Saturday, May 31, 2008

Uncontacted Tribes. Evangelism or Not?

Those in-the-know tell us that there are approximately 100 tribes world-wide that have never been contacted by 'civilized' humans.

These images where released on May 29, 2008 by Survival International. They show uncontacted Indians on the Brazil-Peru border who may have never had contact with the outside world. You can read an ABC news report here and view more pictures. (I don't exactly have permission to use these photos, so I just snagged the thumbnails).

Anthropologist say that they "had" to take these photos in order to prove that these tribes existed. They have no intention of contacting these tribes except in the case of a last-minute effort to save their lives or habitat. Apparently oil and logging companies are trying to exploit this land and have denied the existence of these tribes in order to justify enormous profits.

According to one report, out of the thousands of Amazonian tribes in the last 500 years, none have adapted well to society in Brazil! Zero. Nada.

Another report told me that typically half to two-thirds of a newly "discovered" tribe will die of disease within 3-5 years. These people will often die of the common cold because they lack an immunity to it.

With such grim realities that face these particular tribes if we contact them (or any other tribe), what do you think about telling them about Jesus? What about "...go into all the world and preach the gospel..."?

Do you think that we should send missionaries there? I don't necessarily mean white/American missionaries (currently Brazil sends more missionaries than America). What if missionary contact brought death via disease along with the gospel? (this is more common than you might think).

How important is it that these people hear the good news of Jesus Christ? After all, I've heard it said that no person can come to Father God except through Jesus.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Memorial Day - A Dead Youth Pastor

Today is our day to remember the men and women who have died while in military service to our country.

In addition to that, I wanted to take a moment to remember and recognize those who have died in service to the Kingdom of God.

In 2007 42-year-old pastor Bae Hyung-kyu was murdered by the Taliban while leading volunteers in humanitarian aid in Afghanistan. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the death of the South Korean youth pastor and he was found with 10 bullets in his head.

Read the whole story here.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Kids These Days

This photo depicts what my front yard looked like on Wednesday morning.

Apparently one of Josh's "Friend(s)" thought they'd T.P. our house in the middle of the night.

I think they did a terrible job. This kid (or kids) seemed to lack the motivation to do a good job. What's up with kids these days? Don't they take pride in their work?

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Another Rejection Letter

Dear Joe,

Thank you for the time and energy you have invested in pursuing the Student Ministries position at our church. We’ve had a large response to the position, and we’ve narrowed it down to one candidate who seems, for a variety of reasons, to be the best fit for our church culture and this particular role. We’ve decided that this role would not be the best place for you from our perspective.

I pray that you will find the right ministry match where you’ll be able to joyfully serve God and His church.

Gratefully,

Sympathies to Steven Curtis Champmans Family

I read an article late last night (Wednesday) that recounted the death of Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter. Apparently she was accidentally struck by a car that was driven by her older teenage brother. Several family members witnessed the tragedy.

I am very sad, as a father of 3 I can't imagine the pain and anguish. I've prayed for the family and I intend to continue doing so.

Read the article here.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Job Hunting in a recession

As a pastor who's looking for a job (ok, it's MORE than just a job, but you know what I mean) I've come to the conclusion that this 'recession' is hitting churches hard. Many churches who were looking for staff are no longer looking and have put a freeze on hiring. I've ran into this many times in Fresno as well as out of town.

In the mean time, I (finally) found a job waiting tables at lunch at a nice restaurant. I worked a total of 6 days and they shut the doors because there's not enough business. So, I started looking again for a job and found another restaurant that is letting me serve tables at lunch.

Serving food at lunch time isn't enough money to support a family of 5.

I'm trusting God to supply for my family. He has been faithful to us so far! We have been able to pay all of our bills since we closed the doors to Axis Community Church! All kudos to God for that!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Going Green?

I have been toying with the idea of riding my bike to work, but then I did the math and now I'm wondering if it's worth it.

I work 3.6 miles from my house at GiGi's Italian restaurant on Friant and Fort Washington. I work 4 days per week.

In order for me to save ONE take of gas by riding my bike to work, I would have to ride my bike for 10 (ten) weeks! One tank of gas cost me about $33.

Um, I'm not sure it's worth it.

Thank God for Hondas.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Maternity

I thought I'd experiment with some Maternity photos. So, I grabbed my sister in-law and my brother and snapped a few shots.

I actually learned quite a few things while experimenting with this niche of photography. For example wait until the woman is REALLY pregnant... don't shoot too early. Her belly wasn't nearly big enough.

I'm also learning about making the client feel very comfortable so that they are relaxed. Jokes and patience are mandatory, I think.

Here's a few shots from my experiment.





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Recent Tweets...

Answering the question, "What are you doing right now?"
  • 14:18 terrible air quality today. really, it's terrible. #
  • 05:56 bye bye spring. hello triple digits. #
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Friday, May 16, 2008

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Answering the question, "What are you doing right now?"
  • 16:07 @drho do fish swim? You bet I am! #
  • 16:09 6 days with a job, then they closed the restaurant. two days later and I'm waiting tables at GiGi's Tues - Frid. Lunches. #
  • 16:13 @micahfoster ikea shelves? can u post a pic? #
  • 16:46 @micahfoster nice. let me know how much you are asking. no promises. i'm moderately interested. #
  • 20:12 @ohwhitty i love miracles... tell me more #
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Thursday, May 15, 2008

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Answering the question, "What are you doing right now?"
  • 09:29 Sarah is working a double today, so job search is on hold while I play Mr. Mom. #
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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

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  • 18:39 going to watch Idol now. #
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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

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Answering the question, "What are you doing right now?"
  • 07:32 I just found a hot dog bun under my sons bed. #
  • 15:28 I just lost my job. #
  • 15:54 @lukemundy at Rhema - they are closing the restaurant #
  • 15:55 i just lost my job. they are closing the restaurant. #
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Sunday, May 11, 2008

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  • 15:46 At Mickey D's with the kiddos. Ronald apparently digs Speed Racer. #
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Saturday, May 10, 2008

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Answering the question, "What are you doing right now?"
  • 15:04 going to Vintage Coffee House at 9pm to hear Daniel (Drho) and Brad play muzack. #
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Friday, May 9, 2008

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Answering the question, "What are you doing right now?"
  • 12:37 for those that have asked: I found part-time work as a server. looking for more work to feed the family of 5. don't want to leave fresno #
  • 15:50 The travelin' worship leader strikes again. Off to Madera for worship practice. #
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Wednesday, May 7, 2008

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Answering the question, "What are you doing right now?"
  • 12:39 @lukemundy can i ask what/where you are interviewing? #
  • 16:59 @drho Salinas Valley Community Church. Know it? #
  • 17:16 i love google's street view...although it is a tad disturbing at the same time. #
  • 04:56 @ohwhitty this is me patting your back and telling you to hang in there. Your discouragement will pass. #
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Tuesday, May 6, 2008

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Answering the question, "What are you doing right now?"
  • 09:57 Me and the little man (eddie) are hanging out together... Shopping, the gym, and inventing imaginary characters. #
  • 13:35 @lukemundy where r u interviewing. #
  • 15:10 Unusually tired. #
  • 17:27 i thought today was tuesday and i was looking forward to American Idol. How dorky is that? #
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Monday, May 5, 2008

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Sunday, May 4, 2008

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Answering the question, "What are you doing right now?"
  • 04:58 i am not the traveling worship leader this morning - will visit either University Vineyard or New Harvest Church this morning. #
  • 05:20 @aronstrong i've had that dream, too. it's scaarrry. #
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Saturday, May 3, 2008

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Answering the question, "What are you doing right now?"
  • 08:12 Got a job serving lunch 3 days per week at Rhema Dining... Cedar and Shepherd. I start now. #
  • 12:01 @lukemundy $5.00 lunch menu, dude! I just committed to be there Tues through Fri. Closed Sun and Mon. #
  • 12:02 @aronstrong across from "Strings" in the Big Five/Osh corner of Cedar and Shepherd. I'll be there Tues - Friday's. $5.00 lunch menu. #
  • 15:51 the weather is sooooo nice! hanging outside with the kiddos. #
  • 05:38 Garage sale. My house. Now. #
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Friday, May 2, 2008

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Thursday, May 1, 2008

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Answering the question, "What are you doing right now?"
  • 15:57 After 4 days of work, they finally told me that they'd pay me $8 per hour. That was ridiculously hard work for $8 per hour. So, I quit. #
  • 15:59 @micahfoster thanks for the prayers! Much needed and appreciated. Oh and I blogged again www.divineinthedaily.blogspot.com. #
  • 19:20 @ohwhitty those lyrics are quite different that the ones posted on myspace.... :) (i hope you don't think that's Judgmental - it's not) #
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