the encounter

Two generations now have grown up with a tv perspective on life. We’ve all been infected with the notion that all problems should be solved within 30 minutes. That same thought process carries over into the church. Stay with me on this one. There is a sense in that no matter where we’ve been and no matter what we’ve done, running down the aisle of the church will bring automatic release and removal of all problems.

Much like tv life, that is not realistic or true.

Our youth group, momentum, watched the movie,Imposter last night. In the movie Kevin Max from DC Talk plays a Christian rock singer whose life spins out of control because of his addiction to himself. The movie takes a very untypical approach in his return to his family, friends, and Christ.

There is no climactic, come-down-the-aisle scene. There is no great reunion between him and his wife. There is no weeping moment of reconciliation with his friends. Instead there is a process of brokenness, a path of rebuilding trust, and a deeper change in a broken man’s life. In the words of thedialogfrom the movie…

“God is more concerned that our hero go through a process than zapping him with spiritualmorphine.”

How refreshing to see a real life approach to a man’s walk with God. How genuine to see family and friends be slow to restore trust. How honest to see a man wrestle with himself and humility.

For 70s and 80s music fans you’ll also enjoy seeing Kerry Livgren from Kansas. For 90s and 2000s Christian music fans, you’ll enjoy seeing Jeff Deyo from Sonic Flood!

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The momentum students will experience 4 days of a unique camp experience. Along with camp team-building activities, games, worship settings, and Bible study, they will also meet each day with children who are refugees from the countries of Bhutan and Burma.

These children and their families have been relocated by the United Nations in cities throughout the nation – one of which is Dallas. Sabine Creek Ranch provides a 4 day day-camp setting for the children complete with games, ropes-course activities, water games, crafts, and worship services. The students of momentum will team up to help each day the children. They will experience a round-the-world mission opportunity without ever leaving the state.

In praying for the students and leaders, here is a helpful list of things to remember. Pray for…

• students to have hearts that are open to hear from God
• the grace and reality of Christ to been seen in the students lives as they relate to the children
• each student to realize the value of a personal relationship with Christ
• students to have the heart of a servant
• students to find the courage to live out their faith as they return home
• adult leaders as they relate to the students
• protection and peace
• the Spirit of God to overwhelm hearts in our worship times

Much has gone into the planning and preparation of this week. Many have given, supported, helped, and will be transporting students. Your prayers for the students and leaders increases the team of people that are focused on making this week a success.

Thanks for joining us! We look forward to the stories of God at work to follow!

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the junior high and high school summer camp this year will experience something quite different at summer camp. the experience will be July 16-21 at Sabine Creek Ranch in Royce City.

along with the regular camp experience of zip lines, water blob, team games, worship, and times to meet with God, students will have something unique to experience each day.

the camp will host children from the country of Bhutan each day in a Vacation Bible School format. the children are part of a refugee community in nearby cities that the camp has developed a relationship with. most speak English and are from Hindu backgrounds. momentumstudents will have the opportunity of talking to, working, and playing with these children each day.

students will be challenged throughout the week on all levels to make their faith their own and to “Walk it Out”. for more information on this year’s camp experience, contact Phil Humbert at 512-415-5905.

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after you finish the mission mode of Call of Duty World at War, there is another battle called “Nazi Zombies”. its an endless game of self-defense against a zombie bent on destroying you. their pursuit is persistent and endless. the odd thing is – you cannot completely defeat them! you can only keep them at bay. victory is in keeping from killing you.

Nazi Zombies is a great illustration of the soul battles we face. in talking with the teenage guys at momentum last night we used this to better understand the battles they face. it was an easy identifier for the guys.

they were filled with questions and personal honesty about their zombies. an hour had gone by and they wanted to continue! they are young men bent on chasing after God and assuming their place as humble warriors.

teenager or not, we all face personal zombies that come in the form of pride, anger, bitterness, greed, lust, resentment, selfishness, laziness, stubbornness, pretentiousness, condemnation, etc. they are relentless, persistent, and deadly.

the only way they can be defeated is through the strength of Christ in our life. yet because of the zombie-like nature we are born with, the battle will always exist. it is not one we will have complete victory over until we are in heaven.

until then the victory is in keeping these zombies from destroying us.

so we fight continually. we fight with determination. we fight with confidence. we fight knowing that our battle is not against others, but against the rage of our own selfish nature. there we kill the zombies, crucify them, and stand in the power of Christ’s life.

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summer time is approaching and the number of students at momentum is soaring. there were 46 at last night’s gathering of high school and junior high students! seems that dividing the students for discussion that is relevant to their age and gender is significant.

in each group we’re talking about what it means to live as young men and women of God. we’re also dealing with the specific pressures, temptations,and stresses that each face.

we’re seeing much greater honesty, discussion, and vulnerability in each of the settings. which of course leads to more openness to God, personal change, and deeper relationships. Godrushes to scene of humility.and we’re loving every minute of what He’s doing here!

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