SCC Pastors' Blog

More than just “green”…
I admit it. I got the idea from someone else. In January I did a message titled “Can They Hear You?.” In it I encouraged people to learn a little about they popular culture we live in. I used the movie “Avitar” as an example. Being a “missionary” is not something reserved for people who go to the deepest darkest parts of the world. Its a calling for everyone who follows Jesus. Just like anyone else who is going to work in distant country – we need to study the place where we live, learning the stories that impact people and the language they use to express themselves.
Growing up, St. Patrick’s Day was always about wearing something green so I wouldn’t get pinched. I think I later learned that old St. Patty rid the island of snakes. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I learned the real story of St. Patrick and his work. Its a fascinating story. He was kidnapped when he was 16 from Britain. He served as a slave for years in Ireland but escaped and went home. But he went back years later to share with pagan tribes the good news about Jesus. He was a pioneer in his work – he developed new strategies to reaching the tribes. He learned their stories, and their language and observed their religions. Because of his work (more than 1500 years ago), Irish people everywhere still celebrate his work (although its done with a few more beers now)!
So I’m not really teaching any kind of profound new truth, I’m borrowing from what Jesus did so well and what Patrick did in Ireland. It still works today.
Heres a good short history: http://jonathandodson.org/2010/03/st-patrick-the-missional-leader/

Here is Patrick’s famous prayer:

As I arise today,
may the strength of God pilot me,
the power of God uphold me,
the wisdom of God guide me.
May the eye of God look before me,
the ear of God hear me,
the word of God speak for me.
May the hand of God protect me,
the way of God lie before me,
the shield of God defend me,
the host of God save me.
May Christ shield me today.
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit,
Christ when I stand,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
 Amen

Hi Gang,

First off thanks for all the prayers for my safety as Missionary Steve Reed and I traveled in and through San Salvador, El Salvador last Monday through Thursday.

Twenty years ago Steve and I founded a financial outreach to the poorest of the poor Christians in El Salvador that has had $2250.00 sent down via money orders every three months to be distributed to mostly elderly couples and five different churches.  The man who delivers the meager amounts ranging from $30.00 to $50.00 per family is named Victor Hernandez and he is now eighty-one years young.    He and another faithful pastor do so much to help the helpless that I am humbled by their service.  Our trip was simply to verify the ongoing system is working.  Aside from working on a backup plan to deliver the funds, we couldn’t have been more pleased with the how it all is working.  I’ll have more to say in my next e-mail/blog.

The last thing I wanted to share with you today is the stature of the conditions in El Salvador.  Though vastly developed since my last trip there in ’95 the slums and the poor remain in abundance throughout the countryside. El Salvador encompasses a land mass about equal to Petaluma to Gilroy north to south, and from Livermore to San Francisco, east to west.  In other words a small country.

Shockingly, since our last visit, we have found a people under siege by gang violence so great that there are an average of seventeen murders every day in San Salvador.  The corruption of course impacts the poor the most, and the violence leaves none of the people we serve immune from the potential for violence at any time.  It is a fearful place for many to live.  One report told us that hooded vigilantes have begun to fight back in one of the areas.

This is the reason for the change. Many young men fled the country to the United States because of the violence associated with the revolution back in 1989. Almost all of them ended up in Los Angeles, where they banded together to form two main Salvadoran gangs, the “MS”  and the “18′s”.  As these men were arrested for gangland violence in Los Angeles they were sent to state prison were they did anywhere from 3-5 years in our prison system.  Upon their release they were immediately deported back to their homeland.  They took all their acquired gang skills and began to use them now in their own country and as a result have turned the country upside down.

The “MS” and the “18′s” have a stranglehold on many of the townships in and around San Salvador, henceforth my need for prayers for safety last week.  All this to say our work there is as important as ever.  Later this week I will get back to you with an opportunity for you to build into the lives of our Christian brothers and sisters in El Salvador.

thanks for taking the time to read this.

dan

I was riding to a meeting with John and he had this article in his truck… Great insight from an atheist about Who meets real needs!
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/matthew_parris/article5400568.ece

Several people asked me to burn them copies of the Poly House video. It’s a great story and got us thinking about doing a similar project here in town. It is also a good reminder for us to pray for our college students who are out in the field making a difference for Jesus.

How about in your corner of the world? If you or someone you know is making a mark for Jesus where they live, let us know — we’d love to share the story with others!
Noah

PS – We have a YouTube channel where you can view other recent SCC videos:

http://www.youtube.com/user/SierraCommunity

I confess – I read way too much news during the week.  Here is a story that has really got me thinking the last few weeks.  What do you think?

David Bahati, Member of the Ugandan Parliament recently made the following statement about Pastor Rick Warren: “It’s unfortunate that a man who has inspired millions of people around the world for a long time would be blackmailed to disappoint them. It’s a pity that he has opted to please the world instead of God.”

            What would warrant such a statement regarding one of most recognized Christian leaders in America?  A new proposed law in Uganda regarding homosexuality has created quite a stir.   In some cases (e.g. homosexual activity with a minor or the disabled) the punishment would be the death penalty.  It’s been a fascinating story to follow.  Many members of both political parties in the US have come under pressure to renounce their support of the Ugandan government’s current draft of the proposed legislation.

         In many ways Uganda has become a model African nation, particularly in the fight to prevent the spread of HIV infections.  A few years ago the Ugandan government decided to play a larger role helping fight the spread of HIV.  They recognized the Church’s success in the fight against the spread of HIV and decided to ask the Church to help craft the message and creating an educational plan. 

         One of the interesting by-products of this proposed law is the unlikely partnership it has created in Uganda.  Not only is it being endorsed by a majority of the Christian population, it is also favored by Muslims.  In fact, Christian and Muslim leaders have UNITED at rallies to show their support of the proposed law!

         Pastor Warren sees the proposed law from a very different perspective then the majority of Ugandans (including most Ugandan Christian leaders).  The proposed law, and the reactions to it by American politicians and pastors, has raised some questions with which I’ve been wrestling. 

What do you think?  I’d love to hear from you.  Here’s some food for your thoughts:

• Is there difference between personal responsibilities and the responsibilities of a government for its people?  (E.g. should governments “turn the other cheek” when “slapped” or is that addressed to individuals?)
• How far should we go in exporting our cultural and political views to other countries?
   Are there some issues that people of different faiths should unite around and fight for together?
• To what degree should the Church influence the State?  Could that influence vary from country to country?
• What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
• Are there any biblical principles or passages that would justify the death penalty?
• Finally, if similar laws were being proposed in America how would you vote and why?

For further reading about the controversy you can see these articles:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/decemberweb-only/151-42.0.html  (From a Ugandan Bishop)
http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/africa/east/Uganda_Anti_Gay_Bill-79127677.html  (Quote from Uganda politician regarding Pastor Warren)
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/decemberweb-only/151-41.0.html
If you want to hear Pastor Rick Warren’s comment in full about this you can find them here:
http://tpmtv.talkingpointsmemo.com/?id=4173063

 
Noah Largent

Hi All!
 
In the anticipation of the celebration of Jesus’ birthday I just wanted to remind you of the privilege we have to be God’s children.
 
Last night I had a relapse with my back and it was worse then before, as I was crawling on all fours I began to think of King Nebuchadnezzar, the King of the once mighty Babylonian nation, and how God humbled him and caused him to lose his mind and he crawled around like a beast of the field.

Daniel 4 records this great event in detail.

You are no longer ruler of this kingdom. 32 You will be driven from human society. You will live in the fields with the wild animals, and you will eat grass like a cow. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses.’
 33 “That same hour the judgment was fulfilled, and Nebuchadnezzar was driven from human society. He ate grass like a cow, and he was drenched with the dew of heaven. He lived this way until his hair was as long as eagles’ feathers and his nails were like birds’ claws.
 
Nebuchadnezzar Praises God
 34 “After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever.

 
Truly one of the greatest turnarounds in history. So here I am crawling in the middle of the night, pain engulfing me, and God whispers to me, “Am I enough?”  I want you to know there was no victim this night, I gave myself anew and told God he had all of me,  broken or otherwise. I then spent the next hour confessing too many sins to list here.  I told Him I wanted to serve Him above all else.  No shortcuts.
 
The author of Hebrews writes “endure all hardship as discipline”, I am viewing my present suffering as God’s gentle reminder to seek His kingdom and His righteousness.  My friends, my sins are many, my abilities limited, but as for me and my House we shall serve the LORD.
 
I can’t think of a better week in which to renew our commitment to Christ and open our hearts to one another in humility and dependence as we follow hard after the God who sent His only begotten Son to us.
 
Peace,
dan