Results of The Rage

I showed up at The Rage--a Christian event where about 30 bands would play and 3-4,000 teens and young adults were expected to show up, have fun, ride roller coasters, play video games, and enjoy Christian punk, rock, hip hop, etc.

I quickly changed into a Pakistani outfit and hat, and I began carrying a sign saying, "Tell Me About Your Jesus". I began walking around, trying to make some eye contact and looking for someone willing to talk with me. The results were great, as mostly young men ran up to me and shared with me about Jesus. I would ask a few questions at times--sometimes I even called myself Mohammed--questions like, "So you believe that God had a son?" followed by "So you believe in two gods (or three gods)?" You believe that Jesus was God?" You believe that God died?"

It was very interesting to see how people would respond--mostly, it seemed to me that people, in their witnessing, were talking very fast. After talking a little while, I would let them know that I was actually a follower of Jesus working for Firestone. They were glad to hear it, and we would walk over to my booth, and I would share with them about what our org. does and give them additional info.

I had a friend there with me, and she wore a traditional burka with a full face covering--she had a different experience as people stared, pointed, and generally treated her badly. One of her signs read, "Does God care about me?" Later in the day, reflecting on how people had reacted, she broke down in tears, thinking about how Muslims must feel.

About 90 minutes into our sign-carrying, enough complaints had been made toward the event organizers that we were asked to stop using the signs--violated our booth agreement, they said--or leave. We chose to stay, and God was faithful to bring us more people who have a heart to reach Muslims.

I'm really glad I went and am now trying to think through how this experience should impact my future recruiting opportunities.

The Rage

I'll confess a weakness--I have a really difficult time dressing up to look like a Muslim, standing in front of a little work display, and trying to communicate with Christian churchgoers about the need for more workers overseas. Sometimes I catch myself feeling bitter about Christians' lack of concern (or my perception of it). But I wonder whether it's really me who's wrong? Instead of standing in front of a booth wearing a costume, maybe God expects me to do something else--like preach. Or pray on my face? Or invite people to come and have some tea? Any good salesman knows that you don't get new customers by simply standing inside your store and lighting up your sign. Advertising and good word-ofmouth is needed. Maybe a mailing with some coupons? When you start blaming the general public, that's right about the time you file for bankruptcy.

So this weekend I've got a plan to invade the Christian bubble of a huge, loud Christian rock event, which is taking place at a theme park. I'm planning to show up with some friends and poke at that bubble a little. I don't want to cause guilt--but I want them to see how rich they really are to have Jesus, to have heard about Jesus, to be in a public place where Jesus is being sung about quite loudly. In comparion to those who have never even heard His name once. That's what I hope to communicate--and I want some of them to come and worship at the upcoming Take My Life event--www.takemylife.org

If you read this, I hope you will pray, because, frankly, I'm a little scared, and I long to see God move in the hearts of many young people. And I'm going to do something for a couple days that I normally find pretty difficult. I pray that my heart will not grow hard and cold--even if some people do choose to ignore the need for Muslims to hear about Jesus.

"Well, I'm back."

I believe the subject line I wrote above is the last piece of dialogue Tolkien used for his Lord of the Rings Trilogy, as Sam returns to his Rosie after the last bit of adventure with Mr. Frodo. I had a rather extraordinary December, leaving Dec. 3 with 7 other men for relief work in Pakistan until our return to the U.S. Dec. 16th. It seemed longer than it was. I was so proud of my teammates, some of whom had never ventured overseas before. God used them in mighty ways, building relationships with devastated Muslims as they also built metal shelters. One of the guys, on a whim, had been studying the local language for the last year--he was able to put his skills to great use while he helped manage the base camp and distribution of materials. We went without showers for two weeks, endured various sicknesses, and ate what was put in front of us by Pakistanis (mostly chai, but also other dishes). Our God was faithful to keep us all safe and in good spirits for the duration, despite dealing with people who had lost everything and some who were looking to profit from this tragedy. What did I learn? I believe that God further confirmed my role as a sender/equipper of others, while He also gave me a heart for the local people, who desperately need Jesus. My passion is to send tons of Arizonans and New Mexicans to go change this part of the world, through God's Spirit living inside them. More tomorrow or maybe even tonight...