Enjoyed the Chat - Thanks

Well I just got off the 'phone' (Skype) with two of my favourite people who I miss dearly. JL and I were able to video chat with James and Hil out in the land of the London. They've had some interesting stories already which we got to hear and are settling in nicely in the Kingsley household. Thanks for the chat friends and I can't wait till next time.

One story they told us was about their recent adventure with Malcolm at Canada's Wonderland. I can't wait to go. But here's some video of the ride they went on. I hope you enjoy it. Usually I don't endorse video with bad language but this is both understandable and worth it. Wait for the 1:17 mark. Hilarious. You can also get actual good video of this 'Behemoth' once the video is done and there's similar videos listed.

Some Good Thoughts

I recently read an article in Relevant magazine that addresses two key things I think about lots. The issue of youth ministry and it's long-term impact on individuals, as well as the idea of Church being something we can 'do' differently as we have attempted at The Place here at Lambrick.

It's a bit long and will take about 5 minutes, but I think it's worth the read.

Read "Faith No More" by Jesse Carey

The Funniest Thing I've Read in a Long Time...

Okay, so part of the youth ministry here at LPC is a leadership development program called Mission:Unlimited. This year, the group is going on a service trip to Ecuador. In order to raise funds for this trip, we are doing a Gala Dinner in a few weeks (if you're interested in coming, contact me for tickets).

So at this dinner, each youth has a table that is designated as theirs. They'll have their picture on it and a 1-page write-up telling the guests a little about themselves.

This is what Nigel Barry gave us for his write-up. This is his best attempt at selling himself to a group of Christians who will be potentially be sponsoring him to go on this trip. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did:

"Hello, my name is Nigel "The Rifle Rack" Barry. I am 18 years old and am graduating from St. Andrews this year (unless I fail, then I guess I'll be doing it again! lol). Anyways, in my spare time, I like destroying things like ant-hills with illegal explosives imported from eastern Romania. I also enjoy catching fish, then eating them shortly after as it makes me feel like a dinosaur or a cave-man. When I am tired, I simply fall asleep wherever it is that I am. I don't care what people think about me. When I was three years old, I ate a worm.

I'm also quite intrigued by way, but I don't really agree with the whole idea of killing people, so I play video games instead. Imagine if in war, they weren't allowed to use guns, or other shooting projectiles/gasses, and could only throw eggs, baby carrots, and rabbit droppings... Hitler would not be famous.

I have amazing dreams both in colour and in sound where I accomplish great feats, but forget them as soon as I wake up. I once skied my way down from the top of Mount Everest with an injured fellow strapped to my back. I can drive with my eyes closed, I can't stand the sound of people chewing, and I once wrestled an armadillo. I am the reason for the rising price of oil. Once in a while, when I'm feeling frisky, I'll go for a walk in the park wearing nothing but a jock-strap. Light sabers don't faze me. I taught Tiger Woods how to swing a golf club, and Chuck Norris is my daddy. I designed and engineered the Eiffel Tower and the Sistine Chapel in 21 hours before selling the plans to Michelangelo, Maurice Koechlin, & Emile Nouguier for their souls.

I am going to Ecuador to grow as a person and gain self experiences by helping others. I hope this trip will change the whole vision of my future life."

As you can see, I have an amazing pleasure in being able to hang out with some extremely gifted youth.

The Ironman Challenge

A new challenge. Music to my ears.

Friends of mine work for Young Life, and recently I asked how I could support them in their upcoming fundraising effort. It's the Ironman Invitational Golf Tournament on June 23rd. And even with late notice, they said the best thing I could do was to... well, GOLF! (and no, it's not miniature despite the picture)

They say it's not easy. 100 holes in one day. They say your body will ache. 5.45 rounds in 12 hours. They say it's a challenge to not take lightly.

I say... BRING IT ON!

I am so excited to be able to help support Young Life by being a part of this amazing fundraising opportunity.

However, you might be asking yourself why I, a church Youth Pastor and eager Camp Imadene supporter, would be fundraising for Young Life... Well, there's lots of reasons. So since this is my blog, and I can say whatever I want, and since many of you have been begging for action for awhile, I'm gonna tell you. If you don't care, just skip to the last paragraph.

Reasons why I, Andy, am a strong supporter (and now fundraiser) of Young Life:
1) Young Life is a great ministry. No questions asked. They have a heart to reach teens for Christ, to seek them out in their world, and to lead them to new life. What's not to support?!

2) I have a many good friends who volunteer and work with Young Life. In particular, Rob Priestly and Jon Blaney, both work full time and count on other's support for their entire paycheque and ministry costs. So I want to support them as friends.

3) My church, Lambrick Park, supports Young Life with funds. More than that, we are partners with them in the Lord's ministry. Even more than that, most Young Life Victoria staff and volunteers go to Lambrick Park (the Place) and therefore their work with YL is in many ways a ministry of our church.

4) Taking the previous thought further, I see Young Life as in integral part of my model of youth ministry. I focus most of my energy on churched youth, those who have already realized the reality of what God has done for them. My hope is to walk alongside them as they seek to allow Christ to be the Lord of their lives, as well as walking alongside their parents in supporting and bringing up their children to love and serve God the best they know how.
However, Young Life works in a different way. They aren't looking for church kids. They are seeking out those who do not know God. They go to where the students are (mostly their schools), meet with them, and through the kids friendships start building a relationship that will one day prayerfuly see those individuals change their lives for the sake of Christ.
Young Life and Lambrick work in a partnership of Youth Ministry. Sometimes we send those (young) adults who are interested in outreach-focused ministry to Young Life to serve as leaders. When kids become Christians, they start coming with their friends and leaders to the Place to enter into a community of believers and some start coming to our youth groups or Bible studies or leadership development programs. Basically, it's a wonderful relationship where we can support and help each other and work alongsode each to see God's Kingdom furthered. Who can argue with that!

So that's basically why I'm doing it. Plus, it'll be a great time to hang with some wonderful Young Life staff, leaders, and kids, as well as a time for me to hang with some of my own kids (my caddies).

If you can, I'd love to have you partner with me as I take this 100 hole golf challenge. The point is to raise funds. My friends who work for Young Life have to earn every penny through support that they run their ministry on and get paid by. So every dollar counts and will help me reach my goal of $1500. Please sponsor whatever you can.

You can go to this page to make online donations by credit card. Otherwise you can email me or just drop a toonie in my pocket. Donations over $20 will be receipted for tax purposes.