Dream job...

To be quite honest I've never had a "dream job" before. Granted there have been things I have wanted to do. Things like be a weatherman, a navy aircraft director, or sound engineer. All of these things sound fun but aren't occupations that have stuck with my being. One thing that has been like peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth of my soul has been doing the work of the Lord. Yes, all Christians are called by God to do his work but for me there is something more. Something that nags on my heart.  I thirst for vocational ministry and know that all else is a mirage. Could I do something else? The answer is yes but would it quench the flame inside me? A resounding no.  I had a friend tell me that the things we are passionate about aren't foolishness and those passions should be pursued as far as possible. In the mean time continue writing about them he added. I have two great passions. The first is the Church, the bride of Christ. There is a lot of work to be done such as keeping that first love, making disciples, providing community, and doing justice. The second thing I am passionate about is Africa, more specifically Uganda, more more specifically Jinja. Having been there twice and each time returning with something new and different makes me feel as though a part of me is still there. The love for the people and their ability to be joyful is phenomenal. Their love for the Word and the knowledge of applying that Word is challenging and the freedom to follow the Holy Spirit is so liberating. For me it's the love and passion of these two great things, things I feel called to pursue, which seems logical to fuse them together. Like peanut butter and chocolate. Such a complimentary pair. I haven't made the "sandwich" yet and perhaps it may end up like grapefruit and sushi but I will not know unless I "Oh taste and see." What would this dream look like you might ask. Maybe your saying, "Those things seem rather general, I want some specifics." well I have answer. I want to be the personal connection between my current South Georgia annual conference and the East Africa annual conference. A liaison if you will. Being able to be a face and tool for communication between the larger church. I'm certain that their will be politics involved with this type of position but the end result at the end of the day will be worth it. I want to be one that works both here and abroad making connections with local churches in the states and the those on the ground in The UG. I would love the privilege to be able to share the needs, concerns, and wonderful ministries that are going on between both parties. Not to sound arrogant but I think God has given me a gift of encouragement and would like to be able to encourage both parties in following Christ together, supporting one another, and bearing one another's burdens. To live there and here, preparing the Church for the Kingdom here and now as well as that glorious fulfillment in the future. That's my dream. Those are my passions. That is what burns inside of me and won't be satisfied until I pursue it and all avenues possible. Perhaps it is what God wants me to pursue just to prepare me for something else or it is in fact the way He will bring glory to Himself. Keep me in your prayers as I go on this journey. If you have current ?s about what you are your church(regardless of affiliation) can do hit me up.

"oh what am I to do but surrender to you"

"oh what am I to do but surrender to you" its the only thing to do that makes complete sense yet is so irrational. it seems like jumping into the middle of the deepest and most powerful ocean giving up complete control. You stop gasping for breathe. you cease the kicking and struggling and you rest. for some inexplainable reason you float, you are floating there amazed unsure of where you are heading and you know any effort to go in any direction other then where the ocean takes you is a vain attempt to survive. "why did i agree to this..." you may ask, "this unknown, this loss of perceived control?" yet you know deep down it is the best risk you've ever taken. the desires of your heart wane because your greatest faith is put in this ocean. of course you want to live because you had it all planned out. you knew what your occupation would be, you had financial backing for emergencies, where you would live, you even had a glimpse of who you would marry someday and raise a beautiful family, but right now you realize your fate, hopes, and dreams are up to this ocean and where it takes you. perhaps land where these specific desires of your heart is over this next wave or it could be miles away.  it may have some of those things or maybe that piece of land is a mere dream and the ocean is carrying you to an island of completely different yet great expectations that make those old desires seem unrewarding. for now you wait, anxiously but somehow content with all that is going on around you. there is one thing for sure, whoever you may see you share the amazing adventure with others.

So let's risk the ocean... I want to be lost in this sea of grace... to go where He goes and follow and not be afraid. oh Abba God send me.

that's where i am right now. some would say give it a week, it's probably a post-mission trip high,  but God is working out something within me.  i can't eat, sleep, and my mind keeps spinning and only cure is risking this ocean. my only question is will you risk it with me?

Back In Uganda part 2

Grace be to you all,

Yesterday was a pretty good day. We traveled from Entebbe to Kampala, the capital of Uganda, to visit the United Methodist Episcopal office for East Africa.  Here the Bishop Daniel Wandabula prepared a welcoming meeting sharing what wonderful ministries are going on throughout East Africa along with the struggles there have been. I think we were able to build bridges as well as plan for future ideas and ministries. We began and ended our meeting with worship in song. Africans sure do love to sing (perhaps that is why I feel somewhat at home here) We sang Joy to World and To God be the Glory.  To be quite honest sometimes I get wrapped up along with new worship songs and forget the theologically strong hymns of our past. Both are important but today I felt like singing to God be the Glory was somehow very healing for me.  It is good to be reminded its not about me and to remember to look for the glorious work of God in all things. I think whenever loose sight of the glory of God we are standing on shaky ground. My prayer today is, "My I decrease that He may increase."

We are headed to worship today at Wanyange Central United Methodist Church. I am so excited to praise God with our brothers and sisters here in Africa.  Church service here is so different, so energetic, filled with singing, dancing, prayer, testimonies, and the sharing of God's Word.  Pastor Isaac has asked me to preach some at 12:00noon today. I am extremely honored yet I feel very unworthy of such a task. I am preaching from Titus 2:11-14 and how the Gospel transforms us and our actions. I pray God gives me the words to speak and the right heart to share His Word with others.

Well its breakfast time in Jinja and time to eat some sweet bananas.

Peace and Love,
jb

Back in Uganda part 1

So it is our first morning in Entebbe, Uganda.  Flights as usual are long and tiring but the highlight for our traveling was Kristen Cason's idea of us receiving a letter each day from someone back home.  Jmac (aka Jason) wrote me an awesome letter. It was so encouraging, supporting and reminded me how special I am to have a bro-like that. "Iron sharpens iron!" Our first flight went from Atlanta to London (Lhr).  Everyone was scattered through our section of the plane so it was difficult to communicate and the addition of the multitude of babies cry made it even more trying.  We ended up a little bit late for our transfer and had to run through Lhr. Thanks God for the little mum who helped us with express connections getting us through lines and security. Also a local called me "mate." This was probably the highlight of Lhr for me! The second flight from Lhr to Entebbe seemed better (perhaps it lacked the babies crying)  in my opinion except for the fact i missed the ending of Moneyball.  We had some baggage issues but I really see this as a plus because last time we lost all of our checked bags only to have them returned a couple days later.  This time it was only 6 of the 15.  We got settled in our rooms around 145am and I woke up around 4:20 because I wasn't tired and I had sermon ideas spinning around in my head. (I found out earlier that Isaac wants me to preach some on Sunday...surprise) Maybe I should start take John Wesley more seriously and be able to "preach, pray, and die" at any given moment. I am excited to see what God has in store here. Keep us in your prayers and I love you guys.

I am from...

This is a product of one of my school assignments where we reflect on where we are "from" to try to understand and reflect on our contextual education site, which is working with refugees and immigrants.

I AM FROM

I am from below the gnat line and I-16, where we grow corn, peanuts, and collard greens.

From Jacksonville, Claxton, and Metter I’ve roamed 

but a small town in Vidalia is where I call home. 

Its a quaint little town where its sweet onions are renown, 

where Friday nights mean football lights, 

And respect for the elderly is always shown.

From my Grandparents I learned to persevere through difficulty,

From Mom I learned to joke and save,

And Dad I learned the meaning of integrity.

At night I could gaze at the stars and enjoy the handiwork of our Creator,

I would fish, plant, and play music praising my Savior.

Where raising livestock was common 
and you'll see goats, pigs, chickens, and cattle quite of’en,

I am from place where pine trees where king, 

and exploring in the woods was my adventurin'.

I lived in a home, which meant unlocked doors, 

sweet tea, fish frys and nightly chores.

I lived in the country where barefoot was an option

And in the neighbors fields lay southern snow, aka cotton.

From joy, sorrow, and curiosity, growing up here made me, me.

the finale of my not book review

So in my last blog I talked about what God was teaching me and I mentioned a few things I had gathered from The Next Christians: The Good News About the End of Christian America.  I tried really hard to not go overboard and do a full book review but alas I most continue on my conclusions of my "not book review. " Gabe Lyons did an excellent job putting a bow on the whole thing.  I wanted to verbally shout "YES!" but remembered that I was in the coffeeshop before the excitement passed my gums.  Lyons did his homework and read up on C.S. Lewis' essay "First and Second Things." He quoted the beloved apologists' word saying, "You can't get second thing by putting them first; you can get second things only putting first things first."  In expounding on his point he totally Jesus jukes the most modern church thinking. (Fyi in this particular case it is not performed in a negative way but if you are unfamiliar with this term Jesus juke please see http://www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike/2010/11/the-jesus-juke/) Matthew 6:33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  Too often we fall into the trap of putting our priorities in the wrong order.  When focus on who God is and on living the countercultural life He has called us to (see Matthew 5-7, Matt. 22:36-40) second things will fall in place.

     So maybe the question I want to ask my readers (as few as there maybe) what are the second things the church makes a big priority that would probably fall in place if we in fact sought first His kingdom?

From UnXian to Next Xian

I have been so encouraged lately with everything G-d has been teaching me through His Word and His people. After finishing studying Luke with the local college small group, teaching my students about the importance of doing the work Christ has set out and created us for, writing commentary on James, and reading a new book, I am just overwhelmed with a call to action.  A call that that isn't passive but active. A reminder that God's Spirit is within me and that makes my body a temple which in turn calls me to a lifestyle of worship 24/7. Something that most of us "know and believe" but I'm not sure I let that reality be reality.   I can flap my gums sharing my belief that orthodoxy and orthopraxy are both equally important sides of a scale that demands balance but until I ask G-d for more of Him and less of me, it is an unfeasible task.
Throughout Luke, I see Jesus Christ humbly put on humanity, dealing with the low of society, the reprobate, the unclean, and what the world would say is the "scum" of the earth.  Despite how the world would label and ostracize,  JC, having been there at Creation, sees these "outcasts" as Image Bearers and begins His restoration process in their life, meets their physical and emotional needs. In doing so, these people can let their wall down and more willing to accept the Radical God-Man's spiritual restoration. I lament over the times I have judged and been so afraid to create relationships and love others because I expected them to already live a holy life w/o knowing about a Holy G-d.
I just picked up Gabe Lyons' book The Next Christians: The Good News About the End of Christian America and it has been so rewarding.  Through Gabe's research and familiarity with culture I am excited to see the findings of a more biblical wave of Christians being unearthed in America.  Christian's who cannot be labeled as Seperatist: Insiders, Culture Warriors, and mere Evangelizers or Cultural: Blenders and Philanthropists but a new as Restorers.
These Next Christians have a fuller and more vivid understanding of the Gospel. The Good News which does not begin in the middle with the separation of sin but starts with a Mighty Creator G-d who creates very good, beautiful things, and forms humanity in Imago Dei. A vital and foundational step which should not be skipped lest we cause confusion and paint a less than vibrant picture. After this step can we articulate the fall in its completeness showing the need Christ redemptive work. Again we cannot stop there.  We must remember Christ's redemptive work was to restore all things to Him. These "Next Christians" see that God is not only in the business of restoring for the afterlife, but also about the here and now.  Through the Holy Spirit, the body of Christ is to be about restoration.
To be about "responding to the brokenness of culture with an eye of the Creator's intent."
I am not trying to give a book review but one last thing. Next Christians are the following:
Provoked not offended,
Creators not critics,
Called not employed,
Grounded not distracted,
In community, not alone,
Countercultural, not "relevant"

This is what I think God is teaching me. The love for others, the call to be more Christ-like, embrace a bigger picture of the Gospel, and to be about restoration in as many ways as possible.