Written: August 25, 2011 - - 

"Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people." - Matthew 4:23

 

The other day April and I were out on a very rare and much appreciated date night (thank you babysitter friend!) While we were walking through Paseo Nuevo Mall, April decided she wanted to try on sunglasses at one of the stores. As we entered the shop, a very nice woman greeted us, saw little Elias (who was with us on our date) and began asking questions about our little one. It turns out she has a brother with Downs Syndrome. She was able to offer us great encouragement regarding Elias, and an instant connection was made between us. As the evening progressed, and after many pairs of sunglasses... (which by the way... what's going on with sunglasses these days? Am I getting old, or are the early 80's back in full force?) ...anyway, we began sharing about our recent transition back to Santa Barbara. As we shared about the church we serve at, and the ministry we feel God is calling us to, this woman began to beam with excitement. She wondered if our church is full of imperfect people, and if they are accepted and loved. She quickly expressed her desire to come this next Sunday! We hope and pray she does. 

 

I must confess that too often I don't live like I'm on mission with Jesus 24/7. So often I'm self-absorbed, rushed, and frankly too uncaring to stop and interact with people about the things that are most important. Jesus seemed to make the most of every situation. As I read the Gospels, it appears that Jesus' ministry was wherever He was at the moment. I don't know about you, but I want to live that way.

                                                             

As we begin "Journey Ministries," it really is the start of a new journey for us. One of the main goals of Journey is to provide young people with both teaching and opportunity to live out their mission in everyday life. I'm convinced that great transformation not only happens in the church pew, but on the street corner, the coffee shop, or maybe the sunglass shop.