a stranger in this land

Ghosting!

2010-02-27T18:38:00.001-06:00

Here's a video of Hamish & Andy from The Tonight Show back when Jay Leno hosted... err... well... anyway, it's from some time ago. Funny stuff! Check it out!

Beyond the Shame: Mocha Club Webisode 11

2010-01-08T17:29:00.005-06:00

Man... I love these guys! Check out this video about a ministry making a real difference in the lives of women in Ethiopa. To partner with Mocha Club, check out their website at mochaclub.org.

Let Us Keep to the Point

2010-01-02T07:52:00.002-06:00

"When we think seriously about what it will cost others if we obey the call of Jesus, we tell God He doesn’t know what our obedience will mean. Keep to the point— He does know. Shut out every other thought and keep yourself before God in this one thing only— my utmost for His highest. I am determined to be absolutely and entirely for Him and Him alone."
- Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest, Jan 1.

Clean Water Africa PSA

2009-12-31T08:55:00.002-06:00

This is a very powerful video that I've seen on a few blogs I read. It features Jennifer Connelly and shows what would happen if New York City's tap water went dry. What if everyone in New York had to walk to find water... just like millions in Africa do every single day. This video will make you think about how fortunate we are here in the US and will move you to want to help others around the world who don't have access to clean water.

If you'd like to donate some money to make a difference, visit Blood:Water Mission , Mocha Club, or Charity:Water.

"Threw it on the Ground" Spoof

2009-12-29T19:51:00.002-06:00

The Youth Ministry of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas did a spoof on the SNL bit "Threw it on the Ground". This is pretty funny. Check it out.

I love our Youth Worker Team!

2009-12-05T11:13:00.003-06:00

We had our annual Youth Worker Christmas Party last night. It was so much fun to be together. We ate together, read Scripture together, prayed together, and played the White Elephant Gift Game. I haven't laughed that hard in a while. I love hanging out with the adults who serve on our team. It's such blessing to serve alongside them and to watch them invest in students. I truly believe that one of the highest callings on the entire planet is to advance the Kingdom of God by investing your life in students. Loving students, walking with them in good times and bad, teaching them the Bible, praying with them, laughing with them, cheering them on, encouraging them, and praying that each one of them grows to be a fully devoted follower of Christ. What an awesome thing to give your life to!

Here are a few pics from our party last night. I love you guys and I'm so thankful to be serving with you!

Crazy Beard?

2009-11-17T10:33:00.004-06:00

Neil (our other Student Ministry staff guy) and I are growing burly festive beards for "No-Shave November." I'm probably keeping my all the way through the New Year's Day holiday and then I'll shave it all off.

I got the link to this video from the YS email update this morning. You have to see this... so ridiculous!!!

Youth MiniStarZ

2009-11-10T23:06:00.004-06:00

This is HILARIOUS!!! If you went to Student Life Camp, you'll recognize the song. This is a MUST listen to all of those who work with students. I think you'll laugh all the way through... pure greatness!

The Principle of the Path

2009-11-10T22:46:00.004-06:00

"Your direction, not your intention, determines your destination."
- Andy Stanley

This is a quote from Andy's book called "The Principle of the Path". God is using this quote to cause me to evaluate once again... who I really am, what I'm doing with my life, and the choices I make with my life. Good intentions are nice, but they don't really have the impact we think they do. Life is about direction. It doesn't just happen by accident. Is your life about direction... or simply having good intentions?

God is at work in Zambia... and in my heart

2009-10-21T22:53:00.005-05:00

God is leading our Student Ministry to go to Zambia next summer! We have 2 teams going and both of them will be made up of youth, youth workers, and parents. I'm really excited because my wife Jen and I will get to go together on a team. I'm so pumped about this! It's a continuation of what God has been doing in my heart over the last several years. I can't wait to see what He does in our students, in our youth workers, in my wife, and in my life. Please pray for us as we begin the process of putting this together. Ask God to give me wisdom. Also, please pray for the people of Zambia who need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Middle School Ministry

2009-10-16T16:53:00.004-05:00

Our Student Ministry is moving to a new phase in August 2010. We're pulling up the 6th graders into our ministry, but we're shifting how we're structured. Rather than having 6th-12th graders all together, we're moving to 2 separate ministries. We'll have a Middle School Ministry for students in 6th-8th grades and a High School Ministry for students in 9th-12th grades. This will help us reach more students effectively and strategically. We can program for Middle School students at their level and have events for them that are fun, interactive and still reach them with the gospel. The same will be true for our High School students.

I'm really excited about the transition that's coming and I'm looking foward to seeing what God is going to do through this. I'm reading books and listening to talks on Middle School Ministry as much as possible to get input on this process. Right now I'm reading the new book by Mark Oestreicher & Scott Rubin called "Middle School Ministry". It's fantastic! I recommend it to all Middle School Youth Workers out there. It's been very helpful. Here's a pic of the cover of the book.

Please pray for me and our Student Ministry Leadership as we walk through this time leading up to the transition. I have a huge need for wisdom from God so we can be effective in our ministry.

"When Love Takes You In"

2009-09-25T20:41:00.006-05:00

God used this video from Steven Curtis Chapman in our lives back in 2004 as a part of the process in leading us to adopt. I thank God for Steven Curtis. He has such a persevering faith in Jesus Christ and a huge heart for seeing orphans find families. Here are a couple of videos sharing God the Father's heart for adoption.

I invite you to take the time to watch these videos. God used them to change my life.

Here's Steven Curtis sharing their story about adoption...

and then the song "When Love Takes You In".

Our Purpose Statement...

2009-09-18T16:53:00.009-05:00

The Purpose Statement for our Student Ministry is....

"We exist to REACH non-believing students, to CONNECT them with other Christians, to help them GROW in their faith, and to challenge the growing to SERVE in ministry and HONOR God with their lives."

This Purpose Statement isn't simply something we put on a parent letter or a banner, although we do those things. It's more than a nice summary of what we do. This Purpose Statement summarizes why we exist as a Student Ministry. We are passionate about this statement. We bleed it. We create, evaluate, and tweak programs and events based on how effectively we're carrying out this Purpose Statement. Each of the 5 elements of this Purpose Statement are rooted in Scripture and are vital in order to see students move from being lost to being life-long Christ followers.

Does your ministry have a purpose? Are you so busy planning and carrying out events that you neglect the greater question of why have the events?

For more info on this, be sure to check out the classic youth ministry book "Purpose Driven Youth Ministry" by Doug Fields. God's used this book in my life and in my ministry in many ways. I'm so thankful to Doug for writing it and sharing the ideas with others. If you've never read it, get it today and read it. If you have read it but it's been awhile, grab it off your shelf and read it again. I recently reread it again and learned things I missed the other times I've read it. This is a "must have" for all Youth Pastors out there!

"Scenes" by Charlie Hall... just can't get this song out of my head!

2009-08-31T09:40:00.005-05:00

Our worship leader for Student Life Camp was Charlie Hall and God used him in incredible ways while we were there. It was an amazing week. God has been using his music in my life in huge ways since then. Charlie has a song on his latest CD "The Bright Sadness", which you DEFINITELY need to buy, called "Scenes". This song talks about how we can see God in every scene of our lives if we will simply look. We see His presence in creation, nature, friends, the poor, our family, and even more. Over the past 4-5 days, I've been listening to the song non-stop and doing exactly what the song talks about. I'm looking for God the Father in every scene of my life. And I'm finding Him. He continues to remind me of His love, His presence, His goodness, and His right to have all I am. I thank the LORD today for Charlie Hall and for this amazing song which is causing me to slow down, look around with intentionality, and to be reminded of our Mighty God.

Take a minute and open this in a new window to listen to the song and read through these lyrics... so amazing!!

Scenes by Charlie Hall

Chill and cold and flakes of snow
Ice and sleet, and frost and cold
Each storm cloud and thunderbolt
Lifts my mind to You

Every work and every power
Every second of every hour
Fall of dew in sweet rain showers
Lifts my mind to You

The summer wind, fire and heat
Autumn leaves and blooms of spring
Ocean waves and mountain streams
Lifts my mind to you

I see you in every scene
I bet you are thinking about me
I have such a short memory
So you keep reminding me of you

I see you in every scene
I bet you are thinking about me
I have such a short memory
So you keep reminding me of you

As I lay me down to sleep
As I walk on city streets
As I laugh with friends and feast
It lifts my mind to you

As my children play and run
In the news with wars and guns
In the church where songs are sung
It lifts my mind to you

Deep inside the beggar's eyes
As for sweet love I fight
On the radio at night
It lifts my mind to you

I see you in every scene
I bet you are thinking about me
I have such a short memory
So you keep reminding me of you

I see you in every scene
I bet you are thinking about me
I have such a short memory
So you keep reminding me of you

Painting pictures of your love
You lift my mind up
Reminding me of you
My heart comes alive

Painting pictures of your love
You lift my mind up
Reminding me of you
My heart comes alive

I see you in every scene
I bet you are thinking about me
I have such a short memory
So you keep reminding me of you

I see you in every scene
I bet you are thinking about me
I have such a short memory
So you keep reminding me of you

Welcome to our new 7th graders!

2009-08-29T20:28:00.004-05:00

We welcomed in our new 7th graders one week ago at Bridge Weekend! Bridge Weekend is a retreat led by our Student Leadership Team and is for our incoming 7th graders. Our SLT does everything for the retreat...leads Bible studies, worship, games, testimonies, prayer, cooking the meals, and most importantly, connecting with our 7th graders. The purpose for this weekend is for our 7th graders to feel connected. If they come away from Bridge Weekend feeling like they're known, loved, and a part of this ministry, then we hit a home run.

Thankfully, that's exactly what happened. It was a fantastic weekend! We love our new 7th graders and I'm excited to see what God is going to do in their lives in the years to come. I'm in my 11th year of Student Ministry and it's so amazing to look at all that God has done in the lives of the students who've passed through our ministry over the years. I pray that these 7th graders become men and women who grow to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ who have a huge heart for people... both here in the San Antonio area and all around the planet. Please take for a moment to stop and pray for our 7th graders that they'll become all that God wants them to be.

Blood:Water Mission - Back to School

2009-08-07T15:00:00.004-05:00

Blood:Water Mission Back To School Campaign from Blood:Water Mission on Vimeo.

This is a message from Matt Ward of BWM that I thought I'd share with you...

Right now many young girls in Africa DREAM of going to school. They aspire to sit in village classrooms with their pens and learn about a bigger world - mastering the skills they would need to make a better life for themselves and their families and communities. But something's standing in their way...

Girls are the ones responsible for making sure their family has water. And usually they have to walk for hours to find it leaving them little to no time for school. As a result, children may have no choice but to stay away.

$12 will free a girl from spending her day carrying water, giving her a chance to go to school. Visit www.bloodwatermission.com/backtoschool TODAY.

Watch the video. Share it with your friends and family. Download the resources and start your own campaign from your home, school, church, etc. Our kids don't have to be the only ones going back to school this year.

http://www.bloodwatermission.com/backtoschool

Student Life Camp '09

2009-07-31T17:02:00.003-05:00

We just returned from spending a week at Student Life Camp! It was incredible. We were led by Ben Stuart and Charlie Hall. They both did a fantastic job of leading us into the presence of God. Our students had a tremendous week. We grew much closer together and we saw high school juniors and seniors spending time with 7th & 8th graders... loving, encouraging, and mentoring them. It was amazing!

Student Life did an AMAZING JOB with both videos and drama throughout the week. They always nail it in these areas and once again they did a fantastic job. Here's an example of a funny one they did... Edwin's Corner covering the Camp Rules...

The theme was "FLIP" and we spent the week talking about Matthew 20:16 and how we are called by Christ to live a life opposite of our natural responses and opposite of how the world lives. It was one of the best camp themes I've ever seen. Great job Student Life!!!!

We continue to pray that our students follow through on the decisions they made at camp and that camp becomes a springboard to an amazing school year!

Today is International Justice Day

2009-07-17T10:22:00.003-05:00

Today is International Justice Day. Here's a fantastic video from Mocha Club sharing the heart behind it. I encourage you to take the 2 1/2 minutes and watch this video. Place your day on pause for a few moments and pray for those who are sick, poor, hurting, and in need of help. Now pray and ask God what He would have you to do become involved in making a difference in the world for those who are less fortunate than you are.

I invite you to join my Mocha Club team. For $7/month, you can have a huge impact! Here's what $7 will do...

Go to www.mochaclub.org/joinme/lokeyj to get signed up today! Let today be the day you choose to make a difference!

Loving Gypsies for Jesus - Romania Mission Trip '09 (Part 3)

2009-07-17T09:16:00.008-05:00

Here are a few more pics of our team sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with people from villages surrounding Braila, Romania.

Loving Gypsies for Jesus - Romania Mission Trip '09 (Part 2)

2009-07-14T05:46:00.016-05:00

Psalm 117
Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.

Here are some short videos from our time in Romania. It truly was an incredible time for our students, our youth workers, and for me.

This is a lady we met while out sharing the gospel on our mission trip to Romania. She is the only believer we came across while we were in this village and she encouraged us while we encouraged her. She needs our prayers... please take a moment and pray for her to stand firm in the Lord Jesus.

Here is one of the songs of praise we sang while we were in Romania. It's a Gypsy worship song and our team sang it with huge smiles on our faces.

Here's Julia leading out in Singin' in the Rain with the children. Even though there was a language barrier, they got into it!

Loving Gypsies for Jesus - Romania Mission Trip '09

2009-07-13T19:27:00.005-05:00

Here are some pics from our Student Ministry Mission Trip to Braila, Romania. We ministered to the Roma people, the gypsies. They're looked down upon by their own countrymen. They're very poor, very religious, and very lost. The trip was incredible. We shared the gospel with many, many people in the villages of Locul Dulce and Macin. We saw 10 people come to Christ while spreading the Word to dozens of others. Some heard and were very open while others slammed the door in our faces. Above all, we glorified Christ by going to the nations. I'm so proud of every member of our team. I love you guys and I can't wait to go again!

Here is our team!

This is the Banks family. They're missionaries there in Romania and we worked alongside. Wes is an old friend and it was so good to see him again, hang out and talk about Jesus again, and to be able to minister together.

Definitely true!

Josh & I got to share the gospel with these people.

This is a lady we met while sharing the gospel in Locul Dulce. She was the only believer we came across that day. She is passionate for Jesus Christ and encouraged us while we encouraged her. She needs our prayers b/c she faces so many challenges... please take a moment and pray for her.

Check out this cool t-shirt on this boy!

My new friend Yonots and me

This is a building on the Danube River in Braila that looks like R2-D2!

More pics to come and some video as well. I'm still processing everything and listening to what God has to say to me. What an incredible trip!!

Making a Difference

2009-06-26T12:51:00.003-05:00

Here's the new video from Jars of Clay for their song "Two Hands". It shows some highlights of their work in Africa with Blood:Water Mission. If you don't know much about Blood:Water, go to their website to find out more info. It's a tremendous ministry helping to bring real change... needed change... clean water and clean blood free of HIV/AIDS to hurting people. The people of Africa are beautiful and this video makes me smile while bringing a tear to my eye at the same time. Thank you Jars of Clay for making a difference in the world by advancing the Kingdom of God in a place full of despair and hopelessness.

Fantastic video... fantastic message in the song and in the video!!!

David Crowder* Band Rockumentary: Episode 3

2009-06-25T15:55:00.004-05:00

So... this is pretty much the funniest thing I've seen in a while. Check it out! Man... I love Crowder.

Life of Significance

2009-06-22T09:48:00.002-05:00

"Our greatest fear as individuals and as a church should not be of failure,
but of succeeding at things in life that really don't matter..."
- Tim Kizziar

Mission Arlington 2009

2009-06-17T22:22:00.002-05:00

Here's our highlight video from Mission Arlington! What an amazing week!!

Mission Trip to Mission Arlington

2009-06-13T20:39:00.009-05:00

We just got back this afternoon from our Student Ministry mission trip to Mission Arlington. It was an incredible trip with so many stories to tell. God answered our prayers in a mighty way. We served through leading Bible clubs, moving pallets of food, cleaning up a church after storm damage, and several other ways. God answered my prayers beyond I ever imagined.

Our key verses for this trip were 1 John 3:18 and also Matthew 9:36. Our students lived out both of these verses this week. It was fantastic! Thank you Jesus for unifying our team, bringing salvation to several people (including one student on our team), and allowing us to see people with a heart of compassion.

Congrats to the Class of 2009!

2009-06-01T20:22:00.002-05:00

Here's a pic of the graduating class of 2009 from FBC UC. You guys are a very special group of people to me. As you transition to college or the work force, I'm praying that you continue to walk with Jesus and that you live your life for His glory. You guys are going to be missed!

The Chair

2009-05-23T20:44:00.004-05:00

This is a classic Youth Ministry video from The Skit Guys called "The Chair". It's a skit about the different types of people who come into the Youth Minister's office to sit in "the chair" and talk to you. This is hilarious!!!

It's a great reminder of why we give our lives to minister to teenagers.

New Coldplay Live Album Free Download

2009-05-17T20:47:00.009-05:00

That's right... total awesomeness for free! Here's the link to get the album download... http://www.coldplay.com/lrlrl/lr.html. "The purpose of the free album was to show gratitude to fans. The band stated that "playing live is what we love" and that the album is "a thank you to our fans – the people who give us a reason to do it and make it happen."

The songs include some old ones and new ones... all are live. Here's the track listing:
1. "Glass of Water" – 4:43
2. "42" – 4:52
3. "Clocks" – 4:40
4. "Strawberry Swing" – 4:16
5. "The Hardest Part/Postcards from Far Away" – 4:15
6. "Viva la Vida" – 5:24
7. "Death Will Never Conquer" – 1:39
8. "Fix You" – 5:38
9. "Death and All His Friends" – 4:22

You gotta go get it. It's amazing!

Encouraging Parents

2009-05-08T11:05:00.005-05:00

This is a FANTASTIC article from Kurt Johnston, the Junior High Minister at Saddleback Church, about how we as Youth Ministers can be an encouragement to parents. Please take a minute to read this. It's from the book he and Scott Rubin, the Junior High Minister at Willow Creek, wrote called "Kurt & Scott's Junior High Adventure". I highly recommend this book to anyone who works with Junior Highers. It's awesome!

Big thanks to Kurt for the wisdom!!

Encouraging Parents
A few weeks ago I went to the local Starbucks for an early-morning writing session, and something unusual caught my attention.

I was the only person there for the first few minutes, but as I was digging my laptop out of its bag and setting up my mobile office, a middle-aged dad and his junior high-aged daughter came in, ordered a couple of drinks, and sat down at a table in the corner. For the next hour they talked, laughed, read the Bible, and prayed together. The fact that he was spending one-on-one time with his daughter, and that she seemed to be enjoying herself, got me thinking...

* Dads are important-especially to young girls. As I observed the interaction between dad and daughter, I was reminded of how vital a role dads play in the lives of their daughters. Sure it's important for moms to take their girls out to coffee, but girls also long for and need a healthy relationship with their dads.

* Junior high kids like quality time with their parents. They may not ask for it and they may not seem super excited when the idea is suggested, but junior high kids like spending time with Mom and Dad.

* The key to good quality time? Timing! My hunch is that the girl in Starbucks is a morning person. It's a natural time for her dad to target as quality time.

* Awkward moments are going to happen, and that's okay. As I watched their time together unfold, I noticed several moments of awkward silence when it was obvious neither the daughter nor the dad knew where to take the conversation. They'd sit quietly for a few moments and then one of them would push the conversation forward.

* Quality time is risky, but rewarding. Junior high kids are going to roll their eyes the first time a parent invites them to share a little one-on-one time, and the awkward moments can frazzle any parent. But the rewards far outweigh the risk.

Even parents who are good at this need encouragement. The next day I headed back to Starbucks and, much to my surprise, the father/daughter combo had beaten me there! An hour later, as they got up to leave, I decided to pull the dad aside to encourage him. I told him that I'm the dad of a junior high girl, too, and that seeing him spending quality time with his daughter encouraged me to do more of the same. His eyes watered up a little and with a crack in his voice he thanked me. "I know it's important and I'm trying to do it more often," he said. "Thanks for the encouragement."

How can youth ministers do a better job ministering to parents? One of the best ways is to simply encourage them in their journey. Maybe the story of the Starbucks dad is worth sharing with your kids' parents. Maybe the next time you catch them doing something great, you can tell them so.

KURT JOHNSTON is the junior high minister at Saddleback Church in California. He's written and contributed to several books, including Go Team!: 101 Ideas to Energize Youth Ministry Volunteers (Group Publishing, Inc.), which features a ton of great ideas on how to plug parents into your ministry.

Do you want to be a stepping stone?

2009-05-06T13:19:00.009-05:00

This quote came up yesterday in staff meeting and I just can't get it out of my mind. God is speaking to me through this statement and is really challenging me and pushing me. It's from William Bradford, who is kind of crazy looking, but made a powerful statement when he said the following:

In 1647, Plymouth Governor William Bradford wrote in his notable historical work Of Plymouth Plantation:

Last and not least, they cherished a great hope and inward zeal of laying good foundations, or at least making some ways toward it, for the propagation and advance of the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in the remote parts of the world, even though they should be stepping stones to others in the performance of so great a work.

Am I willing to humble myself and allow myself to be a stepping stone to others? It's not about me. This not only applies to international missions but also applies in youth ministry in so many ways. My ministry needs to be about elevating others... youth workers, students, parents, youth ministry friends... even if I'm merely a stepping stone to seeing the power of God work through them. It convicts me about international missions and the willingness to go someday and being willing to be a "stepping stone" for the advance of the kingdom of Christ.

It's not about me.

Being Connected

2009-05-05T20:51:00.000-05:00

The school year is winding down and our small groups ministry called C-Groups will come to a close until September. The primary purpose for C-Groups is fellowship... it's about being connected with others. We hold high the value of having people in your life and being in other people's lives in a way that's authentic, personal, and Christ-honoring.

The C-Group that I led this year has been fantastic! I've seen this group of guys grow closer to each other and individually grow closer to Jesus Christ. It's been so good to lead this group. Sure, they've toilet papered our house a couple of months ago and we often get sidetracked laughing for a few minutse during our Bible study time, but the relationships being developed are strong and Christ-honoring. So good!

I love these guys and I pray that they continue the journey of becoming men who love Jesus Christ with all their heart. I pray they become men of the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. I can't wait until the fall when we start meeting together again!

Student Life Camp is coming!

2009-05-02T14:55:00.003-05:00

Here's a promo video for Student Life Camp 2009! We're going July 25-29 to Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, OK. Our speaker for the week is Ben Stuart and Charlie Hall is our worship leader. It's time to get registered!!!

The theme is "Flip".

So the last will be first, and the first will be last." – Matthew 20:16

Love those who hate you. Rejoice in your trials. If you lose your life you find it. Less of me is more. Jesus teaches us to live in a way that is completely opposite of what the world says. He changes minds and hearts as he turns lives upside down.

What I Believe Makes Me Who I Am

2009-05-01T14:11:00.005-05:00

"What we believe makes us who we are, so we ought to be careful about what we believe." - Rich Mullins

I've been thinking about the truth of this statement over the past several days. The things that I believe... really and truly believe about Jesus, about myself, and about the hurting world around me have a tremendous amount of influence on the person I'm becoming. Another way to say it is that the person I am is a snapshot of what I really believe about Jesus, myself, and others.

This is an old song with an amazing message.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T17:44:00.005-05:00

Happy Easter to all of you! We've had a great day as a family talking about why we celebrate Easter. It doesn't get much better than hearing your 4 year old son shout "Jesus is alive!" at the top of his lungs!

"But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.” Then they remembered that he had said this." - Luke 24:1-8 (NLT)

Zambia Trip Part 2

2009-04-12T16:37:00.014-05:00

Here are more pictures from our trip. These are pictures of people that God brought into my life that I connected with. Some of these people I got to know a little bit, while others are simply faces I remember after visiting with them for a few moments. As you scroll through these pictures, please take a moment and pray for these people. Ask God to reveal Himself to them and to glorify Himself through them.

These are some new friends I made while I was on this trip. This is Kendall & Joy Helgren. They serve in the Eastern Province of Zambia and also in Mozambique. Please pray for them.

This is a man I met named Beetwelve (yes, B-12). He shared his story with me and his lack of hope. He makes $3/month and can't escape the poverty of this village. He wants out, but has nowhere to go. He asked me for 2 things. He asked that I would pray for him, which I was able to do, and he asked if someone could start a church in his village.

This little boy gave me several hugs and handshakes. I will never forget the look on his face.

This girl kept smiling at me and loved having her picture taken.

A group of beautiful children in a village we visited.

Here's a pic of me with 2 men named Martin and Charles. Charles has 4 family members who have died of cholera, and he's very afraid of what the future holds. I got to share Christ with Charles and I got to pray for him, asking God to give him hope and to reveal Himself to Charles.

This little boy who lives near Siavonga followed me while I walked through the village.

This is a family we met in a village near Siavonga.

There are many others I encountered as I spent time on this trip. Every time I turned around, I could hear the voice of God in my heart speaking to me. It was simply one of the most Jesus focused weeks of my entire life.

Please pray for the missionaries of Zambia and for the people of Zambia. There are some amazing things happening there! Ask God to continue to work.

Zambia Trip Part 1

2009-04-11T23:21:00.012-05:00

I just returned from a mission trip to Zambia. I was a part of a team of 14 who got to minister to our IMB missionaries and their families serving in Zambia. We got back home on Thursday afternoon. This trip was unbelievable. I simply can't stop thinking about it and about what God is doing in sub-Saharan Africa. It's been difficult to put into words the things that God is saying to me. I'm sure it'll come in time, but I'm still processing everything and listening for the voice of God.

The majority of my time on this trip was to minister to the teenagers of these missionaries. I made some new friends, made some fantastic memories, and got to read the word together with them daily while we were there.

I do want to say that the men and women serving the Lord there were a huge encouragement to me in my own walk with God. I got to sit and eat meals with these missionaries and had the privilege to hear their stories. These people love Jesus with all of their heart and have a deep love for the people groups they're ministering to. Their passion was contagious. I came away from this trip refreshed in the Lord and reminded of how awesome our God is!

More pics and stories to come....I can't wait to go back sometime soon!

Here's a pic of our team from Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, and Texas.

Here are some of the teenagers I got to hang with for the week.

Here's another pic of some of the teenagers I got to spend time with while I was there.

This is a sunset one evening over Lake Kariba looking into Zimbabwe.

More is Caught than Taught

2009-03-20T22:35:00.010-05:00

You may have heard the phrase before "More is caught than taught." It's a powerful truth that speaks to how we live our lives. You can learn what's really on my heart by spending time with me and observing my life. You can listen to what I talk about and what I don't talk about. You can watch what I do and what I don't do. Sure... you can listen to a talk I give at our Youth Ministry or engage me in a discussion at church sometime. But if you really want to know what's on my heart, walk with me, pray with me, and watch me.

A few nights ago, I was doing my part of tucking in our older son Hudson so he could go to sleep. We talked for a few minutes, quickly prayed together, and I turned to leave the room. He stopped me and said, "Dad! Wait! We didn't pray for Africa or for the Youth Workers!" These are 2 things that we always pray together about, but we didn't on this night. I froze in my tracks. I thought for a moment and said, "You're right! Let's do it. Will you pray for the people of Africa and for our Youth Workers?" He said yes and he prayed.

It was short, but simply beautiful. I don't know if you've ever heard a 4 year old boy pray on his own for the poor and oppressed of Africa or for a team of adult Youth Workers to love God more. It made me cry. It's a beautiful thing.

What's on your heart? What do the people in your life "catch" as they spend time with you?

More is caught than taught.

"I've Seen It All" from NYMC

2009-03-11T08:55:00.003-05:00

Here's a very funny video from the National Youth Ministry Conference (being renamed "Simply Youth Ministry Conference") with a great message. Unfortunately, I didn't get to go to this conference, but will probably get some of the mp3's from the talks. This video is fantastic! I think I've seen most of the same stuff in this video and several of them made me laugh out loud. Enjoy... I think you'll love it too.

I have issues...

2009-03-07T17:48:00.010-06:00

I'm going through a bit of a mid-life crisis, but it's not the kind that you're probably thinking about. I'm really struggling in the area of......... having my picture taken? If I know my picture is being taken, I over think it and for some reason I seem to pose all awkwardly. Here are 2 examples, one from last fall and one from Hudson's birthday a couple of days ago. For some reason, at the precise moment the shutter is taking the picture, I guess I feel compelled to have the most amazing posture on the planet. It's like I tense up and form a 90 degree angle at the intersection of my back and legs. It's not a good look... that's for sure. I also tend to have the fake smile or as Jen puts it, my "Effeminate Smile". Also, not a good look. Let's just say it would not resemble the face of a lumberjack or some sort of pro wrestler type guy. Although I think it's funny, my immediate reaction is to view any pic just taken of me to make sure it's decent. I'm trying to work on my smile and my body posture so I don't look so goofy. If any of you feel the urge to pull me aside and speak into my life, or if you have some pointers for me, I'm up for it.

Hudson's 4th Birthday

2009-03-05T17:12:00.007-06:00

Our older son Hudson turned 4 today! We've had a great day of laughter, fun, and lots of playing. It's been a special day for sure. Hudson is learning to ride the bike he got for his birthday. This is a great memory we made today! The training wheels were a big help. I also got to play catch with a baseball and gloves today with our younger son Caleb for the first time. Definitely a memory maker moment for sure. What a great day! I'm so blessed. Thank you Jesus for giving me a beautiful wife and 2 wonderful sons. I have not taken my family for granted today.

Poverty, Children, and Compassion International

2009-02-25T15:28:00.002-06:00

Compassion International is a beautiful ministry close the to heart of God. Their vision is to release "children from poverty in Jesus' name." Here's a video sharing a bit about the need and their heart. For more information, visit compassion.com.

Our family just began sponsoring a 4 year old boy from Ethiopia named Eyob. He is so precious. I'll post more about him in the days to come. Please say a prayer for Eyob and for the untold number of other children who need food, water, clothing, medicine, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. I also challenge you to pray about sponsoring a child through Compassion. You can literally save a life for only $32 per month... or for about $1 per day.

Student Life Conference 2009 - Part 2

2009-02-23T06:02:00.006-06:00

Here's another video from Student Life Conference with Francis Chan. This was the final session and he was talking about the link between loving our neighbor and loving God. The poor, oppressed, and needy are our neighbor and we MUST help them! This is EXACTLY what God has been teaching me over the last 2 years or so. It was so encouraging to take students to this conference and then hear so clearly from God. Check out this video clip of Francis Chan... so strong and so good.

Matthew 25:31-46

31“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.
34“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
41“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the idevil and his jdemons. 42For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’
44“Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’
45“And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’
46“And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”

Student Life Conference 2009

2009-02-22T13:33:00.007-06:00

This weekend our Student Ministry was a part of the Student Life Conference at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, TX. The theme for the weekend was "Live Love". This conference was amazing! As we drove away on the buses, I spoke with many students who encountered God in a way like never before. Simply put, God spoke. Francis Chan, our speaker, was amazing. Kristian Stanfill, our worship leader, was amazing. Student Life did an amazing job on videos as well as leading worship through drama that had a powerful message. This is the best weekend conference I've ever been a part of. I wish I could walk through this weekend again... even rooming at the hotel with my good friend Patrick and 2 very crazy junior high guys who had me laughing until after 1 a.m. I saw God work in their lives by the end of the weekend. God answered some of my prayers this weekend. It was amazing!!!

Thank you God for speaking to me and to our students.

Here's a video clip of Francis Chan from the conference...

What News Anchors Do During Commerical Breaks

2009-02-19T20:25:00.001-06:00

This is funny and it'll change the way you watch the news.

I'm going to Zambia!

2009-02-16T12:29:00.009-06:00

I got word last week that I'm officially going to Africa!

I'll be a part of a team of 14 people going to Zambia. The primary focus of the trip is to minister to, pray with, and encourage IMB missionaries serving in Zambia. I'll get to spend a week with these missionaries and their teenage children... pouring into them, listening to them and their story, praying with them and for them, and doing anything I can to be a blessing to Jesus and to these saints living in Africa serving some of the poorest people in the world. I'll be able to make connections with these missionaries on the field which will be invaluable. It's something I've prayed for God to cause to happen for about a year. I'll be able to ask the question, "What can churches in the U.S. do to bless the people of Zambia?" Prayer? Yes. Giving to missions? Yes. But what else can we do?

I'm praying to form contacts that become friendships that lead to more trips in the future. Maybe God would allow me to lead a team into Zambia?

In addition to ministering to these missionary families, we'll get to serve the people of Zambia. My trip has already been paid for by the people of our church... such a blessing and yet another confirmation that I am called to go on this trip. I wish I could express all that God is doing in my life concerning the people of Africa. It's a journey that began in 2007 with God breaking my heart with the people there who live in poverty, despair, loneliness, and a contagious lack of hope. Now I'm going to be able to experience it firsthand. It feels like this is one of those special moments in my life where I KNOW I'm obeying His voice and I'm doing exactly what He wants . I'm....so....ready!!!

Zambia has one of the lowest life expectancies in the world: 38 years.

1 in 5 Zambian adults - mothers, fathers, teachers, farmers - is living with HIV. And HIV/AIDS
continues to thrive.

Zambians have a huge need for clean water and basic sanitation.

The average annual income in Zambia is $395, making it one of the poorest countries in the world.

Please begin to pray for the people of Zambia, the missionaries there, for my team, and for me. Ask God that my heart will be broken and that I'll savor every minute of the trip. Ask God to speak to me.

World on Fire

2009-02-15T15:04:00.004-06:00

Here's the video "World on Fire" by the great Sarah McLachlan. This song is a couple of years old, but I love it! It's a thinking song and a tremendous video. It shows that we can make a difference in the lives of people in need. All of us need to help with the poverty, HIV/AIDS pandemic, clean water, and educational needs of those who are less fortunate. You can be a part of the solution.

World On Fire
Hearts are worn in these dark ages
You're not alone in this story's pages
The light has fallen amongst the living and the dying
And I'll try to hold it in, yeah I'll try to hold it in

[Chorus]

The world's on fire and
It's more than I can handle
I'll tap into the water
(Try and bring my share)
I try to bring more
More than I can handle
(Bring it to the table)
Bring what I am able

I watch the heavens but I find no calling
Something I can do to change what's coming
Stay close to me while the sky is falling
Don't wanna be left alone, don't wanna be alone

[Chorus]

Hearts break, hearts mend
Love still hurts
Visions clash, planes crash
Still there's talk of
Saving souls, still the cold
Is closing in on us

We part the veil on our killer sun
Stray from the straight line on this short run
The more we take, the less we become
The fortune of one that means less for some

[Chorus X2]

Remember when...?

2009-02-13T09:53:00.005-06:00

I came across this great article by Scott Rubin. Scott's the Junior High Youth Pastor at Willow Creek. He makes a great point and this is something we all need to think about...

Facebook Flashback

by Scott Rubin

The Facebook phenomenon continues to draw in younger and younger people these days. (Am I the only one with students who "exaggerate their age" on FB?) But at the same time, older and older people are increasingly finding their way to this online network. As a result, I'm suddenly more connected with people who I went to school with... more than a couple of years ago.

And "flashing back" to our own high school and middle school years can be a real advantage for those of us in youth ministry. When potential volunteers come to check out our junior high ministry, I like to give them an on-the-spot assignment: I invite them to consider, "When you look around the room, which of these students were you most like when you were in middle school?"

Were you the shy & quiet kid, not making eye contact with anyone?
Were you the frenzied tornado kid, ricocheting back and forth across the room?
Were you the kid with way more on your mind than your facial expression revealed?

A little blast from the past can go a long way toward helping you to consider what your ministry feels like to every type of kid. These days I've been thinking a lot about how an introverted student would experience our church. I've reconnected on FB with a few introverts I went to school with, and I think they'd have a harder time connecting if they were students in my group... so I'm trying to figure that one out.

But the "flashback" serves me best when I think about my own journey through middle school. How I was trying to figure myself out... and needed adults to help me. How I wanted so much to be "cool"... and yet how tricky that was. And how I had no idea how much Jesus really loved me... and what that meant for me.

When students in our ministries are adults one day, will they "flash back" and think about how much God became real to them through our efforts? May it be so!

Crowder- "O Praise Him"

2009-02-05T06:49:00.002-06:00

This is a great video that reminds us that we can worship God anywhere and anytime, regardless of what is going on around us. Watch this video to the end. It's very powerful.

Mocha Club and Dave Barnes

2009-01-07T22:18:00.005-06:00

Here's a video of artist Dave Barnes sharing about Mocha Club and his song "10,000 Children." He does a great job of sharing his heart and the life changing impact you can have on Africa by joining Mocha Club.

Here's the link to my team if you'd like to join me in changing the world!

http://www.mochaclub.org/joinme/lokeyj

Hockey Goal of the year!

2008-12-26T15:23:00.001-06:00

This goal is amazing! You have to watch this.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T23:36:00.006-06:00

We had a fantastic Christmas Day today. Jen and I both said that it was the best Christmas we've had in a long time. It was a great day of remembering the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We had a great family day too. We spent the entire day together. Here are some pics from today.

family pic in front of the christmas tree

caleb playing his drum

hudson with his truck transporter

hudson in the kitchen asking me to play. i love this pic!

Caleb's Gotcha Day!

2008-12-24T16:09:00.004-06:00

Today is our son Caleb's Gotcha Day. It's the anniversary of the day we arrived home with him from South Korea. We adopted him and brought him home last year on Christmas Eve. We had a party today at lunch and celebrated. We're so blessed to have him in our family. Here's a video of our trip to pick him up.

You Don't Belong to the World

2008-12-12T10:38:00.003-06:00

“I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world." - John 17:15-18 (NLT)

Just a reminder today that once we've given our hearts to Jesus Christ, we're completely His. We're made new... the old is gone and the new has come. According to John 17:16, we don't belong to this world any more that Jesus does. That's a very powerful truth... meditate on that for a few moments. Ask God to remind you of this truth as you go throughout your day. You don't belong to this world any more than Jesus does.

Mario Kart on the Streets of Paris

2008-12-08T00:00:00.006-06:00

This is so great!

NYWC 2008 - Nashville

2008-12-07T21:39:00.012-06:00

Here are some pics and videos from the National Youth Workers Convention a couple of weeks ago in Nashville. It was fantastic!! The speakers were great and the bands were amazing. Jen and I dropped off Hudson and Caleb in Oklahoma w/Jen's parents and off we went. It was great to get away, hear clearly from God, worship full throttle, and sleep through the night without our kids waking us up.

Jen & me

Crowder

Shane & Shane

Starfield

Matt Wertz

Jars of Clay

World Aids Day

2008-12-01T19:48:00.006-06:00

On World AIDS Day, I thought it would be a good thing to share this new video with you. It's from Mocha Club.org, which is a ministry helping make a difference in Africa with the AIDS pandemic. There are some very good things happening in Africa, but don't wait on someone else to do something. God very often acts and answers prayers through His children... like you and me. Please do something to help bring the Kingdom of God to these beautiful people who are suffering. We need to usher in the Kingdom of God and do things to share God's love with others.

"I want what I have learned to trickle down from my head into my heart."

Pray and give. Here are a couple of ministries that you should consider partnering with to make a difference.

http://www.mochaclub.org/joinme/lokeyj
http://www.bloodwatermission.com/

Ultimate Frisbee Tournament for Blood:Water Mission

2008-11-17T22:56:00.004-06:00

This past Saturday, our student ministry sponsored an ultimate frisbee tournament with all of the proceeds going to Blood:Water Mission. We asked for a $20 per person registration donation. Sign-up was slow and we didn't draw the crowd we wanted. However, I was excited to see that we ended up raising $1,500 through this event. Our goal as a student ministry is $3,000, so we're already halfway there. I'm so encouraged to see people give money to help people in the midst of a crisis like this. We'll have more events benefitting BWM in the months to come. I really believe this type of ministry is close to the heart of God.

"Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him." - Proverbs 14:31 (NLT)

Do I want God or do I want what He can do for me?

2008-10-23T08:26:00.002-05:00

Here's an excerpt from today's reading in "My Utmost for His Highest" by the great Oswald Chambers...

"How are we going to get the life that has no lust, no self-interest, no sensitiveness to pokes, the love that is not provoked, that thinketh no evil, that is always kind? The only way is by allowing not a bit of the old life to be left; but only simple perfect trust in God, such trust that we no longer want God's blessings, but only want Himself. Have we come to the place where God can withdraw His blessings and it does not affect our trust in Him?

This summarizes what it means to live a life of worship. I don't want to be a consumer of God's gifts and blessings, as tempting as that can be. That leads to a self-absorbed mindset and using God to get what I want. I reject that today. I want You God. I want more of You in my life... not so you can bless me, but so that I can wrap my life around You, not what You do for me. Even if
You withdraw blessings, I trust in You and You alone.

"Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" - Job 13:15

"He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less." - John 3:30

1 Year Anniversary

2008-10-16T23:25:00.005-05:00

This Sunday is the 1 year anniversary of my ministry as Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church, Universal City, TX. It's gone by so quickly. We love our church so much. We have a tremendous group of students, parents, and youth workers! You guys are the best! The friendships we've made are so special to us. We're so thankful to be a part of the First Baptist family. Thank you to FBC UC for loving and supporting us. You've been such a blessing to Jennifer, Hudson, Caleb, and me. It's so exciting to see what God is doing in our ministry here and now and we look forward to see all that He is going to do in the years to come. We love you FBC UC!

October 2007

Student Life Tour 2008

Think about it

2008-09-24T23:44:00.001-05:00

I found this quote on a blog I read from Neely - http://onemomtrying.blogspot.com/

"Sometimes I'd like to ask God why He allows poverty, famine, and injustice in the world when He could do something about it..., but I'm afraid God might ask me the same question." ~ Anonymous

Want to help me change the world?

2008-09-18T12:25:00.004-05:00

You can help me bring hope to many hurting people in Africa by joining my team with Mocha Club. For $7/month (the price of 2 mochas), you can make a huge impact on people who need our help. Here's a summary from Mocha Club's website...

"Darfur has been entangled in a deadly conflict for over three years. At least 400,000 people have been killed. More than 2 million innocent civilians have been forced to flee their homes and now live in internally displaced-persons (IDP) camps in Sudan.By supporting "Sudan Regrowth," you will be sustaining two projects:The first is in the village of Nyamlel, where you will help fund an orphanage for 400 children that have fled as orphans, as well as provide care and rehabilitation for former sex slaves. This work provides all the necessities, including medical care and education.
The second is the relief efforts for those who have fled to the wild with no shelter. You will provide mosquito nets to prevent malaria, wells for clean water, tarps that serve as shelter from the elements, food, and desperately needed medication.Two Rebel Groups have the political aim of compelling the government of Sudan to address underdevelopment and the political marginalization of the region of Darfur. In response, since early 2003, the Sudanese government's regular armed forces and the Janjaweed (gov’t backed militia) have targeted civilian populations and ethnic groups from which the rebels primarily draw their support. Please become an active part of the solution. "

How far exactly does $7 go in Africa?
Great question! Wrap your mind around this…in Africa, $7 will:
Give 9 orphans 3 meals in a day, or
Pay for 21 orphans' housing for 1 day, or
Keep a child in school for 3 months, or
Give 7 Africans clean water for a year, or
Provide one month's worth of life-saving drugs to someone living with AIDS.

Here's the link to find out more information or if you'd like to join my team in bringing hope to beautiful people with a tremendous need.

www.mochaclub.org/joinme/lokeyj

"Live simply so others may simply live."

God loves all the people of the world

2008-09-12T21:24:00.005-05:00

Here's a great video... with apologies for the title... that reminds me of how many different people groups there are on earth. And I'm also reminded of God's love for every single one of them and His desire for every person to receive the gospel.

"This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time." - 1 Timothy 2:3-6

C-Groups underway!

2008-09-07T18:58:00.007-05:00

I just got back from the home of one of our youth. We started our C-Groups tonight. This is our small groups ministry. The C stands for "Connect". We have about 65 students involved in C-Groups. We had 7 in our C-group tonight. We had great participation and amazing chocolate chip cookies. We're going through the Life Together series by http://www.simplyyouthministry.com/. I'm really excited to see what God is going to do in the lives of our students.

God's Heart for African men, women, boys, and girls

2008-09-06T22:33:00.010-05:00

God has been speaking to me very clearly over the past year and a half or so. He's been showing me His heart for the emergency taking place in Africa. People are dying because they don't have things like clean water, food, basic medicine, and education. I have been blessed with so many things. I'm beginning to understand more and more that in order to have my Father's heart, I need to give myself to the things on His heart. It's very clear that meeting the needs of those who have nothing is on His heart. I encourage everyone who has prayed the model prayer portion found in Matthew 6:10 "...Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven..." to take notice of what's happening to millions of people in Africa. Go to http://www.bloodwatermission.com and http://www.mochaclub.org/ and give to help people that Jesus loves very much.

"He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." - Proverbs 14:31