God is working here!

Well, I am writing this at 3:00am, though probably not posting this until my coffee shop is open. I don’t know if I’m going to sleep tonight…I don’t know if I can sleep tonight. I am just too excited, and too full of God’s Spirit and goodness to sleep. Maybe later His Spirit will work in me enough to get a couple hours.

Where to start, where to start. Yesterday, or I guess two days ago, our worship service went really well. We had about 35 people, the singing went well, the message about Jesus’ interaction with Nicodemus went well, it was just a really good service. One of the coolest parts was the prayer following the message. Besides getting to thank God for His work in our salvation, I took prayer requests from the audience, encouraging them to open up and let the diverse yet unified church support them. It was really cool to see people open up to their brothers and sisters in Christ and pray for each other even though they hadn’t necessarily met before. God bless the Church.

So, the service went well, but that wasn’t the best part. As two of us were in a back room of the dining facility at Mt. Rushmore packing our materials into the storage tub, one of our coworkers approached us and asked, “Are you guys Christians?” He is one of our coworkers from China, and was on shift in the main kitchen.

We kind of looked at each other, then down at our worship booklets, then at our five foot tall wooden cross, and I finally back at him and said “yes...?” in a questioning tone.

He got really excited and said, “I want to be a Christian!”

We didn’t even know what to say. We were pretty shocked but managed to tell him that we would love to meet with him and talk with him. He said, “Good, I really want to learn more about how to be Christian.” Then he went back to work with a huge smile on his face. Emily and I couldn’t believe it.

He and I finally got to meet tonight. After I got off work at 11, I went to his room and we talked for a couple of hours. He knew a little bit about Christianity from talking to some people when he visited other parts of the country, but was mostly interested in the peace they showed and the hope they had. I got to explain to him how we have that peace and hope in the midst of difficult times because of who our God is. I found myself falling more and more in love with God as I tried to convey who God is to him. I got to explain the basic story that stretches through the Bible of our Creation, Fall, failure to redeem ourselves, salvation through Christ and now our call to be like Christ and live by faith. He loves reading the Bible and had a lot of questions about how to be Christian.

My heart leaped as he asked, “So how do I become a Christian?” Before leading him in prayer I had to explain to him how to pray, and what praying meant. It was a very surreal experience to hear him repeat a prayer after me putting his faith in God and Christ as his Savior, and asking to be forgiven and for Christ to come into his life.

I was almost a little nervous that he didn’t quite know exactly what this act meant, but when we were done praying he was smiling so big and said, “I’ve never felt this peaceful before.” Then all my doubts were gone, I knew God was working in him and surrounding us in that moment.

We’re going to keep meeting regularly, he even said he wants to meet and read the Bible together daily if possible. He also said that someone else from China that he’s become good friends with here is also really interested in being a Christian. I was actually starting to get tired (it’s now 4:15am), but just got really excited again as I wrote that paragraph.

I hope you could follow this. I probably couldn’t even include half of what happened and what we talked about if I did stay up all night. As far as I’m concerned, this summer has been worth it. The time commitment, the difficulties here, the low minimum wage in South Dakota and the helpless feeling that comes with trying to reach some people completely pales in comparison to seeing God work in someone’s life, and watching them reach out for God. I don’t need anything else to happen, but I’m pretty sure God has a lot more in mind. I just love Him so much.

God is so wonderful, loving and at work right now. I challenge you to think of how you would explain God’s love to someone else; how He has acted throughout the Bible and through Jesus to save us, and how you have seen Him act in your own life. It’s powerful to reflect on. Thank you all for the continued support and prayer, it is obviously working! Thank God for His continued work here!

Harney Peak Hike

A lot of good has been going here, I promise an update is coming soon. For now just check out these pictures from my hike to Harney Peak. I guess its the highest point in the U.S. east of the Rockies. More pics at: http://s805.photobucket.com/albums/yy338/rayganbaker/Harney%20Peak/

"Little" Devil's Tower Hike

This was an amazing hike! A little under a 7,000 foot change in elevation from Seattle and little asthma made breathing a little difficult at times, but once I wasn't dizzy anymore the view was totally worth it! These are the kinds of places you go to show people the earth has a beautiful Creator. See more pics at http://s805.photobucket.com/albums/yy338/rayganbaker/Little%20Devils%20Tower/

My Mission: To be a Christian

Hey everyone! Sorry for the very long previous post, I’ll try to keep this one concise.

Cast far outside my SPU bubble, I’m really starting to realize my particular vision and version of Christianity is very different than those of the rest of the country and world. This has left me with many questions, including; is one version more correct than another? Is my ministry as much among other Christians as it is nonchristians? What would that ministry look like? I am putting too much importance on small details?

Let me explain. I’ve never thought of myself as particularly conservative or liberal, politically or theologically (and shutter at the integration of the two); but politically, this area is probably redder than a fire truck. Though I consider myself pretty dang moderate, I think if some of my opinions were expressed, I may as well be Obama. For example, one of my main interests in theology is ethics, or the morals and practices of Christianity, and I strongly believe that Christians are called to voluntarily “take up their cross daily and follow Christ” (Luke 9:23). While I really believe this disciplined lifestyle is intended for all Christians, I think it loses its value when it is mandated, especially at a governmental level. I don’t think forcing Christian ethics onto nonchristians makes them Christian, or even open to the idea. In fact, it often drives them away. I think this call to follow Christ comes directly from Christ, not from other Christians in the form of “do’s and don’t’s”.

In the first ten minutes of meeting one particular Christian here, he straight-up asked me if I was liberal or conservative in both politics and theology. It was that important to discuss, even more so than the ministry opportunities here. Being from Kansas, he was pretty far to the right. I tried to explain my position about five times before I gave up. I couldn’t get through to him that though I appreciated his personal opinions are based on Christian ethics, that wouldn’t necessarily be why I vote a particular way. We can’t just force nonchristians to understand and conform to Christian ethics, and just because a particular Christian “rule” isn’t a national law, doesn’t mean we can’t practice it voluntarily.

I think many of the nonchristians that I interact with on a daily basis have been ostracized by what they thought they had to be to be Christians. This morning I spoke with a woman who expressed these frustrations, and I told her much of what I vented above. Basically, I heard her out, and sympathized that Christianity isn’t meant to be expressed primarily politically. DISCLAIMER: I love America and the freedoms I enjoy. But, America is not the Kingdom of God. They are two separate entities with different goals, aspirations and influences; and I tend to think that Christianity is stronger and more free to envelope our lives when not constrained to politics.

“At the age of 42,” she told me, “you’re the first intelligent Christian I’ve met.”
That broke my heart. She had grown up Lutheran and recently converted to Buddhism. I told her two things.

1. What appears to be intelligence is really a refusal to judge and take a position on matters reserved for God’s judgment. When we “hate the sin and love the sinner,” the hate still overpowers the love, and obstructs the loving of one’s enemies. We aren’t called to hate (or judge) at all. All I really need to focus on is loving the sinner, and being humbled by the grace I have received for my own sins.

2. I really want to show people that Christianity isn’t necessarily what’s been forced on them in the past. Yes, it’s a call to a different way of living life, but that happens after someone has been personally called into relationship with God. The Christian life isn’t a strict lifestyle change, it’s a loving relationship first, and that prompts us to seek a disciplined life to cultivate this relationship.
She said, “Good luck with that, I hope you can”.

That was when I realized why I’m here this summer. Not to confront people who fall somewhere in particular on the political or theological spectrums, but to really listen to them, love them and demonstrate the Christian life I have been called to. I must, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words” (Thomas Aquinas).
Thank you all for your comments, emails and, in particular, prayer support. I could really use prayer for strength and perseverance in living this mission out.

I preach again on the Fourth of July! It should be interesting, especially with the particular message that looks like is coming.

Getting settled in…or thrown in

I feel like the constant thunderstorms here, like the one going on now, are a good representation of where I’m at right now. Though things are a bit “stormy”, there are many positives. For example, the constant rain here has made the park much more green than it usually is this time of year, plus it reminds me of Seattle. Though things have been a little difficult, it is clear that something (or someone) bigger than me is working here.

My job with the concessionaire at the gift shop is turning out to be a lot better than I thought it would. I thought I would be bored, but with about 5,000 visitors a day there is plenty to do. Also, since I haven’t had any official training yet, I’m definitely more lost than bored. Maybe that’s a better way to describe my current state; lost. Everything’s unfamiliar. I’m referring customers to activities and events that I don’t know how to get to, trying to speak to people from very different parts of the country and world than me and trying to lead a ministry team that is somewhat lost, yet still knows more than me. I feel like they need really strong leadership, but I still don’t even know what’s really going on here.

Don’t get me wrong, many things are going very well. My coworkers are great. I’ve met people from all over the country, as well as people from Columbia, Russia, Armenia, Moldova and other countries. I am very excited to get to know them better, serve them and reach out to them. The location is great, too. The Black Hills area of South Dakota is beautiful and I can’t wait to explore it. While things are a little tough right now, I know they will get better with time and God’s provision.

I guess I just feel disoriented and like I’m waiting for direction. This made my sermon writing this week very ironic. God’s call of Moses through the burning bush, and the example that is of God’s care for His people and plan for our lives was heavily laid on my heart. I don’t know why, but I really didn’t want to talk about it. However, I could not come up with anything else to save my life. From Moses’ story and my own experiences I concluded that God often calls us to unexpected things that are a perfect fit for who He created us to be. I guess I have to accept that God knows me better than I know myself. At this point, I’m positive that this message was laid on my heart because I really needed to hear it.

The service itself went really well. We got to the amphitheater about half an hour early, and as time wore on I started to get nervous that no one would show up. Then a lot of people started showing up and that started to make me nervous. I was supposed to preach to these people? For our opening song the four of us led “Be Thou My Vision”. At first I was nervous to lead a song but in a cheesy way I realized if God was my vision, and did lead me there, then he would continue to be with me and work through me. I’m usually anxious when I’m in front of people and my heart starts pounding really fast and my mouth dries out. However, as we began singing I actually felt a sense of calm and joy come over me. I KNEW God was with me!

I know God is here and working; and I’m excited to be a part of it and see what it looks like. Below is my sermon from this morning.
Exodus 3:1-15, 4:10-12 God’s Rescue and Call
6/20/2010

Intro:
Good Morning!
Who here wishes they could be more organized? Isn’t it comforting when we can have detailed plans set out? But then the problem that arises is how often those plans get changed. We could be talking about anything from what I’m going to do after college, to what kind of work you’ll end up in and where you plan to live, to something as small as getting here. How many people that came from out of state didn’t have any glitches in their travel plans? This morning I want to talk about what happens when it’s God who changes these plans for us; often to something completely unexpected, yet also what we were intentionally created for. Sometimes this is a call to extraordinary leadership and a major revolution, as it was for Moses (and a few of the people whose faces are staring down on me right now). And other times we just need to look around from where we already are to see what God is calling us to.

Biblical Context:
Moses’ first direct encounter with God occurs at a crucial point in Israel’s and Christianity’s history. God is setting apart the Israelite people to be a “nation of priests” through which to bring salvation to all humanity. However, first God must rescue Israel from the oppression of Egypt. At this point they have been enslaved to and oppressed by Egypt for 400 years, and have only heard rumors about the God of their ancestors. Now, God is going to take them out of Egypt in a frightening demonstration of power and will give them a land of their own to prosper from. Here they are to become that “nation of priests” through which the world is saved. Later, through Christ, that rescue from sin and call to God’s work is expanded to all of us.

At this point, Moses has already had quite a journey of his own. Due to the oppression of Egypt, he was supposed to be killed as an infant; but instead was rescued and raised by Pharaoh’s daughter and enjoyed a life of privilege. Recently, we can see Moses’ own passion for his people when he defends and Israelite in a fight and ends up killing an Egyptian. Moses was scared and fled to the desert, and it in this state of fear and hiding that God confronts Moses to the task h was designed for.

After the powerful display of the burning bush and God describing Himself as the God of Moses’ ancestors, the first thing God reveals is His concern for His suffering and oppressed people. God has heard them “crying out” and “Knows their suffering” (3:7). His action and plan is driven by His care and concern for His people. God intends to use Moses in a significant way to bring this plan about.

Moses responds to God’s call by asking, “Who am I?” (3:11). I can completely sympathize with Moses here. I asked that same question as I discerned God’s call for me to ministry, and even to speak today. I love studying and preaching God’s word, and am being prepared by God to do it, but I can’t help but ask, “Who am I?” to do so. God’s response is to promise to be with Moses, and in truth He already has been. Though Moses doesn’t feel prepared, his upbringing in Pharaoh’s house will undoubtedly serve him later.

Next, God reveals the divine name to Moses. The “I am” in the perfect tense emphasizes God’s eternal nature. And God’s actions here demonstrate God’s power, compassion and detailed plan for eternity. God then gives Moses signs to show the people that he is sent by God, but Moses again protests by saying he is a poor speaker. I love God’s response. “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (4:11-12)

Basically God is asking who knows Moses better, Moses or God? We can see that Moses’ resistance is ridiculous, futile and childish, but our initial reaction is often the same. Who knows us and what we were created for better? Us or God?

God is using Moses to rescue Israel and lead them to God’s call for them. In Christ, God rescued all of us from sin and death, and is leading us to hear his call, too.

There are two different people you can identify with here.

If you are a Christian, then you can identify with Moses. God had specific plans for Moses and Israel, and still does for all of us. If you’re a Christian you have a ministry. This doesn’t mean we’re all pastors, but it does mean God created all of us for a specific purpose. I pray that you ask what God is calling you to and that you actively seek it out.

I can personally identify with Moses a little bit. The entire direction of his life shifted at this point, as mine has done recently. When I entered college, I just wanted to be a business student, and a business owner. I really thought that was what I was meant for, and I couldn’t see myself adding majors or changing career paths. The last thing from my mind was preaching and full time ministry. Now I’m here. I’m studying theology too, and discerning that the gifts, interests and experiences I had thought were leading me toward business were really leading me to ministry. If you consider yourself a Christian I really urge you to pray and just ask God what His plan for you is. Ask God to use you for the purpose you were designed for, and prepare for the unexpected call that perfectly fits who you are.

If you’re not a Christian, or you have fallen away you can identify with the Israelites. God has a plan for you too, and it involves your rescue and salvation. God is calling you to the eternal life for later, as well as the perfect relationship and Christian hope for now. We don’t even see the Israelites act or speak in this passage, and that’s the point. They didn’t know God was working toward saving them, and you don’t yet either. Even before the Israelites knew who God was, God was concerned about their suffering and working to rescue them. God is preparing a way to reach you, and I ask that you be watching for it and seek it out. Even if you don’t believe in God, I ask you to ask Him to reveal Himself to you and to rescue you.

Overall: God has a beautiful plan to rescue the world, and He’s calling you to be a part of it.

Here we go...

Well, I'm sitting on a hotel bed in Billings, Montana after about 700 miles and over 16 hours of driving. It's definitely too late to turn back now, but I'm pretty sure I don't want to. Side note: Montana's beautiful. I'll arrive at Mount Rushmore tomorrow, begin unpacking, meet my staff, meet my ministry support committee and meet my coworkers. If I can be perfectly honest (and I think I can), about a week ago I was getting very nervous for this. However, so much has happened in this last week (finals, wrapping up being a PA at SPU, breaking a toe, not handling the pain medication well, moving home, repacking and leaving home after a 16 hour visit) that I'm just drained. Well, I was drained. About 48 hours ago I was physically and mentally exhausted from everything that had been wrapping up in my life that the prospect of beginning this journey really scared me.

As I began driving home and I got into the Cascade Mountains I was reminded of the power of my creator. This odd sense of peace swept over me. Even as I lamented the loss of my floor of 37 outrageous and wonderful guys, who are pretty much my own children, I could feel myself being refilled. I've come to appreciate these times when I feel like I have no control, where I'm totally subject to God's will. My faith is being tested. I'm being drawn to a strange land (seriously, it's South Dakota!), I don't know anyone out there yet there are many unknowns about what my experience will look like until it happens. I have no choice but to be completely reliant on God for my strength, calm and direction. I strongly recommend putting yourself in one of these situations when you have the chance. There are so many unknowns but I feel so calm because I've rarely felt closer to God. This isn't about me and my experience, it's about how God's going to use me this me Summer, and I can't wait. I honestly don't even care if anyone reads this now, because I just processed that and realized it for myself. If you do read this, I promise other posts will be more coherent and substantial. I just wanted to get one out before I got there. This weekend I'll be preaching, so look for a post with my sermon in it next week.

Love,
Bubba