Pastor's Perspective Articles:

April 2008: Elder Phil Steckmann
March 2008: Elder Ed Gann
February 2008: Elder Rob Wiggins
January 2008: Elder Dr. Steve Stephens
December 2007: Elder's Perspective
November 2007: Thankful for Broken Things
October 2007: God Rubs Off
September 2007: Have you ever gotten it wrong?
August 2007: Belize Journal, July '07
July 2007: What's the picture of the church?
June 2007: Making the Complex Simple
May 2007: Majesty

August 2007 - Belize Journal, July '07

This is our fifth day in Belize. The weather hot and humid. The work is taxing, and the ministry is stretching. Yesterday's children's ministry in the park saw around 200 kids come from all over Mymopan. We weren't prepared for that kind of response. It almost overwhelmed the ability of the 20 team members to offer any effective ministry. We got a second chance on Thursday night with about 100 children and 70 adults. The story telling, crafts and preaching went well because God surely was present. Most of the rest of our time so far has been spent in work projects, I've carried dirt and rocks, sheet rocked a room, carried cement blocks and buckets of sand uphill. I have been impressed with the attitude and helpfulness of everyone on the team. In spite of some very strenuous working conditions, I have not heard one grumble or complaint. It reminds me of the words of Paul in Philippians 2:14-15

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe."

Arguing and complaining not only has a devastating effect on a mission trip, it also has a cancer like effect on the joy and unity of the church. Paul says that we should not argue or complain so that:

• we can become blameless and pure children of God in a crooked and depraved generation

Does anything show us faster, our negative heart and evil intentions than complaining and criticizing others? When we complain and criticize, it means that there is more selfishness to follow. But God calls us to a different kind of life:

• that we shine like stars in the universe, becoming humble servants willing to do whatever it takes to honor God, having a radiance that reflects Christ. This shines bright in the black backdrop of a dark world of self-centered thinking and behaviors.

So, what do you think? We are not on a mission trip to Belize, but we are all on a mission with God. What's your level of complaining, arguing and selfishly wanting your own way? How bright do you shine in the black spiritual space we call our mission field, Milwaukie, Oregon?

Phillipians 2:12-13 says

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence - continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose."

It's God who wants to work in you to give you the desire and the ability to do what He wants. One of the things He wants is for us is to do everything without complaining or arguing. He's willing to work hard in us, if we will let him, so we can shine bright in a dark world., I saw that happen in Belize. How are we doing here?

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