In 2007, Beth and I were perusing the Compassion website searching for our first sponsor child. I'll admit it. I agreed to begin sponsoring a child through Compassion International because I thought I was doing something great for a child in a developing country.

I didn't expect it to change me.

Beth spent a semester in college studying in France. She majored in French and was endorsed to teach K-8 French and Music. (Fun fact: a few years later, she actually was about to commit to teaching in a French immersion school when we found out she was expecting our oldest son.) Beth being a Francophone lover, she was drawn to that specific area of the world. And, we both share an interest in Africana (she's still insanely jealous that I have travelled to Africa three times now).

Adissa. She's the one. Adissa lives in Burkina Faso (a Francophone country). Burkina is in West Africa - check. Done. 

While Beth chose who to sponsor, I committed myself to praying for our sponsor child.

As you may know, one of the fun parts of the sponsor child program is that you can write letters back and forth. Over the years, we enjoyed receiving letters from Adissa. "Watching" her grow up from a young girl to a young woman made our hearts overflow with joy. I loved reading about what she was learning and about her family. One Christmas she shared what she received from Pere Noel (Santa Claus). I remember helping Adissa receive her first Bible. I recall the letter she sent and the feeling I had when I read that she gave her life to Jesus.

Beth wrote to Adissa. I regret not writing more than a few times.

I remember the day we were informed that Adissa "aged out" of the program.

Weird feeling flowed through my body from my head to my toes. I had never met Adissa. I knew her through Air Mail and the occasional photograph. We never celebrated any holidays together. Beth loves French. I can hardly say, "parele ou français?". But, I felt super connected to her. 

I wondered if she felt the same kind of grief and change I did in that moment.

Grief and change leads us to reflect on not just why we feel what we feel, but what we're learning from what led up to those feelings.

You see, I thought I was helping a "poor girl get out of poverty" - which I may or may not have since we didn't stay connected. I started sponsoring her because I could afford giving $30 once a month to feel good and hey - Compassion was a Christian organization, so bonus!

As I think about Adissa today, I can say that God used her - our sponsor child, to change me. As I got to know Adissa, she became less of "the poor Burkina girl we're helping" and she became a part of my life. In a way that is difficult to explain, Adissa became part of our family. She is like the child we've never met. An equal. She wasn't a number of a pamphet. She was deeply loved. She had a mom and brothers whom she loved. She had a community that she loved and who loved her. And she had a sponsor who she loved - and we loved her.

Jesus said it best, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). I like how Pastor/Author Tim Keller explains this verse in one of his sermons that I heard many years ago. He says something to the effect that while Jesus invites us to be poor in spirit, we want to be and are all too often, middle class in spirit. Middle class in spirit is the spirit of independence and self-sufficiency that led me to a self-righteous attitude that I as a "middle class Christian" can "help this poor Burkina girl". And, to a degree, in a material way, I can. Perhaps, I did.

But, what I learned is that God wanted to help her and me, together. I could give Adissa a few material things, but only God could give her what she really needed. And God could only give me what I needed. I needed to become poor in spirit.

Here's the point: God knew we both needed the same things... love. Grace. Community. Compassion. Acceptance. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Gentleness. Faithfulness. Self-Control. These are things $30 a month cannot buy here in America or in Burkina.

To sum it up - both Adissa and I needed more of Jesus and less of ourselves. And only by God's grace were we both able to receive what we needed. Truly, blessed are the poor in spirit... for we experience the kingdom of God, together.

Fast forward a decade.... Beth and I continue to sponsor children all over the world, including Pilar in Indonesia through Compassion. We love it.

Here's what I've learned: There are children right here in our own neighborhoods and communities who need the same love and care that I was praying for Adissa to experience over 5,600 miles away. 

There are thousands of Adissa's walking the streets in my neighborhood. In my son's classroom. Hanging out in the mall. Strolling through the grocery store with their adults.

God is already at work in the hearts of the Adissa's everywhere. Rich and poor. Burkina's and Americans. So as much as we love continuing to sponsor children (and it's a very good thing!), I have learned the greatest things in this world can not be purchased or sponsored - but they're only given when one life changes another life through the bond of Jesus Christ.

Adissa - if you by chance ever read this... thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus to teach me a part of what it means to be poor in spirit.

Love you!

In case you missed it, here is my conversation with Bob Goff. It has inspired me to just go love people. Not always easy... but, simple. Practical. It's a transformational experience for me and other people. And let's be honest... looking at our own lives along with people in our neighborhoods, communities, and world - we all need it.

Jesus says it best: love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12).

​What did our conversation with Bob inspire you to do? Email me at pastortim@oslc.com or text me at 253.260.5753 and let me know.

​Love you!

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Epiphany is the ongoing experience of becoming aware of Jesus.

We often times think of how the Magi are made aware of King Jesus and chose to not return to King Herod and go a different way.

The Gospels tell us that as Jesus grows up, people have "epiphanies" all the time as they see and experience Jesus as He…

• gets lost with God the Father reading the scriptures as a young boy
• receives baptism from John in the Jordan River
• receives a dove from heaven physically demonstrating the Spirit of God is present
• hears God the Father says, “this is my Son with whom I am pleased” - echoing a kind of re-creation of humanity from Genesis
• invites people to join Him in what He and the Father are already doing
• heals people’s diseases, casts out demons, preaches the gospel that changes lives, and raises the dead
• prays early in the morning
• calms the winds and the waves and feeds thousands
• changes on a mountaintop with Peter, James, and John
• shares his final words in the Upper Room
• walks a beaten and bullied way to being crucified on a cross
• rises on Easter morning
• ascends into heaven
• sends His Holy Spirit into the hearts of people like you and me

Jesus is always with you (Emmanuel!)... caring for you... loving you... So, stand up and shine, because your Light has come and the presence of God is being made known by surrounding you, everywhere! (Isaiah 60:1, My Translation).

How can you help others have an “epiphany experience”, today? Check out this video to find out.

​Love you!

See you Sunday! Love you!

​I’ve been thinking about how to give a sneak peak at a surprise announcement that we’ll be making this Sunday about our January Sermon Series that we’re titling, “God, How Do You Care?”. It’s a series where we will discover new and fresh ways that God not only loves and cares for us, but also how God loves and cares for our neighbors and our world through us. Our stuff. Our words. Our talents and circumstances. Our work.

So, below are two clues. You can share your guess at what the surprise announcement will be using the form, below. Have fun!

I can’t wait to spill the beans at the beginning of worship on Sunday. Log in early so you don’t miss it!

Love you!

I’ve been thinking a lot about joy. 

The brightest and best at Harvard say that joy is essential. In fact, studies have even shown that happiness is directly related to our overall health. In other words, the healthier we are, the happier we become. In Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World, Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 19th Surgeon General of the United States says that status, wealth, achievement, and fame doesn’t guarantee happiness (p. 33). For Murthy, it’s proven and predictable neuroscience. Happiness comes from a connection with another human being. On one hand, I think we can all resonate with how isolation makes us grumpy, cranky, irritable, sad, anxious, and everything else we may characterize as “unhappy”. No doubt, pandemic purgatory has lessened our happiness quotient. On the other hand, I can think of plenty of happy people who are perfectly content with our current introverted lifestyle.

So, where do we find joy - a steady happiness that doesn't leave us during a pandemic?

• In a relationship with the joy-giver, Jesus, himself. God the Father sent Jesus to establish a relationship with humanity and all creation. Jesus comes and Mary sings for joy (Luke 1:46-55). Jesus comes and the angels sing for joy (Luke 2:14). Jesus comes and the entire community sings with joy (Luke 24:53). Of course, singing is an expression of the joy that is already in our lives. In John 16, Jesus says he makes our joy complete. As we surrender our grumpy, cranky, irritable, sad, anxious, and every other “unhappy” thought and feeling to the joy-giver, himself, Jesus turns everything into joy (John 16:20). Notice that Jesus doesn’t replace, ignore, downplay, or re-package our sadness - He transforms everything for joy. And part of the joy of being in relationship with Jesus is discovering what this means.

• In human friendship. Can you imagine the joy Mary and Joseph had during her pregnancy? Even when Joseph is afraid. Even when Mary wasn’t sure what was happening. Even when… they had joy because they had each other (and the Spirit of God!). Even the most introverted people’s brains (literally) light up when they interact with other people. We are created for friendship - and friendship brings us joy - especially in the “even when” moments.

• When we are actively engaged in what God has given us to do. Missionary Paul encourages us to do everything as if we’re doing it for God (Colossians 3:23). In other words, God has given us good work to do (Ephesians 2:10). Mom. Dad. Construction Worker. Bank Worker. Burger Flipper. Online Student. Teacher. Desk Job. You are always employed by the God of the Universe for His work. When we join Jesus on His mission and we begin to see His fruit - people loving God, loving people, and living more like Jesus - then, all we have is joy. After all, joy is a fruit or production of the Holy Spirit at work in us and through us!

How can we bring joy because we have God’s gift of joy in Jesus?

• Take a moment to pray. Ask God to make His joy unavoidable this Christmas season in all you do with other people.

• Laugh with some friends at Family ZOOM Night on Tuesday. Check out this week’s Kids News email for login details or email Angela at angela@oslc.com.

• Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to worship with you this Christmas Eve at Noon, 2:00, 4:00, or 7:00pm at watch.oslc.com. This might be the year your child, grandchild, partner, spouse, friend, neighbor, or loved one takes their next step in their relationship with Jesus!

And just so you know. . . you bring me joy! Love you all.

“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. It controls our thoughts, minds, hearts, and spirits...”.

That quote comes from the Forward to Georg Rhau's Symphoniae which was written by Martin Luther in 1538. Perhaps that’s what makes Christmas music so powerful.

Christmas music helps me experience the hope, peace, joy, and love we all need right now. And even though Christmas might be a little different for us this year, the truth is: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). 

Here are my Top Five Favorite Pieces of Christmas music. Take a listen (or watch) and I hope you’ll see why they capture my thoughts, mind, heart, and spirit with the good news of Emmanuel - God is with us, in Jesus.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, my friend and teammate, Dereem Hoff describes "having an attitude of gratitude". Check it out in this video.

Well - with thanksgiving now behind us, it still might be difficult to have an attitude of gratitude because you might not be part of any large family gatherings this year, there is no doubt that God still gives us the best Christmas present, ever: a family as big as the number of stars in the sky (if you can count them).

God knows we need friendships. That's why we feel so empty when we can't physically be near each other, look in each others' eyes when we talk, or share tangible experiences with each other. Our friends, family, neighbors, and communities are God's gift to us. No matter who they are, where they're from, what they've done (or will do) - God has given us a family as many as the stars in the sky.

How do I know that? Because God has promised Abraham in Genesis 15:5: Then the LORD took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!”​ You and I are part of that family. Your neighbor is part of that family. The people around you are part of that family. We are part of God's family not by human desire or effort, but on God's mercy (Romans 9:16).

So, here are two ways you can develop or continue investing in your habit of having an attitude of gratitude for the very large family God has given us.

• Memorize a Bible Verse, each day! It can be the same verse everyday. Rooting ourselves in God's promises keeps our eyes on Him and the family He has placed around us.

• Say, "thank you" every chance you get. Even if you aren't sure what specifically you're saying thanks for, let the thankfulness ooze, flow, and explode from your words and actions. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

This season, as many of us might be searching for the Christmas spirit, we are reminded that God, our Father, sends our brother Jesus into the world. Jesus is born like us. Jesus grows up like us. Jesus eats, breathes, and sleeps like us. Jesus experiences life, like us... so that in years like 2020 when we feel isolated, lonely, and not so joy-filled, we know that beyond a doubt we are never alone. Even though we may feel lonely, we can trust that the God of the universe never leaves us completely lonely. And, through Jesus, we never lack a family who  “gets” us.

Afterall, the reason we have family gatherings, exchange gifts, celebrate with food and singing, and carve out time to worship this holiday season is to love Jesus back because He first loved us.

​Love you. -pt

Happy Thanksgiving! This year, I'm thankful that Jesus listens to me. What a gift to be thankful for!

Now, why am I thankful that Jesus listens to me? Well... probably because I can learn to listen a whole lot better than I do. After all, I think Toby Keith was right. Our lives and world today might need a little less talk and a lot more action. That is, if the action is active listening. Simply put, in a world filled with noise and where talking louder gets more attention than silence; listening can be a great gift you can give to somebody who desperately needs to be heard.

Recently, I reread Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I was reminded that listening is a foundational part of what it means to be Christian community - or oikos, family. Bonhoeffer writes, “The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening to them. Just as love to God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them. It is God's love for us that He not only gives us His Word but also lends us His ear. So it is His work that we do for our brother and sister when we learn to listen to them.”

Here are three ways you can listen well.

Relax. Be in the moment.
I have personally found that I can be so focused on the next thing I need to do or say that I forget that God has me in this specific moment for His purpose. Eugene Peterson wrote in A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society, “From time to time, impatient with the slowness, I would try out ways of going about my work that promised quicker results. But after a while it always seemed to be more like meddling in these people's lives than helping them attend to God”. I have found that a great way to begin relaxing and being in the moment is to take a deep cleansing breath and remember that God gives me every second and this is what He has given me to do right now. Here we go.

Own what you hear.
It’s sometimes difficult to own what you hear, especially if you personally disagree with what you’re hearing. In college, I read Communication for Organizations by Dr. Dalmar Fisher. She points out that it’s hard to own what we hear because we tend to seek to fix, give advice, agree, or disagree with what we are hearing. With credit to Fisher, to own what I hear, I will sometimes repeat back what I hear the other person is saying in the emotional feeling that they said it. By doing this, I not only seek to understand what is being shared with me, I own the feeling with whom I am sharing the moment. The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus is our high priest who empathizes with our weaknesses because he has been tempted in every way (Hebrew 4:15).

Trade your periods for question marks. Statements end conversations. Questions continue conversation. Jesus asked some of the best questions that kept the disciples talking (and Jesus listening!). According to Martin Copenhaver, the gospels record Jesus asking 307 questions. My guess is that Jesus asked a whole lot more - which means Jesus listened even more.

And because I’m generous, here’s a BONUS THOUGHT: Remember who and whose you are. God made you a listener. It’s who you are. You belong to Christ (1 Corinthians 3:23). I’ve been told that we’ve been given two ears and one mouth for this reason. Joking aside, we are listeners because Jesus first listened to us. When we were still dying and dead in our sins, Jesus came and died for us (Romans 5:8). Jesus listened to the woman at the well (John 4). Jesus listened to Zacchaeus (Luke 19). I mean, how may times does the Psalmists cry out to God and God hears and listens? From being brokenhearted (Psalm 34) to burdened with sin (Psalm 51) to being scared stiff (Psalm 27), God hears us. God always makes the first move and listens to us.

So, this week, let’s be the ones to make the first move with the people God has strategically placed in our lives. Let's be the ones who give the gift of Jesus-like love and care as we listen to someone as we remember to also give thanks to God that Jesus first listened to us.

Love you!