Because Slavery Sucks
Raising Funds for Ministries Against Slavery

Feb
04

It’s Official- We’re off to Vegas

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In April. We haven’t been to Vegas since we eloped at the Las Vegas courthouse, almost 11 years ago! This time we’ll be going for very different reasons! We are bowling for Fireproof Ministries! I’ve been writing about these guys for over a week, reading and consuming everything about what they do and they are doing alot. Bowlfest is one the main reasons I changed this blog. As a small ministry, they make a HUGE impact in the church and the world. These guys host XXXChurch.com, where they talk openly about issues almost no one else is talking about, especially in the church. They also support The Strip Church on the Las Vegas Strip where they minister to the homeless, in strip clubs, in brothels and to the adult industry. They also have a heart for anyone suffering from addiction with Heart Support.

I can’t say, write and stress enough how much these ministries are needed. There are so many hurting people. People hurting by abuse, childhood experiences, or just poor choices.

Fireproof Ministries provides multiple places where hurting people can get help. Yes, they tell people about Jesus, because He is the reason for their efforts. But also like Jesus, they seek to meet the physical needs of hurting people, as evidenced in their Brothel Makeover video where they completely renovated a Nevada brothel in about a week.

The way we can support them is through Bowlfest, April 23-25, their annual fundraiser. J and I will bowl 100 lanes and sponsor ourselves for $1/lane. We ask you to sponsor us, too, you can give $1/lane or more or less. Our individual goals are $25/lane ($5,000 together). You can give now, through the links below or you can give later, after we bowl. Every donation is tax-deductible, too!

Subscribe to this blog to check our progress (right margin)!

Many Thanks!
The Husband’s Giving Site                          The Wife’s Giving Site

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Feb
03

Forgiveness

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Courtesy Brenda Starr, Flickr

Forgiveness is like a magic potion for believers. And conversely, unforgiveness will poison your heart, mind, soul and strength until you doubt whether you actually are one of God’s children, whether you are saved and whether God is really who He says He is.

He tells us why in scripture, in the traditional NIV, Matthew 6:12-16
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.“

Wow, now listen to The Message: “In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.“

It’s all right there and these are Jesus’ words! That’s heavy. I don’t know about you, but I know a whole lotta believers walking around with unforgiveness in their hearts. I have been one of those people until I really looked into this connection through reading Trading Faces and The Language of Forgiveness by Quinn Schipper. Not that I hadn’t read these verses plenty of times, but you see, sometimes, it just doesn’t sink in.

Hey, Ho!

Courtesy of Nomanson

Many times the enemy of Christ will use lies tied to unforgiveness to trap believers in their minds. There are parts of you that sometimes you don’t even realize. Parts that sunk away when the first boy said something ugly to you. For whatever reason, I heard the lie that no one could love me, basically, that I’m unlovable. This is a horrible lie from the enemy. I might have heard it from someone or this part of me deduced it from experience, but nevertheless, it had become a part of me. Until I heard this lie, I thought that I must be doing something wrong, that God didn’t really love me because He wasn’t answering my heartfelt prayers and I was still hurting.

When this lie came to light, I was able to combat this lie with scripture, mainly, the Psalms, especially, Psalm 16:5-8, ”LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” For me, this has God’s love all over it. I even got this scripture reference tattooed on my wrist. I need to know this love through and through. I do know this love through and through.

Now that I’ve combatted the lie, who do I need to forgive? Where did I hear this lie? Or rather, who might’ve said something or done something so that I bought into this lie? Honestly, I can’t remember because once I confront the lie and forgive, I can really let it go. But I can guess it was probably some boy. So I say, out loud, although I don’t think you have to speak it out loud. I say aloud, “Lord, I forgive _____ for making me feel unlovable and I forgive myself for acting on my feelings of being unlovable.” Sometimes, I have to forgive God. No doubt that seems silly to some people, but I know a whole lotta people mad at God.

It’s not a checklist, but it really is important to rid yourself of all unforgiveness. Personally, I tend to hold a grudge; I know this about myself. So I’ve had many such sessions with myself regarding forgiving people from the past. Sometimes, I talk it over with trusted friends. In talking, the lie usually comes out of my mouth and who I need to forgive. I really work hard not to hold a grudge and recognize any unforgiveness more easily.

A New Path, Courtesy Jurvetson

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

 1 Corinthians 13

Categorized in God the Father, Holy Spirit and Jesus
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Feb
02

Contamination

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At AuchmithieJust thinking about some of the things we might hear when we talk about going to the gutter. Contamination. For about a month I’ve been gluten free. Throughout this process, I’ve become very familiar with avoiding contamination. Even breathing in gluten or say, dipping your knife in peanut butter and then touching bread, then dipping the knife back in peanut butter contaminates the peanut butter. I avoid this by buying two peanut butters and marking each jar clearly. I even have a separate shelf for gluten. But through all my preparations and parameters, I know I still eat contaminated food. Since I’m doing gluten free on my own and I’ve not been diagnosed with Celiac disease, I find that I don’t worry about this too much. Sure, I’d like to completely get rid of gluten from my diet, but my family is not there yet and I don’t want it to be a point of contention for us.

How does this apply to the gutter? I mean, the Bible says that “bad company corrupts good morals,” right? Yes, actually, it does, but I think you’ll be surprised to understand the context and to whom Paul is speaking: 1 Corinthians 15: 32-34

32 And what value was there in fighting wild beasts—those people of Ephesus—if there will be no resurrection from the dead? And if there is no resurrection, “Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!” 33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all.

Paul is actually talking to BELIEVERS, the CHURCH, fighting amongst herself! He’s not talking about getting down in the gutter with the porn stars, the prostitutes and the addicted. Wow. How refreshing.

The Porn Mobile, Courtesy of El Cinto

Craig Gross talks about an incident in The Gutter where he and his wife and their baby drove the “Porn Mobile” to a progressive church in Southern California. They attended the service and then Craig stayed behind to talk with one of the leaders of the men’s breakfast while his wife and son went on to the car. Not only was the car surrounded by a few vehement people, but some coward had left a note to the effect of “you are welcome here, but please don’t bring this car next time.” It gets worse: she is actually cornered with her BABY and the police are called. Really. Craig notes that, what if he’d been a porn star or porn producer coming to this place to find God? It’s the grace of God that it was Craig and his family.

Why is the Porn Mobile offensive? From experience and observation, I would say that we are most deeply offended when this is our struggle. Nobody appreciates dirty laundry being aired for all to see and worse! talk about openly. Although being offended is not the same thing as righteous anger. That’s another post.

A wise man and author, Quinn Schipper, talks about this in his book, The Language of Forgiveness. I’m paraphrasing, but he shows how being offended is really a distraction to keep you away from the real issue: Either your own struggles or unforgiveness or probably, both.  I don’t know what Craig’s wife said to one of the men who barraged her with hateful words, but I might’ve asked, “Sir, why is XXX so offensive to you? Is it something you struggle with?” I think that would have stopped him in his tracks. Maybe that’s going too far, but really, debate a young woman and her baby in the parking lot where the church meets?

That makes me angry at the church. Another good question to ask this man, “Do you think that a porn star is going to walk into your building? And if she did, would you treat her like this? Does she not deserve to be loved?” And God hasn’t called that man to minister to porn stars . . . yet. But he has called Craig and his wife and they faithfully follow Jesus into the gutter.

Maybe this guy’s gutter is the politicians. Because I am certainly not claiming to be perfect or without judgment myself, I immediately asked God to please show me if I’ve ever acted like this and if so, please root it out of me. I do not want to EVER persecute believers for where or who GOD as called them to minister.

Jesus Loves Porn StarsThe closest thing to porn stars and prostitutes I can come is politicians. There are high profile men and women called to minister to these people who I would only consider liars, oppressors of the poor and uneducated, completely selfish and morally corrupt, claiming Christ when necessary and leaving His teachings far behind when He doesn’t fit into their agenda. Not all of them, there’s perhaps one or two decent ones that you’ve never heard of.

Is that how this man feels about porn stars? Maybe. The main difference for me is that porn stars don’t claim to be anything but what they are. However, in God’s economy, do politicians and porn stars deserve to be shown the love of Jesus? Yes. Am I called to the gutter of politics? No or rather I hope not. I’m not sure I know what my gutter is yet. I have an inkling, but I prefer to wait for God’s call and commission. When He asks, as he did Isaiah,  ”Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” I will say emphatically, ”I’ll go. Send me!” Isaiah 6:7-8

Categorized in Fireproof Ministries, God the Father, Holy Spirit and Jesus
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Feb
01

Dr. Keller Talks About Money

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Creative Commons, A Magill

Dr. Tim Keller pastors at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York. His sermons were intricle in my journey back to Christ after a time in rebellion. Here’s a great talk on money. He calls it “Radical Generosity.” Believers “prove” themselves with radical generosity. Radical Generosity is freedom for the believer.

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Feb
01

His Bride

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I’m not a theologian. That’s what’s so cool about Jesus and the internet. I don’t actually have to be a theologian to discuss Jesus. I don’t have to know everything. That’s what made the printing of the Bible so incredible. For the first time, the commoner (definitely me) could read and understand as the Holy Spirit directed each person to understand.

Courtesy Kevin Dooley

I’ve really been thinking about the whole the church is the people thing, especially in regard to the church being the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:32-33). So it really gets messed up when people still refer to the church as the building where worship services and Bible study takes place. That’s like a husband referring to his house as his wife or worse, I guess, his wife as his house. That’s absurd, right? Totally, but that’s what we do when we refer to the church as the building where the church congregates to worship, etc. If you talk to a believer about this topic, they’ll say, sure, the church is the people. But do they really believe that when they say things like, “Thanks for joining us here at church.” “What church do you go to?” “Where do you go to church?” Let’s insert His Bride. “Thanks for joining us here at His Bride.” “What His Bride do you go to?” “Where do you go to His Bride?” Doesn’t make sense does it?

The Church is also referred to as the Body of Christ. So forsaking a long discussion, let’s insert the word again in the above phrases: “Thanks for joining us here at Body of Christ.” “What Body of Christ do you go to?” “Where dod you go to Body of Christ?”

So no wonder we’re confused when we really delve into God’s word and why so many books are written about “BEING” the church and not just “DOING” church. I haven’t read them all, but I’d wager that there’s a whole row at the bookstore about it. There’s even a sermon series by a wonderful preacher to NY Professionals, Dr. Tim Keller.

And here’s the thing, it’s great that Dr. Keller is talking about that. I know that there is a gutter in the NY Professionals. That’s got to be a niche worth ministering to, worth showing that Jesus’ love is more real and more important than a career or even income. But we (believers) spend a whole lot of time discussing what we should/could/would be doing.

I’m ready to Go, Jesus. I know I am far from perfect. I struggle with pride, anger, selfish ambition. I also take much satisfaction and relief in the fact that there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. I am forgiven. I am being transformed. Thank you! Hallelujah!

Categorized in Following Jesus, God the Father, Holy Spirit and Jesus
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Jan
31

The Church is The People

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I will always write from the heart. Part of the hard thing about God’s call is that sometimes, if you are like me, then you think everyone should jump on board. In my maturing with Christ, I realize that not everyone is called to my gutter, the gutter He’s calling me to, but you are called to a gutter, the gutter He’s calling you to. You may not hear Him yet, you may not want to hear Him at all. But as stated previously, Jesus ministers in the gutter; it really can’t be said enough.

But here’s the point of this post. I think the major reason the church (at large, certainly not singling out any denomination) is so off base is that people consider and refer to the church as the building. Call it simple semantics, but that is a huge misnomer in our society, for both believers and nonbelievers. The church is the PEOPLE, the believers and here’s the other HUGE thing, WE are the BRIDE of CHRIST. When you think about that, the ramifications bring us to where we are today, inside safe little (or mega) buildings, preaching the gospel, but to whom? People for the most part that already believe. Now, this is not true, in all places where churches meet. Believers need to be discipled and much discipling happens at these places where the church meets. Bible study is very important; baptism (although this can be done in any body of water); fellowship; helping each other out; praying for each other’s needs. Then, what we have today called “church” would be better thought of as discipling centers. What the people, the true CHURCH is supposed to do is what I talked about in this previous post, Jesus said, “GO! Go everywhere and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and I”ll be with you so really you have nothing to worry about.” (my own paraphrasing)

From The Commons, Flickr

I am involved with two such discipling centers, one physical place that watches my kids while I get to engage in studying God’s word and praying for and getting prayer. It is aptly named Fellowship Bible Church. They are serious about making disciples. One of my favorite aspects about FBC is that their (because FBC is the name of the people there, see, I know, my children find it annoying, but I will correct them every time until they get it) men serve and not just the Lord’s supper: Men serve in the children’s classrooms, from the babies to the high school, from the  greeting to the coffee shop. What’s most impressive is the kid’s rooms because typically, men don’t serve there (my experience). The other more impressive thing is that FBC really functions as the church, loving people with the love of Christ. We had a great need a while back and FBC was faithful to help us and pray with us. Do I think FBC should get in the gutter and abandon their buildings? Yes and no. I certainly will ask for them to support me and my husband as we minister in the gutter at Bowlfest. I expect their support; it’s in their nature. I don’t know if they know about Fireproof Ministries and XXXChurch.com, but I intend to let them know about this artery of the body of Christ.

The other I serve at weekly, praying with people online. It’s LifeChurch.tv. They started in a house and quickly grew to many campuses all over the US, partly due to their no holds bar approach to evangelism and partly the speaking pastor, Craig Groeschel’s dynamic preaching, partly the freakin’ awesome music worship and mostly because God is good. Their best “Jesus said Go” campus is the internet campus at live.lifechurch.tv. With over 50 services each week, people from all over the world can worship, give and hear God’s word preached from their home or work or school. This is taking it to the people where they’re at. For me, it’s a supplement and I also find support through an online lifegroup. One of the most genius ideas they’ve done is buy up a bunch of pornographic urls. So someone is trying to access porn and up pops church online! Fantastic. We get some weird chatting going on, especially on the weekends, but we never know who might be impacted. We actually share the XXXChurch.com link when we get chats for sex. Mostly I pray with people who are hurting, feel far from God, have an urgent need for a friend or making a major decision. Almost every week, new people join us and say, “This isn’t what I thought church would be at all.” Now, I’m not as obnoxious as I want to be, saying in chat, “The church is not this place, but us, the people here to pray with you and chat and study God’s word.” Well actually, I think I have said that.

Both of these churches are providing Biblical community and discipleship. But the church, the church is the people called to get into the gutter and spread the good news that is Christ and Him crucified and raised again for the forgiveness of our sins! That God loves you, whoever you are, and that He cares, He really cares that you are hurting, that you are sick and tired, that you are lonely, that you feel trapped, skeptical and angry. That the God who created the universes, the stars, the trees, your heart, wants to be your friend. Jesus conquered death, there’s no more fear! No need to fear death. As the psalmist says so eloquently, “Death, Oh, Death where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55

Categorized in Fireproof Ministries, Following Jesus and Jesus
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Jan
30

The Gutter Where Life Is Meant To Be Lived

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We’re about 40 minutes into audio of The Gutter by Craig Gross. Since I’m a writer and all, I’d like to cleverly articulate how hearing Gross’ story makes me feel, but really all I want to yell from the rooftops is, “YES!!!! YES!! Finally, somebody gets it. Somebody articulates how I’ve felt and have been feeling. Sign me up, when can I move to Vegas.” That’s my heart speaking. The truth is I know there’s a gutter right here in Little Rock. I don’t have to move to Vegas; it would just be cool to minister with such on-fire believers.

So what is it all about, anyway? Well, it’s about Matthew 28:19-20  

Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” The Message

He said, “GO.” Not stay in your house and attend a church service on Sunday, then talk about how you’re doing in a small group and then serve at the church service and maybe go on a short term mission trip, then maybe a longer one then keep up this routine indefinitely and wonder why you’re uncomfortable. Well, maybe I’m just uncomfortable. I don’t want to sit and listen and not do. I am not a complacent person. I want to act on what I hear and really be in the place to love the unlovable, not just give food and clothing to organizations doing all the hard work.

I’m not judging; I haven’t done those things. I’ve scrapped around doing some things, but I haven’t done the things that Fireproof Ministries is doing; I’ve touched my foot in the gutter once or twice, but I’ve always come back to my comfortable house. But again, not comfortable for me, really. I’m restless these past months. I was restless before at my job, but I was thinking that what I needed to do was get out of working full time and be home. Being home is great, but I know I am called to teach my kids more about Jesus than the scenario just described above.

Jesus lived in the gutter. I’m convinced I’m not going to be satisfied until I get to live there too, with him. And with my family. There’s definitely more to life than this. I don’t want the American dream. God’s been moving me anyway to get rid of my stuff. A few months back, I cleaned out my closet. I have only 5 of each kind of clothing and now, that seems like a lot to me. Today, I cleaned out my storage bins which contain clothes for my baby when he reaches ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Yeah, lots of clothes. One, he’s a very picky dresser (already) and so I don’t really know what he’s going to choose to wear. Right now, he wears the same 2 shirts all the time. Literally, I wash and he puts one or the other right back on. Two, do I really need to keep everything? He only needs 3-4 shirts, pants, shorts, etc. too. And God will provide if we need more. Jesus specifically says not to worry about is clothing. Clothing! Can you believe it? We worry alot about clothing. Don’t tell my husband, but I’ve been helping him get rid of clothes too. Listen, he hasn’t worn that stuff in at least 5 years. He won’t miss it.

Matthew 6 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

That’s pretty cut and dry. Back to The Gutter, one of the most striking things is that these two pastors (Christian-college trained and everything) defied all reason and precedent to minister to the exact people that need Jesus. He didn’t come to minister to the healthy, but the sick and hurting. It reminds me of Francis Chan in his book Crazy Love where he says most people think they’re called to minister to the rich. No doubt. Not me. I’ve always wanted to get down in the gutter and I’ve let the words and feelings of well-meaning people slow me down. My safety is God’s problem, not yours or even mine. If I can’t trust God to keep me safe in the gutter, than what can I trust him to do?

I also know that these guys aren’t the only ones living in the gutter, but I’ve read lots of stories and heard about lots of ministries, but I’ve never wanted to be a part of what someone was doing this much. There’s the Ragamuffins or the folks like Jesus House. I’m just not cool enough. I’m plain. I like Carrie Underwood. I enjoy Vin Diesel movies more than an independent any day. See what I mean? Yeah.

Categorized in Fireproof Ministries, Following Jesus and Jesus
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Jan
29

Fireproof!

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Spending some time viewing Fireproof Ministries videos. What an amazing ministry! Hopefully, the man and I are going to get to raise money for them at Bowlfest 2010! I can’t wait. If we can’t, we’re definitely going to be involved someway, somehow. This is where Jesus would be. Not to minimize any other ministry, but you know God’s calling you when you get as excited as I am about this! Jesus loves porn stars!

Check out what they’re doing!
Episode 23 – More Strip Church Updates

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