Mi Frontera (My Border)

The last few weeks on social media and the news have been pretty insane; constant "conversation" concerning the border has been getting hotter and heavier (especially this week). As I've been convicted and conflicted, I've thought about what I would or should say (if anything). The purpose behind this post isn't necessarily to have a conversation though I think that'd be cool, but some of the things I'd like to address are because all of this is (and has been) happening in my back yard. 

I'm not a stranger to the crisis on the border; having family and friends on both side of the river, this hits close to the chest. I have listened to many arguments from several people and have engaged conversation with friends who have differing views, including Border Patrol agents, non-profit organizations, and friends who's voice I value.

My purpose behind this post isn't to write about a particular side and I'm sure as you read through this you may disagree with me. That's cool too. You're probably way smarter than I am. I think what would be increasingly beneficial would be dialogue; a space where we can come to an agreement or even see perspectives changed. Things like that happen; at least they used to. 

CRISIS, IDENTITY, AND ACTIVITY

I think I could have started this post and continued from a totally different angle; stirring a lot of emotion and sending us for a loop, but I don't think that's beneficial right now. I could have jumped right into the kinds of conditions that many of these individuals and families are coming from, the amount of money and danger they placed themselves in, cartel stuff, and policy jazz. I think those are separate conversations; we don't have time for those. 

However, here are three truths (and I'm sure there are more) that I'd like to emphasize; both for my people here on the border and those from afar. 

1. A Crisis
A crisis, however unfortunate, is not only a time of great trouble, but a result of something that has gone without much or any attention. In a crisis, people and organizations are scrambling to get things done, establish resources, and find a solution as quickly as possible. In our case on the border, when a crisis is exposed it now presents itself with two things: (1) protest and (2) opportunity. 

If you've been on social media over the last few days, everyone has something to say. They may be right, wrong, or not even involved and content is being pumped out at a ridiculous rate. In my opinion, as I've seen content, arguments, and social media cloud the interweb on both sides of this crisis, I think the one who really gets screwed over is the man with his family who's needing a meal.

I'm not trying to be passive or "neutral," but I do think, as Christians at least, we need to look at a few things. For instance, in 2014, when the border crisis was at an all time high (with almost 1400 people coming to our borders a day), we saw border agencies along with the help of several non-profit organizations become quickly underfunded, under resourced, and understaffed because of the amount of people trying to get into the United States. 

Today, the crisis on the border has numbers that are less, but similar to those in 2014 and both border agencies and NPO's are on the ground once again providing care for many coming into the United States. This crisis is a result of a lack of attention to border security and that sends a message. 

Additionally, the other hard truth that many wish to not discuss is that not everyone coming into the United States is looking for the American Dream or asylum. And I'm not agreeing with the current policy. I think it sucks. When I see kids without their parents, it's absolutely heart breaking. And there's sadly a lot of gray in those scenarios too. So then, what's the solution? 

I don't have an answer and I'm not sure if you do either. I don't think the current policy is the solution, but I also don't think that writing "open the borders" is a real solution either because that's very ignorant. We've been there previously and the only winners in that scenario were the cartels. 

I do know, however, that this crisis provides opportunity. But I can't talk about opportunity without first talking about identity. 

2. IDENTITY
The Bible teaches us that we are residents of this earth and exiles; that at one point we were lost and Christ called us to Himself and made us alive in Him. And regardless of where we come from, once we were enemies of God and now through the work of the Son on the cross, we have been called sons and daughters to God. 

If what we do first begins with who we are, then we must hold fast to the person and work of Christ. Our theology will drive our philosophy. And if we are first grounded upon the truth of the gospel, then we can at least be a little more sober minded while also developing a conviction concerning border security. 

The gospel teaches a profound truth about Jesus: He meets us where we're at by thrusting Himself into the hell and mess of our lives; willingly.

I think theology and philosophy run together, not separate. 

3. ACTIVITY
I think that my biggest push here is that our activity not be political. And I say that not because I believe that politics and the gospel are separate or because politics as a whole can be ineffective. I don't believe that at all. But if our activity is simply arousing emotion over an issue then our motivations are now simply driven by agendas rather than the gospel. 

Simply, as we develop further concern and conviction over border security, we should also be getting our hands dirty, amigos. I'm not overly fond of hearing about why "x, y, and z" is bad while letting a family who's here right now go hungry or could use shelter and food. 

Again, you may have way better insights or views on what's going on, but unless you're in my backyard, then I think your motivation may simply be political and agenda driven. I could be wrong. 

My prayer is to see policies change; to see families brought together; to see my home secured; for the men and women in green to be safe as they perform their job daily whether in a crisis or not; and to see the church jump into the mess of others' lives to demonstrate and declare the beauty of the gospel for the sake of His glory and nothing else. 

ON THE GROUND SUPPORT

• The Office of Refugee Resettlement 

• Circle of Health International

• Comfort Cases (raising money for backpacks)

• The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights

• Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley

Next week, we'll be on the south side of McAllen at several of these facilities partnering with other missions organizations and I'll provide some of their contact information too should you be interested in jumping in. 

Flying Sucks

Last week, Rebecca and I flew to Colorado and New Mexico for some time away to enjoy one another, rest up, and to be among friends. The trip was amazing and we definitely came back well rested. We missed our home and our church. We hung out in the mountains of Colorado and then in the quiet desert of Albuquerque and it'll be a trip I'll never forget, except that I want to forget some of it. 

I hate flying. 

I HATE flying. 

I think it's one of the few things that I am deeply afraid of. Honestly, it feels good to say that because it's something that I get embarrassed about. Many of my friends love being in the air not only because you can be anywhere in a short amount of time but because they simply enjoy it. For me, being in the air has my anxiety at an all time high.  

Flying was definitely a large topic of discussion this week so I thought I'd put it all out on the table and write on a few truths that don't comfort me. To begin, I understand the mechanics of the flight and plane. When I lived in Denton, I had a friend who was a pilot and would tell me how much planes have to go through in order to be approved to be in the air; all of the tests and trials. That didn't help. 

I've been told that all of the bumps in the air are no different than when I hit bumps on the road while driving. The pilots are in constant communication with other planes, towers, and wouldn't jeopardize the lives of their co-pilot, staff, and passengers. And I get that--except I'm not at 38,000 feet in a sardine can in the air when I'm driving. 

I was encouraged by a friend that the last time I flew has nothing to do with who I now am; a husband, a father, a pastor. And all I could think of was that I had way much more to lose now than I did as a single dude. 

I am well aware of the statistics like you're more likely to be in an accident while driving or something like 1 out of every 250,000 planes actually crash. That's not helpful for that one plane that I MIGHT be on. 

Outside of my fear, I did, however, find comfort knowing that several other friends have some major anxiety about flying. That made me feel better because I didn't feel weird expressing my fear with them and simply didn't feel alone. 

I get it. My fear is nuts, irrational, and a little over the top. But what I've learned is that no amount of flying, statistics, or experiences are big enough to conquer my fear. The reality is that there are times that I will have to fly to get somewhere; I won't be able to get around it. And the truth is that I need to find comfort and peace in who Jesus is, who He says I am, and in the promises of his Word. 

I need to wrap myself around that precise and marvelous truth so that when I'm digging my nails into my skin, freaking out, and hating all things turbulent I can believe that. 

My only comfort in life and in death is that I am not my own, but belong--body and soul, in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by His Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me whole-heartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.
- Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 1

Acts 29 South Central | Pastors Retreat

Today, Rebecca and I head to Colorado to spend a few days with a large group of friends at our first Acts 29 Pastors' Retreat. In years past, Acts 29 hosted a global gathering in one centralized location where lead pastors and their wives from all across the globe would gather for teaching, worship, and fellowship. In 2017, Acts 29 held the last global gathering and at the beginning of this year began hosting smaller regional gatherings for better connection and intimacy.

Storehouse Community Church is a part of the Acts 29 Church Planting Network and we're in the South Central region which consists of Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. I'll write more about it in a later post. Until then, we're really looking forward to this time of worship and rest. I'm personally stoked to see friends from across our region, hear all the stories, and pray for one another as we return to our cities and churches.

This is our first year at one of these retreats; we'd love and greatly appreciate if you'd pray for us and the men and women in attendance who are also looking forward to a few days away. 

MUSIC: The Company

When it comes to Wednesday's, I usually don't have any meetings as they've become my main sermon prep day. On other days during the week, I'll have windows to work and prepare for my sermon, but on Wednesday's I'm hunkered down at my desk with plenty of books, paper, and music. 

All day today I've been listening to The Company's new album Harvest and I freakin' love it. My friend Jarod and his wife Morgan do such an amazing job and I've listened to it several times already. It's definitely on my list of study music for Wednesday's. 

I'm not the greatest at describing the type of music they write because I feel it would be a generic description, but I will say I love how authentic The Company is; definitely worth your time. 

Here's a small blurb from their website in addition to ways in which you can hear and follow them on social media: 

"The Company is a collective of friends from Denton, TX and Lawton, OK. We love creating and performing
artistically excellent music that speaks grace and hope into the uniquely human condition we all share."

FOLLOW

• The Company (Instagram)

• Bandcamp (Samples) 

• Spotify  

On Mission | In the Ordinary

I think we all could use a little more of the ordinary. Seriously, I think the ordinary parts of our life are often overlooked and ignored because they're not extraordinarily unique, they're simply a part of life. You can plug your career in the ordinary; time spent with your family; seeing the same people at the same places. It's all ordinary and I think we could use a little more of it. 

When I look at the life of the disciples, for instance, I see 12 dudes who were working jobs and knew the culture of their city fairly well. Yes, I'm sure we could dive deeper into their lives, but that's not the point right now. These men worked a job, got paid, hung out, spent time with their families, had responsibilities, and then did it all over again the next day. And what'd unique about their story is that these are the men Jesus chose as his disciples.

THE ORDINARY

I suppose here's where I'll wrap it up. Jesus chose ordinary men and did extraordinary things through them and their daily life. I think we overlook this because we're constantly looking for our moment at Pentecost. I think, too often, Christians are looking for big moments where God is obviously present and at work and while that's not necessarily bad, the ordinary part of life is overlooked because it's not as exciting. 

Here's a few things that I would encourage you to consider: 

1. On Mission

Being on mission is cool if you're going overseas or someone where outside of where you are, but it's not as thrilling when you're at the park or pub. Mission primarily happens in the ordinary--when you're at the park hanging out with other families and their kids; at the pub where everyone knows your name; the gym; at home with your spouse and/or kids. 

Mission happens in the ordinary and it's an opportunity to advance the gospel in the mundane. We literally have opportunity to be on mission for the glory of Jesus in the everyday. 

2. Revival

Revival is a work of God done in the ordinary. Every time I hear the word "revival," I think about those giant tents somewhere in the middle of nowhere or next to the freeway. They're cool, I suppose. More importantly, revival is not necessarily something new happening, but God doing something He's always done. 

I saw a guy rescued by Jesus at my dinner table; others at coffee shops; some at the gym; and a few at swimming pools (when I had a staff of lifeguards)! Revival is God doing something He's always done--calling people to Himself in the ordinary and giving them a new heart.

3. The Church

Mission and Revival happen in the ordinary life of the church. If you are a Christian, then you belong to the church and God works in and through you for His redemptive purposes so don't waste it. 

Instead of praying for the big time, we should pray for men and women to be convicted of their sin, be drawn to Jesus, and receive redemption all in the context of the ordinary. This is where our hearts should primarily be, I think. It's no coincidence that you are where you are; don't waste the opportunity to advance the gospel whether it's for the sake of proclaiming the Word or empowering others to do the same. 

As the week closes and the weekend approaches, don't waste the ordinary moments, embrace and expose them. 

RECOMMENDED READING:
•  A Meal With Jesus by Tim Chester

• On The Block: Developing a Biblical Picture for Missional Engagement by Doug Logan