Naples

I am off to Naples today. Andrea and Kaira are safely back in New Zealand. I am there for a week speaking at various churches.

Naples is the capital of the region of Campania. The city is known for its rich history, art, culture and gastronomy, playing an important role throughout much of its existence; it is over 2,800 years old. Naples is located halfway between two volcanic areas, the volcano Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields, sitting on the coast by the Gulf of Naples.

The metropolitan area of Naples is the third most populated in Italy after Milan and Rome (some say the second) and the 15th largest in Europe with around 3.8 million people.

Naples is the birthplace of pizza!!

Lorenzo and Emily/ Stag and Hens Night

Friends of ours get married on less than 2 weeks. Lorenzo is the Youth Pastor here at Bethel Church, and his Fiancé, Emily is from France. They are are wonderful couple who love and serve God. Their wedding is on Sunday morning at church. We had their stag and hens night on Sunday night. The girls at a restaurant and the guys at a pub called “Middle Earth” – themed from Lord of the Rings. It was a fun night. I can't go into details of course, but Lorenzo recieed a lot of wise advice. In vino veritas!!

The Fair

The World?? Fair was in Bari over the weekend so we went along on Sunday afternoon. There were stalls from all around the world as well as car and motor scooter displays. There was all the normal fair ground rides and stalls as well. Andrea went on the log flume ride. Kaira was focussed on her new soft toy puppy.

Consumerism 3

Did it ever notice that Jesus talked a lot about money; in fact, He talked about money more than He talked about heaven and hell—combined? Ever wonder why the subject of His parables concerned finances more than any other topic?

Here are a few basic principles about dealing with God’s money.

1. Every cent we have belongs to God, not to us. If every part of us is surrendered to Christ and His will then so are our wallets. God has entrusted to us to be good stewards, not owners. The goal of being good stewards of God’s money is ultimately to bring Him glory.

2. God looks at our attitude toward money, not our quantity. Some people think that having a great amount of wealth is sinful and wrong. However, nowhere in Scripture will you find God condemning those who have a large amount of money or possessions. He condemns those whose attitudes about money are wrong. It’s always a matter of the heart with God. Our finances are no exception.

3. How we use our money will reflect the true intentions of our heart. Take a look at your chequebook or your next bank statement. Notice where you have spent your money in the last month or two? That’s where your heart is. (Where you treasure, there your heart will be also.)


How I handle my money is not a financial matter as much as it is a spiritual matter. Bringing tithes and offerings before the Lord is a form of worship. How I handle my money has eternal consequences (ie my use of it can effect others). And I grasped that the Lord was pleased with me when I handled my finances wisely and discerningly.

Laundry Danger in Italy 2

The other problem with washing your clothes in Italy is that they make your clothes shrink. I have noticed all of my pants getting smaller and smaller!!!

By the way, the food here is great. The pizzas, pasta, and focaccia are just out of this world!!!

Into the Wild

I just watched Into the Wild, a 2007 film based on the life of Christopher McCandless. Chris is a top student, but in an act of rebellion agaisnt everythibg he sees as wrong with society, including his parents, whom he perceives as materialistic, manipulative, and domineering, McCandless destroys all of his credit cards and identification documents, donates $24,000 (nearly his entire savings) to Oxfam, and sets out on a off to travel alone to Alaska and experience its nature firsthand.

Along the way, he abandons his automobile in the course of a flash flood, to hitchhike after burning the remainder of his dwindling cash supply. He acquires a Perception Sundance 12 open-water kayak and goes down the Colorado River, into Mexico, and later returns to America via freight train to Los Angeles.
He encounters many unconventional individuals along the way, such as a group of hippies, a farm owner and a lonely leather worker who offers to adopt and be a grandfather to McCandless. McCandless purposefully trudges onward to his final destination, arriving in the wilds of Alaska nearly two years after his initial departure.

The thing that I found so tragic about this story was that McCandless’ quest for meaning was to be found all around him, yet he persisted to go to Alaska in search of it. He met great people whose lives he influenced – he seemed to be a really nice guy. His thoughts at the time can be summarized in one of his statements to one of the people he meets: “I will miss you too, but you are wrong if you think that the joy of life comes principally from the joy of human relationships. God's place is all around us, it is in everything and in anything we can experience. People just need to change the way they look at things.”

He seems driven to through off what he perceives as a straightjacket of materialism and people.

He starts living in a Bus, used as a shelter for moose hunters. McCandless finds joy in living off the land and begins to write a book of his adventures. As the spring thaw arrives and he seeks to return from the wild, McCandless is cut off from civilization by the torrents of a swelled river. As his food supply of small game dwindles, he resorts to eating indigenous plants. Although he consults a book that he brought along in order to identify edible plants in the wild, he confuses an edible and a poisonous variety, which shuts down his digestive system and causes him to starve to death.

It is not until he is dying that he realises that it is all about the relationships you form along the way. His dying words written in his journal are: Happiness is only real when shared.

In other words, what he was searching for, he ignored in his quest to find it.
How often do we do the same thing though? We are so determined to get to the goal, but the life God is wanting us to live is around us waiting for us to engage with it. More specifically, we should not relentlessly pursue any goal, no matter how noble, at the expense of our relationships – with God and with others.

Perhaps just a little reminder that the time and energy we invest into relationships, even it is across the world, are worth it.

Consumerism 2

Consider these facts:

1. Half the world — nearly three billion people — live on less than two U.S. dollars a day.
2. Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.
3. Less than one per cent of what the world spent every year on weapons was needed to put every child into school by the year 2000 and yet it didn't happen.
4. According to UNICEF, 30,000 children die each day due to poverty. And they “die quietly in some of the poorest villages on earth, far removed from the scrutiny and the conscience of the world. Being meek and weak in life makes these dying multitudes even more invisible in death.”
That is about 210,000 children each week, or just under 11 million children under five years of age, each year.
5.Consider the global priorities in spending in 1998

Global Priority/$U.S. Billions
Cosmetics in the United States?/8
Ice cream in Europe/11
Perfumes in Europe and the United States/12
Pet foods in Europe and the United States/17
Business entertainment in Japan/35
Cigarettes in Europe/50
Alcoholic drinks in Europe/105
Narcotics drugs in the world/400
Military spending in the world/780

And compare that to what was estimated as additional costs to achieve universal access to basic social services in all developing countries:

Global Priority/$U.S. Billions
Basic education for all /6
Water and sanitation for all /9
Reproductive health for all women /12
Basic health and nutrition /13

Laundry Danger in Italy

For the novice (like ourselves) there can be some hidden issues in Italy with simple tasks like hanging out the laundry. Because we are in an apartment building we must hang our laundry outside the window, for us 3 floors up.

Like this:


The other day I dropped my undies. Onto the washing line on the apartment below (they are the white ones on the right of the line):


That was a week ago, now they have been hung up with a peg...and now I am not sure if I have waited too long to ask for them back!

Consumerism

I have been prompted by a friends blog to dig out some thoughts on consumerism. Joseph McAuley has a great blog which is worth a look.

This has been very relevant to Andrea and myself while we are in Italy. We are on a reduced income which is in $NZ and spending Euro. We are attempting to live frugally - at least in a different dimension to what we were in New Zealand.

Relevant magazine had a great article on consumerism some time ago. I have summarised some of it below or you can read the full article here.


In our society, we're surrounded by the push to consume. We're constantly bombarded with the newest gadget or trinket we supposedly cannot live without. How do we combat the pull toward materialism, and what does simplicity look like in the 21st Century?

Brian McLaren: This is a major theme I’ve been exploring in recent years, because I believe these days it’s the economy, not the nation-state, that is driving the world. It would be good for people to consider the ways capitalism can become a form of idolatry.

One of the most powerful things the next generation of emerging Christians can do is be at the heart of a new global movement for ethical buying and fair trade. We can use the power of markets for good, just as they have been used for evil in so many ways—environmentally, socially and politically. It’s a question of the Kingdom of God—how would we expect economics to work in the Kingdom of God, as opposed to the systems of this world?

Steve Brown:How should we then live? With simplicity, compassion and a realization that our hearts are where our treasure is.


N.T. Wright: Money becomes a god very, very easily. So giving it away cheerfully and wisely is a step toward really saying money is not the ruling force in our lives. Money is not the thing that makes you a genuine human being. Saying that is so counterintuitive in Western culture.

Nancy Ortberg: I think every Christian should take very seriously what they do with their finances. A starting place is tithing, to give 10 percent joyfully every time you get paid, and give it back to the Church, to help the Church be the force that it should be in the world. After you’ve got the habit of tithing down, start figuring out how much is enough. I used to tell my kids, “The lower the ceiling is on enough, the happier you’re going to be.”

When you can wake up in the morning or spend your day free from needing to run to the mall or look online and buy all this stuff, you’re going to have a freedom in your spirit that’s going to be a great way to live.

Beyond yourself, figure out how much is enough, and then start thinking of serious ways in which to give away boatloads of money. Find organizations you care about that are making a difference. How do you release your money back into the world to do good when you have enough clothes in your closet and enough cars in your garage? The freedom that comes from that really teaches us a lot about God. It also teaches us there’s no end to His resources. And I’m not advocating just giving away all of your money, but when you have enough, it really becomes incumbent on us as Christians to use our money for a strong force in the world.

Cindy Jacobs: God has worked in this generation a desire to make the world a better place for all. This means grappling with issues of eliminating systemic poverty, taking care of the environment and living with each other in a kinder, more relational way.

For this reason, I believe the question is, How much is enough? We need to make wealth to steward it to create jobs, help single moms, the elderly and find ways to deal with the AIDS crisis. Our lifestyle should not be “me” centric, but “Kingdom of God” centric.

When we lose 'it'.

Here are some final thoughts from Craig Groeschel's Book.

Maybe its time for you to ask him for it. For him to become the true center of your life.
- First, I had to admit that I had lost it. I’ve lost it. Ive taken my eyes off the prize. I’ve been distracted from a wholehearted pursuit of Christ.
- Second, decide to get it back. My role as a pastor was interfering with my passion for God. Slowly I started to fall in love with God again – not with his bride, the church.

I’ve made three prayers a part of my daily prayer life. These heartfelt and dangerous prayers have helped me to keep it.

Stretch Me
God wants to stretch you. He wants you to live by faith, to believe him. It will mean putting yourself in new environments. Experiencing something new. Something different. Ask God to stretch you. Then follow his direction. He might direct you to change your leadership style or the way you preach. He might challenge you to go to a third world country and leave behind part of your heart. He might ask you to give like you’ve never given before. He might lead you to do something your closest friends believe is foolish and impossible. Attempt what others say can’t be done. You have more in you than you realize. God has put more in you than anyone else sees.

Ruin Me
Whenever I meet someone who has it – a heart abandoned for Christ – I’m meeting ruined people. I’m not talking about a destructive ruin. I’m referring to the work of a loving God who breaks us and ruins us for his glory. Maybe its time to let God ruin you. Let God crush you with a burden.

Heal Me
Allow the Spirit of God to make things new within you!

Easter Conference

Easter saw us near Brindisi at the Assemblies of God National Conference. Andrea and I were the speakers to the youth. We had a great time with everyone, and had about 100 in each of our sessions. The facility was amazing - a 5 star resort (although because it was just opened there were a few teething issues - no hot water for us!!)We met a lot of great people and had a wonderful time worshipping together and of course, eating together!!

L'Aquila Earthquake

As the world has seen, on 6 April most of central Italy was struck by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake. The earthquake centred in the city of L'aquilla (incidently reknowned for its rugby)caused serious damage to several medieval hill towns in the region, killing over 260 residents, injuring over 1,000 and leaving 28,000 homeless. Despite the dangers from aftershocks, the search for survivors continues, and will be maintained until Sunday, after which the daunting tasks of cleanup and reconstruction willl begin.

The questions asked again at times like this is "Why did God allow this to happen?' 'Where was God?'

I don’t really know. However I do know that His love and compassion are revealed in how we respond to such a disaster. When we see such a catastrophe how do we respond? In a way that reflects the love of Christ?...or are we momentarily distracted, then move back to ‘real life’ quickly?

When catastrophe happens do we offer a momentary thought or prayer or are we moved to action? It is only when we act that bring the love of god into such a situation.
Apparently the Evangelical church here in Italy has revealed the love of Christ in the midst of tragedy. The church has been noted for its relief efforts. One news item mentioned organisations that were ‘not the evangelical church – in other words the evangelical church led the relief efforts, but there were some other organisations that helped!

Here Christ is glorified through the actions of Christians.

My Birthday Party

I celebrated my birthday last night. It was the birthdays of two others (Alessio and Emanuela) in the church so we ended up sharing a party. It was great. i think it is actulaly the first party I have had for my birhday for 14 years!

Looking Outward

More from Craig Groeschel

If your gospel isn’t touching others, it hasn’t touched you. – Curry R. Blake

I’d argue that people today aren’t rejecting Christ so much as they’re rejecting the church.

It-free churches are often very friendly. In fact, they can be so tight, so bonded, so close – to each other – that they unintentionally overlook those they don’t know. On the other hand ministries with it remember that Jesus came for outsiders. He came for those who were lost. Broken, hurting, disenfranchised. Alone, overlooked.

Who Do you love?
Do you love those who are without Christ? Be honest. Does your ministry have people whose hearts beat for those outside the family of God? Churches that have it care fore each other and for people who are far from God.

An Open-Roof Policy
When have we forgotten that the church doesn’t exist for us? We are the church and we exist for the world. – Erwin McManus

Turning Outward
- When is the last time you’ve had a lost person in your home
- How many meaningful conversations did you have with non-Christians this week?
- Who are the nonbelievers you prayed for today?

Your love for them will increase. When that happens, you get it, and it’s almost impossible to turn off. Your prayer life increases. You’re looking for opportunities to shift conversations toward spiritual things. You’re ever aware that you’re representing Christ.

If you’re a leader of your ministry, you need to recognize that for better or for worse, your ministry reflects you. If you don’t care about Christless lives, the people you lead aren’t likely to care.

Shifting the Focus Outward
- Your people don’t have relationships with the lost
- Your people are too embarrassed to bring their friends to church
- Your building and/or people are subtly communicating ‘stay away’.

Comaraderie

Craig Groeschel has a great chapter in his book about camaraderie. You need to enjoy ‘It’ With Others

Ministries that have it enjoy it together. They have an unmistakable camaraderie.

People with friends at work are 96 percent more likely to be extremely satisfied with their life. Happier people make better team members.

The team with it loves each other. Not only do they minister together, they do life together. What they have is more than friendship. It’s something that God gives – more of a partnership of people with deep love committed to a single mission. You’re more than friends. You’re a team.

We need to make sure there are people close to us who have refrigerator rights. What are refrigerator rights? Someone with refrigerator rights is a person who is so trusted they can walk into your home, open your refrigerator and help themselves to a sandwich and a drink.

Teams with it look for excuses to celebrate. Anniversaries, completion of significant projects. Ministry launches. Personal victories.
Oprah Winfry said, “the more you praise and celebrate your life the more in life there is to celebrate.

I thought this was a great challenge, especially the idea of refrigerator rights.

Aloha Party

The Youth had an Aloha Party on Saturday. People brought their friends and I shared about Jesus.

Our Cafe

One of our favourite cafes in Bari...

Vision - From Craig Groeschel

Vision

Where there is no revelation the people cast off restraint. - NIV
Where there is no vision, the people perish - KJV
When people do not accept divine guidance they run wild - NLT
Without prophetic vision people run wild – God’s Word)
Where there is no prophecy the people cast off restraint - NRSV
If people can’t see what God is doing they stumble all over themselves – MSG

Without chazown (vision, revelation, divine guidance), the people we lead will be confused, scattered, unfocused and easily distracted. Unfortunately, this is how many ministries and organizations function: visionless and without it.

People in a visionless church are like that. Without vision alignment, the people are busy doing something. They’re driving along, doing church, but without any direction and are easily pulled off center. The ministry may have tons of activity, but there’s little spiritual movement.

Ministries that have it always have a clear vision. The people know the vision, understand the vision, believe in the vision and live the vision. The vision guides them, motivates them and energizes them.

Without vision, people perish. Dreams fade. Youth groups lose their life. Once vibrant churches slowly die.

The original mission fades as the organization drifts.

Define Your Vision
Do you have a vision? Many churches and organizations have a vision statement. But in reality, they have no vision.

Finding The Vision
Hopefully the leaders of your church will seek God, find a divine burden examine their resources and context and present a Spirit-breathed, God-sized vision!

1. Why does your organization exist?
2. What can your organization be the best in the world at?
3. If you could do only one thing, what would it be?
4. If you left your organization tomorrow, what would you hope would continue forever?
5. What breaks your heart, keeps you awake at night, wrecks you?

An Effective Vision
An effective vision will always be memorable, portable and motivational - Dr. Sam Chand

A great vision statement is memorable.
Your vision must be portable.
Your vision should also be motivational.

It should cause agitation, ambition, ignition, even competition.

- People tend to give sacrificially for it
- People will tolerate inconveniences for the greater cause
- People will talk
- The organization and ministry will take on a life of is own
- Opportunities for distraction will decrease

Vision leaks – Andy Stanley

Talk about the vision. Tell stories about the vision. Illustrate the vision. Reward those who live the vision. Highlight the vision. Once you have done all of the above, do it all again.

Divine Focus: You Know Where It Is Not

Nothing can add more power to your life than concentrating all your energies on a limited set of targets. – Nido Qubein, Business Consultant

In my observation, ministries that have it tend to be focused on a limited set of targets. They do a few things as if all eternity hinged on their results, and they do these things with godly excellence.

They are almost obnoxiously passionate about a few important things.

Someone once said, “if you chase two rabbits, both will escape.”

Too Many, Too Much, Too Bad
An Italian proverb says, “Often he who does too much does too little.”

Cutting Back To Move Forward
Don’t let your vision become blurry. Busyness blurs ministry vision.