Liquid

One of the great things about our approach to church is how we can be liquid when it comes to doing what's best. This month has been crazy busy, for everybody, and I think the last thing we need is the stress that comes with pulling off a service. So, instead of meeting at the school this Sunday, we're going to be a little more relaxed and just meet at our house.

Just this month in our community there have been births, deaths, international travels, job stress, kid stress, sickness...and that's just the stuff I know about. I don't want church stress to be thrown in on top of it all. It's hard to talk about hope when the church is creating despair! So, we'll be sharing life together in our home, nice and easy, this Sunday.

Tomorrow, I'm heading to Corpus Christi to do some training with a church that is wanting to move into a more missional approach. It will be the first time that I'll facilitate a discussion like this, but I'm grateful for the opportunity. I think this will be a story I'll share.

In Case You Forgot

I'm going to be blogging this week at www.huttozambia.com, our travel blog. My cell phone doesn't work over here, so no moblogging, but I hope to put up pictures each night.

We're in Chingola now, will head to Chililabombwe tomorrow. Things have been nothing but smooth sailing. Keep us in your prayers!

Came Up Short

Well, I came up short on the vote for city council. I have 43% of the vote, which I still thought was good considering I've been here for 18 months and my opponent has been here for 30-something years.

I knew that, regardless of the outcome, my involvement in serving the city wouldn't decrease. There are still plenty of places to serve and build influence, and that's what it's about anyway.

Thanks to everyone who supported me. I have a feeling that it won't be my last attempt...

It's Election Day!

Sister City Update

In 10 days, I'll be heading to Zambia. We've started a new blog (www.huttozambia.com) to highlight our travels, as well as serve as a means to keep others up-to-date on future ways they can help.

Keep an eye out for our little imfubu throughout the trip.

Philosophy and Faith

If you have the time, watch this. Tim Keller is a pastor in New York (Redeemer Presbyterian) and approaches the reasoning for God in a very philosophical way. It can be a little heady (he's speaking at Google), but it's good stuff. I especially like his reference to C.S. Lewis' Surprised by Joy. Lewis writes that we relate to God, not like me relating to my neighbor (whose existence I can prove), but like Hamlet relating to Shakespeare. Hamlet can't initiate the relationship, it must be Shakespeare that does so. And that only happens if Billy were to write himself into the story.

And when you realize that Jesus Christ did just that, well, it makes it all the more meaningful.

I don't think that strict philosophical arguments will ever pave the way for belief. Keller doesn't either. He gives the example of falling off of a cliff, but recognizing a branch for you to grab. If you believe the branch is strong enough, but fail to grab it, you're dead. If you believe the branch to be weak, but grab it anyway, you're safe. He states that "weak faith in a strong object is infinitely better than strong faith in a weak object, because it is the object of faith, not the strength of your faith that saves you."

Yes

After seeing Iron Man this weekend (any self-respecting geek should take time to see it), I was excited to hear this news.

See, It's Not So Bad