Do not Fear...

As many have heard, the current relgious and political situation here in India now is quite tense. There have been countless amounts of attacks, bombings, and terrorism in these last two months. When confronted by these things, it is important that we do not fear; that we go out and live and love... I was talking to Kristin P. and she encouraged me saying, "Do not fear..." This morning I was reading and I came across this: "The sluggard says, 'There is a lion outside!' or, 'I will be murdered in the streets!'" (proverbs 22:13). Another friend of mine, Laubia, wrote me a scripture out of Psalms 23: "Though i walk through the valley of death...I shall fear no Evil..." When things get tough...sometimes need not fear, but know that God is with us...and walk couragously trusting in Him for our strength and protection.

दिवाली

Here I am in India in the midst दिवाली (Diwali:the festival of lights) an ancient religious holiday which is celebrated by the exchanging of presents and Chrismas-like lights and fourth of July like fire displays in the midle of the streets। Here I am in the midst of another world, another tradition so foreign...Last night professional display fireworks were shot off by kids just a few feet away from the front door of my family's house... It was amazing.

New Delhi

I am now in New Delhi, India. I am just taking it all in.

Stazione Di Lode

Tonight was amazing at Stazione di Lode. I really love these people. I made some really good friends there...And they are such beautiful and friendly people. They prayed for me and for my trip to India and blessed me. The leaders Maximus and Dorkus have a vision to do 24/7 worship and prayer here in Milan...They reminded me so much of IHOP, but they have so much of their own Italian flavor...I encourage others to come and be involved in their ministry bringing 24/7 prayer to Italy.

Sant' Eustorgio Alpha Course

So Last night I had an awesome time at the Alpha Course here Sant'Eustorgio church in Milan. At our table, the "English speaking table" we had discussions answering the question, "Why did Jesus die on the Cross?" There were two artists, a vetranarian, a medical doctor, an actor, a dancer...and myself...There were perspectives from every area of thought. It was good. One answered, "I don't know why..." Another, "I don't know if I believe in Jesus...I have my own idea of spirituality..." And another, "To bring us back together and in relationship." Eric lead the group and we were really able to dive deep into the question. I am glad about what God is doing here in the Catholic church...And I pray that God would continue to open doors and give opportunity for the truth of Jesus' message to be shared...

On another note...just two more days until I leave Milan for India...

Missions in Milan

Here is a video I filmed of my friend Maurizzio here in Milan. He is pioneering house church planting here in Milan and he invites others to see Milan as a mission field.

Sleepy time

Hey...It's late...But i thought i'd just say...7 more days until my plane leaves for India. It's been good here though...And today...Finally, I was able to get some youtube videos up for ywam Milan. Check them out.

Diving into the heart of God

Today...I played guitar at Stazione di Lode and Remar Italia. It was good. They asked me to stay and be a missionary here.

It's hard to leave...I know something awaits me in India...and I know i'm going...but it's hard...especially after making some meaningful relationships. It's hard to leave...knowing there's something behind...a family in Christ...a mission to share God...and most of all Love...that's what is important.]

I feel like lately i've just been diving into heart of God...Experiencing His Love in new ways...amoung different people of different languages, places, history and ways of thinking. I'm priveleged to be here in the midst of this place...

So...I thought it might just be interesting for me to write here...my impressions in words of this place: fashion, arts, music, materialism, cars, cigarette buts, a lost generation, a barely alive almost dead church, catholocism, ghothic, renaissance art, prostituition, Albanians, Moroccans, Egyptions, other North Africans in abundance, Phillipinos, Indians, Arabic, Italian, people of all nations--especially the ones we don't see so many of in the US, metros, converse shoes, dark, dreary, sexual dysfunction, machuism, an ill thought of communism, pizza, gelato.

I'm going to Bed...I'm so tired...Tommorow we have a full schedule with the School of Evangelism from Norway! It should be fun! :-)

Relaxing Saturday

Today, Is a nice relaxing day to end the week. I am glad just to have time to relax and spend time slowing down after a busy week. It's nice to have some time to write emails, veg-out, and just take it easy. We have been doing a lot with communications and building the new website and visiting churches, and working with the Alpha course. This last week we had the chance to go to the opening dinner in the famous Sant'Eustorgio church for the Alpha course which was really special. People from many nations gathered for this dinner--over 170 guests came. There was an Italian actor and film producer, Eric Alexander, that spoke with his wife about how the Alpha course answers the basic questions of faith in a powerful way. We had a wonderful conversation; He was very friendly, and down to earth. In this picture, Luigi the amazing chef, myself and Eric are in Sant' Eustorgio.

I really see this as being a cultivating place for art, film, and media for missions.