Just a Box Food

Ring, Ring, Ring.....

"Hello, This is Jason Curry."
"Yes, Pastor Curry, I was wondering if I could talk to you about some food."
"Ok, what can i do for you."
"I am dying of Aids. I have not eaten in three days. Can you help?"
"Of course i can, why don't you come by our Care Center this afternoon and pick up a box."
"I don't have any transportation, is there any way that you get it to me."

....i began thinking about all that i had to do yesterday and not just that but his house was the complete opposite direction of my house. Completely out of my way. But was there really a decision that had to be made? I have not gone three days in my life without out food.

So, I left a little early from work and went to drop of the box. He was unbelievably grateful. He said thank you...over and over again. As i began to get in my car and leave when another man approached me.

"I am trying to get home... i just got done with an interview... could i pay you a couple of bucks for a ride?"

"Nope, but you can ride for free. I am Jason, what is your name."

"My name is Jerry."

"Jerry, get in."

Over the next 10 minutes, Jerry and i began to talk. He was just done with an interview for the National Guard and making a big change in his life. Jerry is married and has three kids and is doing what he can to make it happen for his family. Halfway through the ride, Jerry looked at me and said... "I need some spiritual help... my family needs some spiritual help." I was kicked out of church 7 years ago and have never been back.

I said the next sentence with all the pride in the world.

"Jerry, I go to a church that would welcome you with open arms."

He said, "Even with my race?"

I said the next sentence with even more pride.

"Jerry, I am a part of church that doesn't care about your social status, income, race, or past... we just want to take Jesus as he is to people as they are."

I am overwhelmed that I get to be a part of something where that statement is really true. It doesn't matter where you are from, what the color of your skin is, or how much money is in your pocket.... you are welcome at Rock Creek.

I am looking forward to Sunday Morning. Jerry is meeting me with his family in the Cafe before the second service.

All because God has more in plan than, "just a box of food."

Open your eyes today... take Jesus as He is, to someone as they are.

Overwhelmed

Last Night, Courtney and I sent out messages inviting people to invest in our journey to Kenya.

We were not ready for the response by students response all over the country. We have a long way to go to reach the $3000, but what was overwhelming was the $5 & $10 gifts. Students... giving all they have.

One letter came this morning from a student, and I have still not recovered from it! I hope it impacts you! (cick on the letter to enlarge it)
Because You Give... We Can Go!

All Dressed Up!

It is our fault really. I mean people like me who stand up in front of students for a living.... professional christians. For so long we have pounded into students heads... "it is us vs. them, don't give in, just say no, walk away, stay away from the world, stand strong." There is nothing wrong with those things when they are presented in the right context... however, none of those phrases sum up the life that Christ called our students or us to live. He called us to go.

There is a major difference between a student who is trying to live a life that is "not-influenced" and a student who is living to "influence." The two couldn't be more different.

In my favorite movie of all time, Braveheart. There is a scene where William Wallace and his friends get painted up to take on the English. It is their first major battle. William looks at his friends and says, "just be yourselves, I am going to pick a fight." As he leaves, they look at each other and say, "hope we didn't get dressed up for nothing." There couldn't be a better description of American Christian Students.... "all dressed up, with no fight to fight."

Over time, students who are not challenged or released to engage lost friends, dream big, and make an impact begin to wonder what is the point. We sit in bible class day after day, go to youth group, sing the songs, but for what? Soon, the law becomes a set of rules to keep them from messing up, not a set of standards that lead to freedom so they can influence the world. They are bored.. no one has given them the vision that their friends are tired of them inviting the church and dying for someone to invite them in their life!

The second student sees the law as freedom... and standards that allow them to live a life of authenticity.... for influence. They see worship as a time to celebrate what God has done and prepare for what God will do. Bible study becomes the prep for a day on the front lines. Their prayers change... "Lord help me to see these people they way you see them, and respond the way you would respond." All of a sudden accountability becomes something that makes us sharper for influence. We begin to watch one another's back to make sure that we don't fall in battle and lose our influence.

As i am watching our students grab ahold of the life Christ intended for them to live... i have been amazing to see our student ministry become a "movement of influencers."

I challenge you to live a life of influence and stop the defensive Christianity. The world needs people who are willing to Go!