Mission Uganda

I am tremendously excited about this upcoming weekend at Summit Church Naples. As many of you know, this weekend we have the opportunity to join God in what he is doing in Nabukalu, Uganda at “The Home of Champions” Orphanage. This partnership comes at a pivotal time in the life of our church.

God is doing amazing things in our church body, and He is giving us great favor in our community. We exist to glorify God by presenting the gospel to every man, woman, and child, connecting them into loving relationships with Jesus Christ and with others. Mission Uganda is a focused extension of this mission and we are committed to join God in his activity all around the world.

For $34 a month you can sponsor a child and help them receive all they need to grow both physically and spiritually. There are 100 children who must be sponsored so we are calling for everyone who is able to sponsor a child (or two) to consider helping. I have been to this orphanage, spent time with these children and I am sure God has spoken to us as a church.

The “Nabukalu Home of Champions” is about 4 hours east of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, in a rural farming community which is 90% Muslim. The Home currently serves 100 children through shelter, food, education, and discipleship. The Home is affiliated with a church in Kampala, which has a compelling vision and a successful ministry to care for its fellow Ugandans who are steeped in poverty.

The Home is in a strategic position to spread the gospel to every man, woman, and child in its area. It was begun and soon they built a well. Within months, there was an entire village built around this orphanage. This makes for an amazing opportunity for us! Not only do we get the chance to pour into an entire home of precious children of God and the future of Uganda, but we can also begin building relationships and meeting needs in an entire village! What better way to help bring hope and dignity to these children than to allow them to be the catalyst that spreads God’s love and care to this village.

We believe this is a sacred moment for us. Will you pray and ask God how he would have you respond to this opportunity?

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

See you on Sunday!

Jamin

Will We Respond?

I'm sitting at Calistoga on a cool March evening. I'm on day 2 of a 10 day fast and I'm overwhelmed. I am fasting in response to the children in Nabukalu, Uganda that Summit Naples has taken the responsibility of caring for.

"At the very core of fasting is empathy with the divine or participation in God's perspective of a sacred moment...Fasting is a response to a sacred moment and not an instrument to get what we want. When people tell us they are fasting, we should ask, 'In response to what?' instead of 'What do you hope you will get out of it?'."
- Scot McKnight

We have formally adopted this orphanage of 100 children who desperately need to know and be reminded of the love of Jesus in both verbal and incarnational ways. On March 15 we will ask the people of Summit Naples to financially and holistically commit to taking care of these kids.

I'd be lying if I told you I don't feel a huge weight of anxiety about this sponsorship. I believe that God has determined for us to join him in this part of his mission - I really do. I believe that God gave me the opportunity to go to Uganda this past October so I would see what he is doing there and come back to implore the people of Summit to join God in this activity.

Though the people of Summit Naples continue to respond to God faithfully, we are in no way a big church numerically, which makes the prospect of sponsoring 100 kids a bit daunting. But I am confident God has told us to do this. Also, I am in no way the world's best vision-caster so the thought of casting vision on behalf of these kids intimidates me.

But here's the reality of the situation: its not about Summit and its not about me.

I was just reading the book of Zechariah. Every time I read chapter 4 it floors me. In fact I just blogged about this chapter in July when I last read it. Here's what God says in regard to the huge task of rebuilding the Temple:

"This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit says the Lord of Hosts...For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice'..."
Zechariah 4

So here's what I'm really excited about: its not about the size of our church body or the ability to cast vision well - its about the glory of God and his ability to accomplish the impossible in and thru and for those who who could never accomplish it on their own.

Here's the ask:

Will you pray for the kids in Uganda - that they would know the love of Christ in every way possible?

Will you pray that God's Spirit moves in the heart of his people to respond?

Will you respond?

Thanks.

Another Great Day

It is a great day. My little girl, Cianna, is 2 today. She's my middle child. I can say that now because last week Vic gave birth to Nya, our 3rd girl. Vic and Nya are both doing great, and Ellia and Cianna are loving their new sister.

Thanks to everyone who has been praying for us and bringing meals. It is all greatly appreciated.


Happy Birthday, Cis! (thanks to Maria for this picture from yesterday's party)

Ellie and Nya

Incline Your Ear

Psalm 86:1-5
a prayer of David

"Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am godly;
Save your servant, who trusts in you - you are me God.
Be gracious to me, O Lord,
for to you do I cry all the day.
Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O lord, do I lift up my soul.
For you, O lord are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you."

I've been struck this morning by the boldness in David's prayer. I am used to qualifying everything I pray for with, "...if its in your will, God". And while I don't think that is a wrong mindset, it certainly seems to be an incomplete mindset that has crippled my prayer life at times.

I'm always concerned that I'm basing my prayers in my own desires so I have to remind myself that what is important are God's desires. But David goes further than that. He bases his prayers in the character and nature of the One he's praying to.

He says, "Incline your ear...answer me...preserve my life...be gracious to me...gladden the soul...for you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you." Surely this doesn't mean that God acts in any way contradicting his will and desire, but instead that God acts out of his character and nature to bring about his will and desire.

Protect Vicky and Nya, O Lord...
Bless my family...
Heal Maggie...
Give us a home in Naples...
Make your Name great in my life, my family, and my city...
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.

Great Night

It was a great night. After work I met Vic and the girls for dinner at Red Robin and ice cream at Cold Stone. Those are two great places but what made the evening so spectacular was the time we spent together. Its a big deal because tonight was probably the last night we'll go out before Nya is born on Friday. I love my life and I can't imagine adding anything more to it but God is actually giving us another beautiful daughter. I can't wait to hold my little girl and introduce her to you all.

(thanks to Katie for these pics)

So Simple

So, as a staff we have started a study of Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God. The last time I did this study was my senior year in high school so I have been very excited to be part of it again. We have just started the second week of the study, but I'm still processing the first week.

At the end of each day you are asked to write down the statement that stuck out to you most. Below, in an attempt to digest the intensity of the week, I will write the 5 statements that blew my mind. Before I write them down, though, I need to say that I'm well aware that these statements are simple and should be a given. For some reason, however, after years of experiencing God I still forget them. Maybe I'm the only one that forgets the simple truths but I doubt it.

Here they are:

Day 1:
"My primary concern should not be, What should I do with my life tomorrow? but, What does God want me to do today? As you follow Jesus one day at a time, He will keep you in the center of God's will."

Day 2:
"Once I know God's will I can adjust my life to Him."

Day 3:
"You do not get your orders and then go out to accomplish them on your own. You relate to God, respond to Him, and adjust your life to Him so that from your relationship with Him, He does what He wants to do through your life."

Day 4:
"When you know what God is doing then you know what you need to do: join Him."

Day 5:
One ordinary Christian in the hand of almighty God can do anything God commands."

So, yeah. Simple, huh?

Committed

I haven't written in a while. The holidays are over and we are two weeks into the new year. I can't believe it is 2009 already. It feels like yesterday that I was a senior in college celebrating the new millennium. Looking back, I can't help but be reminded of God's good hand on my life.

He has opened my eyes to the reality of salvation and has chosen me to be part of his family. He has given me the most beautiful wife who literally makes everything in my life more beautiful. He has entrusted to us two amazing girls with a third on the way in February. He has placed me in a loving family with godly men and women to imitate. He has brought into my life all along the way friends who push and encourage me. He has planted his passion and vision in my heart to see his kingdom advance. He has blessed me to have the privilege of serving his people in what I believe to be the absolute greatest local expression of his Church I've come across (yes, I am biased - but I'm also right!).

Looking forward, I have certain goals. Call them resolutions, call them desires - whatever they are, I am committed to them. Here they are:

1) I commit to pursue intimacy w/God as my highest priority

2) I commit to love Vicky in a way that honors her and honors Christ in her

3) I commit to shepherd my girls in a way that glorifies their heavenly Father

4) I commit to fight for the Naples community and to hold high the name of God in that city

5) I commit to serve the people of Summit and point them toward the activity of God

6) I commit to cast vision for orphan care in Uganda and partner with God in loving the kids at Nabukalu Home of Champions.

7) I commit to be an encouragement to the men and women I work with

8) I commit to pursue my education as a tool to help me grow as a follower of Christ

9) I commit to write more - not necessarily blogging, but putting my thoughts down on paper. (Did you know the word "immediately" is used 42 times in the Gospel of Mark? There has to be a reason and I may write about it.)

That's it. Not very interesting for you but life changing for me.

For the Glory of God...For the Good of the City

I'm in Syracuse right now visiting Jordan, Maggie, and the kids. Tomorrow is the official launch of Missio Church and I'm stoked for them. Though I miss Vic and the girls, it is exciting to be here to celebrate with friends and family. Jordan, Jim, Jeremy, and Bernie have done a great job getting this work started. There is a buzz in the city.

Tomorrow is also the 5 year anniversary of Summit Church. I can't even begin to explain how exciting it has been to be a part of this work. God has done what only God can do. I stand amazed and look forward to what the next 5 years brings.

God, please bless the work of Missio Church. I thank you that you have called these men and their families to contend for your fame in this area. Protect them. Keep their hearts and motives pure. Draw thousands of people to yourself through this work and their partnerships. Be glorified in your church.

God, thank you for Summit Church and thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. Transform South West Florida and raise your name high above all others. God, don't ever allow us to celebrate Summit over celebrating you. You are the author of this work. May your hand write every line for your glory.

Like Ezra

Today I spent time reading one of my favorite books, Ezra. I've always loved this description of Ezra:

...the gracious hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. (Ezra 7:9-10)

Vicky is 3 months pregnant right now. We are so excited that God is giving us another child. We don't know what the baby is yet, but if it is a boy his name will be Ezra. We want the above verse to be a constant reminder and beacon in his life. My prayer for my own life, for Vicky's life, and the life of my children is that we would be people who give ourselves wholly to the study of God's Word, wholly to live out God's Word, and wholly to teach God's Word.

In reading this morning I was especially struck by the way God is shown to move in the hearts of men and women. God moved in the heart of a pagan king and God moved in the hearts of His own people to accomplish His great and perfect will for their lives.

I know that God has been moving in my heart recently. He has been birthing dreams and desires that can only come from Him - dreams that point toward the moving of His heart in my life, in the life of my family, and the life of my community.

At times, I'm scared to move forward and I'm nervous about the outcome. But - like Ezra - I've experienced the gracious hand of God that is ever present as we pursue him with everything we have, everything we are, and everything we ever hope to be.

Because the hand of the Lord my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leaders from Israel to go up with me. (Ezra 7:28)

God move in our hearts. And when you move, give us the courage to follow. And as we follow, glorify your Name.

The Shaping of My Family

These past few days I've been reading in the book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy records a pinnacle moment in the history of God's people and His activity amongst them. The Israelites have been delivered from the hands of the Egyptians, they have wandered in the desert for 40 years, they are now ready to enter the land God was giving them without their leader, Moses, and God chooses to stop them to remind them of where they were, what He has done, and what they are about to embark on. It is a beautiful picture of a God who desires to see His people "get it" and His constant call to mission.

I've especially been struck by Moses' concern for the children of Israel. He tells the people over and over again to remember what the Lord has done so that it might go well for them and so their children will catch a glimpse of God's heart and hand.

As a husband and father, I can't help but think of the responsibility I have to my family in this way. It is entirely clear that I must pursue God with absolutely everything I have and everything I am so that He changes and shapes me from the inside out.

And now, Israel [Jamin], what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
- Deuteronomy 10:12-13

It is also clear (and this usually gets neglected at the expense of the above) that I must pursue God with absolutely everything I have and everything I am so that He changes and shapes my family from the inside out.

In the future, when your children ask you, "What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?" tell them: "We were slaves...but the Lord brought us out...with a mighty hand...And if we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us,
that will be our righteousness."
- Deuteronomy 6:20-21; 25

I want to live this way. I want to follow God in such a way that my life and my family take on the character of God. For some reason, I need to be reminded at times of who God is, how He moves throughout history, and how that brings meaning to my life. But I am thankful that my God is one who will lead me and stop me at pivotal points on the journey to show me how He has orchestrated everything for His intended purposes.

As I think about my family, I recognize that one of my primary responsibilities as a husband and father is to point to the activity of God in my life and the life of our family. I also read Psalm 18 this morning. I'm not a poet so I choose to echo David's view of God and my prayer is that as my girls grow they will hear Vicky and me remind them of this very same God:

You, LORD, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light.
With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall.

As for God, his way is perfect:
The Lord's word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.

For who is God besides the LORD?
And who is the Rock except our God?

It is God who arms me with strength
and keeps my way secure.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he causes me to stand on the heights.
He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You make your saving help my shield,
and your right hand sustains me;
your help has made me great
You provide a broad path for my feet,
so that my ankles do not give way.

Psalm 18:28-36