LOST on Memorial Day

Once every few years or so, a TV show comes along that takes the nation by storm.  Six years ago, that show that came out was called LOST.  For many members on our team, they are part of this show’s very large fan base.  For some, a dream came true today as we visited two of the filming locations for the show: a waterfall in Waimea Valley, and a beach off the North Shore.  In fact, being “lost” was a recurring theme today.  From the TV show to the world’s largest maze at the Dole Plantation, a lot of our time was spent thinking about being lost.

As a part of the family of God, one of our main goals is to “win the lost”.  As much as it is a “churchy” term, “lost” can describe many of the people that we encounter who do not have a personal relationship with Christ.  While many claim to be content with their lives and the direction they’re going, others still will claim like their life is missing a bigger purpose.  I was reminded of this today; this is why we’re here in Hawaii.  We are here because God has called us to bring home all His lost sons and daughters.

Our devotional Scripture for the day was from Ephesians 3.  Paul prays in verse 18 that we would be able “to grasp how wide and long and deep and high is the love of Christ.”  God has a vastness that is beyond comprehension, and a love that is beyond comparison.  Our lives are but a vapor in the span of time, yet He has a purpose for all of us.  He has called us here to this place, at this moment; and it is the same with any calling you receive.  God will never call you somewhere He doesn’t want you, and He will never call if He knows you’re not ready to handle it.

I love the God we serve.  He is a God that desires for us to know Him.  He is a God that says, “Come now, let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18); He encourages us to question and discern the truth from the lies.  He is a God that is too great to fully understand, yet has made Himself known to us.  I leave you with the words of Red, one of my new favorite rock groups, from their song “Lost”, all about the vastness of God:

I’m lost in You

Everywhere I run

Everywhere I turn

I’m finding something new

Lost in You

Something I can’t fight

I cannot escape

I could spend my life

Lost in You

-Zach Allen

Posted in Hawaii 2010Tags: Zach Allen | by Nic Allen No Comments

On Sunday, the group was able to experience a taste of old school Rolling Hills. We were up and at it at 5:45 am on a trip to the place where the Gathering Church meets. We helped the church set up which was in an Elementary School about 45 minutes away from where we are staying. The group was able to get things set up and ready to go in record time for Sunday service. During the two services, our team split up into two teams. We were either in the kids area or in worship service during both times of worship. Most of the kids were the kids that we got to hang out with the night before at the Parents Night Out. It was neat to see how most of the kids remembered us, and they were excited to see us again.

I could really feel the Spirit of God in the place that morning. The entire church has just a really neat feel. I can tell the Gathering Church is ready to explode. Their leadership is really God sound. From Pastor James and Peter to the Christy who is the Children’s Ministry, God is doing some awesome things there. I could tell that their leaders were going after God with all that they have.

Another great thing that the Gathering offers is creative ways to minister to the area around them. They have two real creative ministries that bring people to the church in a non-threatening way.  These are a surfing ministry and a flag football ministry. Both of these areas reach such a large group of people that normally would not be in Church. Surfing is obviously a huge ministry, and football is also very popular among the people who live here.

Overall, Sunday was a fantastic day even though it was our last full day to spend with the Gathering. The church was super great and God has his hand in and through the church. I ask you to keep this the Gathering as a church and their leaders: Pastor James, Pastor Peter, and Christy. Speaking for the whole team, the church has a special place in our hearts.

~Eric

Posted in Hawaii 2010Tags: Eric Humes | by Nic Allen No Comments

Another wonderful day of serving and sun here in Hawaii on the beautiful Island of Oahu!  We began our day by preparing for tomorrow’s Parent’s Day Out event that we are heading up.  I personally loved how every group was comprised of a mixture of youth, college students, and adults.  Our team is really continuing to grow closer and gaining an appreciation and respect for how God has gifted each person differently and brought us together to glorify His kingdom!

We then went to the beach, where most of our group finally braved the high waves together!!  Despite some of us being quite red now, we had a blast!  As I was wading along the shore, I felt the Lord bring to light a few things.  Growing up near the great lakes in Michigan, I am not used to the undercurrent and wave patterns of the ocean.  You see, as each wave washed upon the shore, another was returning out to the ocean.  When caught in the line where the two waves meet up, you are tossed about—literally.  This got me thinking about when we ask God for something, such as wisdom in James 1:4-7 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.  But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave upon the sea, tossed by the wind.  That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” There are a lot of references to the sea in the Bible, but today’s experience just brought this one to light.  I don’t want to be someone who is tossed about in my unbelief that the Lord will deliver what I ask for in faith, guided by His Holy Spirit.  I want to be secure on the beach of His faithfulness.

What a joy it was to finish out our day with the youth group from The Gathering Church.  We began our time with them playing a rousing game of 3D kickball followed by rotations of group games so that the students from both groups could get to know each other.  We then played some silly challenge and water games with the whole group.  (The girls tended to win…)  Peter, Gathering’s Youth Pastor, beat our very own Nic Allen in a minute to win game of stacking apples!  We cheered for him all the way though!

We then gathered around a splendid campfire where we cooked hot dogs and s’mores.  Following dinner and some awesome games of basketball, we came together to worship the Lord through song, prayer, scripture, and the sharing of testimonies.  So many of the youth from The Gathering were willing to share how God has been working in their life.  For being so young, some of these kids really hit the nail on the head as far as recognizing opportunities and challenges that our Savior has walked them through, and the closer relationship they have with Him as a result.

I had the pleasure, before wrapping up our evening, of speaking with an eighth grade girl named Rachel, born in the Philippines, who moved to the Island from California a little over a year ago.  She shared with me how she wants to be a journalist someday and how she loves to read.  We started talking about the Bible and sharing our favorite scriptures when she told me that she has set a goal to read through the entire New Testament this year.  I loved hearing her reflections on the gospels that she has just read.

Overall, things are going great!  Please continue to pray for our team.  Even though we are having a great time, that our hearts and minds would still be focused on why we are here…to be the hands and feet of God and remaining open to the fact that it may look different than we expected.  Thanks so much!

~Jessica L. French

College Ministry Intern

Posted in Hawaii 2010Tags: Jessica French | by Nic Allen No Comments

Today we woke up to a bright and glorious day. Breakfast was awesome (the hash browns were quite delectable.) After breakfast, we were headed to a senior daycare called Aged to Perfection.  Aubrey was in the skit performed for the elderly which was The Three Little Pigs and something about Billy Goats.   Keagan learned how to do the traditional luau with an eighty-six year old woman to the song “He Touched Me.” It was pretty entertaining to say the least. The rest of the team enjoyed puzzles, games, and hanging out with the senior citizens. We are returning on Tuesday to Aged to Perfection.  For lunch we went to a Botanical Garden. It was so amazing the see God’s beautiful creation.  After lunch, the high school students were on their way to the River of Life Mission. This is a mission that works with homeless people in Honolulu by providing them with physical as well as spiritual needs. We were split up into different places throughout the three story building. Some of us were put upstairs stocking the pantry. Others were in the kitchen making food for lunch. The rest were put in the dining room. Nick was the “bus boy” and Aubrey served plates to the people (like a pro).  There we met some pretty awesome people. Jeremy and Tracy were the directors that we worked with. You could really see God working in them and through them to better the community and point people towards God. The motto there is “hopelessness to hope.” We really saw this coming true with the people coming in on a regular basis. Roberto, a staff member, shared his testimony with us. He knows firsthand what it is like to be sitting where these people are now. Formally being the leader of a gang, selling drugs, and spending fifteen years and ten months in prison; Roberto’s life was transformed by the love of Christ. He found the River of Life Mission from his church pastor and was given a job there just five weeks ago. It’s truly amazing how Christ can impact someone’s life so radically and use their story to change other people’s lives for the glory of God. After dinner, we had a team meeting on the beach and witnessed the full moon rise with some war veterans we met. After all this, we called it a night.

Peace out!

From Nick Nierste and Aubrey Denton

Posted in Hawaii 2010Tags: Aubrey Denton, Nick Nierste | by Nic Allen No Comments

Our first full day in Hawaii was a day filled with excitement and team building.  We began our day by heading to the Pearl Harbor Memorial. As we were wandering around the park surveying the submarine and battleship in the bay, it was sobering. When we boarded the boat to see the USS Arizona Memorial, my mind wandered to all of the lives lost in the crystal clear waters.  In the memorial, there was a wall displaying all of the names of the men entombed in the sunken battleship. All of the lives lost reminded me of how blessed we are to posses life and  freedom. How often do we take our freedom for granted? Everyday people are dying to protect the freedom that we dismiss as a standard way of life. The young men that died in the attack on December 7, 1941 were most likely my age or perhaps a bit older. At the age of 19, I think of all the hopes, dreams, and plans I have. I can’t imagine what it would be like to give up life now. God has given us the gift of life to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever. Being at the memorial reminded me to cherish the life God has given and to use the  gift of life to serve Him. As we jump into serving tomorrow, I hope and pray that God will use us to transform the hearts and lives of the not only the people we are serving but also of our team.

I ask that you continue to pray for unity in our team. Everyday we continue to grow closer together through service and recreation. As we traveled to and  from the memorial and beach today, it was made obvious that our team enjoys each other and that there is never a dull moment. Laughter constantly surrounds us and the joy of the Lord is apparent within our team. Whether we are splashing in the salt water waves or serving, I am confident that we will be used to bring God glory.

Thanks so much for all your prayers and I hope that you continue to pray for us throughout our trip!

Melissa<3

Posted in Hawaii 2010Tags: Melissa Kereji | by Nic Allen No Comments

While you were deep into REM sleep last night, preparing to get up and start your Wednesday afternoon our group had the chance to visit a nearby beach to catch their first Hawaiian sunset.  For many people on this trip it was a first.  God is going to show us many “firsts” on this trip.  Hawaii is a beautiful place!  But, in the beauty there is chaos…there is hurt…there are voids…that many of the people have here.  You can look around and see how people are living their dream here on the island whether it is catching the biggest wave or diving off a high cliff or swimming deep beneath the oceans depth.  So many people have gotten caught up in their dream and aren’t able to get out to see the light and the desire that God has for their lives.

Even though today we are tourists…our goal is to share Jesus with anyone that we come in contact with this week.  Pray that we have the boldness to share Him with others and give them a little glimpse of light.

Posted in Hawaii 2010 by Matt Robertson No Comments

Well, it’s five hours in to our inaugural flight to the islands. Nashville to Dallas was a really quick blur and we are high over the ocean approximately 2 hours from Hawaii. Intern Zach says it looks like the world is upside down. Staring down at blue water a la his window seat is like gazing up at the sky. Courtesy of American Airlines, we’ve watched two tear-jerkers this afternoon (or morning depending on what time it is). One about some kids with muscular dystrophy [Extraordinary Measures starring Hans Solo and Brendon Frasier] and the other about a dog [Marley and Me starring a couple of recognizable super-stars and I’m certain quite a few yellow labs playing the title role of Marley a.k.a. clearance puppy, a.k.a the world’s worst dog].

As I imagine our time in Hawaii, I am praying today for two things, all inspired by our afternoon filmography. Sick kids and dead dogs. Well, maybe not quite those two things. My prayer for this team is that we’ll give it our all. Extraordinary Measures is a fairly literal title considering the lengths a father goes to get medicine for his kids. The real event inspired story is just that…inspiring. In between movies and stretch breaks, I finished up Frances Chan’s Forgotten God. One chapter focuses attention on comfort and the fact that we are never called to seek it. In fact walking in step with the spirit begs men to go miles and miles often times far from what is comfortable. I pray this week as we step on to an island known for resorts and relaxation that we are anything but comfortable and that we take extraordinary measures to be in step with the spirit…following His lead toward whatever, whomever, why-ever for the glory of God! May we go after the spirit with the urgency and potency of a dad trying to save his children!

My second prayer request is unconditional love. The final sequence in Marley and Me involves [spoiler alert] the dog dying. The family has to put him down to spare the intense suffering accompanying his advanced aged. John, Marley’s master played rather masterfully by Owen Wilson, tells the dog how great he is. He tells him not to believe for a minute that he was the worst dog in the world. Marley was really more akin to the best because he loved his family everyday no matter what.  Those of us who know and love animals know a special kind of unconditional affection in our pets. They love us no matter what! They are over the moon to see us when we walk in the door whether we’ve been gone 3 weeks or 3 minutes. Marley and Me was a good last ditch reminder before landing to love like that.  I pray that we would love strangers we meet this week, brothers in Christ we serve with this week, and each other like that this week.

We’ve got 10 days to take extraordinary measures to walk wildly with the spirit and love people like a dog loves his master and like our Master loves us!

Pray for Interns: Zach, Bridget, Meredith, Jessica, Alex, and Eric

Pray for High Schoolers: Nick, Aubrey, Alexis, other Alexis, Ben, Will, Craig, Keagan, Zach, and Austin

Pray for College kids: Kayla, Melissa, and Christian

Pray for our adult team mates: Sarah, other Sarah, Josh, Caree, Shannon, and Susan

Pray for Matt and I as we follow Jesus and lead this team. Aloha!

Nic Allen

Posted in Hawaii 2010Tags: Hawaii, Nic Allen | by Nic Allen No Comments

At 6am tomorrow morning 27 high school students, college students, and adults will be meeting to start their missional journey to the Hawaiian island of Oahu (yes, the now even more infamous island where the TV show LOST was filmed).  While we are there we are going to be partnering with The Gathering church to help in some amazing ministries with kids and their community!  We will also be working with Habitat for Humanity, The River of Life Mission, and Aged To Perfection (a senior daycare center).  Oahu is a beautiful island with rich culture, amazing scenery, and people who are so welcoming.  Our goal is to dive deep into the lives we come in contact with sharing the love of Christ through our actions and words.

Please pray for our team as we travel and serve May 25th – June 4th!  Keep up to date with what’s going on by visiting this blog each day!

Aloha!!

Posted in Hawaii 2010Tags: Hawaii, missions, Rolling Hills | by Matt Robertson No Comments