Fear & Uncertainty

"Fear should never take the place of joy. Uncertainty should never take the place of passion."      Lisa Young

There is so much uncertainty about life and specifically about church planting. We didn't know if this church would get off the ground or if we'd be beating our heads against the wall. We never know from one Sunday to the next who will show up. When we change something or start something new we don't know if it will work, how to plan, if anyone will come, etc... 

That uncertainty can lead to fear which has the potential to derail your willingness to take risks and live by faith. But when we pull into ourselves seeking our own security or comfortability, we lose all sense of deep joy and driving passion. Meaning, purpose, and significance gets lost in attempts to live a pain-free life. 

Growth requires uncertainty. But the level of joy awaiting those who will risk it all and, in so doing, prove God's faithfulness is unmatched by any other lifestyle.

(These are my reflections on Lisa Young's 

time with the pastors' wives at C3.)

C3 Overview

Our staff had an incredible time at C3 (Creative Church Conference) at Fellowship Church in Texas. There was not one bad session or speaker. I look forward to sharing some of my insights and "take-aways" from the conference in the coming days. But for now I just wanted to share a few pictures and one incredible video.

This video was taken from my camera, so the quality is not very good. However it was a powerful moment. The conference opened with a video of things in the world that are not right...poverty, injustice, etc. Then, this lady dressed in white dropped out of the ceiling supported only by these two ribbons. Try to listen to the words in the background as she dances. The narrator describes the strength and beauty of the Church in a dark and hopeless world.

A Picture of The Church from Stacie Wood on Vimeo.

The video below is Pastor Ed Young's debut as a rapper. Not bad!

Sunday Rewind

 

On Sunday we wrapped up the Financial Freedom series with a message about making wise financial decisions. Andy talked about how our giving (or lack there of) can often be influenced by guilt and/or greed. Even those who are committed to tithing (giving 10% of one's income) can fall into these pits. 

For example, tithers can give out of guilt:

      * "I know that's what the Bible teaches, so I "have to" obey. 

Or they can be greedy even in tithing:

      * "I'm giving 10% and not a penny more."

      * or "If I invest this money, then God will bless me financially."

Andy encouraged us to move beyond the guilt and the greed, and to be motivated by the GRACE that God has poured out on our lives. When we recognize that God has been so generous to us, it motivates us to give back! When we begin to see our finances through this lens, we can live with great joy and freedom. We are no longer seeking to increase our standard of living, but rather we seek to increase our standard of giving. We can LIVE to GIVE!

Andy urged our church to take a "Giving Challenge". Over the next 90 days we are to take a step toward "Spirit-led giving". At the end of those 90 days, we can reevaluate our lives and our finances and see if God has not blessed us, provided for us, and grown our faith in amazing ways. Andy even issued a guarantee saying that if someone takes this challenge and is not in a better financial situation in 90 days from now, South Bay will return every dollar that they gave!

We had everyone write on their Connection Card if they were accepting the Giving Challenge. 63 of the 220 adults in our services stepped up to the challenge! I am so excited to hear all of the stories that will come out of people taking this step of faith!

PS-
FYI- Andy & I also accepted the giving challenge and we are taking our giving to a "whole nutha' level". We sat down last night with our budget and worked out the details. One thing I know for sure: YOU CAN'T OUT GIVE GOD!!!!

Bunk Beds for the Boys

Dear Flash,

Mommy, Daddy, and I got our bunk beds all set up and ready for us. The only thing missing is YOU! Please come home soon.

I'll sleep on the top bunk because I'm big and brave. You can sleep on the bottom bunk. If you get scared in the middle of the night, I can take care of you.

I like the new bed a lot, but I really wish I had a brother to share it with. We can't wait to get you home. We love you already!

Your Big Brother,
Caedmon

Freedom House

A couple weeks ago Andy & I went to a benefit dinner for Freedom House, the Bay Area's first shelter specifically for victims of human trafficking. South Bay Church has been doing research on ways to get involved in the fight against human trafficking. We really have a heart for the aftercare of rescued victims, and while we know that human trafficking is going on right here in the Bay Area, we could not find any "safe houses" locally that provide care for these young women. The closest safe houses that we could find were at least a couple hours away. That is why we were so excited to hear about Freedom House.

Freedom House is a Christian aftercare facility that will provide for the needs of these victims. The survivors of human trafficking often need clothes, free shelter, food, language skills, medical attention, job training, legal assistance, counseling/therapy, and a variety of other services. Without shelters like Freedom House, police do not have many options once they have rescued the girls. The girls are left very vulnerable and are at risk of being trafficked again.

Freedom House will not only provide the victims with all of the services listed above, but they will also provide the opportunity for the women to hear the gospel and attend optional Bible studies. The reality is, providing freedom in this life without giving someone hope for eternity falls incredibly short of what the Bible exhorts us to do. Freedom House wants to provide a safe environment where these young women can tangibly feel the love and healing power of Christ.

Andy & I are so excited to be meeting with the founder of this organization in a few weeks. We are hoping that South Bay will be able to partner with Freedom House both financially and through volunteer support. Freedom House is hoping to have its Grand Opening this summer. You can read more about this amazing organization here.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me...

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners...

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise 

instead of despair. 

Isaiah 61:1,3