Love the Creeps

I got to see Bob Goff at National Youth Workers Convention in November of 2017. He said this:

"Love everybody, always . . . and start with the people who creep you out!"

Huh?

Who creeps me out? People with little social skills. People who don't like to smile or laugh. People who seem to not accept me.

I was pretty creeped out when I went into a high school cafeteria a couple of years back. As a youth pastor, I get to go to the school and have lunch with teenagers from time to time. It felt like I was back in my own high school days. There's something about a cafeteria that draws one’s insecurities to the surface.

All those eyes on me knowing I didn't belong. Also there were those who know me and those who don't. What if those who didn't know me judge me based on the character of those who did know me?!

Here's the issue: acceptance. If I reach out and accept those I see, they may reject me. What does that mean to me? For someone who wants to be accepted, that means a lot. I don't think I give them any reason to NOT like me. What if they don't like me because of a misunderstanding!?

Whose job is it to clear up misunderstanding? Whose job is it to name me? Whose identity do I have?

Another thing Goff said was "On your very worst day Jesus calls you 'Beloved' and if you don't hear that when you hear your name, it's not Jesus speaking."

You are beloved. You are. There's no doubt in my mind that the Father loves me and names me as one of His own. So who cares if others don't call me "Beloved"? I do. Why? Because I can see them and hear them.

Maybe I need to see Him and hear Him instead. How about you? Do you believe you’re loved by God or do you believe your fears?

How Was Your Trip?

A mission trip is a powerful experience. The best way to describe it is like a steroid shot to a muscle that’s going to be worked strenuously. There is an explosion of growth. 

Our team has experienced things they have never experienced before in an environment that is drenched in prayer and shrouded in worship. We spent hours working hard and hours discussing what God is doing in us. Growth happens exponentially this way. As a result, returning home to our daily routines back in a different culture with different struggles can be tumultuous.

How can you continue to help our team grow?

1. Continue to Pray

Your prayers carried our team. It prepared us before we left, covered us while we were there, and continues to carry us today. Your prayers coupled with God’s power made a difference in this trip and will continue to make a difference as we continue to live on mission.

2. Seek to Understand

We have several stories to share. Take some time out of your day to hear. Make that question “How was your trip?” more than a greeting or a passing comment. Sit down over coffee. Invite someone to a meal. Stop by for a visit. Sharing the stories and having someone experience that through our stories makes a difference.

3. Prepare Your Heart

As you have prayed and as you listen, God may be preparing you to have a meaningful role in the continued work of all the missionaries our church supports. We support Waterfront Church in Washington D.C., Students International in Santiago, Dominican Republic, and Church on the Rock in British Colombia, Canada. 

We are grateful for the generosity in word, prayer, resources, and time. Our church family doesn’t just SAY they support the efforts of spreading the Gospel around the world. Our church actually does something about it in a sacrificial way. God honors a people who are serious about the Gospel at home and around the world. 

P.S. The picture in this post was taken by Matthew Hartman. He came along and captured our experience through videography and photography. Take a look at his work online at https://www.instagram.com/thematthartman/.