Solitary Retreat

The view in front of my cottage

 

For the past 5 1/2 years I've been running hard trying to keep everything together. Working full time, going to school full time, keeping a home, being a good dad and building a relationship with a wonderful woman had left me exhausted. Several months ago I planned to take a retreat somewhere alone (once I finished school and after the holidays). Well this week was the week I set aside to do just that. I spent three days alone in a cottage at GilChrist Retreat Center near Three Rivers Michigan. The facility was great, the people on staff were very friendly and helpful, and the time alone with God was rejuvenating. I didn't realize how tired I was until I had a short conversation with John the director of the center. He was walking his dog as I was unloading my car. He stopped to say hi and welcome me. We struck up a conversation and I told him about finishing school, working, family, etc. and that I needed some alone time and his reply was "you are exhausted". That's when he said that it hit me, yep exhausted.

I spent the next three days almost in silence. I read several select passages in the Bible, finished reading Man the Dwelling Place of God by Tozer. I read The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. I relaxed, contemplated, prayed and let go of the worries of my world. Part of the time was spent outside walking around the property, through the woods and meadows. Every moment was a chance to reconnect with God.

I really needed this time to regain center, slow down and relax, and reconnect with the One who makes all things possible.

While I've been away...

Well, it has been 2 years and 4 months since my last post. During that time I've been running hard, very hard, and tonight all that running came to an end. I have just finished the last class of my Bachelor's degree in Human Services from Bethel College. This is a bittersweet moment. I really love school and I'm going to miss it. However I know God is preparing something awesome for me to do next. I have absolutely no idea what that may be but I have all the confidence in the world that He would not have had me spend the last 5 1/2 years of my life, and the expense that comes with it, in school to just turn me loose without a plan. For now I am going to take some time to rest, get centered and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14  Wait for the Lord, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord.

The Return

I returned from India a week ago and starting to get back into the groove of things. Our trip was a complete success. It is estimated that nearly 10,000 people total attended the 4 concerts we performed, 2 in Chennai and 2 in Trichy. My camera died on the second day so I don't have a lot of pictures or video by I wanted to share this one with you. Thanks for you support and prayers your kindness and generosity has touched thousands of lives.
 

Time is running out

Good morning friends, the fundraising is still going very well but time is running out. We have 10 days to raise just a little over $700.

In this time of tornadoes and floods reeking havoc right here in our own country and everyone asking for donations to help these people in need you may ask yourself, why would I help send someone 9000 miles away to play music for people whom I will never met when my help is needed here?

That's a great question. According to the US Census Bureau in a 2008 phone survey 75% of the American population are self-described Christians. My guess would be that almost everyone in the US has at least heard of Jesus. In the state of Tamil Nadu India (where our team will be traveling) only 3% of the population is Christian (according to the Census of India 2001).

In the US we have a choice: to follow Him or not. But in India an overwhelming segment of the population has never even heard His name let alone given the choice to follow Him. With the help  of the Indian Pastors, the worship music, dance and drama we'll be providing and your investment we can make a huge dent in this problem.

Help is need here at home and I hope that you are able to contribute to those causes. But as Christians we are to spread the Good News near and far, and with your help we can make a difference in the lives of people who may never get the chance to hear His Word.

Thanks

WOW!

The fund raising is going very well, as of today we are at $2156 of the $3000 needed by June 22. Thanks to those who have already invested in the trip! If you are still planning to make a contribution please do so as soon as you can. If you're unable to give I understand completely, I ask that you keep our mission in your prayers.

Importance

This is one of the worship songs we are rehearsing for the trip.

One of the things that is very important to us as we prepare for the concert series in India is playing music in the native language of Tamil. It would much easier to just go over there and play the worship music we already know in English, but if we did that who would know what we are singing about. Our mission is to help people meet Jesus right where they are; physically and spiritually. We hope that singing worship songs from their culture will help all of us worship Him together united by His love.

Busy

I haven't posted anything for the past 3 weeks because I've been a little busy. This last semester has been the hardest one I've had since I started school 3 years ago. So I really need to crack down on the studies to keep up my GPA. On Friday a graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ivy Tech Community College. It's taken a lot of work to get through but it was worth every minute. In the fall I will be attending Bethel College to further my education. Thanks to everyone for their support and prayers over the last couple of years.