“Capitcha!” a word that apparently means hoist me up on your shoulders, upside down or not doesn’t matter, and run around like a madman. To this challenge I say bring it “I’m the hulk, I’m the Hulk, I’m the Hulk!” I took a little time away from my job being the shutterbug and played with the ninos a bit today. I was lifting kids up all over the place today. Luckily their were no drops and no tears today.
I had a fun realization today. My relationship with Bethany pervades so many areas of my life. Our relationship shapes my mannerisms, phrase we say together or jokes we both enjoy seem to worm their way into my everyday life and speech. Most would say “duh” you’re married! Maybe, but I still find joy in it so “NANI NANI BOO BOO!” Yes, that just happened.
Today started off with a bang! In order to shave off some time from our trip into the village which typically involves miles of bumpy, dusty roads, and no air conditioning we went an alternative route up a steep yet paved road. The blue bus shot up the hill with little to no hesitation. But the little red bus that could had a little more trouble. Our driver Rick gunned it up the hill but had trouble half way up and had to reverse down. A crowd of locals lined the streets watching the crazy gringos going up this steep hill. Rick backed up, sized up the hill and shot up again like a bullet. He made it further but the little red engine still couldn’t. A new plan was formed, empty out the students, have them walk up the hill led by Pastor Ron of Rancho Murietta and give it one more shot. The students walked up the hill, we cleared an extended runway and Rick gunned it. Cheered on by locals and students alike the little red bus that could climbed that hill and overcame it. There was much rejoicing among everyone involved. Perhaps there is a spiritual lesson found somewhere in there. What do you think?
I had a blast today at the church taking photos of the children and encouraging the students. However, I believe the “big deal” for me was much more introspective.
Most of you know I’m a youth pastor / worship leader at my church Cordova Neighborhood Church. This, as you can imagine, puts me up front a lot. For three weeks out of this summer I have found myself behind the lens of a camera taking pictures and videos of others and never being in them myself. At times I have felt that I was video taping ministry and not actually doing ministry. Being one who desires strongly to minister to others this has been somewhat discouraging. Don’t get me wrong I love my camera, but if I’m honest I love hearing from people that God has used me to minister to them. The more the better. The way I receive love and encouragement from others is through words so the absence of words can be painful.
However, God has impressed something on my heart. This new way of ministry I have stumbled into, rather oafishly I might add, is just as vital as the ministry I do up front. Through this media ministry this summer I have been able to bless numerous church youth groups, a budding worship leader, both churches I work at and even the Summer Camp I have attended for the past 10+ years. This is a ministry receives very little “great job” from the general public, in fact many don’t even realize we are there, but is vital to the relevancy of each individual ministry. So as I sit her in Mexico wishing that I could do more to be involved in the hands on ministry I am blessed by the fact that the ministry that will come out of these photos and videos I am creating will be a blessing to many more whether they know I did it or not.
With that in mind I present these prayer requests to you. Pray that the documentary style video God has layed on my heart to create would be creative and cohesive. Pray that it would tell a truthful story that presents a need and practical things people can do to get involved. Pray that God would use this video to challenge others to follow His call to “Go and make disciples.” Finally pray that God would use this video to bless the church in Las Flores financially and spiritually as many see this video and pray for the ministry being done there and that through these prayers many are saved.
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Bryce
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