Hello! Remember my 'Invisible Children' blog a few months back (check it out in the archives to the right). Well, the cool thing is that there is always something going on with the movement in which to participate. The most current upcoming event is the 'Global Night Commute,' which is happening all over the world on the night of this Saturday, April 29th. It's also happening at the Courthouse square in Morgantown, WV! What is it, you say? Well, you can visit invisiblechildren.com (also featured in my links to the right) to find out everything you need to know. But in brief, we (as in the public in general) are being asked to 'commute' to somewhere in our city (it's happening at various locations in various cities in the U.S.), in our case the Courthouse square, at 7 PM with our sleeping bags and spend the night there until 7 AM Sunday morning. WHY in the WORLD do THAT??? Well, it's what children and families in northern Uganda have to do EVERY night (i.e. commute to a place many miles from their homes on foot to find a safe place to sleep so that they will not be kidnapped by bands of militia in the night and forced into service as a soldier and told to kill their friends and family or else they will be killed), and we want to show our support of their necessary hardship. The more awareness is raised about this injustice in the world we share, the more action will be taken to help make it right, and the less necessary it will be for these children to have to flee their homes every night just to feel safe. Come out for a while even if you can't spend the whole night.April 27, 2006
Global Night Commute
Hello! Remember my 'Invisible Children' blog a few months back (check it out in the archives to the right). Well, the cool thing is that there is always something going on with the movement in which to participate. The most current upcoming event is the 'Global Night Commute,' which is happening all over the world on the night of this Saturday, April 29th. It's also happening at the Courthouse square in Morgantown, WV! What is it, you say? Well, you can visit invisiblechildren.com (also featured in my links to the right) to find out everything you need to know. But in brief, we (as in the public in general) are being asked to 'commute' to somewhere in our city (it's happening at various locations in various cities in the U.S.), in our case the Courthouse square, at 7 PM with our sleeping bags and spend the night there until 7 AM Sunday morning. WHY in the WORLD do THAT??? Well, it's what children and families in northern Uganda have to do EVERY night (i.e. commute to a place many miles from their homes on foot to find a safe place to sleep so that they will not be kidnapped by bands of militia in the night and forced into service as a soldier and told to kill their friends and family or else they will be killed), and we want to show our support of their necessary hardship. The more awareness is raised about this injustice in the world we share, the more action will be taken to help make it right, and the less necessary it will be for these children to have to flee their homes every night just to feel safe. Come out for a while even if you can't spend the whole night.
April 20, 2006
April.06 prayer letter
Here's my April prayer letter for supporters of the ministry. It's a longer one this time, so make sure you don't give up before the end!
'With only two ‘regular’ h2o services left (April 23rd & 30th), it definitely feels like the end of the year is upon us. But as with many endings (which of course are really only beginnings of other things), the activity seems to exponentially increase right up to crossing that finish line, like a runner’s last burst of speed at the end of a long race. In other words, it’s a busy season around here and we want to go out with a bang!
Some of the upcoming events: tomorrow (Thursday the 20th), we are hosting at Billy’s house perhaps my favorite few hours of the year. It’s the annual Passover Seder dinner, and it’s grown so popular that this year we’ve had to limit attendance to ‘invitation-only’ due to space constraints. We set up low tables, as close as we can simulate to a traditional Jewish setting, down in a lower room in the house, light candles, and have people gather ‘round on pillows. Lamb is served of course, along with any other ‘kosher’ dish (meaning no yeast, no dairy products, and a number of other restrictions). We are led through the significance of each part of the meal by an awesome guy, Jerry Haynes, who is a friend of ours and who leads Seders all over the country (and he says Morgantown is one of his favorite places to do it!). It’s truly a remarkable experience, and it greatly increases one’s knowledge of Jewish history AND how Christ fulfilled all the prophecies about himself, ultimately as becoming the Passover lamb. I’m greatly looking forward to this special night.
The following day, Friday the 21st, our next-to-last ‘regular’ open mic of the year will take place at the Waterhouse, and I’m particularly excited about this one because I’m debuting a few songs I co-wrote with my friend Ryan Huffman. Ryan is an artist as well as a ‘lyrical poet,’ and he’s put together two booklets of his ‘lyrics’ or poems that he has graciously let me read, and I’ve been putting a few of them to music. I’ve mentioned Ryan before as a great friend and leader, and now I want to let you know that he also has come on staff with GCM as a part-time intern as he finishes school. So please pray for him as he raises support and continues to serve in our faith community.
Also on Friday is my friend J. Nicholson’s CD release concert at Chestnut Ridge Church. I make note of it because, for one, he’s my friend and I’m proud of him (he hired a producer in Nashville and recorded the tracks professionally down there over the last year) and also because he’s the first recording artist in our fellowship to put out a CD under the name ‘Deepwater Media Group.’ DMG is a project of Chestnut Ridge and h2o that has been in the works for years and is now taking shape through things like J.’s CD and monthly gatherings called genesisarts community where artists in various fields have discussions and workshops. I’ve written a little about Deepwater Media in my latest blog (kingfriend.blogspot.com), in previous prayer letters, and I’m sure I’ll write more on it in the future. I’m thrilled to use my songwriting in community this way. I may get to offer a few songs for J.’s next CD! Please pray for Deepwater Media as we grow and seek to utilize the arts to express God’s amazing story of which we’re all a part.
Okay, so we’re up to Saturday, the 22nd! Some of the h2o worship band and I are going to Alderson Broaddus College in Philippi, WV to lead worship for Omega, a West Virginia American Baptist day-event for youth from all over the state. My sister Colleen is on the Youth Ministry Planning Team responsible for such events, and when she asked us to do this I was so happy to be a part of it in this way (I used to go to Omega every year in high school and then was on the planning team my senior year just like my sister!). Please pray for our safe travel and that we inspire the youth to experience God in rich, authentic worship.
When we get back Saturday evening, many of us will go to Billy’s house for the Mustache Bash, h2o’s spring party. Last year we did the Napoleon Dynamite party, which turned out to be quite a hit because of all the thought put into the themed decorations and activities. We’re hoping this will be just as fun. (If you’re wondering, basically the Mustache Bash is just an excuse to get together, eat and have fun. The ‘plus’ is that we’ve been encouraging guys to grow facial hair to reveal some crazy mustache that night, and for anybody else, including gals, to come up with some creative way to wear a mustache. There will be prizes in many different categories.) Please pray for the leadership team as we get everything together to make this happen, and pray for the students who attend h2o to invite people out to a positive environment where it’s okay to be a little silly. J
Then of course we have the last 2 h2os, this Sunday and next, and we really want them to be memorable and full of energy (which can be tough when your leadership team is already tired from writing end-of-semester papers and studying for final exams!). So please pray that we end on a high note; these last services are usually some of the best-attended of the semester. We will actually continue h2o into the summer for the first time ever this year, so praise God! The summer services will be more like our ‘h2o unplugged’ services we sometimes have due to lower attendance, but there is a team of people who will be here over the break and so I’m glad for continuity’s sake that we’re doing this. Pray that whoever is in town will continue the fellowship with this community during this time and that we can plan some great things for the fall semester.
Some of the upcoming events: tomorrow (Thursday the 20th), we are hosting at Billy’s house perhaps my favorite few hours of the year. It’s the annual Passover Seder dinner, and it’s grown so popular that this year we’ve had to limit attendance to ‘invitation-only’ due to space constraints. We set up low tables, as close as we can simulate to a traditional Jewish setting, down in a lower room in the house, light candles, and have people gather ‘round on pillows. Lamb is served of course, along with any other ‘kosher’ dish (meaning no yeast, no dairy products, and a number of other restrictions). We are led through the significance of each part of the meal by an awesome guy, Jerry Haynes, who is a friend of ours and who leads Seders all over the country (and he says Morgantown is one of his favorite places to do it!). It’s truly a remarkable experience, and it greatly increases one’s knowledge of Jewish history AND how Christ fulfilled all the prophecies about himself, ultimately as becoming the Passover lamb. I’m greatly looking forward to this special night.
The following day, Friday the 21st, our next-to-last ‘regular’ open mic of the year will take place at the Waterhouse, and I’m particularly excited about this one because I’m debuting a few songs I co-wrote with my friend Ryan Huffman. Ryan is an artist as well as a ‘lyrical poet,’ and he’s put together two booklets of his ‘lyrics’ or poems that he has graciously let me read, and I’ve been putting a few of them to music. I’ve mentioned Ryan before as a great friend and leader, and now I want to let you know that he also has come on staff with GCM as a part-time intern as he finishes school. So please pray for him as he raises support and continues to serve in our faith community.
Also on Friday is my friend J. Nicholson’s CD release concert at Chestnut Ridge Church. I make note of it because, for one, he’s my friend and I’m proud of him (he hired a producer in Nashville and recorded the tracks professionally down there over the last year) and also because he’s the first recording artist in our fellowship to put out a CD under the name ‘Deepwater Media Group.’ DMG is a project of Chestnut Ridge and h2o that has been in the works for years and is now taking shape through things like J.’s CD and monthly gatherings called genesisarts community where artists in various fields have discussions and workshops. I’ve written a little about Deepwater Media in my latest blog (kingfriend.blogspot.com), in previous prayer letters, and I’m sure I’ll write more on it in the future. I’m thrilled to use my songwriting in community this way. I may get to offer a few songs for J.’s next CD! Please pray for Deepwater Media as we grow and seek to utilize the arts to express God’s amazing story of which we’re all a part.
Okay, so we’re up to Saturday, the 22nd! Some of the h2o worship band and I are going to Alderson Broaddus College in Philippi, WV to lead worship for Omega, a West Virginia American Baptist day-event for youth from all over the state. My sister Colleen is on the Youth Ministry Planning Team responsible for such events, and when she asked us to do this I was so happy to be a part of it in this way (I used to go to Omega every year in high school and then was on the planning team my senior year just like my sister!). Please pray for our safe travel and that we inspire the youth to experience God in rich, authentic worship.
When we get back Saturday evening, many of us will go to Billy’s house for the Mustache Bash, h2o’s spring party. Last year we did the Napoleon Dynamite party, which turned out to be quite a hit because of all the thought put into the themed decorations and activities. We’re hoping this will be just as fun. (If you’re wondering, basically the Mustache Bash is just an excuse to get together, eat and have fun. The ‘plus’ is that we’ve been encouraging guys to grow facial hair to reveal some crazy mustache that night, and for anybody else, including gals, to come up with some creative way to wear a mustache. There will be prizes in many different categories.) Please pray for the leadership team as we get everything together to make this happen, and pray for the students who attend h2o to invite people out to a positive environment where it’s okay to be a little silly. J
Then of course we have the last 2 h2os, this Sunday and next, and we really want them to be memorable and full of energy (which can be tough when your leadership team is already tired from writing end-of-semester papers and studying for final exams!). So please pray that we end on a high note; these last services are usually some of the best-attended of the semester. We will actually continue h2o into the summer for the first time ever this year, so praise God! The summer services will be more like our ‘h2o unplugged’ services we sometimes have due to lower attendance, but there is a team of people who will be here over the break and so I’m glad for continuity’s sake that we’re doing this. Pray that whoever is in town will continue the fellowship with this community during this time and that we can plan some great things for the fall semester.
Speaking of summer, as I mentioned last time, my (and Sarah’s) summer will be spent in Wilmington, NC at GCM’s ‘Leadership Training’ or LT. We have a few students from WVU and Fairmont State attending it, so we’re pumped about that! So what is LT? Well, basically it’s 10 weeks of intense fellowship and faith-stretching training. It very much reflects some of the values of which I’ve written before: ‘soul connection’ and ‘faith ventures.’ Students will get jobs in Wilmington, either at hotels and grocery stores or something in their major. They will live in apartment buildings together and meet in small groups through the week. They will receive training in the Word and evangelism, among other church leadership qualities. They will have many opportunities to share their faith and grow in their walks with Christ. Sarah and I will help facilitate the program in any we can, whether it’s listening to and ‘counseling’ students through their experiences, leading worship times, or just offering an encouraging word. I’ve seen students come back from LT with a fire and passion they didn’t previously have, and so I’m so excited to be a part of this life-change.
As I close this letter, I have a special request for each of you who support GCM for my staff position or have supported in the past: I need to raise funds for the cost of the program as well as living expenses for Sarah’s and my participation in LT. It comes to between two and three thousand dollars. I would like each of you to consider sending in an additional gift to GCM in May, beyond what you already give or have given. If you give monthly, consider giving a double amount in May. If you give with some other frequency, please consider how much you may be able to send in during May. If all of you who read/receive this letter give something, this need will easily be met. Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity! Contact me by e-mail, letter or phone if you have any questions.
As I close this letter, I have a special request for each of you who support GCM for my staff position or have supported in the past: I need to raise funds for the cost of the program as well as living expenses for Sarah’s and my participation in LT. It comes to between two and three thousand dollars. I would like each of you to consider sending in an additional gift to GCM in May, beyond what you already give or have given. If you give monthly, consider giving a double amount in May. If you give with some other frequency, please consider how much you may be able to send in during May. If all of you who read/receive this letter give something, this need will easily be met. Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity! Contact me by e-mail, letter or phone if you have any questions.
In Christ,
Cameron'
April 18, 2006
slacking & lacking...
Hello! Just wanted to apologize for my lack of posts since I created this here weblog. It looks I average only about 3 posts a month. Not great. I have TONS of thoughts and (I think) interesting things to write about/discuss, but I just haven't developed the habit of getting on here every few days and sharing them with you. I'm going to try to do better. Here's some current thoughts/happenings in my life.
As some of you know, I am, among other things, a songwriter. I'm so thankful for this drive and passion in my life; it's a joyful thing to be able to create something 'beautiful' out of just an idea. And yet music is more than just an expression of an idea; into a song enters something else that is substantial on its own. I heard a quote recently (well, I had heard it before, but I recently found it written down) that comments on this extraordinary phenomena. It's from Arthur Shopenhauer:
'Music is thus by no means like the other arts, the copy of the Ideas, but the copy of the will itself, whose objectivity these Ideas are. This is why the effect of music is much more powerful and penetrating than that of the other arts, for they speak only of shadows, but it speaks of thing itself.'
Read more about Shopenhauer here. I don't fully understand this quote, but it awakens something fascinating in my mind as a lover of the creation of music. I heard it partially explained once something like this: A painting of a tree merely represents a tree that already exists in the real world; it's the 'copy of the Idea' of a tree. But a song about the trees, while of course copying the characteristics of trees in the lyrics, invokes something else in the music on the emotional level perhaps that... hmm, gosh, it's really hard to explain! But think about the Schopenhaur quote for a while and leave me a comment.
I got the quote from the Deepwater Media Group website (I've added their link to the right). This is an in-house art production company, particularly for church use, that seeks to utilize image, word and sound to 'communicate provocative, eternal and transcendant truths.' It's headed by my friend Trey Dunham, and I'm so excited to offer my songwriting passion toward its goals.
I have recently joined up with my friend Ryan Huffman (the link to his blog is to the right) and his lyrical skills to co-write some songs, and it's been a blast. Someday you all will be able to hear the recordings of these and hopefully all my songs! Stay tuned for that...
April 6, 2006
Passion
The Passion, a live-stage-musical-production put on by Chestnut Ridge Church (the 'mother' church of h2o), is being performed RIGHT NOW at Morgantown High School auditorium! In fact, opening night was last evening (the 7:00 PM shows are Wednesday through Saturday, 5th - 9th; the 3:00 PM shows are Saturday and Sunday, 8th & 9th). As I mentioned in my most recent prayer letter and previous post, I'm portraying Jesus to the best of my ability. So just in case anyone didn't know by now or hadn't decided to come and bring a friend, come out and support me and everyone putting on this play and enjoy a memorable evening of art, music, drama (even some comedy), and a slice of the greatest story ever told. There's more information at seethepassion.org.March 22, 2006
March '06 prayer letter
Here is my March prayer letter to supporters of the ministry. Enjoy!
'The students are back from Spring Break and already you can feel the countdown to and anticipation of summer. It is said that spring is a difficult time for any program that involves youth and young people because they’re often out involved in new activities of the season. This seems true for h2o like everyone else, but on the other hand (like my last letter expounded upon), I sense the strong foundation of a deep commitment from many of our leaders in particular. These are the ones willing to step up and stick it out for whatever task to which they are called. These are the ones I really look forward to seeing and meeting with EARLY on Wednesday morning (6:30 AM) for leadership discussion and prayer. They’ve been very helpful during our current large-scale event, March Madness at the Waterhouse, taking shifts for the many NCAA tournament games we’re showing (go Mountaineers) and inviting their friends out. We’re looking forward to seeing more students coming to watch basketball at our building now that school is back in session. Please keep praying for this event, as it can be a great ‘foot in the door’ for many students and just a fun environment to get to know someone. Pray that we keep inviting people and keep utilizing this opportunity to show kindness.
Spring Break gave Sarah and I the opportunity to take a fun little trip: we went down to Wilmington, NC for a few days. I know some of you live down in that area and I hope we get to visit with you at least once this summer, for we are going to be living there for 10 weeks! That’s why we went, just to ‘scope out’ the town and become at least a little familiar with major roads and locations. Great Commission Ministries provides a ten-week leadership training program (appropriately named LT for Leadership Training) for students, and most GCM employees (like myself) are the people who lead and facilitate during this time. This summer the location WVU is going to is Wilmington (there are at least 3 other LTs
around the U.S. and world that I know of). I’ll write more about LT in next month’s letter. Here we are on the road:
I gave my second message to date at h2o this Sunday, which I enjoy getting to do when Billy asks. We’re following the traditional topic series of the ancient church during the Lenten season leading up to Easter, and my message was on ‘The Call to Repentance.’ Please pray for our last 6 official h2o services of the semester, that we go out with a bang and leave students excited for returning in the fall.
One last thing that I would love some prayer for this month is the upcoming Passion play that Chestnut Ridge Church is producing. As some of you know, I have the great honor and huge responsibility of performing the role of Jesus, and any support in this endeavor is appreciated more than you know. Practices are becoming more often and more intense as we draw very near to the shows: April 5-9. :o)
Spring Break gave Sarah and I the opportunity to take a fun little trip: we went down to Wilmington, NC for a few days. I know some of you live down in that area and I hope we get to visit with you at least once this summer, for we are going to be living there for 10 weeks! That’s why we went, just to ‘scope out’ the town and become at least a little familiar with major roads and locations. Great Commission Ministries provides a ten-week leadership training program (appropriately named LT for Leadership Training) for students, and most GCM employees (like myself) are the people who lead and facilitate during this time. This summer the location WVU is going to is Wilmington (there are at least 3 other LTs
around the U.S. and world that I know of). I’ll write more about LT in next month’s letter. Here we are on the road:I gave my second message to date at h2o this Sunday, which I enjoy getting to do when Billy asks. We’re following the traditional topic series of the ancient church during the Lenten season leading up to Easter, and my message was on ‘The Call to Repentance.’ Please pray for our last 6 official h2o services of the semester, that we go out with a bang and leave students excited for returning in the fall.
One last thing that I would love some prayer for this month is the upcoming Passion play that Chestnut Ridge Church is producing. As some of you know, I have the great honor and huge responsibility of performing the role of Jesus, and any support in this endeavor is appreciated more than you know. Practices are becoming more often and more intense as we draw very near to the shows: April 5-9. :o)
In Christ,
Cameron'
Cameron'
March 21, 2006
More basketball...
Wow, March Madness really is 'mad.' The games just don't quit! So we're not quitting with showing them at the Waterhouse either. Join us if you're in town this weekend to watch the Sweet Sixteen and the Elite Eight.
How about them Mounties? So do you think we can beat Texas? I think anything's possible with the Mountaineers. I've personally called them the 'Heartbreakers' for many years now because of how they mess with your emotions so much. No matter how terribly they might perform for any particular game or season, as a fan you always come back with fresh hope. You find yourself really believing that they can win ANY game and that they could be the champions of the whole thing. It goes beyond hope; you really think that because you're watching a game and you're so tied up in it that they can do anything. It's really quite amazing.
And so when they let you down, you come WAY down, crashing to the bottom. But then there's always another game, another season, and your heart starts pounding as they (sometimes rockily) advance, coming nearer to that unbelievable win or 3-point shot. I guess you could say a Mountaineer fan has 'faith' in their team, and they experience the ups and downs as if they were on the court with Pittsnogle or Gansey. It's one of those 'beautiful terrible' things in life that lets you in on the full spectrum of emotion, experiencing everything more richly and in sharper tones.
Wow, who knew the Mountaineers could be so inspiring? :o)
How about them Mounties? So do you think we can beat Texas? I think anything's possible with the Mountaineers. I've personally called them the 'Heartbreakers' for many years now because of how they mess with your emotions so much. No matter how terribly they might perform for any particular game or season, as a fan you always come back with fresh hope. You find yourself really believing that they can win ANY game and that they could be the champions of the whole thing. It goes beyond hope; you really think that because you're watching a game and you're so tied up in it that they can do anything. It's really quite amazing.
And so when they let you down, you come WAY down, crashing to the bottom. But then there's always another game, another season, and your heart starts pounding as they (sometimes rockily) advance, coming nearer to that unbelievable win or 3-point shot. I guess you could say a Mountaineer fan has 'faith' in their team, and they experience the ups and downs as if they were on the court with Pittsnogle or Gansey. It's one of those 'beautiful terrible' things in life that lets you in on the full spectrum of emotion, experiencing everything more richly and in sharper tones.
Wow, who knew the Mountaineers could be so inspiring? :o)
March 8, 2006
BIG EAST @ THE WATERHOUSE
Just wanted to let everybody in the Morgantown area know about some MARCH MADNESS happening on BIG SCREENS at the WATERHOUSE!!! We're kicking it off as I type with the BIG EAST TOURNAMENT at MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, the most watched college basketball tournament other than the NCAA tournament itself! We just watched Syracuse barely beat Cincinatti with a crazy 3-pointer with less than one second to go (Cincy had a very decent half-court try as the buzzer went off but the shot didn't fall through). Notre Dame and Georgetown just tipped off (at 2:30). We are showing EVERY BIG EAST TOURNEY GAME, of course rooting for our own MOUNTAINEERS who play tomorrow night at 9 PM the winner of the Pitt/Louisville game tonight at 9 PM as well. Come out and watch the tournament whenever you get a chance! There's games today, right now and at 7 and 9 PM and tomorrow at 12 noon, 2:00, 7:00 and 9:00 PM, Thursday at 7 and 9 PM, and the championship game Saturday at 8 PM. Refreshments are being sold for 50 cents (pop, water, chips, candy bars).February 27, 2006
February '06 prayer letter
Hello! Here's my February prayer letter to supporters. Sorry this is getting out so late, everyone! I was hoping it would be a mid-month update, but it looks like it's turned into more of a end-of-month update. :o) Enjoy!
Dated February 19, 2006:
"It is a good season for the movement of h2o. I just feel like we are beginning to hit on all the cylinders we should be. Here are some of the reasons I am joyful:
1. New canvas groups. I’m not sure if I’ve explained what ‘canvas groups’ are before, but even if I have, it’s good to reiterate because they really foster the heartbeat value of our faith community, which is ‘soul connection.’ Some of you might grasp the nature of these groups if I simply said they were ‘Bible studies,’ and while it’s true that we study the Bible in them, I think the images that canvas brings to mind more fully reflects who we are in these groups. If you were asked to describe three main purposes for canvas, you would probably find yourself thinking of canvas that’s used for art and a material utilized for tents to camp in and sails on a ship. We believe these to be good images for us as we seek to grow together in our walks with Christ. Like paint on a canvas, we are God’s work of art in progress, His ‘masterpiece.’ Like a tent temporarily set up in the wilderness, we are sojourners, people on a journey with God. And like the sails on a ship, we let the fresh wind of the Holy Spirit guide and breathe into us. The image below is something I made for use on business cards for 
students to hand out when inviting people to the groups. The back of the card would reflect the four values of the groups and would contain information relative to each canvas group like time and location of the meeting. Here’s the back for the new canvas group that meets at my house:
students to hand out when inviting people to the groups. The back of the card would reflect the four values of the groups and would contain information relative to each canvas group like time and location of the meeting. Here’s the back for the new canvas group that meets at my house:
'Exsatio' is Latin for 'satisfy, glut' and we chose it to show the kind of satisfaction in God we will seek together: satisfaction to excess. John Piper has a quote that goes, ‘God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.’ It has been a sweet time of fellowship, prayer and study so far and has grown to around 15 people this semester, which is just about the ideal size for the purposes of the group; if we get above 20 we’ll probably encourage some to branch off and start another group somewhere else in town or on campus. That’s a big part of the vision we have at h2o: to see these little communities pop up everywhere and affect a small part of the world around them. Right now we have three: Renovaré (which means ‘renovate’) on Monday, Veritas (which means ‘truth’) on Tuesday, and Exsatio on Wednesday. Please pray for these canvas groups, that they grow and multiply, and that the people in them sharpen each other and ‘encourage and spur one another on toward love and good deeds’ as they live out the values we uphold. I believe I’ve mentioned the four values (authentic worship, soul connection, faith ventures, and creative expression) before as well; I’ll write more on them in a future letter.
2. New soul groups. Well, I’m just blasting you with our crazy fresh lingo in this letter! A deeper mode of connection and growth is realized in our soul groups, which are even smaller gatherings of only 2 or 3 guys or 2 or 3 girls. If they grow to 4, the group should branch off into two new groups. This small size and same-gender atmosphere is really the only way to experience intense discipleship and mentorship. At our retreat earlier this semester (which I wrote about last time), we looked at how Jesus used mentorship to multiply his ministry. He had various levels of contact with different groups of people, from his 1 ‘main man’ Peter to 2 his inner group of three to 3 his twelve disciples to 4 the seventy he sent out to 5 the group of hundreds or thousands who followed Him. We were encouraged to look at the connections we had with people in our own lives and begin to be purposeful about maintaining these five levels of influence or mentorship. Jesus really was the most brilliant man to walk the earth!
I am now meeting regularly in my own soul group with Jacob and Joseph (who I call ‘Jake’ and ‘Joe’). I had wanted to do this for quite a while; in fact, I believe I asked for prayer about it a few months ago. I guess God works in His own timing (or else my timing was a little slow)! I am excited as we begin to sharpen each other in three major areas: the Word, prayer, and evangelism. We’ll have goals each week in one or more of these areas, and if we all together don’t meet them, we will repeat the same goals the following and every week until we all attain them (for instance, a goal might be to read 25 chapters of the Bible before we meet again). If we’re all easily fulfilling our goals, then we’ll ‘up the ante’ and increase them to something more challenging. It’s a joy to work with guys who have such open and willing hearts, and I’m looking forward to the growth we’ll all take part in. Please pray for us and the soul groups that are forming all over.
I am now meeting regularly in my own soul group with Jacob and Joseph (who I call ‘Jake’ and ‘Joe’). I had wanted to do this for quite a while; in fact, I believe I asked for prayer about it a few months ago. I guess God works in His own timing (or else my timing was a little slow)! I am excited as we begin to sharpen each other in three major areas: the Word, prayer, and evangelism. We’ll have goals each week in one or more of these areas, and if we all together don’t meet them, we will repeat the same goals the following and every week until we all attain them (for instance, a goal might be to read 25 chapters of the Bible before we meet again). If we’re all easily fulfilling our goals, then we’ll ‘up the ante’ and increase them to something more challenging. It’s a joy to work with guys who have such open and willing hearts, and I’m looking forward to the growth we’ll all take part in. Please pray for us and the soul groups that are forming all over.
3. New drive in leadership. I’ve mentioned some of our leaders by name and in general before, and I continue to be thankful for the commitment I see from them. We’ve decided to meet every Wednesday morning at 6:30 AM because that early is one of the only times we can all meet together because of how busy our schedules are! Those of you who know me well may remember that I’m not much of a morning person, but I tell you, God has woken me up and given me energy and I’ve had some great times getting ‘in the trenches’ with my co-laborers. We discuss areas of the ministry we need to get working on and logistics of upcoming events, and then at 7:15 we open up the time to anyone who wants to come in and pray with us (we meet at the Waterhouse) and let our praises and requests rise to God like the morning mist we see at that time of day. Please pray for some great events coming up that have real potential to reach people and show them kindness (specifically, this Tuesday we’re inviting people in to the Waterhouse for a free ‘Fat Stack O’ Tuesday’ pancake dinner; then all through March we’re going to show EVERY March Madness NCAA basketball tournament game, including the Big East tournament, on big screens at the Waterhouse; any of you in town are welcome to come and be a part of that if you like!). And pray for our student leaders, that they continue to balance well all their responsibilities with school and work and the ministry.
So you can see why I have great cause to praise God and thank Him for moving among the hearts of people who have become quite dear to me! Please keep lifting up this ministry. And please keep faith in me with your support; I’m young and have a lot of growing to do, but I’m committed to that journey with all I am. :o)
In Christ,
Cameron"
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