Getting to really know people

Yesterday I watched the story of Terrell Owens unfold and the story of his attempted suicide which was proven to be untrue. There were alot of things said about Terrelll from alot of people, some bad some good.
It was interesting to watch a video that was shown of him in a recent interview. He was asked the question, "What do you want people to know about Terrell Owens?" His response was very telling.
He shared that many people think they know him but they really do not. He shared that they think they know him because of the image the media portrays of him as T.O. but that is just an image. He talked about the fact that only 2 or 3 people really know Terrell Owens, the person.
As I listened about his comments, I had the following thought. How many people in our lives do we actually take the time to really get to know. How often do we form opinions of someone based on what we have heard about them or their situations. I think we are often too busy to really get to know someone. I think we can often be afraid ourselves to be real with other people.
In the morning yesterday I went out and did some "street evangelism" and met a young man sitting on a bench. Mike was a nice guy , 45 years old. He had lost his job, had no money and was very honest. He shared how he was feeling and how tough life was. I had the opportunity to not only listen to him but to also share Christ with him. One of the most refreshing things that I found in talking with Mike was his willingness to share how he was doing.
During our conversation I asked Mike a question, "during the last two months that you have been out of work and feeling so alone, how many people have stopped and sat down and talked with you?". He shared that only one other person had done so. He then shared how his self esteem was so low because he was not working and how no one seemed to take the time to talk with him. Isn't that sad?
I challenge you and I to open our eyes and look around. There are people that are desperate to talk with "real people". Not people who always want to give the appearance of having it all together, real people. Take the time to get to know someone. Today.

Prayer request

I just received this prayer request regarding a family in the gulf coast our ministry has been working with. Please lift this famil before the Lord. His moms name is Sharon Johnson.

Sending you an update on Tim so you will know how to be praying
for him. He is still desparately ill. Staph infection no better.
Severe esophagitus. Still not able to swallow (liquids and really
soft foods only). Today's swallowing test results show the flap
over the windpipe is not working. If it doesn't start working may 
have to insert feeding tube. Inflamation in throat no better.
He is in constant pain. Very discouraged. Please pray and spread
the word to fellow christians. We will not accept anything less
than complete healing provided by Jesus, our healer. 

Horrible accident

At church this morning we were made aware of a horrible tragedy for a Wesleyan pastor and his family which happened on Saturday. The couple and their 16 month old child had just moved recently to Michigan from Nova Scotia to pastor a Wesleayn church. Their little boy was killed and the mom badly burned in a motor vehicle accident. http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=61489 is the link to read this story.

I share it with you so that we can pray for this family and their extended family and friends.

Thanks

Tragedy in Montreal

I was riveted to the news yesterday as I saw the tragic scene unfolding at Dawson College in downtown Montreal. I think what really impacted me were two things.
First, Montreal has a special place in my heart. We have done ministry many times in the downtown region of the city and have done ministry in the area around Dawson College. In fact our ministry vehicle broke down on the corner of Atwater and Sherbrooke last summer, which is where Dawson is located. I could easily picture in my mind where things were located.
Second, I was reminded again the need to bring hope to this city and the people. There are so many people who do not know anything of God and the hope He offers. I began to think of the results of our survey and how many people have such negative emotions and how they are so far from God.
I do not know the shooter personally but his online blog says alot about him. Here are some of the things he shared that have been printed in an article on canoe.ca. Apparently the mans name was Kimveer and he was obsessed with death. He wrote on his blog " that he finds the vast majority of people to be "worthless, no good, kniving, betraying lieing (sic), deceptive."
Another statement read "Anger and hatred simmers within me," and finally he shared his hatred for authority, including police, "all the government on Earth," "bible-thumping know-it-alls" and God.
I checked out the blog site where he posted this stuff and it is filled with hatred. Some of the people who are posting on it have such a distain for people and God. They also hate themselves. It is very disturbing and yet provides a forum for people to express themselves. These folks need to be prayed for. For some this troubled young man will/may become a hero. Sadly others may see his way of escape from this world as their way out.
Lets pray for those affected by this tragedy. Pray that through this tragedy God could be glorified and that those who do ministry in this underevangelized city (less than 1% of the population are evangelical Chistians) would be emboldened to share Him. Christ is the answer.

Survey of everyday people

One of our mission teams this summer did a survey of people in our area. They talked to people and asked them five questions. Here are the results. I have highlighted some of the statistics,

Survey results from 42 individuals. (male and female, young and old)

World event capturing your attention:

Middle East Conflict 86% Abortion 3%

Global Warming 3% Mel Gibson Problem 2%

Pornography 2% Hurricane Katrina 2%

What emotions do you experience when considering the events listed above:

Sadness 30% Fear 19%

Disgust 12% Hopelessness 12%

Upset 8% Anger 8%

Frustration 8% Stupid 3%

*notice no one expressed any positive emotions

What role does God play in the world today?

Not much 48%

Large role 40%

Unsure 12%

What role does God play in your own life?

Not much 37%

Big role 35%

None 28%

*basically 2 of 3 people indicated no real connection with God (very sad)

Is it possibly to know God personally?

Yes 69%

No 31%

* the irony is that 2/3 do not have a connection with God yet over 2/3 thought it was possible to know Him.

My conclusion: People need to understand that God desires to be involved in their lives on a daily basis. They need people to show them that God is real and that He can make a difference and wants to make a difference in their lives.

Thoughts...

Surgery done

I had surgery this past Tuesday on my shoulder. My surgeon told me in pre op that she was not confident she would be able to see anyhting she could repair. I told her that I hoped she would see something. In just a few minutes I was wheeled into the OR and the surgery began. The next thing I remember is waking up in the post op recovery room. It was a bit confusing at first but then I got my bearings.
My surgeon then came in and told me what she found. Apparently I have a partially torn rotator cuff, a partially torn labrum, and some stuff floating around that is not supposed to be there. I am not sure exactly what she was able to "fix" as I have a meeting with her next Friday to discuss things.
I guess until I talk with her I am unsure what my prognosis will be. I know I am sore but I cannot differentiate what is pain and what is post surgery soreness.
I am hoping that I will be able to get back to a "normal" life whatever that means. There is lots that needs to be done in many areas.