I've been thinking about evangelism, and the need to be BOLD in it.

I began thinking about this one day at re:cre8 (street drop in) when I was talking to friend of mine. He's one of the originals so-to-speak from the early re:cre8 days. I've been friends with him for five or so years, and have known a few details of his life, such as living in Hawaii, however as we were talking a couple weeks back I realised I've never asked him why he lived in the states, what brought him to Canada, or the DTES. Now, my friend here is saved, got saved the the famous Wright-Dolby wedding, but I began to think about how many people I know who stroll in and out of re:cre8 and I don't know their stories. I call them friends, but I don't know where they grew up, how many brothers they have or anything. And I began to think what the fruit would be if we were bold and asked people their stores. Seems even trivial really. But really, what you learn about someones life is now a springboard for prayer. It also now exposes an area once unknown, that now gives us the opportunity to share the good news.

I once knew someone who was preached at before, many times, and never repented until one day someone shared with him that Salvation offers eternal life. When he was told that he exclaimed "No one told me that before! Sign me up". A truth so simple, and we even think that everyone knows it so why say it, was the seller for this guy. I wonder if we knew about his life prior, if we took time to know about his childhood or growing up then I wonder if we would also know what truth he needed as a seal for salvation.

So really - be bold. Be blunt. Ask someone directly about their life - how they ended up where ever it is they ended up. Not only will your friendship group, but the evangelism ops will too.

Also, more then that, i think we need to be bold in other ways. Be direct. Ask someone directly if they know Christ. Ya we might get shot down. Jesus even says we will in his parable of the seeds. We might even get shot down 3 out of 4 times. But I think we should still be hold in it. That 25% is worth the getting shot down I say.

Some quick math here. My blogs here are automatically fed onto facebook. If the Jesus quota is right (which, after all he is Jesus, so it's probably somewhat accurate) then 153.5 people will get saved....(well that will get cut down too, cuz 75% or so of my FB friends are saved - but you get my point.)

Jesus is coming soon. We don't have time to sit and wait around and hope people get saved. We need to be bold in it and proclaim the good news loudly.

It's time to be bold
Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.

I read Lamentations this morning.
Why?

I suppose the same reason one listens to a love song after a break up or a sad movie in times of sorrow.

I really resonated with the first few chapters "How lonely sits the city that was full of people", "she weeps bitterly at night...has none to comfort her", "Jerusalem remembers the days of old"...

But then in the middle of Chapter 3, Jeremiah (?) (PS, who wrote Lamentations anyways?), throws out an unexpected pint of hope:

"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;, they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion" says my soul "therefore I will hope in Him"

So instead of the tears, sorrow and sadness I was looking for, I got some hope instead. A nice trade-off I must say.

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Armybarmy has some good exhoration for a not so great soul itself today.

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Have you applied to The War College yet?

Since 2005 Vancouver’s notorious Downtown Eastside has been invaded by North American youth to fight in love alongside The Salvation Army 614 Corps and The War College at an event we call RAW (ready and willing). Most kids spend their March break watching movies or looking for trouble. Why waste your time in sin or spend thousands of dollars travelling overseas when there is a mission field right here in BC? RAW is a HEROES’ HOLIDAY in North America’s poorest postal code where teens share God’s love to the poor.

God wants to use you. His plans for you are way bigger and way scarier than you can imagine. He is not waiting for you to grow up or go to Bible College. God wants to use you and He wants to use you now. He doesn’t call those who are equipped, He equips those He calls. If you are ready for solid teaching on prayer, worship, evangelism, mission – you are RAW. If you are willing to engage the homeless, drug-addicted and prostituted with God’s love – you are RAW. At RAW you will team up with urban missionaries, War College Students and Alumni, you will see miracles in the streets and know what it means to get your hands around the devil’s throat. Are you ready and willing?

At RAW you will have the opportunity to learn from world renowned speakers, professional musicians and The War College. There is worship, dance, mission and ministry, small groups, solid preaching/teaching and we have a non-stop prayer room going night and day. God is glorified on the streets and you will make friends with some very hurting people.

Contact nicole@thewarcollege.com if you are interested or for info on how your youth pastor can sign you up!

Keep your eyes open.
Do not look back. Do not look right or left.
Forward!
Keep your eyes open.

"Watch for Me"
"Look at Me"
Keep your eyes open.

Focused, fixed, always on the prize.
Surefooted and steadfast.

I am pumped. I am excited for what is going to happen in 2009.
I've been hearing words: revival, advance.
Something big is coming.
Something huge is at our doorstep.
Are our eyes open?

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May our highest hieghts of 2008 be our springboard for 2009.
Live up to what you've already attained.
Press on.
Forward.
Advance.

Keep your eyes open.

Glory to God in the Highest.

Christ our Saviour is born.

Amen! Hallelujah!


I am just so full of joy right now. Not simply because it is Christmas (although I had a terrific Christmas, one of my best I must say), but because our God is faithful. Our God is true. He does what he says. He gives when you ask.

Ask and it will be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you every time. The Lord is faithful to His word. Ask for joy and he will give it. That's what I did, and now I am actually quite joyful. Not giddy or necessarily happy, but in asking, Joy abounds. Glory to God

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New Year's is around the corner. I am catching myself making New Year's resolutions. I am a big goal person. I am motivated by dates and start times. But why wait? Really, if it is a healthy goal why not do it now. Now is the time of Salvation.

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Back to Christmas. It was really nice. We did gifts at my house with 4 kids, 2 teens, 2 parents and myself. I loved it. I got spoiled. I got a new camera, so I'll post some pictures and videos once I get my computer sorted. (it got a virus a couple weeks back, so it's still recovering). I got to talk to my mom on the phone, I miss her - she comes home in 18 days!!! As much as I miss my mom, and Christmas would have been so lovely if she were here, it definitely felt like family and it was great!!

I love Christmas. I love Christ.
But, I love Christmas. As they say 'tis the season to be jolly and joyous (falala).

I see it a lot. Joy, that is. This season does bring joy. I live in a pretty dark and depressive neighbourhood, and to a lot of people here, Christmas brings memories of grief and sadness...but in that, I still see joy. I still see people, who yes associate sadness and grief with Christmas, who have a glimpse of hope still. And I wonder why? And I think it is because Christ our saviour is born (Chr-i-ist our Savior...is born..).

He who brought hope into this world, he who brings hope into our lives, He who was born on Christmas Day and who still lives today, brings hope. That's why I think even those in 'hopeless' situations at Christmas, still keep looking ahead.

I do love Christmas.
And along with that, I also really enjoy New Years.

Behold, I make all things new! (The Lord that is, not me)

I am really big on to the 'new' things. Maybe that's why I am looking so forward to 2009. But I am excited. I am sure that 2009 will be better then 2008...and I am sure that my best moment in 2008 will be just a springboard for 2009. I know there are some things from 2008 and can't wait to leave behind and some things forthcoming I wait in anticipation for.

New = Hope I think.



Thought this was fun and fitting.


JANUARY 2008
1. Who kissed you on new years? nobody
2. Did you have a new year's resolution this year? yes
3. Does it snow where you live? define snow...
4. Do you like hot chocolate? not particularly
5. Have you ever been to Times Square to watch the ball drop? nope.
6. Do you ski or snowboard? I've boarded in the past, but not in 2008

FEBRUARY 2008
1. Who was your Valentine? no one
2. When you were little did you buy Valentine's for the whole class? yes
3. Do you care if the groundhog sees its shadow or not? yes
4. What did you get for valentines? nothing

MARCH 2008
1. Are you Irish? slightly
2. Do you wear green every year on St. Patricks Day? i used to - but I don't anymore
3. What did you do for St. Patty's Day in 2008? RAW
4. Are you happy when winter is pretty much over? yup

April 2008
1. Do you like the rain? i must admit sometimes i do
2. Did you play an April fool's joke on anyone this year? no
4. Do you celebrate 4/20? not at all
5. Do you "love" the month of April? not particularly

MAY 2008
1. What is your favorite flower? sunflower
2. Finish the phrase "April showers": no
3. Do you celebrate May 24th: no
4. Is May anything special to you? yes


JUNE 2008
1. What did you do for Fathers Day? worked or slept...one of the two
2. Did you do anything fun during this month? sure did! Went to Tulsa and Linsey got married
3. Have a favorite baseball team? no

JULY 2008
1. What did you do on the 1st of July? I think I was at Camp
2. Did you go to the fireworks? no.
3. Do you tan in the day? maybe


AUGUST 2008
1. Did you do anything special at the end of your summer? camping
2. What was your favorite memory of summer? BTI, War College Grad,
3. Did you have a sunburn? no.
4. Did you go to the pool a lot? never

SEPTEMBER 2008
1. Will you be attending school? no
2. Do you like fall better than summer? no
3. Anything special about September to you? a bunch of peoples bdays. Including my mommy's

OCTOBER 2008
1. What was your last Halloween costume? goodness, probably a witch or ghost or something else cheap and pagan in elementary school
2. What is your favorite candy? depends on the day
3. What is your favorite thing about this month? I'm not a big fan of October

NOVEMBER 2008
1. Whose house do you go to for Thanksgivings? I'm not this biggest thanksgiving fan
2. What is your favorite thing about November? kettles start. Christmas begins

DECEMBER 2008
1. Do you celebrate Christmas? yup!!
2. What are you thankful for? too much to say
3. Have you ever been kissed under the mistletoe? nope
4. Get anything special last year? yeah
5. What do you want this year? surprises

Where did you begin 2008? in transition from the empress to where i am now

What was your status on Valentine's Day? single as per usual

Were you in school (anytime this year)?
as a student no. teaching a couple times yes.

Did you have to go to the hospital?
yes. many times.

Where did you go on vacation?
define vacation...
but i did travel to Chicago IL, Tulsa OK, and Old Orchard ME.

What did you purchase that was over $500?
I'm not sure there was anything. plane tickets i guess.

Did you know anybody who got married?
yes

Did you know anybody who passed away?
yes

Did you move anywhere?
yup

What sporting events did you attend?
i don't know if i did


What concerts/shows did you go to?
a few

Describe your birthday:
began in Vancouver, stopped over in Minneapolis, and arrived in Tulsa Oklahoma. followed by my face on a cake.

What has been your favorite moment(s)?
lots

Any new additions to your family?
define family

What was your best month?
June

What was your worst month?
June

What music will you remember 2008 by?
music doesn't usually remind me of years

Made new friends?
yes

Favorite Night out?
many again

Overall, how would you rate this year?
fantastic

Other than home, where did you spend most of your time?
well home wouldn't even fit in that category, I'm never there.
it's probably a toss up over the whites or command center.

Change your hairstyle?
yeah

Do you have a New Year's resolution?
yes

Do anything embarrassing?
yes

Buy anything new from eBay?
no

Get married or divorced?
no

Get arrested?
almost

Be honest - did you watch American Idol?
no

Did you get sick this year?
yes

Been snowboarding?
not in 2008

Are you happy to see 2008 go?
somewhat, it was a rough year - but one on my best too.

I had a blog all typed out, and even posted for a whole 20 minutes, but then once I left work, and walked home I began to think maybe it shouldn't be blogged, so I deleted it...I kinda forgot it still gets imported to facebook, so I haven't deleted it there. But basically it urged us NOT to sue our Christian Brothers and Sisters. I hope it also encouraged us to enroll as soldiers and officers of the Salvation Army.

But there was very important news on the past blog, which I must re-post. My friend, and War College Alumni, Jessica Bryant is BC's newest solider. And one of the good kind too, the kind I look up to. The kind who says "I'll Fight till the very End". And looks great in uniform too. Jessica says War College was a prerequisite for her for Solidership. Another friend of mine makes a fine argument that War College is a prerequisite for Training College. Both sound pretty hardcore to me. Apply today for the War Cry Session - www.thewarcollege.com

This week has also brought a bundle of joy. (Oh man, I'm really cracking out the corny cliche lines.) But check out Jonathan Evans facebook to see beautiful pictures of Zoe Evans. I look forward to getting to write more about her soon.

ps - check out The War College blog (to the right). Carlye just posted a sweet testimony of an Open Air Meeting.

and right below her's, Jessica tells us of a fun Kettle's time.

I am blogging because it has been a little while since I last blogged.
It has also been a very overwhelming week, to say the least, and blogging seemed to get pushed to the bottom of my to-do list one too many times.

Well here I am.

Death stinks.
Too many people died this week. I am not sure of the Salvation of all their souls either - which stinks further. Please, if you haven't, repent and believe now.

One of these deaths I actually witnessed. Drug overdose. Not breathing. Pale, pale, pale skin. CPR did not return his pulse. It was terrible. It further extended my hate of drugs.

I hate death.
I hate drugs.
I hate alcohol.
I hate addiction.
I REALLY hate addiction.

The thief came to KILL. Christ came to give abundant LIFE. Follow the one that sounds better would you?


Life. Love. Freedom.
Now those are three really really good words.

The meaning of life is to live.

I think Christmas can now begin. I used to be determined that December 1st and no earlier is the beginning of Christmas, when Carols can be sung and trees decorated. But now that I have done my first Salvation Army Kettle shift I have caved and decided the new start to Christmas will from now on be when Kettle's kick off.

Speaking of The War College. (great segway there eh)
We are recruiting students to come spend a year in Canada's infamous Downtown Eastside. I just accepted 4 students to our 2009-2010 year - The War Cry session - and I think we have a few spots left, apply today! www.thewarcollege.com

Speaking of War College applicants. (come on - that was a much better segway)
We have had many applicants from developing countries who are not able to afford full tuition. Perhaps you are in a position to offer assistance. Canadian donars can receive a tax receipt upon request. If you are up for establishing full or partial scholarships or would like more information, fire me off an email, nicole@thewarcollege.com.

Speaking of War College Scholarships (i am really perfecting this segway thing)
We have an Session vs. Session Alumni Scholarship Challenge going on right now. Over the next three months we Alumni have been encouraged to send some funds to establish a scholarship or two. The winning session gets the scholarship named after them.

In Frist place - Revolution Session - Grad '07
In Second place - Death and Glory - Grad '04
Tied for third - Martyrs - Grad '05, Holy ____ - Grad '06 and Incendiary - Grad '08

Stay tuned for the session vs. faculty Scholarship Challenge soon coming.