DS3 Blogging

The Why behind the what...

I am beginning to feel the changes that have already begun as far as my job and my calling. The pull to be on campuses and reach young adults that are not connected to the local church has never been stronger. I am both excited and anxious about the future...trusting that Jesus is leading me every step of the way.

There is a long journey ahead. I am determined to finish my time as a staff member at CRC well. The next few months are packed with trips, opportunities, planning, study, rest, and more. And we will be raising money for the new ministry, primarily through the 218 Campaign, through the rest of the summer. I have already had moments where I wondered if I was the right guy for the task set before me. 

Sometimes, when we are so focused on the 'what', we need to be re-inspired by the 'why'. This clip by Nathan Chud always reminds me of why I am still in ministry to young adults, particularly those on campus. It is the why behind the what...

 

What's your 'why'? Why would you continue to push towards a specific goal? Knowing the 'why' makes all the difference when that 'what' seems distant. 

Sydney - Day 1

I will save you the drama of the few days leading up to this year's Sydney trip...just thankful to be here honestly. Joel and I landed in Sydney on Saturday morning, grabbed a rental car, plugged in the handy GPS (thanks to Joel for downloading an Australian map) and headed for the Hills District. Again, anecdotes that don't need to be shared at this point, but Joel did a great job driving on the right side (I mean wrong side) of the road today.

For those readers who know my buddy Sam, he is doing well. For those who have not had the chance of meeting the funnest friend ever, come with me to Sydney next year. Sam continues to be the carefree guy I know and love. He and his dad are in a new place in the suburb of Glenwood (not far from where they were before and still pretty close to Hillsong Church). Love staying with the O'Donnells.

Joel and I left for lunch at the Centrepoint Tower. They've changed the decor...it's now a little more trendy cafe looking and less general restaurantish. The view from this place is amazing...you get to see most of the city of Sydney. They did serve kangaroo...and yes, it was pretty good. I hate like I didn't have a message to write for a year, and Joel ate like Joel.

Then we went to the Sydney Opera House for a free screening of short films. It just so happens that a film festival is in Sydney this weekend. It is called the Message Sticks Indigenous Film Festival. Most of the films in this festival have been made by or about indigenous people (primarily Aboriginals in Australia but also others such as Cree and Eskimo Native Americans, etc). Dude...the films were fantastic...completely. Particularly fascinating was an aboriginal doc called Who's Paintin' Dis Wandjina?. Not gonna ruin it...you'll probably see it at a Community Night in the Fall as it is that good. So glad God allowed me the chance to be here for this event...I am a blessed man who loves independent film.

One last thought from today...I overcame my fear of (and to some degree failure in) driving in Sydney. Joel did a great job getting us to the suburbs, but after that he decided that it was time for me to drive the rental. So I did...and well, I'm here a few hours later alive and in one piece. Rock on...

It's gonna be a great week. This is the 10th annv of my first trip to Sydney and I am so thankful to have had the chances to come so many times (this being my 8th trip). Hopefully, I'll be able to keep blogging while here...until then, love your life...