Hmm…

Well, I haven’t lost my passion for writing.  Far from it.  I really miss it.

But I have been consumed with a fascinating task – that of leading my church through a major transition.

I plan on blogging this as well – particularly the specifics of the form to which we aspire – since I think it will be relevant for the majority of those who still drop in on this blog.

The transition?  From a Sunday School/Program primary structure to a Small Group/Corporate Worship primary structure.  Which is to say that we will still have some Sunday School and some programs, but they will be secondary in the self perception, intentionality and processes of who we are.  We are looking to change our DNA.

This is opposed, you might surmise, to simply adding Small Groups as yet another program to the church in hopes that this program will be the one that revitalizes a flailing church.

Well, again, I’m going to blogging about that in the future, and it is my great passion to do so, but I haven’t had the time.  My energies have been dissipated in the various tasks involved in actually doing that thing.

PS – You could pray for us.  It is difficult to accomplish such a change and we are laboring to do a great work.  Thanks!

Has it really been 2 1/2 weeks since I last posted? And that just a video link?

Hmm…

Well, I haven’t lost my passion for writing.  Far from it.  I really miss it.

But I have been consumed with a fascinating task – that of leading my church through a major transition.

I plan on blogging this as well – particularly the specifics of the form to which we aspire – since I think it will be relevant for the majority of those who still drop in on this blog.

The transition?  From a Sunday School/Program primary structure to a Small Group/Corporate Worship primary structure.  Which is to say that we will still have some Sunday School and some programs, but they will be secondary in the self perception, intentionality and processes of who we are.  We are looking to change our DNA.

This is opposed, you might surmise, to simply adding Small Groups as yet another program to the church in hopes that this program will be the one that revitalizes a flailing church.

Well, again, I’m going to blogging about that in the future, and it is my great passion to do so, but I haven’t had the time.  My energies have been dissipated in the various tasks involved in actually doing that thing.

PS – You could pray for us.  It is difficult to accomplish such a change and we are laboring to do a great work.  Thanks!

So, I did really well and ended up continuing to lose weight well past the competition.  About 6 mos. in, I went to the Southern Baptist Convention and tried to continue to exercise and eat well while there.

While I was there, Marty Duren and I ate together several times and at one point, he chose Tony Romas.  It was the beginning of the end of my diet.  It’s all Marty’s fault.

Anyway, I’m starting back.  Just thought I’d say so, since I may be twittering things about it and posting things about it here on the blog.

Oh, and it’s not a fad diet thing.  Just counting calories.  I know how Lean Cuisine, Healthy Choice and all those “diet” dinners help you lose weight.  It’s fairly obvious once you cook one up for the first time.  They starve you to death.

It’s good food.  Just about two teaspoons full.

Your prayers, as always, are appreciated.

Comments

• January 21, 2009, Benjie writes: Good for you, Art. We've too many preachers who "fill the pulpit" more every week. I'm supporting my wife as we try to lose a few. It's easier on my macho brain to say I'm doing it for someone else. Here's what I've found about all the diets -- especially the ones that make you subscribe and then buy their expensive (but tiny) meals -- they require two things: Exercise Portion control Keep up the good work.
• January 21, 2009, art rogers writes: Exercise and portion control are exactly right. I get my meals, though, from Wal-Mart, for about $2-$3 per meal. That is cheaper than I can buy a meal anywhere and almost as cheap as I can make one from scratch. It's just far less work to throw it in the microwave.
• January 21, 2009, jasonk writes: Art, I am calling to you from the other side, the skinny side. Ten months ago I was seventy pounds heavier than I am today, and I want to encourage you to keep it up. It can be done. If one man can do it, so can another. Yes it hurts, for about two weeks. Then it gets easier, and before you know it, you're nearing your goal. If you need any support or encouragement, feel free to contact me. It's good over here. jasonks last blog post..The Biggest Gainer
• January 22, 2009, art rogers writes: Thanks for the encouragement, Jason. I was there and let it get away from me. I'm feeling very motivated right now, and I appreciate your pat on the back.
• February 2, 2009, Marty Duren writes: The first rule of recovery is to stop blaming ME. I have no memory whatsoever of a place called Tony Romas. Where was it? The power lunch of champions is a Snicker bar and diet Pepsi. I kid you not. Total of less than 300 calories with no high fructose corn syrup. Very few carbs helps prevent the afternoon sleepies and protein to boot. Not only that, it takes 5 minutes to finish. Another thing. If you can find a pretzel brand called "Mr. Pretzel" buy it. You can eat (no lie) about 80 sticks at just over 100 total calories. I'll also echo the others. Exercise two to three times a week. I run because it's cheap. Get good shoes; it'll be worth the price. One more thing: keep bottled water handy. Drink it rather than reaching for food when ye olde stomach rumbles. It rumbles because it's empty, not because you need to eat. 0 calories. Marty Durens last blog post..If you need a Monday morning laugh…
• February 2, 2009, art rogers writes: You clearly don't have the love of great bbq that I do. It was on the Riverwalk. It was very good. Diet Pepsi is the nastiest thing on earth. You must lose weight because you are bulimic and are using it to induce vomiting. I'm exercising daily, taking vitamins, calcium, glucosamine and chondroitin as well as eating a balanced diet of about 1500 calories a day. I'm doing much better this time by not flat out denying myself anything sweet. But it's still all your fault.
• February 2, 2009, Jason Kearney writes: When I first read Marty's comment about Snickers, I thought he was nuts. Sorry. Anyway, then I realized that I eat a Clif Bar every day for lunch, and it is basically a candy bar in a healthy looking wrapper. Marty is right--it is pre-packaged, fixed number of calories, and it doesn't take long to eat it. I've never heard of the pretzel idea, but that's a great idea. Jason Kearneys last blog post..Cyclists, Hope Is On The Way
• February 2, 2009, art rogers writes: Sure, but I can eat a healthy choice meal with two pieces of breaded chicken (which is GOOD, btw) mashed potatoes, vegetables and Cherry crisp dessert with a tall glass of water for 370 calories and be full. A bar of Snickers or a Clif bar has a lot of calories, but isn't very filling. I find the thing that drives me to distraction is hunger pains. I am working on budgeting calories on things that are filling. It works for me.

Related posts:

• Losing your temper
• Theoblogian Today – 12 Witnesses
• Nutrition prof sheds 27 pounds on Twinkie diet – Chicago Tribune
• Why didn’t Jesus do the writing?
• Simple Things Learned

A couple of years ago, our church staff had a little “Biggest Loser” style competition to lose weight.  Says alot about Baptists that it was an easy competition for us to buy into.  In other words, we’re fat.

So, I did really well and ended up continuing to lose weight well past the competition.  About 6 mos. in, I went to the Southern Baptist Convention and tried to continue to exercise and eat well while there.

While I was there, Marty Duren and I ate together several times and at one point, he chose Tony Romas.  It was the beginning of the end of my diet.  It’s all Marty’s fault.

Anyway, I’m starting back.  Just thought I’d say so, since I may be twittering things about it and posting things about it here on the blog.

Oh, and it’s not a fad diet thing.  Just counting calories.  I know how Lean Cuisine, Healthy Choice and all those “diet” dinners help you lose weight.  It’s fairly obvious once you cook one up for the first time.  They starve you to death.

It’s good food.  Just about two teaspoons full.

Your prayers, as always, are appreciated.

Comments

• January 21, 2009, Benjie writes: Good for you, Art. We've too many preachers who "fill the pulpit" more every week. I'm supporting my wife as we try to lose a few. It's easier on my macho brain to say I'm doing it for someone else. Here's what I've found about all the diets -- especially the ones that make you subscribe and then buy their expensive (but tiny) meals -- they require two things: Exercise Portion control Keep up the good work.
• January 21, 2009, art rogers writes: Exercise and portion control are exactly right. I get my meals, though, from Wal-Mart, for about $2-$3 per meal. That is cheaper than I can buy a meal anywhere and almost as cheap as I can make one from scratch. It's just far less work to throw it in the microwave.
• January 21, 2009, jasonk writes: Art, I am calling to you from the other side, the skinny side. Ten months ago I was seventy pounds heavier than I am today, and I want to encourage you to keep it up. It can be done. If one man can do it, so can another. Yes it hurts, for about two weeks. Then it gets easier, and before you know it, you're nearing your goal. If you need any support or encouragement, feel free to contact me. It's good over here. jasonks last blog post..The Biggest Gainer
• January 22, 2009, art rogers writes: Thanks for the encouragement, Jason. I was there and let it get away from me. I'm feeling very motivated right now, and I appreciate your pat on the back.
• February 2, 2009, Marty Duren writes: The first rule of recovery is to stop blaming ME. I have no memory whatsoever of a place called Tony Romas. Where was it? The power lunch of champions is a Snicker bar and diet Pepsi. I kid you not. Total of less than 300 calories with no high fructose corn syrup. Very few carbs helps prevent the afternoon sleepies and protein to boot. Not only that, it takes 5 minutes to finish. Another thing. If you can find a pretzel brand called "Mr. Pretzel" buy it. You can eat (no lie) about 80 sticks at just over 100 total calories. I'll also echo the others. Exercise two to three times a week. I run because it's cheap. Get good shoes; it'll be worth the price. One more thing: keep bottled water handy. Drink it rather than reaching for food when ye olde stomach rumbles. It rumbles because it's empty, not because you need to eat. 0 calories. Marty Durens last blog post..If you need a Monday morning laugh…
• February 2, 2009, art rogers writes: You clearly don't have the love of great bbq that I do. It was on the Riverwalk. It was very good. Diet Pepsi is the nastiest thing on earth. You must lose weight because you are bulimic and are using it to induce vomiting. I'm exercising daily, taking vitamins, calcium, glucosamine and chondroitin as well as eating a balanced diet of about 1500 calories a day. I'm doing much better this time by not flat out denying myself anything sweet. But it's still all your fault.
• February 2, 2009, Jason Kearney writes: When I first read Marty's comment about Snickers, I thought he was nuts. Sorry. Anyway, then I realized that I eat a Clif Bar every day for lunch, and it is basically a candy bar in a healthy looking wrapper. Marty is right--it is pre-packaged, fixed number of calories, and it doesn't take long to eat it. I've never heard of the pretzel idea, but that's a great idea. Jason Kearneys last blog post..Cyclists, Hope Is On The Way
• February 2, 2009, art rogers writes: Sure, but I can eat a healthy choice meal with two pieces of breaded chicken (which is GOOD, btw) mashed potatoes, vegetables and Cherry crisp dessert with a tall glass of water for 370 calories and be full. A bar of Snickers or a Clif bar has a lot of calories, but isn't very filling. I find the thing that drives me to distraction is hunger pains. I am working on budgeting calories on things that are filling. It works for me.

Related posts:

• Losing your temper
• Theoblogian Today – 12 Witnesses
• Nutrition prof sheds 27 pounds on Twinkie diet – Chicago Tribune
• Why didn’t Jesus do the writing?
• Simple Things Learned

The opposite perspective among evangelicals is represented most famously by Donald Miller, who prayed during the Democratic National Convention and tends to represent a great number of younger evangelicals by most observations.

So…  You are called to pray for the leaders of our nation.  How do you pray for Barack Obama?

Side note:  what did you think of Rick Warren’s Inagural Prayer?

Comments

• January 20, 2009, Rick Boyne writes: Art, Here is what I've put on my website and the church site as well:

  As our country experiences another peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next, let us commit to pray for our new President. President Obama will need God’s direction and God’s wisdom as he leads our country. We must be diligent to pray for him and the decisions that he makes, that they would bring glory and honor to God. Pray for him to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to surround himself with wise counsel. The honor of leading our country is no easy task and our new President will need our prayers!

  I think it is nonsense to pray that Obama will fail. I think it is better to pray that God would guide him! PS: are you going to the Ev Conf next week? We need to meet! Rick Boynes last blog post..Pray for our new President
• January 20, 2009, art rogers writes: Rick, That's a good prayer and a good answer. No, I'm not going to the Ev Conf next week. We'll have to look for another time and place.
• January 20, 2009, Debbie Kaufman writes: I was very impressed with Rick Warren's prayer and thought it powerful, especially how he invoked the name of Christ. Debbie Kaufmans last blog post..The Inaugeration: What Do You Expect
• January 20, 2009, Joseph M. Smith writes: I was not happy with Warren's prayer. At the beginning he tried to embrace Christians, Jews, and Muslims with phrases each group could identify with. Then he wandered over into lecturing God. One or two lines seemed calculated to draw a response from the crowd, and it did -- applause! He ended up invoking the name of Jesus in several formats, presumably to include everyone -- but the name of Jesus in Hebrew and in Arabic is probably quite offensive to those groups in that context. Then to conclude with the Lord's Prayer, presumably expecting others to follow, is again an assertion that the crowd is essentially Christian. With Lowery, of course I responded well to the quotations from "Lift Every Voice and Sing", but he too began to lecture, and the ending about blacks no longer staying back, brown stick around, etc., was offensively cute to me. I do not do cute in prayer! But I liked his ending, doing what African-American preachers often do, rising to a climax that calls for an "Amen" without necessarily invoking a particular name. And he knew enough not to say, "Let the church say 'Amen'" because this was/is not a church. It all makes me feel, as one who has tried too many time to do public formalities like this (university graduations), that we do a disservice to people and their understanding of prayer with this sort of exercise.
• January 20, 2009, art rogers writes: Cute like this:

  Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around... (LAUGHTER) ... when yellow will be mellow... (LAUGHTER) LOWERY: ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen. AUDIENCE: Amen. LOWERY: Say Amen. AUDIENCE: Amen. LOWERY: And Amen. AUDIENCE: Amen.

• January 20, 2009, Kevin Bussey writes: I didn't see Rick Warren or any of the Inauguration for that matter since I was working. :) However, I will be praying for our President and yes he is my President even though I didn't vote for him. I pray he will seek God and that God will use him. If he fails we all fail. Kevin Busseys last blog post..‘Horrified’ by ‘Aggressively Christian’ Prayers?

Related posts:

• Carter Quandary
• Election Special
• Race Relations and the President Elect
• “On Mission Pt. 3″
• No Phriday foto… Pray for Caelan, Please

Interesting clash of ideologies among evangelicals.  I read one report where a man was calling for prayers for the new president to fail in his aspirations and agendas.

The opposite perspective among evangelicals is represented most famously by Donald Miller, who prayed during the Democratic National Convention and tends to represent a great number of younger evangelicals by most observations.

So…  You are called to pray for the leaders of our nation.  How do you pray for Barack Obama?

Side note:  what did you think of Rick Warren’s Inagural Prayer?

Comments

• January 20, 2009, Rick Boyne writes: Art, Here is what I've put on my website and the church site as well:

  As our country experiences another peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next, let us commit to pray for our new President. President Obama will need God’s direction and God’s wisdom as he leads our country. We must be diligent to pray for him and the decisions that he makes, that they would bring glory and honor to God. Pray for him to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to surround himself with wise counsel. The honor of leading our country is no easy task and our new President will need our prayers!

  I think it is nonsense to pray that Obama will fail. I think it is better to pray that God would guide him! PS: are you going to the Ev Conf next week? We need to meet! Rick Boynes last blog post..Pray for our new President
• January 20, 2009, art rogers writes: Rick, That's a good prayer and a good answer. No, I'm not going to the Ev Conf next week. We'll have to look for another time and place.
• January 20, 2009, Debbie Kaufman writes: I was very impressed with Rick Warren's prayer and thought it powerful, especially how he invoked the name of Christ. Debbie Kaufmans last blog post..The Inaugeration: What Do You Expect
• January 20, 2009, Joseph M. Smith writes: I was not happy with Warren's prayer. At the beginning he tried to embrace Christians, Jews, and Muslims with phrases each group could identify with. Then he wandered over into lecturing God. One or two lines seemed calculated to draw a response from the crowd, and it did -- applause! He ended up invoking the name of Jesus in several formats, presumably to include everyone -- but the name of Jesus in Hebrew and in Arabic is probably quite offensive to those groups in that context. Then to conclude with the Lord's Prayer, presumably expecting others to follow, is again an assertion that the crowd is essentially Christian. With Lowery, of course I responded well to the quotations from "Lift Every Voice and Sing", but he too began to lecture, and the ending about blacks no longer staying back, brown stick around, etc., was offensively cute to me. I do not do cute in prayer! But I liked his ending, doing what African-American preachers often do, rising to a climax that calls for an "Amen" without necessarily invoking a particular name. And he knew enough not to say, "Let the church say 'Amen'" because this was/is not a church. It all makes me feel, as one who has tried too many time to do public formalities like this (university graduations), that we do a disservice to people and their understanding of prayer with this sort of exercise.
• January 20, 2009, art rogers writes: Cute like this:

  Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around... (LAUGHTER) ... when yellow will be mellow... (LAUGHTER) LOWERY: ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen. AUDIENCE: Amen. LOWERY: Say Amen. AUDIENCE: Amen. LOWERY: And Amen. AUDIENCE: Amen.

• January 20, 2009, Kevin Bussey writes: I didn't see Rick Warren or any of the Inauguration for that matter since I was working. :) However, I will be praying for our President and yes he is my President even though I didn't vote for him. I pray he will seek God and that God will use him. If he fails we all fail. Kevin Busseys last blog post..‘Horrified’ by ‘Aggressively Christian’ Prayers?

Related posts:

• Carter Quandary
• Election Special
• Race Relations and the President Elect
• “On Mission Pt. 3″
• No Phriday foto… Pray for Caelan, Please

I love camp. It is such a great opportunity for God to move in the lives of young people. It is exhausting, but well worth it.

I’ll be posting updates throughout the week, along with some pictures.

Thanks for your prayers.

Comments

• June 15, 2008, Kevin Bussey writes: Have fun! Kevin Busseys last blog post..Televangelist sends a ‘refund’
• June 16, 2008, Michael writes: Watch out for the midnight squirt guns!
• June 16, 2008, Sheila Rogers writes: I will be looking forward to your updates and picture's. They don't have a lot on the Fall's Creek website, but from what I could see it looks like a huge camp! Have fun with our kiddo's!!
• June 16, 2008, Denise writes: Now thats God's country!!!!

Related posts:

• Falls Creek Camping Wednesday Update
• Youth Camp
• Professional Panhandler Assaults Churchman
• The SBC this week
• Gone Camping

As you may know, we are currently without a Youth Minister, so I’ll be heading to camp with our Youth Group. I also went last year, but I was just along for the ride then.

I love camp. It is such a great opportunity for God to move in the lives of young people. It is exhausting, but well worth it.

I’ll be posting updates throughout the week, along with some pictures.

Thanks for your prayers.

Comments

• June 15, 2008, Kevin Bussey writes: Have fun! Kevin Busseys last blog post..Televangelist sends a ‘refund’
• June 16, 2008, Michael writes: Watch out for the midnight squirt guns!
• June 16, 2008, Sheila Rogers writes: I will be looking forward to your updates and picture's. They don't have a lot on the Fall's Creek website, but from what I could see it looks like a huge camp! Have fun with our kiddo's!!
• June 16, 2008, Denise writes: Now thats God's country!!!!

Related posts:

• Falls Creek Camping Wednesday Update
• Youth Camp
• Professional Panhandler Assaults Churchman
• The SBC this week
• Gone Camping

I’m excited, anxious and dreading about 36 hours of airplane/airport travel. It’s closer to 48 if you count the drive from Tulsa to Ft. Worth, where our flights originate.

Thanks for your prayers.

Comments

• March 3, 2008, Kevin Bussey writes: I pray for your safety and that God will move in a mighty way.
• March 3, 2008, David Phillips writes: Now when are u leaving?
• March 3, 2008, art rogers writes: I leave the church tomorrow (Tuesday) at 10 am.
• March 3, 2008, art rogers writes: Did you miss the countdown timer? :)
• March 3, 2008, David Phillips writes: Why yes...I did miss that...I forgot it was there
• March 3, 2008, Alan Cross writes: I'll be praying for you, Art. I pray that God will open many doors of service to expand His Kingdom through you. Be dangerous (as opposed to safe).
• March 3, 2008, Judy writes: Art - You will be in my prayers every day. Be safe !
• March 5, 2008, Diana Day writes: Hey Art: I just want to let you guys know that I am praying for each of you and your families every day. I am praying for your protection and for you to be sensitive to how God wants to use you while you're there. Please pass this along to Margie and Jimmy. See you soon. Diana

Related posts:

• This is good stuff.
• Vietnam
• Minimum for the Growing Disciple
• A few thoughts on the busy-ness of life and our relationship with God
• Here We Go

I’ve got stuff scattered all over the house and the living room is the primary staging area. I am about to video my segment on some of the tips I’ve discovered about packing for overseas travel.

I’m excited, anxious and dreading about 36 hours of airplane/airport travel. It’s closer to 48 if you count the drive from Tulsa to Ft. Worth, where our flights originate.

Thanks for your prayers.

Comments

• March 3, 2008, Kevin Bussey writes: I pray for your safety and that God will move in a mighty way.
• March 3, 2008, David Phillips writes: Now when are u leaving?
• March 3, 2008, art rogers writes: I leave the church tomorrow (Tuesday) at 10 am.
• March 3, 2008, art rogers writes: Did you miss the countdown timer? :)
• March 3, 2008, David Phillips writes: Why yes...I did miss that...I forgot it was there
• March 3, 2008, Alan Cross writes: I'll be praying for you, Art. I pray that God will open many doors of service to expand His Kingdom through you. Be dangerous (as opposed to safe).
• March 3, 2008, Judy writes: Art - You will be in my prayers every day. Be safe !
• March 5, 2008, Diana Day writes: Hey Art: I just want to let you guys know that I am praying for each of you and your families every day. I am praying for your protection and for you to be sensitive to how God wants to use you while you're there. Please pass this along to Margie and Jimmy. See you soon. Diana

Related posts:

• This is good stuff.
• Vietnam
• Minimum for the Growing Disciple
• A few thoughts on the busy-ness of life and our relationship with God
• Here We Go

So God, being the gracious, amazing and humorous God that He is found me praying yesterday morning as I woke up. (Me to God) “Y’know, if I could just plainly lay out the Gospel sometime real soon, that’d be great.”

No problem.

On my way to the office after an eye appointment, I call my secretary to check if everything is ok. I have had a church member call and tell me that an extended family member, living apart from God, was badly ill in the hospital, and she wanted me to go by and share the Gospel.

Hmmmm.

So I find myself in ICU in a very real “Mars Hill” conversation with a man that has his own ideas about God and is convinced that he is fine, but denies some real core beliefs of the faith. I am hearing these things, quoting back Scripture in affirmation about what he says that is right about God, but also to correct what he has wrong about God.

Long story short, he wasn’t buying what I was selling, but was very grateful for me to be there.

I’m praying for his recovery and the opportunity for more conversations that will lead to his salvation.

I am also praying that I will be quicker to get to the Gospel. Not in a “shove it down your throat” kind of way, but in an “urgent, this is important enough not to let the moment slip by” kind of way.

Related posts:

• A New Hill
• Dever for 1VP
• The Myth of the Majority, revisited
• Vietnam 2010: San Sa Ho – Hard Labor
• What a day…

Though I am always engaging in conversations in an effort to build relationships in order to communicate the Gospel, it sometimes frustrates me when those conversations end quickly and we never get there.

So God, being the gracious, amazing and humorous God that He is found me praying yesterday morning as I woke up. (Me to God) “Y’know, if I could just plainly lay out the Gospel sometime real soon, that’d be great.”

No problem.

On my way to the office after an eye appointment, I call my secretary to check if everything is ok. I have had a church member call and tell me that an extended family member, living apart from God, was badly ill in the hospital, and she wanted me to go by and share the Gospel.

Hmmmm.

So I find myself in ICU in a very real “Mars Hill” conversation with a man that has his own ideas about God and is convinced that he is fine, but denies some real core beliefs of the faith. I am hearing these things, quoting back Scripture in affirmation about what he says that is right about God, but also to correct what he has wrong about God.

Long story short, he wasn’t buying what I was selling, but was very grateful for me to be there.

I’m praying for his recovery and the opportunity for more conversations that will lead to his salvation.

I am also praying that I will be quicker to get to the Gospel. Not in a “shove it down your throat” kind of way, but in an “urgent, this is important enough not to let the moment slip by” kind of way.

Related posts:

• A New Hill
• Dever for 1VP
• The Myth of the Majority, revisited
• Vietnam 2010: San Sa Ho – Hard Labor
• What a day…

You may know that Alan and Erika, along with the rest of their family, are dealing with the possible recurrence of cancer in their son, Caelan.

As I spoke with Alan, my words were pretty simple. I told him that I loved him and his family and that my family and church were praying with them. I said that our hearts were breaking with theirs. Beyond that, I kept quiet and let Alan tell me about what was going on and share where they were.

Then Alan mentioned something that had happened that always happens when things seem desperate in the life of a believer (for that matter, it may happen in the lives of unbelievers, as well). He said that he had a few people come and talk to him or call him and try to “work out their theology on him.” It has to be said that Alan is and always has been more patient and gentle than I am. He said that he just received what they were saying for the good intentions that they had and went on. I told him that he was a better man than I am.

The truth is that people often do this in a time of seeming crises. Alan is right, they usually have good intent. I think a rare few are driven by some need to be right, but the vast majority are really trying to help. I think they believe that if they can impart some wisdom to the situation and help the grieving person see things “rightly,” then the perception of this truth will bring peace.

In fact, it doesn’t.

Peace only comes with a sense of God’s Presence. Accurate understanding may, in fact, enhance someone’s realization of God’s Presence in their situation, but the time to come to that understanding is not in the middle of their pain.

Let me give you a few things I have learned about being a help to someone who is facing grief, whether their sense of devastation is from something that has come to pass or something that may yet come to pass.

1. Most people don’t want to try and work through complicated theology. If you try and explain the sovereignty of God (if you adhere to the Doctrines of Grace) or the pernicious nature of the Devil (if you trend more Arminian), they are likely to sense that you are intruding on their emotions and are forcing them to think about some abstract irrelevancy when the thing foremost on their minds is their loved one.

2. They may ask the question, “Why did God let this happen?” If they do, it doesn’t mean that they want the theological discussion that would result from a well thought out response. I’m not saying they don’t want to know. I am saying that they don’t want to deal with complexities, especially the difficult answer of the problem of sin and pain in the world that would be reduced to something that will actually sound pithy.

What they are really looking for is peace. If you could answer them in one sentence with an answer that would reveal God’s thoughts and lend them His perspective, then you would be able to give them what they want. The problem is, obviously, that you can’t do that. The truth is you don’t know why God let this happen, and your speculation would not be helpful. No matter where you stand on the problem of pain, you must admit that you don’t know the mind of God, and that should be your answer to the question.

“Why did God let this happen?”

“I don’t know…”

3. I left the ellipses after that phrase because you shouldn’t, and I rarely if ever, stop there. What they need is the comfort of God’s Presence, so when they ask this question, give them what they need with an answer similar to this:

“I don’t know, but I do know that He loves you and He loves your family. I know that you are all important to Him and that there is nothing in the world that escapes Him. This is not being ignored by God.”

4. Then you should stop. Then you should listen. What most people need at this time is to talk. They need to express their feelings and frustrations. They need sympathy. You can easily give that to them by giving them your attention and time.

Remember that at all times you, as a part of the Body of Christ, represent the person of God – imperfect though we all may be. They need His presence, and you can model it by spending some time and attention with those who are hurting.

5. When the time has passed, ask if you can pray for them. If they are willing, and most are, ask God to provide them comfort, wisdom and strength. If they have a loved one who is sick, ask God to give the health professionals guidance. If the Holy Spirit confirms with you, ask God to bring healing. (I’m not going to enter into a debate concerning “Word of Faith” theology that God wants to heal all people, especially His people. Another time and place.) Above all, ask for the family and all involved to be aware of God’s presence in the situation – that none could be in the room without knowing He is there.

Pray this last phrase for two reasons. First, ask this because you want it to happen – that all would realize His presence. Second, do it out loud with them because it helps them to picture the reality that God actually IS present in the middle of their crises.

Remember that you are there as a servant of God and of them. Realize what they really need (a sense of God’s presence) and then work hard to give it to them.

Also, though this post is not specifically about the Cross family, please allow me to ask that you continue to pray for Caelan Cross and all those that love him.

Comments

• February 27, 2008, Scott Gordon writes: Art, Good words, all. I, too, though I have never met Alan in person had the privilege of speaking with him recently after hearing the news about Caelan. He and his family are dealing with a huge weight and need our love and support...not our theological dissertations. Having had my younger son in the hospital twice in the past year, I can tell you that I appreciated the presence and calls from church family, family, and brothers & sisters in Christ from all around. We need to remember to pray for Caelan and his family tomorrow. By Grace Alone, Scott Gordon
• February 27, 2008, Alan Cross writes: Thank you all for your prayers. I have learned a lot about God and myself through all of this, but the one thing that I am most grateful for is the Body of Christ that has lifted my family up before the Lord. You have no idea how much prayer means. These are good words, Art. I would add that I always pray for healing for someone in a situation that involves sickness. My thinking is that it is my job to believe God for healing and it is up to God whether He heals or not. Often, we try and figure that out ahead of time. Let's believe God and let Him sort it out. I do want to make one point though, in case any of your readers, including Scott, might be wondering. I received several calls from bloggers and I will say that they all adhered to your principles stated here. Scott, Robin Foster, Tim Rogers, Wes Kenney, Todd Littleton, Marty Duren, yourself, and others were all very gracious and comforting. The people that I was refering to were not in anyway associated with the blogosphere, and overall, they were few. They had just mostly talked with me right before you and I talked, so my view was a little affected at that point and they caused me to make mental notes about what NOT to say to others, although I know that they were trying to helpful. Likely, they were struggling themselves with "why" questions. I only say that to be sensitive to the fact that someone who called me might read this and wonder if I were talking about them when I made my general statement. I would not want that burden to be upon them or cause anyone to feel bad about calling. Thank you for posting this, Art. We all need to be aware how to effectively minister to people who are going through things like this. I am grateful that people have ministered to me.
• February 27, 2008, Kevin Bussey writes: Great advice. I am praying for the Cross family too. Sometimes we just need to listen. Also, I let someone he knows who has a child know about it too.
• February 27, 2008, art rogers writes: Let me just re-affirm that this post was not specifically about the Cross family or their experiences in any detail. Alan merely vocalized a thought that inspired a post. As with most bloggers, I like to give the background of the post for context. Also, I wanted to take the opportunity to remind folks to pray for Caelan.

Related posts:

• Stand straight
• Who is responsible?
• Globalization and Fundamentalism
• Great Expectations
• Leaving Church, Remix

I spoke with Alan Cross last week. That conversation prompted this article.

You may know that Alan and Erika, along with the rest of their family, are dealing with the possible recurrence of cancer in their son, Caelan.

As I spoke with Alan, my words were pretty simple. I told him that I loved him and his family and that my family and church were praying with them. I said that our hearts were breaking with theirs. Beyond that, I kept quiet and let Alan tell me about what was going on and share where they were.

Then Alan mentioned something that had happened that always happens when things seem desperate in the life of a believer (for that matter, it may happen in the lives of unbelievers, as well). He said that he had a few people come and talk to him or call him and try to “work out their theology on him.” It has to be said that Alan is and always has been more patient and gentle than I am. He said that he just received what they were saying for the good intentions that they had and went on. I told him that he was a better man than I am.

The truth is that people often do this in a time of seeming crises. Alan is right, they usually have good intent. I think a rare few are driven by some need to be right, but the vast majority are really trying to help. I think they believe that if they can impart some wisdom to the situation and help the grieving person see things “rightly,” then the perception of this truth will bring peace.

In fact, it doesn’t.

Peace only comes with a sense of God’s Presence. Accurate understanding may, in fact, enhance someone’s realization of God’s Presence in their situation, but the time to come to that understanding is not in the middle of their pain.

Let me give you a few things I have learned about being a help to someone who is facing grief, whether their sense of devastation is from something that has come to pass or something that may yet come to pass.

1. Most people don’t want to try and work through complicated theology. If you try and explain the sovereignty of God (if you adhere to the Doctrines of Grace) or the pernicious nature of the Devil (if you trend more Arminian), they are likely to sense that you are intruding on their emotions and are forcing them to think about some abstract irrelevancy when the thing foremost on their minds is their loved one.

2. They may ask the question, “Why did God let this happen?” If they do, it doesn’t mean that they want the theological discussion that would result from a well thought out response. I’m not saying they don’t want to know. I am saying that they don’t want to deal with complexities, especially the difficult answer of the problem of sin and pain in the world that would be reduced to something that will actually sound pithy.

What they are really looking for is peace. If you could answer them in one sentence with an answer that would reveal God’s thoughts and lend them His perspective, then you would be able to give them what they want. The problem is, obviously, that you can’t do that. The truth is you don’t know why God let this happen, and your speculation would not be helpful. No matter where you stand on the problem of pain, you must admit that you don’t know the mind of God, and that should be your answer to the question.

“Why did God let this happen?”

“I don’t know…”

3. I left the ellipses after that phrase because you shouldn’t, and I rarely if ever, stop there. What they need is the comfort of God’s Presence, so when they ask this question, give them what they need with an answer similar to this:

“I don’t know, but I do know that He loves you and He loves your family. I know that you are all important to Him and that there is nothing in the world that escapes Him. This is not being ignored by God.”

4. Then you should stop. Then you should listen. What most people need at this time is to talk. They need to express their feelings and frustrations. They need sympathy. You can easily give that to them by giving them your attention and time.

Remember that at all times you, as a part of the Body of Christ, represent the person of God – imperfect though we all may be. They need His presence, and you can model it by spending some time and attention with those who are hurting.

5. When the time has passed, ask if you can pray for them. If they are willing, and most are, ask God to provide them comfort, wisdom and strength. If they have a loved one who is sick, ask God to give the health professionals guidance. If the Holy Spirit confirms with you, ask God to bring healing. (I’m not going to enter into a debate concerning “Word of Faith” theology that God wants to heal all people, especially His people. Another time and place.) Above all, ask for the family and all involved to be aware of God’s presence in the situation – that none could be in the room without knowing He is there.

Pray this last phrase for two reasons. First, ask this because you want it to happen – that all would realize His presence. Second, do it out loud with them because it helps them to picture the reality that God actually IS present in the middle of their crises.

Remember that you are there as a servant of God and of them. Realize what they really need (a sense of God’s presence) and then work hard to give it to them.

Also, though this post is not specifically about the Cross family, please allow me to ask that you continue to pray for Caelan Cross and all those that love him.

Comments

• February 27, 2008, Scott Gordon writes: Art, Good words, all. I, too, though I have never met Alan in person had the privilege of speaking with him recently after hearing the news about Caelan. He and his family are dealing with a huge weight and need our love and support...not our theological dissertations. Having had my younger son in the hospital twice in the past year, I can tell you that I appreciated the presence and calls from church family, family, and brothers & sisters in Christ from all around. We need to remember to pray for Caelan and his family tomorrow. By Grace Alone, Scott Gordon
• February 27, 2008, Alan Cross writes: Thank you all for your prayers. I have learned a lot about God and myself through all of this, but the one thing that I am most grateful for is the Body of Christ that has lifted my family up before the Lord. You have no idea how much prayer means. These are good words, Art. I would add that I always pray for healing for someone in a situation that involves sickness. My thinking is that it is my job to believe God for healing and it is up to God whether He heals or not. Often, we try and figure that out ahead of time. Let's believe God and let Him sort it out. I do want to make one point though, in case any of your readers, including Scott, might be wondering. I received several calls from bloggers and I will say that they all adhered to your principles stated here. Scott, Robin Foster, Tim Rogers, Wes Kenney, Todd Littleton, Marty Duren, yourself, and others were all very gracious and comforting. The people that I was refering to were not in anyway associated with the blogosphere, and overall, they were few. They had just mostly talked with me right before you and I talked, so my view was a little affected at that point and they caused me to make mental notes about what NOT to say to others, although I know that they were trying to helpful. Likely, they were struggling themselves with "why" questions. I only say that to be sensitive to the fact that someone who called me might read this and wonder if I were talking about them when I made my general statement. I would not want that burden to be upon them or cause anyone to feel bad about calling. Thank you for posting this, Art. We all need to be aware how to effectively minister to people who are going through things like this. I am grateful that people have ministered to me.
• February 27, 2008, Kevin Bussey writes: Great advice. I am praying for the Cross family too. Sometimes we just need to listen. Also, I let someone he knows who has a child know about it too.
• February 27, 2008, art rogers writes: Let me just re-affirm that this post was not specifically about the Cross family or their experiences in any detail. Alan merely vocalized a thought that inspired a post. As with most bloggers, I like to give the background of the post for context. Also, I wanted to take the opportunity to remind folks to pray for Caelan.

Related posts:

• Stand straight
• Who is responsible?
• Globalization and Fundamentalism
• Great Expectations
• Leaving Church, Remix

If you are looking for the video post of traveling gear, I’ll put it up next week.  I think the timing is better for it then and this now.

I’ve had a couple of wake up calls in the last week.  Dennis Jeffares, during our training session, informed us of some particular sensitivities to which we are going to have to adjust.  We have to rearrange our vocabulary a bit, especially in the use of the M word.  It turns out that it is offensive to that culture for reasons I do not yet understand.  Nevertheless, because it is offensive, we must avoid it.

I’ve had to edit it out of emails and I’ve retroactively edited posts to eliminate it as well.  At this point, I am putting the word in my “moderation” filter so I can catch it if someone uses it inadvertently.

Moreover, we have to be prepared to have all of our belongings searched.  This is an affront to our pride in our culture.  All of that has to go away, and is not that big of a deal.  I wish I could say more about this, but I can’t.

The other thing that is a shock to my system is the Spiritual Warfare that we are beginning to face already.  A friend who was raised on the field warned me last week that the rooms in which we will stay have been blessed by Buddhist Monks, and that our team needed to be bathed in prayer.  That our judgment could be cloudy, that we could suffer nightmares, are all a part of the reality of Asia.   Couple that with the exhaustion of traveling around the world and we will be in desperate need of God’s strength.

I’ve been so excited about going that I’ve ignored the Spiriutal Realities that surround what we are doing.  Make no mistake:  I am confident in God’s sovereignty.  There is  no doubt From Whom and Through Whom and To Whom are all things (Rom 11:36).  That is why it so vital that we be dependent on Him, and not ourselves.

Comments

• February 26, 2008, Tom Bryant writes: I was following some links when I found you. I'll be praying for you as you go to Vietnam. It is a beautiful country. The same heavenly Father who called you to go there will be with you.
• February 26, 2008, art rogers writes: Thanks, Tom. I appreciate it greatly.

Related posts:

• Vietnam
• Vietnam Updates
• Vietnam 2009: LAX layover
• Vietnam 2009
• Vietnam 2009: Orphanages

If you are looking for the video post of traveling gear, I’ll put it up next week.  I think the timing is better for it then and this now.

I’ve had a couple of wake up calls in the last week.  Dennis Jeffares, during our training session, informed us of some particular sensitivities to which we are going to have to adjust.  We have to rearrange our vocabulary a bit, especially in the use of the M word.  It turns out that it is offensive to that culture for reasons I do not yet understand.  Nevertheless, because it is offensive, we must avoid it.

I’ve had to edit it out of emails and I’ve retroactively edited posts to eliminate it as well.  At this point, I am putting the word in my “moderation” filter so I can catch it if someone uses it inadvertently.

Moreover, we have to be prepared to have all of our belongings searched.  This is an affront to our pride in our culture.  All of that has to go away, and is not that big of a deal.  I wish I could say more about this, but I can’t.

The other thing that is a shock to my system is the Spiritual Warfare that we are beginning to face already.  A friend who was raised on the field warned me last week that the rooms in which we will stay have been blessed by Buddhist Monks, and that our team needed to be bathed in prayer.  That our judgment could be cloudy, that we could suffer nightmares, are all a part of the reality of Asia.   Couple that with the exhaustion of traveling around the world and we will be in desperate need of God’s strength.

I’ve been so excited about going that I’ve ignored the Spiriutal Realities that surround what we are doing.  Make no mistake:  I am confident in God’s sovereignty.  There is  no doubt From Whom and Through Whom and To Whom are all things (Rom 11:36).  That is why it so vital that we be dependent on Him, and not ourselves.

Comments

• February 26, 2008, Tom Bryant writes: I was following some links when I found you. I'll be praying for you as you go to Vietnam. It is a beautiful country. The same heavenly Father who called you to go there will be with you.
• February 26, 2008, art rogers writes: Thanks, Tom. I appreciate it greatly.

Related posts:

• Vietnam
• Vietnam Updates
• Vietnam 2009: LAX layover
• Vietnam 2009
• Vietnam 2009: Orphanages

Caelan Cross is a wonderful child, whom I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting. I take the word of his father, Alan Cross, on the beauty of his son.

Caelan was diagnosed with cancer as a 5 month old child and had it surgically removed from his side, along with a rib or two, if I remember correctly.

The doctors said that if this cancer ever returned it would be a hard thing to overcome and the odds of his survival would not be good.

At his recent 3 month scan, a swollen lymph node was discovered behind his heart. The doctors, because of the previous cancer, are treating this very seriously and have scheduled a dangerous biopsy next week. If they are unable to get at it with a probe, they will have to open Caelan’s chest right then.

When dealing with aggressive cancer, it is good to have aggressive doctors. This does not change all of the emotions the family is going through. Also, Caelan, who has been through all manner of medical procedures, from surgery to chemotherapy, faces a yet undetermined round today and beyond.

I ask for you to please pray for Caelan, his parents, Alan and Erika, and siblings, whom I sadly confess I don’t know their names.

You can check for ongoing requests and leave comments for the Cross family at Alan’s blog: Downshore Drift.

Related posts:

• Phriday foto 04-11-08
• Phriday foto 06-29-07
• Phriday foto 5-11-07
• Phriday foto 06-08-07
• Phriday foto: 01-16-09

I am not putting up a Phriday foto today. Really I need any and all traffic that should hit this site to pray and to refer this to anyone else that is a believer and ask them to pray.

Caelan Cross is a wonderful child, whom I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting. I take the word of his father, Alan Cross, on the beauty of his son.

Caelan was diagnosed with cancer as a 5 month old child and had it surgically removed from his side, along with a rib or two, if I remember correctly.

The doctors said that if this cancer ever returned it would be a hard thing to overcome and the odds of his survival would not be good.

At his recent 3 month scan, a swollen lymph node was discovered behind his heart. The doctors, because of the previous cancer, are treating this very seriously and have scheduled a dangerous biopsy next week. If they are unable to get at it with a probe, they will have to open Caelan’s chest right then.

When dealing with aggressive cancer, it is good to have aggressive doctors. This does not change all of the emotions the family is going through. Also, Caelan, who has been through all manner of medical procedures, from surgery to chemotherapy, faces a yet undetermined round today and beyond.

I ask for you to please pray for Caelan, his parents, Alan and Erika, and siblings, whom I sadly confess I don’t know their names.

You can check for ongoing requests and leave comments for the Cross family at Alan’s blog: Downshore Drift.

Related posts:

• Phriday foto 04-11-08
• Phriday foto 06-29-07
• Phriday foto 5-11-07
• Phriday foto 06-08-07
• Phriday foto: 01-16-09