Impossible, Yet...

April looked foreboding months ago, but now that I'm in the middle of it it looks impossible, particularly this week. I'm in Huntsville, AL, where yesterday I spoke to the GC Spring Council meeting at Oakwood University. The Lord blessed, as He always does, but it is taking three critical days out of an impossible schedule.

On Wednesday, I fly to Southern California, so Tim Standish and I present our Creation-Evolution program at the Beaumont Church, from Thursday through Sunday nights. Problem? We're 20% ready, if that. We've been working hard, but have simply ran out of time. I've sent only one nearly completed PPT script to Tim and Matt, our graphic designer. I have another four to do. If I can manage numbers 2 and 3 before I go Wednesday, we'll be doing well.

In the midst of all this are some academic e-mails and regular classes that cannot be ignored, and needed preparation for the following week's mini-series on Jesus for the Easter Evangelism weekend we plan for Nashville. But that's not all, somehow, I have to do my 2010 taxes this week. When? How? I honestly don't know. It doesn't pay to have someone else do it because I still have to do the grunt work of collecting all the data.

So, that's my week.

And my need is obvious. Yet, somehow, God is in control.

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Phil 4:19

Creation and Creativity

What I love about life is seeing a plan come together. That is, seeing a God-size project work out where the whole is much bigger than the sum of its parts. This NET 2011 plan is much bigger than I or even those composing the planning committee.

Take, for instance, Creation. My last class in biology or physics was in high school, almost 40 years ago (I know, I only look young). And because I did that overseas, where high school education is stronger than at typical US schools, they waved all my science requirements once I got in college in California. In those days, however, I was a social rather than a real student. You know, one of those focused on friends, but with enough gray cells to pass with decent grades without learning much.

My point is that I'm in trouble trying to prepare for a series of nationwide lectures on TV about creation and evolution. It's like going to school once again, except this time I just love it. Cosmology, biology, geology, physics, what fascinating subjects they all are! Even though there are years of learning to process in just weeks, I wouldn't trade it for anything--except the assurance Tim (Standish, my co-presenter) and I will be ready. I've been reading fascinating books, and some not-so-easy textbooks. I've been watching magnificent DVDs such as the ones put out by Illustra Media. I recognize that I'd better let Tim, a molecular biologist researching at the Geoscience Research Institute, talk the science, but I can't wait to pitch in.

The truth is I've come to realize not too many years ago that my role in this world is to be an interpreter. Preachers must interpret the Bible to help listeners understand God better. Teachers must interpret data and make that palatable enough for students so they want to know more or perform better. Writers interpret reality and articulate it so readers make sense of their own world. What a joy and privilege to be about the business of interpreting the God of the Universe! And this series explores what God has done and is doing, revealing such amazing examples of His wisdom, foreknowledge, and care, that I for once, would want to find my seat on the front row.

But this business is dangerous. Interpreters are only a hair's breath from mis-interpreting. The safest thing would be to avoid it all together. And scores of people in the world do exactly that: "I'd rather not do something than make mistakes doing it." I would agree this is probably the best course of action about inconsequential or secondary things or even personal wants. But when it comes to something that really matters--and Creation, with its implications on the nature and the love of God, the Sabbath, the end of time, really matters--perhaps caution should not be the rule of the day, and casting ourselves in faith at the feet of Jesus for wisdom and ability, maybe the ticket to ride.

A hundred other speakers and a thousand other faithful can do better what, by the grace of God, I and others are trying to accomplish with this NET. But it is us who have the chance to do something big for God. And our prayer is that God may show himself strong in spite--and specially because--of our weakness and inadequacies.

Please pray for In the Beginning: Making Sense of the Creation-Evolution Debate. We have to accomplish in mere days what normally takes months to do well. Tim and I have committed to present an initial version of the mini-series at the Beaumont Church in Southern California, April 14-17, and we are not ready yet. I have been so busy with getting all the pieces needed for the Early Bird churches (just over 500 by the April 1 deadline--including equipping DVDs, manual, other resources, and the books on the Holy Spirit), plus other major training events (like the evangelism rally) and organizational needs, and article deadlines, aside from Seminary teaching responsibilities, etc., that this prep has really suffered. And to top it off, my graphic designer has been in Europe. It will take a miracle to do in eight days what three months may not be enough. But God, I believe, will be with us and the program. And this will be even more clearly demonstrated if you join me in prayer.

Today was the first of the fasting and prayer Sabbaths recommended by the GC's new initiative on Revival and Reformation. It had been a while since I last fasted. I used to do this regularly when pastoring in California. And I had forgetten the joy and the confidence in God that come with focusing exclusively on His will and power on our behalf. So, pray. Pray and fast, if you must. If you do it with the purpose of seeing God revealed in your life, He will not disappoint.

All this scientific reading and learning about Creation, along with deep reflection on the book of Genesis have led me to a renewed conviction that we serve a very big and wonderful God. One who created us for His glory, and for the everlasting joy of every creature. I cannot be silent about this. We shouldn't be silent about this.

"The heavens are telling of the glory of God;

And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

Day to day pours forth speech,

And night to night reveals knowldge.

There is no speech, nor are there words;

Their voice is not heard.

[Yet] Their sound has gone out through all the earth,

And their uttenrances to the end of the world."

Psalm 19:1-4



My Eye Is Set On Him

I meant to write a post last Sunday or Monday about the Evangelism Rally in Nashville last week. I meant to tell you that many of us felt the Spirit of God was really with us all that day, in spite of the fact attendance was affected by a major annual event at the academy only a few miles north of Madison Campus. My colleagues, Drs. Ed Schmidt and Errol McLean did a terrific job teaching and preaching.

Had I written the blog as hoped, I would have told you that we made a spontaneous decision to play "The Window" DVD. This is a 30-minute enactment of a couple who decide to reach out to their neighbors with the love of Jesus, and how they go about it. It is well done, and it's very instructive. The original was made in Spanish, under the watchful eye of evangelist extraordinaire Alejandro Bullon, but the version dubbed in English is not bad at all. If you ever get a hold of it, you should play that at church one Sabbath.

So, here we are now, with days accelerating at neck-breaking speed, in view of the upcoming Creation series. We have yet a great deal to do, and our first test run, as it were, will be when we present it at the Beaumont Church in Southern California, April 14-17. Dr Tim Standish, from GRI, and I are working hard at getting this done, and so are the graphic artists helping us put the PPT together.

Please pray for this Creation mini-series. This will be the first uplink of the three, and it's the one I've never done before. So much rides on it! Dealing with the subject is a sensitive issue. Knowing exactly what and how to say what we must in only 80 minutes each night is a great challenge. We'll need to be basic and simple for people without scientific backgrounds, and sufficiently erudite and cutting-edge to the few scientists or students of science completely immersed in naturalistic philosophy. We can't be too churchy but must seek to appeal to the heart at the same time. We have a limited time to deal with huge questions, and the risk is always there to raise more questions than you'll end up answering. And to top all this off I'm certainly no scientist!

This is risky, but it begs to be done. Our eyes are set on Him. Pray earnestly that the Creator Himself will lead our feeble attempts to explain inponderable subjects that reflect on the God of the universe.

And pray for me, personally. The enemy of my soul does not seem to use a large array of ways to make me fall, but he well knows the handful of things that seem to always work against me. My difficulty is accentuated with the workload and the burden--there simply is no time to take a breadth. And when I do, my time is not spent for maximum recreation of mind and soul. Oh, how I long for the day my love for Jesus will ALWAYS supercede my love for anything else in this world!

One last point of interest. As of this morning, the website shows 484 churches registered. This is wonderful news, for we hoped for at least 500 churches total. However, the website operator did an audit of each registration a couple of days ago and found about 60 duplicates, so that means we have more like 425 of them. The NET Manual, the Implementation DVD, three copies of Adventism's Greatest Need, plus other resources are being sent to all these Early Bird signers (deadline: April 1) next week. We pray all these resources will be a blessing to each of the churches.

Courage to all. Let's keep our eye on Jesus.

"Now behold [said king Jehosaphat], the sons of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir . . . [are] coming

to drive us out from Your possession which You have given us as an inheritance.

O our God, will You not judge them?

For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You."

2 Chronicles 20:10-12

Are the Things Your're Living for Worth Christ Dying for?

Leonard Ravenhill, famed British evangelist of a recent past, has the following written on his tombstone:

"Are the things your're living for worth Christ dying for?"

What an excellent question to guage the purpose and quality of your life, isn't it?

Over the last few weeks, I have at times been overwhelmed, discouraged, even upset by challenges brought about by the complexity and enormity of this NET 11 project. You have to do so many things right to do one thing right, and one or two wrong moves can derail or bring about confusion or otherwise upset the whole equilibrium. No wonder only God can be God. There is only One who can do all things well. And my eyes are set on Him.

One thing I'm certain about: this is worth a great sacrifice, my all. Perhaps here is one reason why the enemy of souls will not give us a retreat. He knows God is in it, and that is his problem.

Is God in it?  From my vantage point, there is no doubt He is in it.

1.  Churches Are Coming On Board. As of this morning, 420 churches are on board, a high number this early in the game. We praise God for that! We may end up with close to 500 by month's end. The good news about that is that these churches perceive evangelism as a process more than an event, and that will make a difference!

2.  The Manual and DVD Are Done. This took a long long time, and we went through many troubles, but it is done. These things will be shipped to churches in a few days. Neither the Evangelism Manual nor the Partners in Evangelism DVD are perfect, but they should be helpful, even very helpful.

3.  We Still Enjoy Good Health. As I've heard pastors, leaders, and friends pray for me, the request for strength and health is always included. And the Lord has marvelously provided, and I am very grateful to Him for His kindness to me.

4.  The Archaeology Series Was a Real Success. This is the one Michael Hasel and I did last weekend at Pioneer Memorial Church on the Andrews campus. The 700-800 people that came Friday and Sabbath evening swelled to a packed house in the morning. We had dozens of non-SDAs there--quite a feat in Berrien Springs--and heard nothing but great enthusiasm for the quality of the program and the faith-building results of the meetings. This is a taste of things to come.

Our challenges remain dwindling finances, the content for the upcoming Creation-Evolution program, the rally this weekend, and responding to the many details having to do with this NET. Please pray for these things.

Are the things your're living for worth Christ dying for? If all this brings "many sons to glory," as the Bible says, this is worth engaging in all the way.

"But the Lord was pleased to crush Him [Jesus], putting Him to grief;

If He would render Himself as a guilt offering . . .

As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied . . .

My Servant will justify the many."

Isaiah 53:10, 11

Japan, Archaeology, and Time

Videos of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan are truly impressive and thought-provoking. The force of nature is so powerful! To see ships, cars, and homes be uprooted and moved miles from their original location so effortlessly makes you wonder how easily the whole world could be destroyed if it wasn't for the grace of God.

Fortunately, in a sense, this is not happening in India, or Ethiopia, or even Haiti. The loss of life would likely be in the hundreds of thousands, if not in the millions. Few countries are as ready to handle this kind of overwhelming disaster as is Japan. But only the next few days and weeks will truly tell the extent of how bad things now are and what it will take for those folk to get back on their feet again. Our prayers and whatever assistance we can give, are with them. Shintoism, Buddhism, and secularism, the religions of Japan (70% of their population adhere to no religion) simply do not have the answers for things like this. Only a biblical worldview can help decipher the truth. May God's loving Spirit work powerfully on their behalf.

In other news, we began the archaeology meetings last night at the Pioneer Memorial Church, with a good attendance, maybe 700-800 people. Before you get confused, let me explain. This is not only to help the local area gain non-SDA interests and be on the menu of community outreach activities, the weekend will be taped for production and distribution to churches and homes. The division-wide unlink will still take place from Nashville, September 14 to 18, but the five sessions this weekend will allow us to tape it and make it available for home use. We hope to have the set ready, as well as leader's guides, by May, so people can use it during the summer to engage with neighbors and friends in their homes.

God works through these meetings. It is fascinating to see history unveil and intersect with Scripture. Many archaeological discoveries have confirmed ever more clearly the validity and truth of the Bible. People leave with a sense of confidence in Scripture. Those who don't have the habit of trusting the Bible, or reading it, often decide to look into it as never before. Last night, Dr Michael Hasel and I lectured for nearly 90 minutes, and not a person moved. Today, we have a marathon. We give four presentations, two in the morning, two in the evening. They're going to have to scoop us up from the floor once we're done tonight.

Please pray for these meetings. We're using all new graphics--they're beautiful--and would like to have a good tool for people and churches to use to connect with friends and neighbors.

Pray also for the evangelism manual. All the many components--over 100 pages--were finished yesterday. I just have to do the last editing tomorrow.

And pray for the Creation program content. This is my next huge task. I spent some time working on this last weekend with Dr Tim Standish, from GRI, my co-presenter. We're excited about the prospects, but we're doing this from scratch, and there is not a minute to spare. May 4 to 8 is fast approaching.

As of this morning, 380 churches had signed up for NET 11. There is a real momentum building. Please pray that other churches wishing to implement the Evangelism 360 approach--a comprehensive lifestyle approach to evangelism--may sign before the deadline, April 1. They will receive important resources for free.

We don't have much time left in this world. Family Radio has been touting the world will end on May 21, 2011, based on some creative and wrong interpretation of Scriptural passages. The point is that more and more people are wondering what is to become of our lives. The tragedy in Japan reminds us there are no guarantees in this world, and that only a meaningful and real relationship with our Creator and Redeemer will make sense and give us real joy and security.

Let's pray that we can do what we can for the world while there is still time.

"Then the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things in it, and the earth and the things in it, and the sea and the things in it, that there will be time no longer."

Revelation 10:6, 7

Challenges and Triumphs

At times, the work for this NET 11 is simply overwhelming. The pace is relentless, there is no let-up. And when direct interposition of the enemy takes place, it feels like too much to bear.

Here are some challenges which developed in the last few weeks.

1.   Title for Creation-Evolution pre-NET Stopped. Out of courtesy, we decided to check with the owners of the former circus slogan regarding “The Greatest Show On Earth.” For months we’ve advertised our creation-evolution this way, along with the subtitle “Making Sense of the Creation-Evolution Debate.” Well, even though they couldn’t stop us—like they couldn’t stop Richard Dawkins, famed evolutionist, from writing his book by the same title—they asked us to not use it. So, after all that work, back to the drawing board, literally, and a new title: “In the Beginning: Making Sense of the Creation-Evolution Debate.” I figured we won’t need to ask Moses for permission to quote Gen 1:1.

2.   Delays in Production of Implementation DVD. We had contracted with a group to do this, and after they taped every trainer in NADEI twice, the product was still of substandard quality. So, we had to scramble and find another videographer and team to do it. This has set us back an entire month.

3.   Delays in Publication of Holy Spirit Book. Due to a misunderstanding, the book will be published several weeks behind schedule. We’ve had other minor challenges there as well, but things will turn out all right. Approximately 3,000 books will be shipped to NET 11 churches that signed up early.

4.   Delays Writing the Manual. This piece of the project has proven to be more challenging than expected due to the specificity and detail going into it. We want this to be very helpful to the pastors and churches involved. My personal challenge is that I must now focus on the upcoming archaeology weekend at PMC and the urgent development of the creation pre-NET content, but still have much to do before I can finish the manual. I’ve simply run out of time, and Russell Burrill, our coordinator, is set to be out of the country for a time in a few days, which increases my load and stress level, as you can imagine.

But there are also triumphs, and good news, each brought about by the intervention of God.

1.   Fund-Raising Is Actually Taking Place. With the need to raise over 200,000 dollars to meet our budget needs, I have prayed for guidance how to do something I’ve never done before. God has graciously opened the doors. With full-time teaching and traveling and working on many NET aspects, I have no adequate time to dedicate to this. Yet, after talking with only six parties, we have over half of that money pledged thanks to their generosity.

2.   Resources Will Be Helpful. Even though writing manuals, producing DVDs, writing books, and doing research for presentations is a lot of work, we have a strong sense that these things will be very helpful to churches and members interested in revival and soul winning. All the effort, I believe, will be worth it. And in spite of challenges, God has given us a certain assurance that all will be all right.

3.   Churches Are Actually Signing Up. To date, 335 churches have signed up to be part of NET 11. Although this is only a third of what we hope to see, it is an excellent number this early in the year, compared to previous NET years. Slowly, but surely, the idea is getting out there that this is a process—Evangelism 360—and not just an event.

4.   My Health and Our Team Are Holding Up. Many associated with product development, communications, and organization at NADEI and elsewhere, are working very hard, but people are holding up. Sometimes I get little sleep, but God has sustained me albeit the hectic pace. Our spirits are strong, even is a bit frayed at times. God will see us through.

Please do not forget to pray over some of our challenges. In addition, on March 11 and 12, Dr Michael Hasel and I will do the archaeology presentations at the Pioneer Memorial Church at Andrews, in part, to tape it professionally so as to make them available for home use as an outreach tool. New slides are being developed, and we’re going to be cutting it very close. Pray for the graphic designer.

Thanks so much for your interest in evangelism, and in NET 11. May God do everything He hopes to do for the church and the people of our division through this effort.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power

will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;

perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; . . .

So death works in us, but life in you.”

2 Corinthians 4:7-9, 12

State of the Union

I thought to do something different tonight. Two days ago I learned how to track the churches signing up for NET 11, and looking at the map of them scattered across this great division, I couldn't help drawing some preliminary conclusions.

So, let's get on with the data.

First of all, as of this moment, 303 churches have signed up to participate. This is good progress, which I hope continues at this pace for weeks and months to come. When you check each state in the map at the website (http://host.propheciesdecoded.com/), you find only 242 of them have actually been placed. The reason is the webmaster does not add the churches on the map the moment they sign up, so the map count will always lag behind some.

Are you ready for the state of this union? Below are the states, provinces, and nation (Bermuda) and the number of churches signed from each region, according to the map count, not the actual count. I've also decided to highlight where things look positive, so far. The "awards" are labeled as the top 1) OS or Outstanding Progress, and the encouraging 2) NW or Nice Work. Of course, the assessment is considering the potential number of churches in that state. As you will see, Tennesse and Montana get top honors, and Alabama, Hawaii, Kansas, New Jersey, Ontario, and Washington get "atta boys!"

And the others? That's why we need to pray so the Holy Spirit may move mightily on the hearts of members, pastors, and leaders alike. Would that every province and state get the awards!

Keep in mind this is only an assessment to date.

BERMUDA - 1

CANADA
Alberta - 3
British Columbia - 3
Manitoba - 0
New Brunswick - 1
Newfoundland - 0
Nova Scotia - 1
Ontario - 9 (NW)
Prince Edward Island - 0
Quebec - 1
Saskatchewan - 1

UNITED STATES
Alabama - 10 (NW)
Alaska - 0
Arizona - 2
Arkansas - 8
California - 15
Colorado - 6
Connecticut - 1
Delaware - 1
District of Columbia - 0
Florida - 14
Georgia - 10
Hawaii - 1 (NW)
Idaho - 2
Illinois - 6
Indiana - 7
Iowa - 2
Kansas - 10 (NW)
Kentucky - 7
Louisina - 3
Maine - 2
Maryland - 8
Massachussets - 0
Michigan - 6
Minnesota - 6
Mississippi - 4
Missouri - 0
Montana - 5 (OP)
Nebraska - 3
Nevada - 0
New Hampshire - 0
New Jersey - 10 (NW)
New Mexico - 1
New York - 7
North Carolina - 0
North Dakota - 0
Ohio - 2
Oklahoma - 0
Oregon - 7
Pennsylvania - 9
Rhode Island - 2
South Carolina - 0
South Dakota - 1
Tennessee - 27 (OP)
Texas - 8
Utah - 0
Vermont - 0
Virginia - 4
Washington - 12 (NW)
West Virginia - 3
Wisconsin - 3
Wyoming - 0

Pray especially for the states showing zero, or even only 1 to 3 churches. Some larger states showing among the largest number of churches signed up actually reveal a relatively poor response vis-a-vis their potential.

There is only one month left before the Early Bird window closes, and resources for NET churches become either scarcer or more expensive. Let's pray the Lord will wake us all up from our slumber.

"Come, let us return to the Lord.

For He has torn us, but He will heal us;

He has wounded us, but He will bandage us.

He will revive us after two days;

He will raise us up on the third day, that we may live before Him.

So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord,

His going forth is as certain as the dawn;

And He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain waterning the earth."

Hosea 6:1-3