Mission Trip as Vacation

For this article, we welcome guest blogger, Jennifer Kitchens. She is blogging from Joplin, MO where she is working with Rebuild Joplin.

On a typical Wednesday, I am up at 5. I work out, shower, blow-dry and flat-iron my hair and put on make-up - all before 7:15. After breakfast I scramble off to work from 8-4, then run errands and do other chores before winding down for the night in preparation for the next day.

But this was no ordinary Wednesday. I'm on vacation, and that means I'm recharging. Ah, yes. The joys of vacation. Road-tripping over 400 miles with rap music blasting; sleeping on a sleeping bag; subsisting on teen-designed meals (PB&J, Oreos, orange Gatorade, pizza, pasta, hamburgers); convincing teenagers to do sweaty work, share games, or drink water when soda sounds better. Best recharge ever.

Disagree? Hear me out, because, all sarcasm aside, this IS a total recharge. It's not the typical - of the spiritual kind. Today is only Thursday, and already I feel my spirit coming clean.

First, I have faced my awful, yucky, no-good sinful tendencies head-on. When we got the less-than-glorious tasks to do to help the citizens of Joplin, I found myself groaning selfishly. "I came here to make a difference!" I thought to myself. "Not to pick up trash or guard spray paint on the street! Those jobs aren't big enough. If I'm going to sweat, I want to be doing something physically demanding or ministering directly to people! I want to SEE the results of my work!" But, biting my tongue, I tried to be positive and give the students the gratifying work that I wanted to do. I also find myself selfishly comparing everyone to everyone else and judging who is "good" and who is "bad." That was especially obvious on Tuesday, when I saw some "good" kids have to be disciplined, and later learned how much pain some of the "bad" kids have already faced in this life (it's much more than I've ever known). These are just a few of my sinful tendencies. They have come out in such sharp relief this week, so I can see very clearly how much I truly need God's love and forgiveness.

But wait! There's more. This trip has already reminded me why I got into Youth Ministry in the first place. Kids - babies, toddlers, children, preteens and yes, teenagers - are so much fun to be around! They're not perfect at any age - they definitely need discipline and get grumpy when they're hot, tired and dripping in sweat (but then, so do adults!). But kids have such great qualities that seem to fade in adults. They are so quick to forgive, for instance. They don't hold it against you forever if you forget their names, give them hard work to do, separate them from their friends, turn down their music or lay down the law. Kids are also much faster to make friends. Here in Joplin there are students from Mexia, Ennis and Desert, Texas as well as Guymon, Oklahoma. By now, though, a total stranger would never know who came from where. Girls from Guymon and Ennis work side-by-side, guys from Desert and Guymon team up during games, and photos can include guys and girls from all 4 church groups. Even inside jokes have sprung up, and none are confined to kids from just one church. Still more, kids are so willing to open up. Just a few hours after getting here, the girls started really talking to me, and I am amazed simultaneously at the beauty and pain in their stories. It's not just about who plays which sport or has a boyfriend or lives in a really nice house - the real stories are how much they have already experienced, how much they need Christ, how very human they are. We as adults tend to emphasize the differences between youth and adults. As I sit among them, I cannot help but see how very similar is all humanity. We have all sinned and fallen short of God's perfection. We all face personal failure and much pain as a result of our sin and others' sin. We all have no way out of the sin-pain-sin-pain cycle we try to use to heal ourselves. We all need Christ to truly bind up our wounds. We are all human.

Last but not least, this trip is filling me with hope. The people and community of Joplin are truly amazing. Everyone we meet has been so gracious, welcoming and appreciative of our coming here. Members of Bethany Presbyterian Church have asked if we needed anything - this in addition to the church facility they've already offered! People driving past our work sites have slowed down just to thank us. To top it off, last night some Bethany Church members even had us out to their property and grilled hot dogs and hamburgers for all 29 of us! From the stories we've heard to the pictures we've seen, everything here speaks of destruction, but instead they all have hope and love and joy and peace. The true fruits of the spirit flow freely from the natives of Joplin. I can't help but pick up on it!

I could go on, but I need to eat breakfast and make my lunch. We're about to head out to work another day. I can't wait.

Jenn Kitchens

HOPE

I am writing this on June 25^th while on a mission trip to Joplin, MO. This month is 13 months after an F-5 tornado destroyed a large section of the city. It is difficult or impossible to imagine what happened that day over a year ago, even when you look around the city and realize that most of the buildings are less than a year old, or when you realize that there are sections of the city where there are no trees.

There are miraculous stories of survival. There is the tree clearing company that spotted a tree in a neighborhood they were driving through. They spontaneously decided to clear it out and stack it by the curb. When it came time to move the massive trunk they found, beneath the trunk, a door for a storm cellar. The opened door revealed four people sharing their last bottle of water. They had been trapped in the shelter for almost two weeks.

 There is the clean-up contractor who decided to skip the lengthy permit process and do repairs to the roof of Bethany Presbyterian Church, our host church during this trip, offering to pay the cost of any fines the congregation might incur because of the permit violation. The day after the roof was covered, more rain came. The contractor’s action saved the church tens of thousands of dollars in additional repair costs.

 There are the dozens and dozens of people who, daily, thanked us for taking our time and using our resources to come and help them rebuild their city.

 There is the man who stopped as we were tagging streets, a process of spray painting the crossing street’s name at intersections where there are no street signs yet, and thanking us for helping the residents find their way. It was an attitude adjustment for me at a moment when I was wondering why I had driven 10 hours to spray paint letters on the highway. He commented on how the landscape had changed so much that even residents had trouble finding their way when the street signs were down.

 Finally, but by no means lastly, there is the story related to the picture above. The sign originally read, JOPLIN HIGH SCHOOL. All that was left of the word JOPLIN after the tornado was the “O” and the “P”. Creative students crafted out of silver tape the original sign replacement, which became a rallying point for the community and a theme for the recovery process. HOPE was what the new sign read. The original tape has worn and been replaced. I do not even know if anyone recognizes or knows who replaces it, but it is the sign of a community that will not give up, that will not give up on their town, that will not give up on their faith.

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-4)

HOPE,
Pastor Craig



  (2009-03-19). Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible (NASB 1977 edition) (Kindle Locations 38635-38637). The Lockman Foundation. Kindle Edition.

Rebuild Joplin

Orientation before the work day starts. Please pray for our group. God is good! All the time!

The Essentials: Part VI – The Authority of Scripture:

The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are God’s uniquely revealed and written Word, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and are the church’s first and final authority in all areas of faith and life.

The Bible speaks to us with the authority of God himself. We seek to understand, love, follow, obey, surrender, and submit to God’s Word – both Jesus Christ, the living Word of God, and the written Word of God which bear true and faithful witness to Jesus Christ.[1]

Therefore we cannot affirm any doctrine –

·         That seeks to invalidate or subvert Scriptural teaching concerning what is to be believed or how we are to live.

·         That attempts to subordinate Biblical authority to any human authority, cultural norm, or ideology – whether religious, ecclesiastical, governmental, political, economic, psychological, sociological, scientific, historical, philosophical or other – as though the church should listen primarily to another voice than the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ as expressed in Scripture;

·         That seeks or asserts a revelation from the Spirit of God which contradicts the Bible as Word of God, or that attempts to separate the Spirit from the Spirit-inspired words of Scripture, or that elevates the authority or modernity of the Spirit’s revelation above the revelation of Scripture;

·         That rejects as historical facts the witness of Scripture to the incarnation, birth, ministry, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ;

·         That seeks to follow a “Jesus Christ” apart from the Person, Work, and Will of Jesus Christ revealed in Scripture.

·         That regards Scriptures as subjectively, but not objectively, God’s written Word, or that maintains the Scriptures contain the Word of God, but are not in themselves the Word of God;

We cannot affirm any notion of a Church “reformed and reforming” that moves outside the boundaries of the authority of Christ and confession of his Lordship which are clearly revealed in the Scripture.

We cannot affirm any ecclesiology or morality that attempts to subvert the headship of Jesus Christ and the authority of Scripture.

We do affirm that God has both communicated and preserved through the ages all that is necessary for us to know to enter into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. We also affirm that this communication is contained within the Holy Scriptures and that there is no other place, knowledge, or religion to which we need to turn to show us God’s saving grace.

Pastor Craig

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[1] The Essential Tenets – An Explanation by the Presbytery of Santa Barbara p. 9

The Essentials: Part V – Salvation By Grace Through Faith:

Salvation is God’s gracious work through Jesus Christ to reclaim humankind and all creation from sin and its consequences. Christ’s righteousness and atonement are the sole basis for human salvation. Faith in Christ is the only instrument by which this righteousness is received by individual believers, resulting in their justification.

Justification is the righteousness of Christ imputed to a sinful woman or man through faith alone in Christ. Their faith appropriates Christ’s atonement, resulting in their sins atoned for and forgiven and God reckoning them to be righteous.[1]

It cannot be highlighted enough that there is no other way, though humanity has long sought for it and, even, proclaimed it, through which persons may have a right relationship with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  

Faith is accepting the message of salvation as true and trusting God to apply this salvation to us. Faith is “certain knowledge” and “wholehearted trust,” that is created in us by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. In faith we accept, receive, and rest “upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.”[2]

Christianity does not affirm any effort to earn salvation or work for righteousness – as though God’s favor or acceptance, salvation or righteousness could be obtained any other way than through Jesus Christ. Christianity does not affirm and teaching or belief that asserts that salvation can be obtained through other religions or that other religions have equally valid solutions to the human problems of sin and guilt, or that there is salvation in some other name besides Jesus Christ; that denies the radical sinfulness of human beings, their condemnation before a holy God, their lostness apart from Christ, or their need for a Savior; that teaches that God saves or will save all people regardless of their faith in Jesus Christ or whether they hear the Gospel or not or whether they put their faith explicitly in Jesus Christ or not.

In all this, the Good News remains that God does indeed save totally and completely any who come in true faith and repentance regardless of their past sins, that this gracious work recognizes that we are still people prone to sin and in need of the life-long work of this grace in our lives. This work, God joyfully realizes in us.

Pastor Craig

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[1] The Essential Tenets – An Explanation by the Presbytery of Santa Barbara p. 8

[2] Westminster Confession, 6.080

The Essentials: Part IV - Jesus Christ: His Atoning Work

Jesus’ death on the Cross was the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. In this act of obedience to God’s will and love for humankind, Jesus acted as the divine agent for the salvation of the world. In his death he perfectly fulfilled the office of High Priest and was also the perfect sacrifice for sins - “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”[1] The Cross became an altar on which his life was sacrificed as a substitute for ours, and satisfaction and expiation for sins were completely accomplished. On the sole basis of the finished work of Christ on the Cross, sinners may now be reconciled to a holy God and set free from their bondage to sin and death to live for God in holiness and joy.[2]

Because no other part or person in all creation can fill this role, there is no other means for salvation than that which is contained in and through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Therefore and theology, even though claimed as Christian, which adds to or takes away from the work of Christ on the Cross and in the resurrection is no theology at all and has no power to save or restore humankind to its original relationship with its creator.

This means -

·         We do not affirm any theology that does not affirm as biblical and true the death and resurrection of Christ as the central saving act of our Christian faith.

·         We do not affirm any theology that rejects these teachings – atonement, substitutionary sacrifice, expiation for sins on the basis of Christ’s death – as obsolete, unworthy, unessential, or irrelevant.

·         We do not affirm any theology that seeks to substitute human effort or promote some more “culturally relevant” paradigm for our salvation, justification, and reconciliation with God than Christ’s death on the Cross for us.

In spate of whatever things we may not affirm, we rejoice in the glorious mercy and compassion of our Creator, who sent Jesus Christ to work and provide for all things that are necessary for our eternal salvation and deliverance from every sin, regardless how grave it, or those sins may be, and prepare a place at this feast in places of glory now and forever. AMEN!

Pastor Craig

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[1] John 1:29

[2] The Essentials Tenets – An Explanation by the Presbytery of Santa Barbara p. 7

Comfort

Comfort can mean many things. Most of us would like to live in comfort. For some of us that means four walls, indoor plumbing, and a temperature-controlled environment, under a leak-free roof. Some of us might even be willing to negotiate on some of those for other amenities that are more necessary in our mind. Actually, that type of comfort is fairly easy to find.

It is the type of comfort that heals those wounds of the soul and the heart that is much harder to lay hold of. My guess is that many of you have spent some sleepless nights in grief, anxiety, hurt, despair, and confusion. Some of us self-medicate out of desperation for relief and rest. However, when we awake we find our issues are still there to haunt us, to lay claim on our time and emotions, to sap our strength and our spirit.

2 Corinthians 7:4 reads: “I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly comforted; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.”

The original word for comfort is used in many contexts in the Bible. It speaks of the type of comfort a friend seeks to give in our time of need. In the context above, it has the idea of standing alongside and supporting someone in the hour of need or weakness. It is the word used in some places for the Holy Spirit, Himself. In one context it is the calling or summoning another in time of help. In the context we speak about here, it is the response to that calling or summoning.

The word literally means, “to invite alongside.” The Holy Spirit invites us to walk alongside Him in our hour of need. We are the person with unsteady step. We are the blind in need of a guide. The Spirit is the one who calls out to us and says, “Come, walk with me.”

Not only will that Spirit give us support for weak legs, but he will give us direction for confusion of mind, soul, spirit, and heart.

I have thought about the image of a comforter. I have thought about the image of what it would look like to receive comfort. Most of us, especially men, are fixers. Confronted with anger, depression, grief, hopelessness, etc., we look for a solution to the problem. We are doers.

When I was a hospital chaplain I had to come to the realization that there were many situations far beyond my control. Originally, in some situations I thought anxiety or fear were the result of a lack of information. So, as often as it was appropriate, I became information central. I harassed ICU, Trauma, and ER nurses and doctors for information I could pass on to the family and friends. Often, it was not the kind of information they wanted to hear, even when it was, it did little to provide comfort.

I decided Scripture passages would ease people’s minds, so I armed myself with all the passages of comfort my mind could hold. It didn’t take long to recognize that I was simply invalidating the person’s fear, grief, depression and questioning their faith in the process as well.

Finally, one night, I encountered a situation so broken, so beyond any help or hope, so beyond any “skills” I had led myself to believe I had, that I could say nothing, do nothing, and even pray nothing. I just sat there with the family stunned as they saw hopes and dreams and futures slip away in their helplessness.

When it was all over they thanked me for “being there for them.” My slow wittedness finally opened up and realized that was all they wanted – someone to watch, to stand guard over their grief, not to judge it or deny their right to experience it, but to walk through that dark valley by their side, to take a journey that I could have avoided.

I have chosen the picture of the dog comforting the woman, Arthur Wardle’s – A Comforting Friend in her Moment of Grief. I am a “dog person.” Dogs are so there for you. They simply pour out themselves in your hour of need. Generally, they will stay there as long as you need them.

Before I turn this into a piece about dogs let me remind you of God’s Spirit going where he does not have to, but where He wants to, to meet you in and usher you through your darkest hour. He communes with your spirit on a level you cannot always hear and may not always see, but is always there.

Be comforted,

Rev. Craig C. Krueger

The Essentials, Part III: The Incarnation of the Eternal Word

When we get to this part of the essentials we come across this unique word – incarnation – which we can say so easily and still have no real idea as to what we refer.

When we refer to Christ is the incarnation of the one true God, we mean that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh. We do not proclaim the deity in full and the humanity in part, nor the humanity in full and the deity in part. We proclaim the full humanity and deity of Christ in all events, actions, words, personality, characteristics, thoughts, and emotions of Christ during His life on earth.

We proclaim the eternal incarnation of Christ as well. In other words, we proclaim that Jesus Christ, in His glorified state, continues to be the God/Man in every sense of that term.

We proclaim that Jesus Christ is the Word of God (Jn 1:1-3) – that is, the perfect and culminating expression of God’s mind and heart, of God’s will and character – present in the intimate fellowship of the Trinity from eternity and fully engaged with the Father in the work of creation and redemption.

The incarnation affirms that Jesus had “in Him all the fullness of God” dwelling (Col. 1:19) and was in truth “God with us” (Mt. 1:23) – a living tabernacle of God’s holy presence, “full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14-18).

The early church had problems, not with the deity of Christ, but with His humanity. Greek philosophy had brought into the culture of that time the idea that the material was deficient to the spiritual, that there was something basically sinful in just being human. Christianity was a radical new concept at the time. It was not just a Judaic reformation. It was something new, but with its roots in Judaism.

The Nicean Creed was written not to affirm the deity of Christ, but to confirm the dual nature of Christ – fully God and fully human. The significance of this is: in Christ we are dealing with God Himself; in Christ we have a human being who truly represents us before the Creator.

Jesus Christ is God’s only Mediator between God and humankind and God’s unique agent for the salvation of the world. He is also the perfect expression of what humanity was designed to be. In His complete obedience, he became the representative Human Being, a second Adam, modeling for us human life and offering to God on our behalf human life that is rightly in God’s image. Since there is no other part of all creation able to fill this void, the incarnation of Christ makes this piece of our theology an essential.

Pastor Craig