I read something today that choked me up a bit in a book called Crazy Love. It was found in the writing of a young girl who put words to the feelings I have burning in my heart - the thoughts that seem foolish, but resonate as true. This teenager would spend her baby-sitting money on Bibles that she passed out to all of her unsaved friends. She wrote this essay when she was 12 years old…
“SINCE I HAVE MY LIFE BEFORE ME”
by Brooke Bronkowski
I’ll live my life to the fullest. I’ll be happy. I’ll brighten up. I will be more joyful than I have ever been. I will be kind to others. I will loosen up. I will tell others about Christ. I will go on adventures and change the world. I will be bold and not change who I really am. I will have no troubles but instead help others with their troubles.
You see, I’ll be one of those people who live to be history makers at a young age. Oh, I’ll have moments, good and bad, but I will wipe away the bad and only remember the good. In fact that’s all I remember, just good moments, nothing in between, just living my life to the fullest. I’ll be one of those people who go somewhere with a mission, an awesome plan, a world-changing plan, and nothing will hold me back. I’ll set an example for others, I will pray for direction.
I have my life before me. I will give others the joy I have and God will give me more joy. I will do everything God tells me to do. I will follow the footsteps of God. I will do my best!!!
-----------------------
Three years after writing this, she was killed in a car accident. Around 200 people committed their lives to Jesus at her funeral.
Will you be a history maker?
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Standing by for Flight 895
I type to you from 34,841 feet above the earth’s surface. I think I’m somewhere near the North Pole. Most of the time I keep myself so busy that I don’t enjoy simply writing. Since I’m not going anywhere for 15 hours I will take the time to share a few moments of my Thanksgiving Day with you.
Have you ever flown stand-by before? It can be a grewling process. Hoping, praying that somehow you’ll get a seat on the flight you so desperately want to get on. You and a small crowd of people stand by the gate agent desk after every paying passenger is on board. Everyone waits for the deep sigh of relief that is the call of your name signifying that they have printed you a ticket. Knowing today’s flight from Chicago to Hong Kong was going to be a long one, I was putting all my positive thoughts toward getting a seat in First Class. Unlike most of my flights throughout the year, this had an actual possibility of happening. First class. Yes PLEASE. So in the days preceding this flight I’d send up little prayers of “Lord, please give me a flight in First!?” And since I’m wanting to hear God’s voice more on, well, every subject, I was attempting to listen.
During the hours before the flight, I felt like the slightest whisper from God was, “You’re not getting first class today.” What?! Must be hearing God wrong. He didn’t just say that? Nah. This is one of the few or only possibilities I will have for an amazing seat in First Class! “Please please please will you give me a seat in first?” Silence… with a grin. Do you ever feel that – God’s just grinning at you not saying a thing like an all-knowing dad? I tried to quench my whine of a prayer and tell Him how I’ll sit wherever he wants me to. Grimicing I thought, “So Lord, where will I be sitting?” He’s says, “Now how am I supposed to surprise you if I keep telling you before it happens? Sometimes I just want to leave it till the last second. Be patient.” Ooookay. He’s always good to me. I have no need to worry. But I still was caught holding my breath a bit. Finally, the call came over the speaker, “Passenger Melilli!” Awesome – I’m on! … but where? I ran over to the desk to gratefully collect my ticket. 7H. What does 7H mean? Seems like the front, but dare I get my hopes up? Wheeling my bags down the line to get on board, I decided to just get in the coach class line and handed the gate agent my ticket. He smiled and said, “I think you’ll be closer to your seat going through this door.” And ushered me through the other line door – the red carpet one!
As I practically skipped down the jetway, I was still a bit puzzled. I had thought business class was overbooked. Turns out it wasn’t! As soon as I sat down a flight attendant breezed by offering a tray filled with glasses of champagne or orange juice. I helped myself and tried hide my shear elation at the total comfort around me. God was right (as always), I wasn’t in First Class, but I was sure well taken care of. Thank you so much, Father God!
Have you ever flown stand-by before? It can be a grewling process. Hoping, praying that somehow you’ll get a seat on the flight you so desperately want to get on. You and a small crowd of people stand by the gate agent desk after every paying passenger is on board. Everyone waits for the deep sigh of relief that is the call of your name signifying that they have printed you a ticket. Knowing today’s flight from Chicago to Hong Kong was going to be a long one, I was putting all my positive thoughts toward getting a seat in First Class. Unlike most of my flights throughout the year, this had an actual possibility of happening. First class. Yes PLEASE. So in the days preceding this flight I’d send up little prayers of “Lord, please give me a flight in First!?” And since I’m wanting to hear God’s voice more on, well, every subject, I was attempting to listen.
During the hours before the flight, I felt like the slightest whisper from God was, “You’re not getting first class today.” What?! Must be hearing God wrong. He didn’t just say that? Nah. This is one of the few or only possibilities I will have for an amazing seat in First Class! “Please please please will you give me a seat in first?” Silence… with a grin. Do you ever feel that – God’s just grinning at you not saying a thing like an all-knowing dad? I tried to quench my whine of a prayer and tell Him how I’ll sit wherever he wants me to. Grimicing I thought, “So Lord, where will I be sitting?” He’s says, “Now how am I supposed to surprise you if I keep telling you before it happens? Sometimes I just want to leave it till the last second. Be patient.” Ooookay. He’s always good to me. I have no need to worry. But I still was caught holding my breath a bit. Finally, the call came over the speaker, “Passenger Melilli!” Awesome – I’m on! … but where? I ran over to the desk to gratefully collect my ticket. 7H. What does 7H mean? Seems like the front, but dare I get my hopes up? Wheeling my bags down the line to get on board, I decided to just get in the coach class line and handed the gate agent my ticket. He smiled and said, “I think you’ll be closer to your seat going through this door.” And ushered me through the other line door – the red carpet one!
As I practically skipped down the jetway, I was still a bit puzzled. I had thought business class was overbooked. Turns out it wasn’t! As soon as I sat down a flight attendant breezed by offering a tray filled with glasses of champagne or orange juice. I helped myself and tried hide my shear elation at the total comfort around me. God was right (as always), I wasn’t in First Class, but I was sure well taken care of. Thank you so much, Father God!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Walking by Faith
Now that the DTS is over and I have some time to travel around and see friends, I've been asking the question of myself, "How do I remain consistent in this life of following Jesus in all seasons?" Through this past weekend I've learned a lot about how to do this.
Recently I was debating going to this conference called Jesus Culture. "The conference is based on three principles: Encounter, Equip, Send. Our heart is to see a generation Encounter the presence of God and his radical love for them." - taken from their website. So I've had it on my heart to go. The ways I was sensing God telling me to go were just barely in the form of a whisper. Looking at my finances and how exhausted I was from travel it did not look like a good idea at all. I had been seeking to be more obedient to God's voice, so I decided to go in faith, trusting God to work out the details.
I arrived in Leicester with hours to kill before the registration for the conference opened up. After an hour at a coffee shop, I decided to go check out the venue. When I entered, bypassing the signs that read "Do not come in before 5PM!", I met a girl running around getting things in order. I explained that I had no where to be as I didn't have a place to stay and would be more than happy to help out in any way I could. She started to suggest different hotels, which I had looked into and knew were too expensive. I told her how I felt like God was going to provide something and asked her name. "Faith", she said. Oh yes! - I just met FAITH and felt like that was God just encouraging me that I didn't need to worry about it.
Since they didn't need any help, I set off in search of a park bench to read. Walking along I prayed silently... Abba, I know you're going to work something out for a place for me to stay tonight. Could it be with some lovely people in their home? and could I please have a bed and a room to myself? That would be really nice. I grinned to myself wondering what could happen.
When I returned a few hours later, I registered for the conference with a lovely girl named Sarah. While I was storing my backpack, she came up to me and asked if I would like to stay in their spare bedroom. (!) We hadn't talked more than a couple of minutes and she was opening her home to me. Thank you Lord! I later found out that normally she and her husband, Davy, would have taken in someone from the conference, but this year they didn't yet offer the room. God was saving a place for me!
The conference got off to a great start with every young person engaging in worship. There were probably around 400 young people there all passionately pouring out their praise. I had come expecting this and just enjoyed every minute. The Jesus Culture band plays wonderfully - but their hearts for Jesus are what shined brighter than the unified instruments. The whole time the speakers were dynamic and relevant, bringing fresh ideas. We all felt the presence of God moving among us during this time. As epic as it all was, I kept thinking about the days that follow a conference like this and how it was up to me daily to make the choice to follow Jesus in this same way.
I was especially impacted by one of the teaching sessions with Kim Walker, a worship leader. She simply told her testimony. Kim spent a few years not leading worship at all and during that time focused on loving Jesus with all she had. She said that she still was attending a school at Bethel Church and working, but any spare moment she had was an opportunity to connect more with the Lord. Her singular obsession was Jesus. Above all she guard this connection with His Spirit in every decision she makes. Later God slowly started opening up the doors for her to sing publicly... and now many many people are being ushered into the presence of God through her music. The title of her session was "Living a Lifestyle of Worship" which is exactly what I left desiring to explore more deeply on my own.
Personally, I was encouraged over all. God refreshed my weary heart and gave me lots of words and promises to lift me up. He has continued to add to my vision for future discipleship schools and give me new dreams.
Also, I needed a ride back to London. Someone in the conference pointed me in the direction of a guy named Nick who lived in London. I asked if I could ride with him and without hesitation he said yes. God provided again!
In general, I'm reminded of how we, as the body of Christ, should be like this naturally. So often we ignore the verses that say to take in the traveler or stranger in the name of fear or "what if...?" Most of my time I am that stranger in need. I was so blessed by the hospitality of Sarah, Davy, and Nick in Leicester. Throughout my year I can say there are many times that I encounter the love of Jesus in people that are willing to take me in as their own. I look so forward to someday having a home where I can extend the same generosity to others! Mi casa es su casa!
Recently I was debating going to this conference called Jesus Culture. "The conference is based on three principles: Encounter, Equip, Send. Our heart is to see a generation Encounter the presence of God and his radical love for them." - taken from their website. So I've had it on my heart to go. The ways I was sensing God telling me to go were just barely in the form of a whisper. Looking at my finances and how exhausted I was from travel it did not look like a good idea at all. I had been seeking to be more obedient to God's voice, so I decided to go in faith, trusting God to work out the details.
I arrived in Leicester with hours to kill before the registration for the conference opened up. After an hour at a coffee shop, I decided to go check out the venue. When I entered, bypassing the signs that read "Do not come in before 5PM!", I met a girl running around getting things in order. I explained that I had no where to be as I didn't have a place to stay and would be more than happy to help out in any way I could. She started to suggest different hotels, which I had looked into and knew were too expensive. I told her how I felt like God was going to provide something and asked her name. "Faith", she said. Oh yes! - I just met FAITH and felt like that was God just encouraging me that I didn't need to worry about it.
Since they didn't need any help, I set off in search of a park bench to read. Walking along I prayed silently... Abba, I know you're going to work something out for a place for me to stay tonight. Could it be with some lovely people in their home? and could I please have a bed and a room to myself? That would be really nice. I grinned to myself wondering what could happen.
When I returned a few hours later, I registered for the conference with a lovely girl named Sarah. While I was storing my backpack, she came up to me and asked if I would like to stay in their spare bedroom. (!) We hadn't talked more than a couple of minutes and she was opening her home to me. Thank you Lord! I later found out that normally she and her husband, Davy, would have taken in someone from the conference, but this year they didn't yet offer the room. God was saving a place for me!
The conference got off to a great start with every young person engaging in worship. There were probably around 400 young people there all passionately pouring out their praise. I had come expecting this and just enjoyed every minute. The Jesus Culture band plays wonderfully - but their hearts for Jesus are what shined brighter than the unified instruments. The whole time the speakers were dynamic and relevant, bringing fresh ideas. We all felt the presence of God moving among us during this time. As epic as it all was, I kept thinking about the days that follow a conference like this and how it was up to me daily to make the choice to follow Jesus in this same way.
I was especially impacted by one of the teaching sessions with Kim Walker, a worship leader. She simply told her testimony. Kim spent a few years not leading worship at all and during that time focused on loving Jesus with all she had. She said that she still was attending a school at Bethel Church and working, but any spare moment she had was an opportunity to connect more with the Lord. Her singular obsession was Jesus. Above all she guard this connection with His Spirit in every decision she makes. Later God slowly started opening up the doors for her to sing publicly... and now many many people are being ushered into the presence of God through her music. The title of her session was "Living a Lifestyle of Worship" which is exactly what I left desiring to explore more deeply on my own.
Personally, I was encouraged over all. God refreshed my weary heart and gave me lots of words and promises to lift me up. He has continued to add to my vision for future discipleship schools and give me new dreams.
Also, I needed a ride back to London. Someone in the conference pointed me in the direction of a guy named Nick who lived in London. I asked if I could ride with him and without hesitation he said yes. God provided again!
In general, I'm reminded of how we, as the body of Christ, should be like this naturally. So often we ignore the verses that say to take in the traveler or stranger in the name of fear or "what if...?" Most of my time I am that stranger in need. I was so blessed by the hospitality of Sarah, Davy, and Nick in Leicester. Throughout my year I can say there are many times that I encounter the love of Jesus in people that are willing to take me in as their own. I look so forward to someday having a home where I can extend the same generosity to others! Mi casa es su casa!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Evangelism. The scary E word.
God has been teaching me a lot about evangelism over the past few years. Today my conclusion is that it's simply being genuine in friendship and relationship without a 5 point process to selling Jesus. Just love people - in that they will encounter Jesus.
Every Friday night my school and I go into downtown Christchurch to practice the big "E" word. If you came across us in the city square you might see some playing football (soccer) with international students, others playing music and drawing a rhythm-loving crowd, some doing sidewalk chalk with kids, and dispersed throughout this scene are our students having conversations with whoever God brings across their path. No one has a "Roman road" laminated card in their pocket in case they need to reference how to lead someone to Jesus. It's love and kindness displayed in all sorts of creative ways.
Lots of questions are raised in this environment. Some are in regard to people being baffled at why a group of young people would simply want to hang out and care for others. Our own students often get into theological conversations that cause them to have to go back to the Bible and seek out answers to better understand their faith. Some people who don't believe in Jesus start to question their own views of God.
But what would you do in this scenario... Our group of fun-loving drummers are drawing a big crowd. The local Evangelist who has brought his loud speaker and "How to find Jesus" diagrams is also drawn to this group with the intent of converting some. As he knows we also are followers of Christ, he starts to find his way to the front and take center-stage hoping to launch into a sermon. In and throughout the crowd are YWAM students meeting people and engaging them in genuine conversation. If you are one of these drummers what do you do when the Evangelist asks to preach?
Every Friday night my school and I go into downtown Christchurch to practice the big "E" word. If you came across us in the city square you might see some playing football (soccer) with international students, others playing music and drawing a rhythm-loving crowd, some doing sidewalk chalk with kids, and dispersed throughout this scene are our students having conversations with whoever God brings across their path. No one has a "Roman road" laminated card in their pocket in case they need to reference how to lead someone to Jesus. It's love and kindness displayed in all sorts of creative ways.
Lots of questions are raised in this environment. Some are in regard to people being baffled at why a group of young people would simply want to hang out and care for others. Our own students often get into theological conversations that cause them to have to go back to the Bible and seek out answers to better understand their faith. Some people who don't believe in Jesus start to question their own views of God.
But what would you do in this scenario... Our group of fun-loving drummers are drawing a big crowd. The local Evangelist who has brought his loud speaker and "How to find Jesus" diagrams is also drawn to this group with the intent of converting some. As he knows we also are followers of Christ, he starts to find his way to the front and take center-stage hoping to launch into a sermon. In and throughout the crowd are YWAM students meeting people and engaging them in genuine conversation. If you are one of these drummers what do you do when the Evangelist asks to preach?
Friday, January 23, 2009
On the road again...
I've been encouraged to blog more, so here it goes...
An open road lies ahead of me. It's liberating yet still a little scary no matter how many times I do it. I departed the safe haven of Nashville this morning and flew to my childhood home of Denver. One of my favorite past-times is to be a tourist in my own hometown, so that was my mission today. The friend I'm staying with will not get off work until 5:30 and that left me with hours to explore. However, I did not get far with my huge backpack...
After taking the public bus to downtown I wondered a few blocks looking for the right coffee shop to retreat to until 5:30. As I walked I encountered various people asking for donations for this or that non-profit. Glimpes of my self reflected in storeshop windows revealed how silly I looked with my monsterous bag and I realized I was yet again homeless with my belongings on my back. Shuffling down Larimer Street I could see a good cafe, however there was another donation-asking guy standing between me and my goal. Even though my shoulders where whining under the weight of the pack, I listened with eye contact as the guy explained his predicament. He said he's selling a paper that helps raise awareness about homelessness and poverty and the proceeds of the sale ($1) go to help people like him that are struggleing and out of money. I tried to listen with an open heart not sure of what do to. After his speal, the question came, "Would you like to help me out?" And in my mix of fatigue and not sure how I could honestly be a help what came out of my mouth was a flat "no" and an attempt at saying I wish him the best of luck or something lame like that. As soon as the word left my mouth I felt like someone punched me in the stomache. The reality was, I lied to him. Everything in me wanted to help him. I live to help others now. It's my heart, it's God's heart. c o m p a s s i o n.
In my awkwardness I retreated into the shelter of the cafe and had time to think about the situation as I waited in line for coffee. I felt aweful. Sure you can't help everyone (I'd already turned down a few), but it's my heart's desire to help... somehow. I dug around in my bag and found a couple of snack bars and some money. Little hope-prayers went up that when I went
outside he would still be there. Sure enough, he was.... I apologized for lying to him and explained that it truely is my desire to ... help. He gave me the paper in exchange for the money and snacks and smiled as he walked off. Although I felt a little better, I wish there was someway to do more sometimes, you know? My encounters with people are brief as I travel, but I do pray that that guy would come to know the greatest HOPE and source of LIFE in Jesus.
Writing to you from The Market on Larimer Square...
An open road lies ahead of me. It's liberating yet still a little scary no matter how many times I do it. I departed the safe haven of Nashville this morning and flew to my childhood home of Denver. One of my favorite past-times is to be a tourist in my own hometown, so that was my mission today. The friend I'm staying with will not get off work until 5:30 and that left me with hours to explore. However, I did not get far with my huge backpack...
After taking the public bus to downtown I wondered a few blocks looking for the right coffee shop to retreat to until 5:30. As I walked I encountered various people asking for donations for this or that non-profit. Glimpes of my self reflected in storeshop windows revealed how silly I looked with my monsterous bag and I realized I was yet again homeless with my belongings on my back. Shuffling down Larimer Street I could see a good cafe, however there was another donation-asking guy standing between me and my goal. Even though my shoulders where whining under the weight of the pack, I listened with eye contact as the guy explained his predicament. He said he's selling a paper that helps raise awareness about homelessness and poverty and the proceeds of the sale ($1) go to help people like him that are struggleing and out of money. I tried to listen with an open heart not sure of what do to. After his speal, the question came, "Would you like to help me out?" And in my mix of fatigue and not sure how I could honestly be a help what came out of my mouth was a flat "no" and an attempt at saying I wish him the best of luck or something lame like that. As soon as the word left my mouth I felt like someone punched me in the stomache. The reality was, I lied to him. Everything in me wanted to help him. I live to help others now. It's my heart, it's God's heart. c o m p a s s i o n.
In my awkwardness I retreated into the shelter of the cafe and had time to think about the situation as I waited in line for coffee. I felt aweful. Sure you can't help everyone (I'd already turned down a few), but it's my heart's desire to help... somehow. I dug around in my bag and found a couple of snack bars and some money. Little hope-prayers went up that when I went
outside he would still be there. Sure enough, he was.... I apologized for lying to him and explained that it truely is my desire to ... help. He gave me the paper in exchange for the money and snacks and smiled as he walked off. Although I felt a little better, I wish there was someway to do more sometimes, you know? My encounters with people are brief as I travel, but I do pray that that guy would come to know the greatest HOPE and source of LIFE in Jesus.Writing to you from The Market on Larimer Square...
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