Gearing up for India: redeaux

What a week!  And it's just Thursday!!  It seems that so much over the past couple of months has been pointing to this week, and now, it's finally here.  Tomorrow, I will leave with three student from RCC to head to India to partner with our church planting friends.  While I'm excited about this new international adventure, I am absolutely stoked to see these young men see first hand what God is doing on the front-lines of Gospel seed-sowing.  I know it will be amazing.

All of that being said, the week has been a challenge.  We would be stupid to thing that the enemy would just sit by and offer no distractions... boy has he been busy.  I say that just to say:  pray for this "wide-eyed" group that will embark on a life changing journey during spring break when so many their age will choose other diversions.  Pray for safety; pray for endurance in oppressive heat; pray for wisdom in knowing when to speak and when to be silent; and pray for the families that will remain here in the states.

God is a good God, and the journey of "followship" is always faith demanding.  I can't wait to see what He will do over the next 9 days.  Look for updates from me on twitter, either on the left of this blog or on Facebook.  

Next stop:  East India!

Recovery complete

Ok, I've been back from India for 5 days, and I think the recovery is complete.  But wow, what an experience.  I still want to post some additional pictures, but I've got to get them from my peeps who went with me.  Anyway, I'm sleeping through the night, and that is huge.

It's a good think I recovered quickly, 'cuz this week has been crazy.  I've been in the XPastor mode, high gear every day.  I'll admit, most of it I really like.  This staff (at RCC) is amazing, and I love it when I see them growing and moving to the next level.   Now, if I can just get myself back in to some reading.  I don't know what that has suddenly become a challenge when I've enjoyed it so much for years.

The weekend should be the final step of re-entry for me.  Pam and Ben will be on the ski trip, so I'll be baching it at home.  Pam is doing the cooking for the group, and I'm sure Ben will be burning up the slopes on a snowboard.  I just hope he (and everyone else) makes it back with nothing broken - spoken like a non-skier!

Keep looking for India pix, and I'll keep trying to overcome my tech issues....

On Our Way

This pic is a few days old now, but I'm posting as soon as possible. 'Net access has been pretty tough, but we are here in India, with our friends, and ready to face the week. Thanks for checking, and I'll be posting as often as possible.

The group is doing great, but fatigue is already a little bit of an issue. I know we will all sleep well tonight. We leave for some village work tomorrow.

Follow us with updates on my Facebook page, or follow me on Twitter!

Most of all... pray for us and pray for our families

Crazy Week

I knew coming in that this was going to be a crazy week.  There are a thousand little details that have to be resolved before I head around the world to India on Friday, plus the day to day routine of leading a church remains as well as leading a household.  It seems that God is opening doors for new friendships and new opportunities to live out my faith.  It has been a huge reminder that the Christ-following life is always full of surprises and opportunities.

Don't get me wrong.  I know that "business" doesn't equal "Godliness."  Far from it.  But I do believe that when we pray for opportunities, He gives them, as well as empowers us to accomplish that which He has called us.  

We asked Ridgies (RCC members and attenders) to pray for fertile soil as we head to India, so I'm repeating that request here.  Pray for safety for us as travelers.  Pray for the "ground crew" that is there, that live there, that God has been using... Pray for their encouragement and clear vision for the task at hand.  And certainly pray for those that our team will have contact.  There is such a huge spiritual need; I am confident that the Holy Spirit is already going before us.

I can't promise daily updates from India because of internet availability, but there will be contact.  It's going to be a great trip after a crazy week.

Surprises, adventures, and a really long flight

I don't know very much Greek or Hebrew, but there has to be something in scripture about God being "One who Surprises."  The past 12 months have been full of them, and His finger prints have been all over them.  

Tonight, I'm sitting in the food court at Newark/Liberty International Airport, and will board a Continental jet for a 14.5 hour flight to the East in just about 2 hours.  Where in the world did that come from??  I chuckled to myself last night when our Lead Pastor, Ridley Barron, mentioned that yesterday was the 3 year anniversary for Pam and I being at RCC.  All that did was remind me again about the surprises and adventures that come with pursing Christ.  Didn't mean to chase that rabbit, but it goes to the point...  when we determine to place our lives in His hands, He will surprise.  Sometimes it's a surprise of a smile, and sometimes it's a surprise of traveling around the world for His fame.

Some believe that the life of being a Christ follower is confined to a list of do's and don'ts or the safety of a "Christianized culture."  I'm learning that there is amazing freedom and adventure that comes with pursuing Him.  If you are struggling with the "safety" of your faith; if you are board with the cobwebs of religious tradition and opinion; then cast your sails fully and make yourself available to the breath of the Holy Spirit.  You'll be amazed where He will take you.  It might be across the street, across town, into unchartered relationships, or maybe to the far corners of the world.

The journey is big... the challenge is great... but my God is Mighty.

Check this blog frequently this week for updates from India.