raise these kids. We feed them, cloth them, correct them, enjoy them, educate them, beg them to clean their rooms, sow into their lives and have the immense joy of seeing them become the person God intends then we wave good-bye. Wow, it's harsh to say good-bye.

Then there is thankfulness that we got him this far. Before we had kids, Patti and I talked long and hard about the type of home we want to bring kids into. We wanted a home where independence was learned, there is freedom to become their own person - yet appropriate guidance and consequences when defiance crept in. We wanted a home where our children would grow up watching two adults in love with each other and God. Where we risked, trusted God and did our best to live out our faith. We wanted our faith to be contagious. And for them to know God and respect him. And for Matt we see how our attempts at creating this home has positively affected him. He is a spirit filled man, a person of independence and understands consequences. I am thankful for the mission to guide and fill his life for 18 years.

The car was filled to the roof with his stuff. Guitars, keyboard, amp, patch cords, computer equipment, clothes, and his blankets. All the stuff that helps him be him. He has a wicked sense of creativity. His canvas has been many mediums - drawing, painting, poetry, photography, typography, philosophy, but his main expression is music and poetry. Thus the three guitars, midi keyboard and laptop stuffed with Reason. He wants to make music. More music.

So, may God give him courage, anointing, and blessing as he pursues his life's calling. As he sits under the teaching of others, may God shape his soul.

"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6

Make A Wish Foundation and Tony Hawk

2008-08-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

We took the Jetta down to Seattle to meet up with Ben and his family. Ben was nominated to the Make a Wish Foundation and when asked his wish he replied I want to meet Tony Hawk. This is where Ben and I are similar. We like skateboarding. Like Ben, I started skateboarding at the tender age of 6. I think I was the only skateboarder in Terrace at that time. I did skate ramps, pipes but mostly street and downhill. I even competed. I did win one competition (I was the only entry).

Yesterday, Seattle was beautiful. Not to hot and no rain. We all took a walk through pikes market. The original starbucks was great and so was the gum wall. I had to haul James away from the wall.

The Tony Hawk event, where Make A Wish set up to met Tony Hawk, was his Boom Boom Huck Jam event. Ben and his family were VIPs and went back stage to meet personally with Tony. They asked him questions and got autograph's and pics with Tony. Ben was star struck and didn't say or do much except stare. It was a great experience for him.

The huck jam was alright. Didn't know if I was at a Tony Hawk thing or a commercial for t-mobile. So much corporate presence that it took away from the show. Tony Hawk was aweseome. He still has it. Can he skate a pipe. Wow.

It was a busy day, but Patti and I were really happy to see Har, Terri and the kids again. We enjoy being with them and especially with this special time for Ben, it was special to see it all happen.

We got home quite late and they are still in Seattle planning to have dinner on the top of the space needle.

hair spray and prayer

2008-08-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

Our Van has been giving us lots of troubles lately - it's 2003 Honda Odyssey. We bought it over a year ago with the thought, lets get a good van and minimize our repairs. It cost us way more than I ever dreamed of paying for a vehicle. I hate dealing with vehicles. Some people like it, I don't. When something goes wrong, I cringe. I hate it that they depreciate in value so quickly. Sometimes you get a good one, and other times they are horrible.

We had trouble with the A/C and had it repaired along with the timing belt and water pump. Big bill. The A/C never really worked after that. So we brought it back it. Another bill. Then we drove it to Seattle this past weekend. The A/C quit again. This is getting old.

On our way back to Chilliwack, with the windows down and the kids cranky from the heat, a huge continuous sound starts coming from under the hood. Lights on the dash are blinking, and it starts smelling like the van has internal problems. Never a good smell. It's 11 at night and we pull into a gas station. Being the man of the house I put my head under the hood and start pretending I know what I'm doing. Poking, looking, prodding - doing something cause we are 1 hour from home and I'm leading two services the next day. My mind starts racing, do we get a hotel, do we sleep in the van, do we hitch hike, do I set it on fire ... there isn't a mechanic open, sober or awake at this hour. No clue what to do.

Out of the gas station an older man walks towards me. He has a sweat stained ball cap and is about 6'5" and asks is there anything wrong. So, I told him everything I knew - there is something wrong with the engine. He came over poked, prodded, looked - but I got the sense he knew what he was doing. He asked if I had any hair spray. I was glad to do something so I got Patti's hair spray and handed it to him. At this point I didn't know if hair spray was something that most mechanics use to fix engines. I wanted to ask what it was for, but risked blowing my cover of someone who knew something about mechanics - like most people do.

As he sprayed the hair spray into the engine compartment, the noise got a little less noisy and he said you should be good to go. After seeing the puzzled look on my face, he added the belt was loose and the hair spray made it stick, you should be able to limp home. We shook hands and I asked him what his name was, he said Ralph. I wondered if there angels with the name Ralph.

So we got going and the noise was still very loud - the loud type that cars in the opposite direction are staring at us when they pass by. After about 20 minutes of this the noise just stopped and the van sounded like it didn't have any problems at all. I looked over at Patti and she looked at me and we both asked each other the same question at the same time, where you praying? We both answered yes.

We got home, thanked God for getting us home safely. The next morning, which is Sunday, I went out to start the van, and again a huge noise. So we packed everything up into the Jetta and drove to church. We had a guitar, keyboard, keyboard stand and 5 of us in the Jetta. Levi was in the trunk. James was crying cause he wanted to be in the trunk instead of Levi.

Now, the van is back at the shop. And the mechanic is probably praying in thanks to God for providing him an income yet another day. The mechanic's name is Ralph. I don't think he's an angel. But we'll see.

Make A Wish Foundation

2008-08-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

We are going to see Ben next week in Seattle. This will be the first time since he was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma over two years ago. Patti saw him about a year ago at a relay for life event in Nebraska but even tho I bic'd my hair in his support, I haven't seem him.

The Make a Wish Foundation got a hold of his story and raised a funds and awareness for Ben. He was asked was his wish was. His reply? "I want to meet Tony Hawk." Sweet.

Ben is a skater and when he was receiving treatments, he played a lot of Tony Hawk Pro Skater in the hospital. I personally really like that game.

So, Ben's time has come for his wish to come true. There is a Tony Hawk thing in Seattle next week and we are going to meet up with Ben and his family.

Should be a great time. Ben has his flow back and is doing great.

Golfing In August

2008-08-14T08:44:00.000-07:00

Went golfing yesterday with two friends.

Cultus lake golf course was beautiful. Too bad my game wasn't. August is the best month of the year for me in BC. The weather is perfect, the gardens and trees are in their full glory and I feel better in August than any other month. I find I sleep better, more creative, writing comes easier and August can be a laid back month so connections with people are easier.

The Chilliwack Bruins players come back into town, the office staff is working hard and there is an air of expectation within the rink. In my line of work, August is a month of planning and preparing for the next 8-10 months. I'm visioning and imagining what we as a church could engage in, planning a fall teaching series and inviting people into organized service work.

Golfing in August is awesome. Even when my game stinks.

Update From Dorothy

2008-08-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Well I have been home for a week and things are going good. I am starting to gain some strength and energy back and my blood work is working its way back up again. I still have to be careful as my immune system is still compromised and my neutrophils have a ways to go yet. Riley and Jayden came home last night so once again we are together as a family. We are so thankful for all God has done for us and brought us through and we are thankful to all of you for your many prayers and gifts of love. I will not find out results in terms of a remission until around the 100 day mark. We are now at day 23 (post transplant) so a while to wait yet. At that time they will repeat some of the tests ie bone marrow biopsy and CT scan to determine where things are at. For now we are enjoying the blessings of home and family!

Love Dorothy

Funerals

2008-08-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

I've been to two funerals within a week.

One was Aunt Shelly, from Oak Harbor Washington. She died of liver disease. Long battle with liver trouble that ended just days after our family re-union. We attended her funeral last week Wednesday. It was a celebration of life. Her family was there, friends and church members all came to celebrate her life. She was a mother, grandmother and she leaves behind her husband Frank. Grief and sorrow are all difficult emotions to have. They come in force when a loved one dies.

I noticed this again this morning. This time the funeral was for a 17 year old boy who died tragically. Zac's life was ended -- early. There was an overwhelming sense of grief, deep inconsolable was grief present at the memorial service for Zac. A young vibrant young man who everyone loved and connected deeply with. He was part of the hockey community in Chilliwack and the Bruins and Chilliwack Minor hockey people were present. The large church was near full with young people and friends.

It was an overwhelming time for me of hearing others recount his life and witnessing the emotions of those closest to him as they shared their memories.

I was struck with the legacy that both a grandmother and young man leaves. At the memorial services there was memories and positive stories of the deceased. Lives were touched and changed by their lives. We have that effect on others.

We all leave a legacy. A 17 year old and a 57 year old left a legacy for all to remember. During our time here, we often doubt our impact on this world and other's lives. We ask do our lives really matter? That question get's answered at times like a funeral. The deceased are like a seed that produce a harvest of lessons and life change.

May we not forget -- those we love and that our lives do matter.

Heartland Church Camp

2008-08-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

Alright, its time to load up the trunk, wheelbarrow, rv, or whatever it takes to get you and your camping gear down to Vedder River Campground:

5215 Giesbrecht Rd
Chilliwack V2R 4R1
tel: 1-604-823-6012

Heartland has the group site on the left book on August 8-10 (Friday to Sunday). This is an annual event, and yes it will be tons of FUN!

Some of the specifics:

Campground is open to us 12:00 noon on Friday, August 8th
We have the campground booked until after the noon hour potluck on Sunday, August 10th.
Yes, there will be horseshoes and I have to warn you, I came in last, last year.
Bring food for the potluck which will be after the worship service on Sunday.
Worship service will be at 10:30am Sunday.
Take along games, bikes, and Clayton may bring his quad.
Bring lawn chairs for the Service on Sunday.

Pastor (who can't play horseshoes) Mike

Dorothy's Home

2008-08-04T18:21:00.000-07:00

Dorothy is home at last.

Here is an email Stan sent out;

Hello Everyone,

Dorothy came home on Thursday. We are very glad to be home in our own environment. What a blessing home is! Dorothy has to go in for regular visits to the outpatient department at Vancouver General for bloodwork, dressing changes, and a brief nursing assessment to be sure everything continues to go OK. The big thing is to be sure that the blood counts continue to increase towards normal values.

Unfortunately until her counts are closer to normal values she cannot be around people and has to be very careful of infections.

We are thankful to be home and pray that God will continue to bless Dorothy with strength, energy and increased blood counts.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers, cards, phone calls and emails.

Stan

Let's continue to pray for her full recovery!

Summer and Stuff

2008-07-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

The blog until recently has been pretty slow. Sorry about that. Here are a few things we have been up to:

Matt is working framing chicken barns. He is preparing to go to college to study music and worship arts.
Kassi is playing a ton of soccer for the Fraser Valley Action soccer club this summer. She is also working at Decades as barrista.
Levi is currently at Creation fest with his snowboarding buds, Rob and John. He has a budding lawn mowing buisness going to fund his interests.
James finished his first season playing baseball and he is a ton of fun to have around.
We spend a week away with some good friends at a cabin on a lake. We had a great time.
Patti's family is starting to arrive. We have a family reunion on Mon-Wed.
Heartland continues to thrive. We are in summer mode, but I'm working on plans for the fall.
We are going to redesign the youth ministry. We learned a ton last year by the mistakes I made and we are looking forward to the best year yet.
Our office space lease has been up for over a year now, and we continue to search for new office and ministry space. Tough to find something within our budget that will be sufficient for the next 5 years.
I'm working on a series for the fall, you'll hear more about it later.
This spring and summer I've been doing pre-marrital counseling for 5 couples. That means four weddings this summer (the other one is while I'm on vacation).
I'm teaching a "going public" class for students that want to profess their faith this summer. It's been a great class.
I'm now officially on holidays until after the long weekend.

Walter "the rack" and Dorothy

2008-07-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

Patti and I just got back from visiting Stan and Dorothy at Vancouver General Hospital.

It was so good to seem them. Due to being out of town and a massively busy weekend, we have not been able to go see them until now. They have been there for about 2 weeks now. Dorothy looked good today. Her "levels" are still very low and she does not have any immune system right now as a result. They are predicting the levels will begin to rise in the next few days. They have been saying that by Monday or Tuesday she will be out of the woods. That will be 10 days after the stem cell transplant.

We continue to pray for Dorothy, Stan and the family. They are in good hands.

She is on the 15th floor and they have a great view of false creek and the Vancouver skyline. The world class fireworks are tonight and they should have a perfect view of the whole show.

She introduced us to "Walter." Walter is a rack full of bags of stuff that slowly get dripped into her system. She doesn't go anywhere without Walter. Yesterday, with the blood transfusion, there were a few more bags on there. Stan says he can live with Walter for now, but he must go soon :-)

Update On Dorothy

2008-07-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update from Stan and Dorothy (from Linette):

Dorothy’s blood levels are very low right now – she had her first blood transfusions yesterday of platelets and hemoglobin so hopefully that will give her a bit more energy today.

She continues to struggle with painful mouth sores (from the chemo) that are difficult to heal due to the low white blood cell count and she also has a low fever which they are watching carefully.

Continue to pray for strength and healing and for the blood levels to start climbing. The days are passing slowly for Dorothy right now, but each day is one day closer to her blood levels starting to climb!

Once again, thanks from the family for all of your prayers, support, cards and emails!

For those who are helping with housecleaning on Thursday, we will meet at Stan and Dorothy’s around 9:00 am. Bring buckets and rags please. See you then!

Chilliwack City Wide Service

2008-06-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

The city-wide worship service is June 22nd, at 11:00am at the Prospera Center. Heartland's Sunday gathering will not be at Vedder Middle School this week, but will be with the rest of the city on Sunday.

Grad 2008

2008-06-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

It seems like just yesterday that I graduated from high school (grad 82!) and now my oldest son, Matthew, graduated last week.

Here are some photos.

It's Just Garbage

2008-05-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

John, Wim, Tim and a few others did some organizing and a bunch of us cleaned up a road on Saturday. It only took about 1.5 hours and we collected 12 bags of garbage from road side ditches.

Most of it came from fast food places. Levi even found a roll-up-the-rim-to-win cup with a free coffee.

Do Less Than Fix

2008-05-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

The "Compassion Today" magazine is delivered to our mailbox and a fellow blogger, Darrel Dash wrote a compelling article about his reflections after a trip to Compassion project.

It's frustrating to see poverty firsthand. The issues are complex, and there are no easy answers.

I have seen poverty up close a few times and yes, it is frustrating. Everything in me says stay, "Do something, this is not right!" But at the same time I realize there isn't much you can do to fix the problems and provide solutions to their situation.

Maybe we are called to do less than fix. Sometime the most profound thing that we can do is love a person, even if we can't fix everything. When Jesus spoke of the poor, he spoke in terms I can understand: offering water to the thirsty, feeding the poor, clothing the naked. he didn't use fixing terms. I can do more than love and care, but I can do less.

For me this helps us get started. Love and care. We may not be able to fix and solve global problems, but we can live the gospel within the kingdom. We can show up and be present and love like Christ did.