So it's strongly encouraged here to have a budget for my supporters so people can see what I spend money on as to be open and honest and such. So every month I'll post my budget for the upcoming month, so here it is for the month of November:
Staff Fee/Insurance/Phone/SE Conference/Bank Fees/Tithe/Food/Other/Rollover/Total
Cost/ $185/ N/A/ $60/ $310/ $10/ $40/ $20/ $169/--------/ $605
Paid/ $140/ Paid/ $68/ $260/ $0/ $20/ / / $10/ $490 Outstanding= $115
What I'm looking for is just a few people who, with God's leading, can donate $10 - $50 a month so that I can keep doing God's work here in Monroe, N.C. You can donate money to my paypal account which is kiffer82 -at- rocketmail.com or you can send it via snail mail to 418 E. Franklin St, Monroe, N.C, USA 28112
God Bless,
Christopher
Monday, October 29, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Compassion/Justice
Last September I took my Discipleship Training School, which was focused on Compassion and Justice. Now that I'm staffing here at YWAM Charlotte, I'm encouraged to find a home away from home church. The DTS students travel to a different church that supports us every week, but as staff we need to find a church home. I remember last year we went to this church in Ballantyne (which is south of Charlotte). It was having a grand opening as they had just moved from a movie theater to a facility they had built attached to the YMCA. It's one of three campuses (meaning that there is one speaker at one of the campuses and the other two campuses see him on a large screen -- this is becoming commonplace but it's taken me a while to get used too. Each campus though does have it's own pastor, he's just not the speaker). Anywho, because it was the grand opening the speaker was at this campus we went too. He was in a series on Malachi, and that Sunday he was speaking on Malachi 2:13-16 - a section on divorce. He said something right off that has stuck with me. "I like to go through an entire book when I preach a series because it means I can't pick and choose what to speak on. I have to go through all that is written, even the hard stuff". I knew that I was supposed to come back to Charlotte after my school as staff, so finding a home church was in the back of my mind. Skip forward a year and Forest Hill still tugs at me. I've been a few times since, and the thing I love about it is that the Word isn't watered down the same as at 24/7. It will definitely become my home away from home church.
Next week they'll begin a series on justice. Injustice is something that plagues are world, and I think our culture has become kind of numb to it but the statistics none the less are staggering. Today I came to a realization. I'm probably not ever going to return to Canada on a permanent basis. Not that there isn't injustice in Canada as children are killed before they even get a chance at they're first breath, but that isn't the fight I'm called to. Others are called to that war, good people such as Eric Johnston. And there is a war. A war between good and evil, life and death, Creator and destroyer. A war over every single human being on this planet. So I can't just go home and live my life while young girls are sold off for sex in return for some cattle, or entire villages are wiped off the planet simply because the people there were born of a certain tribe. While thousands die every day simply because their village doesn't have a well. I can't stand by while most of the world live in worse conditions then the homeless in North America. No, I'm called to the battlefield. Right now I'm part of training 14 young people who'll take the gospel to Cambodia and Thailand. They aren't going on vacation. They're going to war. They'll see things that they'll never forget, meet people who'll they can't forget, and in the darkness they'll spread light. This is who I am, and this is what I'm called to do.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." -- Edmund Burke
Next week they'll begin a series on justice. Injustice is something that plagues are world, and I think our culture has become kind of numb to it but the statistics none the less are staggering. Today I came to a realization. I'm probably not ever going to return to Canada on a permanent basis. Not that there isn't injustice in Canada as children are killed before they even get a chance at they're first breath, but that isn't the fight I'm called to. Others are called to that war, good people such as Eric Johnston. And there is a war. A war between good and evil, life and death, Creator and destroyer. A war over every single human being on this planet. So I can't just go home and live my life while young girls are sold off for sex in return for some cattle, or entire villages are wiped off the planet simply because the people there were born of a certain tribe. While thousands die every day simply because their village doesn't have a well. I can't stand by while most of the world live in worse conditions then the homeless in North America. No, I'm called to the battlefield. Right now I'm part of training 14 young people who'll take the gospel to Cambodia and Thailand. They aren't going on vacation. They're going to war. They'll see things that they'll never forget, meet people who'll they can't forget, and in the darkness they'll spread light. This is who I am, and this is what I'm called to do.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." -- Edmund Burke
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Evangelism
Bloggity, bloggity, blog blog blog.
So there are quite a few staff members at this base, and yet there is always something that seems to need doing. It's been a busy week, but we all have the weekend off so in theory I'll have a break.
This week has been 'evangelism' week. We've had the honour (yes, it is spelled with a u) to have Christopher Vengala speak. He's an amazing speaker with such passion for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Monday and Tuesday were about culture. Ultimately we exist in a certain culture, and those around us view the world in that culture. There's a passage I came across yesterday that I think illustrates this well.
Today we looked at why you want to spread the Gospel. What has God done that makes someone want to follow Him. Testimonies are a great tool for evangelism because it is so personal. But testimonies won't effect everyone, so tomorrow (which I'm greatly looking forward too) we're going to look at "Why John 3:16?" "Why Jesus?" Not only through the eyes of testimony, but through the eyes truth and knowledge, so I'm going to play a bit of devil's advocate and throw out some tough questions that we encounter talking about the gospel. What about evolution? Doesn't science disprove the existence of God? What makes Christianity any different from all the other religions out there? and such. I love this kind of stuff. I love having my faith challenged. It helps me to learn what is true, what is false and what I've just assumed.
Which brings me to something I've been doing all week. I made a few statements on Facebook which were challenged by a Catholic friend of mine. There are few people I respect more than him. He honestly seeks truth, and that says a lot about someone. I don't agree with everything he says, but it helps me learn. And his poking and prodding have certainly helped me learn even if I'm occasionally exhausted after responding.
So what else happened this week? Lord of the Harvest is just getting started. Every year we raise money to donate a Thanksgiving dinner to needy families in the area (which happens in November, because American's missed the memo that Thanksgiving is in October). Last year we donated over 400 meals. On Saturday we did some door to door fundraising. I made... *insert drum roll here* $8 over six hours. But as a base we made $750 or something like that. So it was a good day. Over the next month we'll start a food drive at various grocery stores in the area and people can donate food as well as money.
Today was my first day heading up the weekly evangelism we have. We took the students downtown Charlotte to spread the good news. I had a student with me who just has so much fire and passion. It's inspiring watching him speak to people. This was probably my favorite afternoon yet here.
One of the core beliefs of YWAM is the reliance on people to send us into the field. We are not payed by them, and in fact it costs $185 US a month for me to be here which covers the cost of room and board (not including the phone I need, and any other expenses I have). If anyone feels led to help me cover these costs, it'd be most appreciated. There are also students here needing to finish paying for their schooling. (The six-month DTS costs about $8000). They'll be splitting between Cambodia and Thailand. I'm excited to see all they accomplish. Anyone willing to sow prayerfully, financially or in any other way, it'd be most appreciated.
God Bless,
Christopher Andersen
So there are quite a few staff members at this base, and yet there is always something that seems to need doing. It's been a busy week, but we all have the weekend off so in theory I'll have a break.
This week has been 'evangelism' week. We've had the honour (yes, it is spelled with a u) to have Christopher Vengala speak. He's an amazing speaker with such passion for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Monday and Tuesday were about culture. Ultimately we exist in a certain culture, and those around us view the world in that culture. There's a passage I came across yesterday that I think illustrates this well.
"For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To
the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the
law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the
law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings" -- I Corinthians 9:19-23
Taking this further, and looking at Acts 17 where Paul talks about "The Unknown God"."For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, "To the unknown god." What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you." -- Acts 17:23
(I spilled Cheerwine on the desk, and now the desk is sticky and it's causing great annoyance.) Finding "The Unknown God", what the person sees that they don't understand but they know it comes from God.Taking this further, and looking at Acts 17 where Paul talks about "The Unknown God"."For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, "To the unknown god." What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you." -- Acts 17:23
Today we looked at why you want to spread the Gospel. What has God done that makes someone want to follow Him. Testimonies are a great tool for evangelism because it is so personal. But testimonies won't effect everyone, so tomorrow (which I'm greatly looking forward too) we're going to look at "Why John 3:16?" "Why Jesus?" Not only through the eyes of testimony, but through the eyes truth and knowledge, so I'm going to play a bit of devil's advocate and throw out some tough questions that we encounter talking about the gospel. What about evolution? Doesn't science disprove the existence of God? What makes Christianity any different from all the other religions out there? and such. I love this kind of stuff. I love having my faith challenged. It helps me to learn what is true, what is false and what I've just assumed.
Which brings me to something I've been doing all week. I made a few statements on Facebook which were challenged by a Catholic friend of mine. There are few people I respect more than him. He honestly seeks truth, and that says a lot about someone. I don't agree with everything he says, but it helps me learn. And his poking and prodding have certainly helped me learn even if I'm occasionally exhausted after responding.
So what else happened this week? Lord of the Harvest is just getting started. Every year we raise money to donate a Thanksgiving dinner to needy families in the area (which happens in November, because American's missed the memo that Thanksgiving is in October). Last year we donated over 400 meals. On Saturday we did some door to door fundraising. I made... *insert drum roll here* $8 over six hours. But as a base we made $750 or something like that. So it was a good day. Over the next month we'll start a food drive at various grocery stores in the area and people can donate food as well as money.
Today was my first day heading up the weekly evangelism we have. We took the students downtown Charlotte to spread the good news. I had a student with me who just has so much fire and passion. It's inspiring watching him speak to people. This was probably my favorite afternoon yet here.
One of the core beliefs of YWAM is the reliance on people to send us into the field. We are not payed by them, and in fact it costs $185 US a month for me to be here which covers the cost of room and board (not including the phone I need, and any other expenses I have). If anyone feels led to help me cover these costs, it'd be most appreciated. There are also students here needing to finish paying for their schooling. (The six-month DTS costs about $8000). They'll be splitting between Cambodia and Thailand. I'm excited to see all they accomplish. Anyone willing to sow prayerfully, financially or in any other way, it'd be most appreciated.
God Bless,
Christopher Andersen
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
New Beginnings
I decided to take the train to Charlotte as I enjoy train travel in general. I don't mind spending 36 hours in travel. It gives me lots of time to think, and I like to think. It started bright and early Thursday, October 11th. My dad took the GO train with me from Guelph and saw me off at Union Station in Toronto. The border crossing was the easiest time I've ever had. The officer asked a few questions, read my letter from YWAM, and the approved me, smiling and joking the whole time. The Niagra river was gorgeous.
I spent the night in Pennsylvania station in New York. Now, I wasn't overly comfortable sleeping there, so I pulled an all nighter. Met some interesting people. Got asked for directions more than once. Before long it was 7 am and southbound was I. I slept like a rock until Washington. Woke up and someone had sat beside me. His name was Skip. Interesting fellow. He'd grown up in North Carolina so he gave me some history. The state fair was on in Raleigh and we made a special stop to take on 90 high school students. Skip got off in Greensboro, and a young lady replaced him.
I'd prayed for a divine appointment, but since Skip was beside me (and was Christian) most of the way south, I didn't expect to get one. I was wrong.
So, the woman who sat beside me was 21, and I found out her name was Morgan. She was on the phone with her boyfriend and they were fighting. She seemed to be having a really rough time. We eventually got to talking and I mentioned that I was Canadian and I was coming down to work as a missionary. You can tell when someone has had a bad experience with Christians. You mention Christianity and a wall immediately comes up. I don't remember exactly what I said, but it got through to her somewhat. She told me she had grown up in a Church of God (Pentacostal) and found them incredibly judgmental. She went on to say how she much she disliked Pentacostals and Southern Baptists but I stopped her there. I have had more than a few bad experiences with different churches. I lost a good friend when I helped start 24/7 Church. So I mentioned that just like everyone else, Christians are human. There are a bad apples among us, but don't discount everyone just from one church.
At the end of the trip she told me she'd think about Christianity and that she was glad she had met me. Called me 'unique', one of the more meaningful compliments I've ever received.
So on to life at YWAM Charlotte. We have a school running with 14 students who are amazing. They have so much passion and love. They're an amazing group, and when one is falling behind they all help that person. One of the boys here is dyslexic and so a few of the girls helps him read and helps his spelling. It's amazing to watch. I was privileged yesterday to be involved in some spontaneous worship that a few students had. They'd just had a lecture about pride and betrayal and it hit a few of them hard. Some sent messages to friends, family and exes asking for forgiveness. And after all that soul searching and struggle, all they wanted to do was worship God. Absolutely incredible.
Being here is a little strange, as I feel as if I was never not here, and it's not just me who feels this way. I fit, like a puzzle piece. I also hadn't realized how much I'd changed until I got here. Then I noticed the difference in how I was last year, and how I am now. Discipleship Training School is the most amazing thing I've ever done. I still think every Christian should do it.
So I came here to forerun a university ministry, and I'm not at this point sure when that will start or how that will look. Christopher Vengala wants me to attend a school in Kona, Hawaii called Apologetics and Worldview. I'm good at that kind of philosophical critical thinking that is much to rare in Christianity, and he wants to build up that part of me. Do one thing, and do it very well.
So this is me,
missionary to America.
God Bless,
Christopher
I spent the night in Pennsylvania station in New York. Now, I wasn't overly comfortable sleeping there, so I pulled an all nighter. Met some interesting people. Got asked for directions more than once. Before long it was 7 am and southbound was I. I slept like a rock until Washington. Woke up and someone had sat beside me. His name was Skip. Interesting fellow. He'd grown up in North Carolina so he gave me some history. The state fair was on in Raleigh and we made a special stop to take on 90 high school students. Skip got off in Greensboro, and a young lady replaced him.
I'd prayed for a divine appointment, but since Skip was beside me (and was Christian) most of the way south, I didn't expect to get one. I was wrong.
So, the woman who sat beside me was 21, and I found out her name was Morgan. She was on the phone with her boyfriend and they were fighting. She seemed to be having a really rough time. We eventually got to talking and I mentioned that I was Canadian and I was coming down to work as a missionary. You can tell when someone has had a bad experience with Christians. You mention Christianity and a wall immediately comes up. I don't remember exactly what I said, but it got through to her somewhat. She told me she had grown up in a Church of God (Pentacostal) and found them incredibly judgmental. She went on to say how she much she disliked Pentacostals and Southern Baptists but I stopped her there. I have had more than a few bad experiences with different churches. I lost a good friend when I helped start 24/7 Church. So I mentioned that just like everyone else, Christians are human. There are a bad apples among us, but don't discount everyone just from one church.
At the end of the trip she told me she'd think about Christianity and that she was glad she had met me. Called me 'unique', one of the more meaningful compliments I've ever received.
So on to life at YWAM Charlotte. We have a school running with 14 students who are amazing. They have so much passion and love. They're an amazing group, and when one is falling behind they all help that person. One of the boys here is dyslexic and so a few of the girls helps him read and helps his spelling. It's amazing to watch. I was privileged yesterday to be involved in some spontaneous worship that a few students had. They'd just had a lecture about pride and betrayal and it hit a few of them hard. Some sent messages to friends, family and exes asking for forgiveness. And after all that soul searching and struggle, all they wanted to do was worship God. Absolutely incredible.
Being here is a little strange, as I feel as if I was never not here, and it's not just me who feels this way. I fit, like a puzzle piece. I also hadn't realized how much I'd changed until I got here. Then I noticed the difference in how I was last year, and how I am now. Discipleship Training School is the most amazing thing I've ever done. I still think every Christian should do it.
So I came here to forerun a university ministry, and I'm not at this point sure when that will start or how that will look. Christopher Vengala wants me to attend a school in Kona, Hawaii called Apologetics and Worldview. I'm good at that kind of philosophical critical thinking that is much to rare in Christianity, and he wants to build up that part of me. Do one thing, and do it very well.
So this is me,
missionary to America.
God Bless,
Christopher
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)