A guy is on a game show with a bunch of friends. The game show's format is a mix of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (Regis version) and Let's Make A Deal, its prizes are like The Price Is Right, and it's co-hosted by Alex Trebek and Vanna White. It's called The Game of Life. Everyone he knows has played it, making it to various stages and winning various "big" prizes. He and his group of friends came to play with the intent of going home with the current headliner prize: a brand-new, custom Yamaha VMAX. Not all of their friends and family understand or support their esteemed prize, but the guys don't expect them to. This fraternity has a perspective shared only with each other.
At this point in the game, most of our protagonist's friends have completed the game and won their sought-after and hard-earned reward, the rest continued in their endeavors. He is now at a crucial point in the game. He just reached a safety point and won an Alaskan expedition, but now he must make a decision: keep the expedition and continue to play a couple more rounds, one of which may contain the VMAX, though it is uncertain, or he can give up the cruise, pick one of the motorcycles or scooters he has passed over previously, and go home. He has less than a minute left to decide and has just used his last lifeline. Although the lifeline was the closest and wisest friend, it doesn't help because he tends to speak in vague answers to make you figure things out on your own. Adding to the confusion, the participant's head is filled with the voices of family and friends telling him to settle on one of the other bikes, after all, that is why he came- it's a guaranteed win! But he can imagine what the friends who have completed the game and have won their price would say: take a chance, keep going, it's worth the risk not to settle. His own logic kicks in: you can always admire the enjoyment of your friends with their bikes, besides, you'll still have the adventure of the expedition. Time is ticking. Guaranteed bike? Take a chance with the Alaskan adventure? Security or uncertainty? Ten seconds... Settle for what would do or strive for the heart's desire? What should he do? Five, four, thr....
"I'm taking a chance..."
This identifies a stage or season in my life, along with many other men and women. Moving away from friends, family, and what's familiar to the unknown far, far away is a tough decision many people have to make when deciding to act proactively on God's call for ministry away from home. This decision can be especially difficult if the person is single. Paul might have said it's good to be single if you can help it (1 Corinthians 7:8-9). Those are Paul's thoughts. But he also paints a good picture of how marriage between a man and woman reflect the relationship between Christ and the church. Even stronger evidence: God doesn't think we should be alone, so he designed us to need someone else (Genesis 2:18). After all, he didn't make us asexual...
The point of this analogy is to encourage people making tough decisions. People who mean a lot to you, such as friends and family, may genuinely want what is best for you. However, if it conflicts with what you know is right for you and causes doubt, seek the Holy Spirit for guidance and look to your close friends that share your passion, vision, and goal for encouragement. It may be easy to settle for less than what you know is right, but it is worth the risk and hard work in the end if you persevere to your goal. When it comes to ministry and marriage, "Master, Mission, Mate" is the right order. I've tried the other variations, and it just doesn't work out well.
It's like at VBS tonight. One of the mini-lessons we had for the kids was that following directions makes things easier and better for us. For the kids, they had an obstacle course to maneuver. The kids that followed directions had fewer if any problems and had faster completion times. We applied this to Scripture. God gives us directions. We will reach an end, for sure, but, if we follow directions, it will be a better end and more enjoyable journey.
Do things the right way, even though you may think you know better. Follow directions, don't settle, trust God, and take the risk.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Celebrations and VBS
T minus 6 weeks, 2 days... 44 days from now, I will probably be leaving the great state of Texas and the United States of America to begin my new life in Asia. I can't believe it is so near! It is surreal right now, but anxiety and excitement will surely build in the next few days. I'm trying to make the most of my last month and a half with my family and friends. I got to see a lot of friends from high school, college, and past employment at weddings and birthday parties on Friday and Saturday. It was such a blessing to get to see a lot of people I haven't seen in years that I was certain I wouldn't get a chance to see before I leave. I also got to tell a lot of friends about my big move coming up. A lot couldn't believe I was moving so far away and for so long.
Yesterday was Father's Day. I got to celebrate with my father, mother, sisters, and nephews. I have been really blessed with a awesome, godly father. I won't exaggerate and say my dad is the greatest in the world. He definitely has imperfections and short-comings, but, of course, he is human. For a mere man, he has been a wonderful influence in my maturing and development into manhood, as well as a great example of a faithful father, both in his walk with Christ and marriage with my mother, and man of integrity. His childhood wasn't as well-off as mine. He turned away from his father's sinful and selfish lifestyle and ended what could have been a legacy of generational sin. I will definitely tell my children and grandchildren how my dad's faithfulness changed the course of our family. He is where I derive my work ethic, though I'm still trying to meet his level. Man, do I have stories of inspirational moments that will forever affect me... but those will wait for an appropriate time when I can fit them in to nail down a specific point. Anyway, all this to say I love my dad.
Tonight my church started vacation Bible school. If you're unfamiliar with this, it's a week-long mini-camp each evening this week where kids will play games, sing songs, make crafts, and have a little Bible lesson. I love working VBS! I'm co-teaching the games class with another guy, Nathan. Tonight we had a pictionary relay race and a game of tag for the wee little ones. It's really cool to see kids grow physically and spiritually. It makes me think of a Bible verse:
We have a great responsibility to lay a foundation for the younger generation's faith. It doesn't mean blindly believe something but to humble yourself- admit you don't know everything, especially no more than God (cuz you don't, see Job 38:2-4). This year's theme is about truth of the Bible, specifically the creation story. The curriculum takes a very strong young-earth stance, which caused a little controversy. There are a couple creation-based theories. I tell my nephews to research and learn about them just as much as they research and learn evolution at school and not to ignore something they don't think they believe in because ignorance of the others weakens your faith and understanding in the one you choose to believe. If you want to discuss different theories (or subjects of anything), you should have a pretty good understanding of what you don't believe so you can actually know why you don't believe it. Educating our children in both (or all) sides of an argument strengthens their understanding and faith; not doing so is a disservice to them.
Lastly, my friend, Putti Sok, is now in Thailand for the summer. Here's her blog: http://puttisok.blogspot.com/ Read it. Pray for her.
Ways you can pray for me:
Yesterday was Father's Day. I got to celebrate with my father, mother, sisters, and nephews. I have been really blessed with a awesome, godly father. I won't exaggerate and say my dad is the greatest in the world. He definitely has imperfections and short-comings, but, of course, he is human. For a mere man, he has been a wonderful influence in my maturing and development into manhood, as well as a great example of a faithful father, both in his walk with Christ and marriage with my mother, and man of integrity. His childhood wasn't as well-off as mine. He turned away from his father's sinful and selfish lifestyle and ended what could have been a legacy of generational sin. I will definitely tell my children and grandchildren how my dad's faithfulness changed the course of our family. He is where I derive my work ethic, though I'm still trying to meet his level. Man, do I have stories of inspirational moments that will forever affect me... but those will wait for an appropriate time when I can fit them in to nail down a specific point. Anyway, all this to say I love my dad.
Tonight my church started vacation Bible school. If you're unfamiliar with this, it's a week-long mini-camp each evening this week where kids will play games, sing songs, make crafts, and have a little Bible lesson. I love working VBS! I'm co-teaching the games class with another guy, Nathan. Tonight we had a pictionary relay race and a game of tag for the wee little ones. It's really cool to see kids grow physically and spiritually. It makes me think of a Bible verse:
We have a great responsibility to lay a foundation for the younger generation's faith. It doesn't mean blindly believe something but to humble yourself- admit you don't know everything, especially no more than God (cuz you don't, see Job 38:2-4). This year's theme is about truth of the Bible, specifically the creation story. The curriculum takes a very strong young-earth stance, which caused a little controversy. There are a couple creation-based theories. I tell my nephews to research and learn about them just as much as they research and learn evolution at school and not to ignore something they don't think they believe in because ignorance of the others weakens your faith and understanding in the one you choose to believe. If you want to discuss different theories (or subjects of anything), you should have a pretty good understanding of what you don't believe so you can actually know why you don't believe it. Educating our children in both (or all) sides of an argument strengthens their understanding and faith; not doing so is a disservice to them.
Lastly, my friend, Putti Sok, is now in Thailand for the summer. Here's her blog: http://puttisok.blogspot.com/ Read it. Pray for her.
Ways you can pray for me:
- I'm still trying to gather up all of my start-up funds (and I have about 6 weeks to take-off)
- Pray that Nathan and I are aware of how God is moving at VBS and that we are devoted/invested in the kids and the lessons
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Yesterday was a great day!
But first, I remembered some of the things I wanted to mention last time.
I'm going to miss some important events in friends' and family's lives. For instance, my brother from another mother, Samson, is getting married in late 2012. He has wanted me to be a groomsman before he even met his fiancée! But I will have to miss this momentous occasion. My little sister, Allison, will graduate in December. I will be on the other side of the world and unable to celebrate her accomplishment with her. Not to mention missing seeing my nephews grow up, holidays, and birthdays.
But that's the sad reality. I will miss important events. I know moving, and moving now in this season of my life, is the right thing to do. Luckily, I have the support of almost everybody that is important to me. To the remaining few that want me to stay or at least wait a little longer, I'm sure they will be won over in no time. They have no choice :)
Oh, carpet- I will miss carpet. The majority of floors are cement, tile, etc. Occasionally there may be a rug, but carpet is only in hotels (from my experience). This will be easier to clean, but I'll miss the option of laying out on carpet for random nap. Yeah, I know, that's kinda weird.
So yesterday... It started off with an errand. I had to get a copy of a title for an old Jeep I'm selling. This marks the first item sold from Craigslist (well, I'm waiting for them to pick it up as I write this). I also have another person coming out to look at a truck for sale and a guy wanting to check out my guitar and amp. These big purchases will help pay for essential things when I'm in Thailand. I'm praying that they sell quickly and without complication.
Next, I met a teacher I worked with, Mrs. Rhodes, and a couple students for lunch. First, they gave me an AWESOME card that many, many, many students signed and left messages for me (see in the pictures). That was definitely the highlight of my day. Then we went to a Vietnamese restaurant for lunch. Great pho, fried rice, vermicelli dishes, and milk tea!
I haven't mentioned it before, but I was worried I might have visa trouble. I was unsure of what kind to get, tourist or education (I want to study Thai before I start teaching if possible) and how to change whatever I applied for and received into a work visa. I talked to some expatriates who have experience with what I want to do, and they totally cleared up my confusion! Praise the Lord! I have a pretty good idea/plan now. I'll put the details below and eventually let you know if it works or not. This was the second-best highlight of my day. A lot of stress was relieved!
Then last night I got The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler. Even though it was really late (I got it on Kindle), I couldn't help but to start reading it!
Visa Plan
I plan on getting two-entry tourist visa, each good for 60 days, and extend each entry for 30 days, a total of 180 days. I need a cushion of 2-3 weeks between this visa expiring and getting the work (B) visa. The total for the two entries and two extensions will be around $200, plus the cost of a visa run after the first 90 days.
I'm going to miss some important events in friends' and family's lives. For instance, my brother from another mother, Samson, is getting married in late 2012. He has wanted me to be a groomsman before he even met his fiancée! But I will have to miss this momentous occasion. My little sister, Allison, will graduate in December. I will be on the other side of the world and unable to celebrate her accomplishment with her. Not to mention missing seeing my nephews grow up, holidays, and birthdays.
But that's the sad reality. I will miss important events. I know moving, and moving now in this season of my life, is the right thing to do. Luckily, I have the support of almost everybody that is important to me. To the remaining few that want me to stay or at least wait a little longer, I'm sure they will be won over in no time. They have no choice :)
Oh, carpet- I will miss carpet. The majority of floors are cement, tile, etc. Occasionally there may be a rug, but carpet is only in hotels (from my experience). This will be easier to clean, but I'll miss the option of laying out on carpet for random nap. Yeah, I know, that's kinda weird.
So yesterday... It started off with an errand. I had to get a copy of a title for an old Jeep I'm selling. This marks the first item sold from Craigslist (well, I'm waiting for them to pick it up as I write this). I also have another person coming out to look at a truck for sale and a guy wanting to check out my guitar and amp. These big purchases will help pay for essential things when I'm in Thailand. I'm praying that they sell quickly and without complication.
Next, I met a teacher I worked with, Mrs. Rhodes, and a couple students for lunch. First, they gave me an AWESOME card that many, many, many students signed and left messages for me (see in the pictures). That was definitely the highlight of my day. Then we went to a Vietnamese restaurant for lunch. Great pho, fried rice, vermicelli dishes, and milk tea!
I haven't mentioned it before, but I was worried I might have visa trouble. I was unsure of what kind to get, tourist or education (I want to study Thai before I start teaching if possible) and how to change whatever I applied for and received into a work visa. I talked to some expatriates who have experience with what I want to do, and they totally cleared up my confusion! Praise the Lord! I have a pretty good idea/plan now. I'll put the details below and eventually let you know if it works or not. This was the second-best highlight of my day. A lot of stress was relieved!
Then last night I got The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler. Even though it was really late (I got it on Kindle), I couldn't help but to start reading it!
Visa Plan
I plan on getting two-entry tourist visa, each good for 60 days, and extend each entry for 30 days, a total of 180 days. I need a cushion of 2-3 weeks between this visa expiring and getting the work (B) visa. The total for the two entries and two extensions will be around $200, plus the cost of a visa run after the first 90 days.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Out of it...
Everything is still pretty slow-going, but it shouldn't be. The plan is for me to take off in less than 60 days, yet I haven't bought a plane ticket, much less done any other tangible preparation. I've been doing some reading, talking, and praying (though not as much as I should) in preparation. I had a great talk with my friend, Stephen, that helped me efficiently organize my vision into words. I'm about finished with a presentation for committee members at my church about my vision, goals, needs, etc.
Coming up next week: Sell everything I own. Craigslist, be prepared...
A few things I realized this week-
Coming up next week: Sell everything I own. Craigslist, be prepared...
A few things I realized this week-
- I will miss my dog, Sammy.
- Teaching in a new school can be intimidating/exciting/anxious, much more in a new country! But I'm confident I will do well.
- Somehow responsibilities and decisions seem to carry more weight in Thailand- I feel like there is less room for error when I'm thousands of miles away from everyone I know.
- I won't know many people- so it's good I like to make friends!
I'm sure there's more, but Sammy is really hyper and wants to play...
More to come soon! Promise!
-Derek
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