The WOW's of Student Ministry

It's a time like this, the story I am about to share, that you realize why we do what we do for those who serve as mentors in student ministry. Many times in ministry it seems we are deep in the battle, rescuing the perishing, caring for the wounded and it's times like these that through all the attacks of Satan, we can see the rewards.

It's also times like these that we realize that it's not us that causes the tide to turn, but it's God's grace and sovereignity that causes the tide to turn. Yes, He does use us as vessels, but it is ultimately Him that deserves all of the credit.

I had lunch today with one of my students, Alexander. I've sensed in the past few weeks God doing a work in his life and today our lunch confirmed that....a different young man than what I have seen in the past six months.

A few months ago, I saw the motions of a disciple....today I saw the heart reflections of a disciple as he spoke with conviction, humbleness, and repentance.

I've prayed many times for Alexander wondering what we could do better or what we weren't doing to reach this wounded student, but in time God's goodness through worship picked Alexander up and placed him on his knees in awe of who He is.

The beauty of a prodigal son returning to his first love Jesus is why I do what I do and today God gave me a glimpse of his incredible love and reminded me of what He saved me from.
Alexander, thank you for allowing me to see Christ in you. May God continue to do an incredible work in your life and may He use you to advance His kingdom!

MORE Gulf Shores Pictures!

Gulf Shores, Alabama Vacation Pictures

We just got back from Gulf Shores--what an excellent time with my family. It was just us--no schedule, I didn't wear a watch, I didn't have my cell phone with me--just me and Sarah and the kids! What a great vacation!

On the drive down we stayed overnight in Vicksburg, Missippi. We rode the ferry(car and all) from Dauphin Island to Gulf Shores--fed the seagulls and saw actual dolphins. The kids loved it! We stayed at the Gulf Shores Plantations which had six outdoor pools and one indoor pool(which came in handy on the day it rained). This was a great time to go because it wasn't crowded at all and most of the time our kids had the indoor pool to themselves.

This was the first time the we as a family went to the beach--what a great time. The temperature was great, we loved digging in the sand and playing in the water. We also caught us a jellyfish and saw some stingrays. The beach was about 100 yards from our condo.

On one day when it rained we went to the Naval Station in Pensacola, Florida. The kids got to see the airplanes and memorabilia. We didn't get a chance to see the Blue Angels, but the kids got a picture in one of their old planes.

On our way back we stopped overnight in Memphis and the next day went and got Elijah's build-a-bear! It was a great road trip for our family--one I think our kids will never forget.

Our family theme verse for our vacation--Psalms 33:6-9:

The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created.

He breathed the Word, and all the stars were born.

He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked ithe oceans in vast reservoirs.

Let the whole world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him.

For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.

We challenged our children with this Scripture as we looked upon the ocean and fascinated ourselves with God's creation.

Happy 4th Birthday Elijah!!!

My youngest son, Elijah, turned 4 years old! What a day he had! He invited his friends Kira, Kien, Daniel, and Olivia for a great birthday party! I asked him what his favorite gift was and he said, "Everything!"

Elijah is my live wire--always hopping and ready to go! He is so fun at this age and is very smart for his age. Sarah and I are so blessed to be his parents!

Father/Son Camping Trip

Here are some pictures of our Father/Son Camping trip that Noah and I went on with a couple of other Fathers and Sons. We hiked about 8 miles--yes I said right--8 miles!!!!! Our boys did so well!

Our focus was Proverbs 3:5,6 and it came in handy many times as we applied to our situation as we hiked!

Should not our Love for Christ be Enough?

We hear a lot today about the 18-30 crowd vanishing from the churches. It is a staggering statistic that 75%-85% of college students leave the faith or vanish from the church after their freshman year in college. It is somewhat frightening especially when people lodge bombs at the church saying it is not doing enough to entice this crowd.
Now, as I write this, note that these are thoughts going in my head and so I would appreciate your confirmation or disagreement with these thoughts. I am trying to seek out the problem at hand:

1. Is the church really to blame or is the individual to blame?
I've seen countless students leave after youth ministry. I am perplexed by this. I struggle with this. I'm sure the church is to blame to a degree because in most cases entertainment is the focus in order to keep students in church, but it seems this method is not working.
But what about ministries who really challenge students in their faith and raise the standard--students still leave. I'm not talking about legalistic student ministries, but student ministries that strive and teach students to truly be a disciple for Christ.
My question is, "Is their faith really real?" Have they allowed the glamor of emotion to supersede their relationship with Christ? Have we as a church conditioned them to this as we go from event to event and it seems that God only moves only when there is emotion involved. Can God move outside of emotion?

2. Should our love for Christ be enough to finish the race?
I tell our students that I do not serve because I have to or to get something, but I do it--I go to church and serve because of the great love that Christ lavished on me.
Are students in love with Christ or just in love with the institution of church? Have we taught students and modeled to students what it means to really love Jesus and taught them to be? Above all, our love for Christ should compel us to finish the race--not events, not music, not preaching, not _______________(you fill in the blank)

3. Many abandon the church because they see the flaws and hypocrisy of those inside.
My question to those who abandon because of these reasons is, "Why not try to help the situation? Why give up?"

I struggle with these questions because we are challenged in the church culture to do more, plan more, do more events, etc. etc., but when will people be responsible and stand for Jesus even if they do not get anything? When will our selfishness be thrown to the side and we lay ourselves on the altar for His glory?

I am reminded of Scripture in which there were many who even after following Jesus for a time, left because I guess he wasn't hip enough or didn't want their toes to be stepped on.

I really don't know who reads this blog, but if you are reading it pardon my rambling-these are just thoughts that are challenging me. It's late and I don't know if this makes much sense. If it makes sense to you, let me know what you think.

*Our reward is not here on this earth, but in eternity with our Savior.

Are you a "Peculiar" Person?

A thought provoking blog by my friend, Brent Higgins. Check it out at: http://www.prayforbj.com/ on the Monday, April 14th. Just a glimpse:

Are we "peculiar?"
Have we come out from the world and been separated by our choices? Do the things we do really reflect well on our Savior? Have we become so comfortable with the world that we allow pictures of ourselves doing that which can only be construed in some sense to be "self-gratifying" because they don't point to Jesus, to represent who and what we stand for to the extent that we post them for others to see?

If who we are cannot be seen in brief glimpses into our lives, there is nothing peculiar about us. If we are truly following Him, if we have really come out from the world and been separated, then our peculiarity will be revealed in ways other than how we choose to eat our cereal.

Hannah Turns 10 Years Old!

I cannot believe, Hannah-my oldest, turned ten! Tonight, she had five friends over and they had pizza, birthday cake, and then went to the movies.

She is becoming a young woman of God--something that I have prayed for a long time. Hannah is very simple--much like her mother. She is okay with who she is. She's a great friend and loves people. She thinks of others before she thinks of herself. She loves to laugh. She does a great job at setting an example for her brothers and sisters for the most part. She spends time in the Word. She loves reading--for her birthday, she wanted a library card(can you believe that--how awesome is that?) to the Tulsa Library.

As I write this and as I said at the beginning of this particular blog, I realize how much she is like her mom. What a testimony of Sarah's faithfulness. It is true that our children watch us--I'm thankful for the great example Hannah has in Sarah.
I must say that for me as I reflect on these past ten years, I am blessed by my daughter Hannah. I pray that God continues to guide and direct her for the mission field.

Mad TV Bob Newhart Skit - Mo Collins - Stop it

Life would be easier if we could just tell people to "Stop It"...great stuff

Zered Brook

What in the world is Zered Brook? It sounds like someone's name. Actually Zerod Brook is found in the book of Deuteronomy 2:13,14:

"Moses continued, "Then the LORD said to us, 'Get moving. Cross the Zered Brook.' so we crossed the brook.
THIRTY EIGHT years passed from the time we first left Kadesh-barnea until we finally crossed the ZERED BROOK! By then, all the men old enough to fight in battle had died in the wilderness, as the LORD had vowed would happen."

This is the passage of Scripture that God is telling the Israelites it's time to get moving after 40 years of wandering through the desert. To me, Zerod Brook is a breakthrough, an obstacle overcome.
I've thought of my Zered Brooks in my life--breakthroughs in my life. I couldn't imagine going through 40 years of wandering. I've never wandered that long....I'm only 34, but there have been periods of time in my life that I have wandered. There was a period in my life that I wandered for about 2 years--in and out of a semi-depression and then one day after wrestling with God, I came to my Zerod Brook after confessing my pride. I crossed my Zerod Brook and it was similar to may salvation experience. It was amazing.

I can imagine what the Israelites thought once they crossed the Zered Brook-a sense of relief, a sense of a new beginning, a breath of fresh air.

Maybe you in are in a pattern of wandering. What do you sense is the cause of it. Could it be pride like it was for me? Pray for your Zerod Brook--your obstacle overcome. It will only come through serious soul searching and repentance. May you cross your Zered Brook and may there come relief, a sense of a new beginning, a fresh start.

A Great Birthday Present for All Guys!
If you ever desire to get me a gift for my birthday or Christmas, I would suggest the following:

Happy 8th Birthday Noah!
I can't believe that my Noah turned 8 today! We had such a great time! We went to Chuck E. Cheese and he invited his good friend Jacob. We had pizza, played games, and ate cupcakes!
For his birthday, Noah got a Jedi sword, Playstation II Game--Star Wars Legos, and a Nerf game. Afterwards we went to Mardel and he got a BibleMan video!

Arabia '08-Senior High Retreat

This past weekend was our Senior High Retreat! What an incredible weekend! Brent Higgins was our guest speaker. Check out Brent's website at http://www.prayforbj.com/ and http://www.awestar.org/. Brian and Melissa Shepard were our worship leaders. Check out http://www.brianshepardband.com/.

The Holy Spirit's presence was so evident. Brent shared about his son BJ--you can read more from his book called, "I Will Die for You". What an incredible story of a young man who was wise for his age and who lived a life devoted to Christ. Brent also spoke about how to hear from God and then on Sunday morning shared a message on Idol Worship.

Brian and Melissa did an incredible job of bringing us into the presence of God and preparing our hearts for the Word! I have heard great comments from our students. They were encouraged and challenged as well as I.

Planet Wisdom Conference

This is a picture of our Jr. High Group that went to the Planet Wisdom Conference! This next week we will be taking our Sr. High to Grand Lake Baptist Assembly for a retreat. Brent Higgins will be speaking and Brian Shepard will be leading worship for us!

This was a great weekend...our first official Jr. High Event. We are going to be doing more separate Jr. High and High School Events so we can better connect with each age group. Usually when we do all youth events, many of the younger ones won't come, so this weekend was a great time for them!

I love our sponsors! Thanks James, Jana, Megan, Jake, Aimee, and Sarah for spending time with our students!

Happy 6th Birthday Grace!

My Grace turned 6th yesterday! We had some of her friends over for an Italian birthday. Sarah made some aprons with all of the girls names on them, had them decorate a giant cookie that each of them took home and had cake and ice cream.

Grace is such a joy! She loves to sing, dance, and play with her dolls! She loves makeup and loves to paint her nails! She loves to pray! Sarah and I are soooo blessed to have Grace!

India/Nepal Mission Trip

I will be leaving to India/Nepal this Monday, January 14 through January 29. The first week we will be in India where we will attend a conference of believers! It should be quite exciting to meet brothers and sisters in Christ! Pray for a harvest because I know for some time they have been praying for a revival and many unbelievers will be there at this conference. You can check out more information on the specifics.

The second week we will be ministering in Nepal. We have partnered with another local church to reach an unreached people group for the Gospel. Please pray for us as we do chronological bible storytelling! It's going to be a great opportunity.

Please be in prayer for my family as I am gone. I'm hoping to give occasional updates and pictures....you can check these out by going to http://www.awestar.org/ and then go to Trip Updates and then click on RidgewayIndia2008. Again, I'm not for sure if I'll have access, but am hoping to keep everyone updated.

Thank you for your prayers!

Let Me Tell You What God Did in Nueva Laredo Part 2

Andrew and I practicing for the drama: FREEDOM

We started early in the morning learning the drama on December 27. I was cast as a good knight. My fighting partner was Andrew.

A God sized thing happened on Day 2. Groups have to have a permit in order to go and perform in public. To that point, there were about 40 groups including us asking the governmental authority to perform in public. They initially turned down all 40 groups. Walker and Jorge, our interpreter went and talked with the authorities and still turned us down. We prayed, they prayed and one of the authorities said that he had seen the drama and then approved us doing the drama! What a miracle!

We got a chance to practice the drama for about five hours and we found out that that afternoon that we would get to go to the plaza to perform the drama. I was incredibly nervous because I had not got down what I needed to know. It was only by the grace of God that I made it through the first drama, but it was AWESOME. Many people gathered in the plaza to watch and people gave their hearts to Christ!


The next day in my time with God, He led me to Judges 6:14: "Go with the strength you have and rescue Israel(Nueva Laredo) from the Midianites(grip of Satan). I AM SENDING YOU! Talk about confirmation from God that I was here for a purpose! The day before I did not feel worthy, I was nervous trying to get the drama down and did not want to become a stumbling block to my team or to those I was ministering to. In addition to this, I was sick.

It was as if God was saying, "HELLO--I am in control!" In my journal I wrote:


Mike, you may not have everything down and your health is not to it's fullest, but go with what you have--you have 26 other people to support and help lead--Go with what I have provided you!
Verse 15 has been your plea and here I am to tell you to GO, "I will be with you!" Yahweh Shalom--the Lord is peace--I will be your peace today and comfort today. Trust me enough to do so.


God's confirmation was so evident and his Word spoke truth to my situation! The rest of the week, I had an amazing peace!

Dad, Hannah, Elijah, and Grace

Elijah excited about his hotwheels!

Modeling Hannah's Hannah Montana Wig--how do I look?

Hannah, Noah, Grace, and Elijah showing their favorite Christmas Stocking Gift

Christmas Pictures

I had to leave the day after Christmas for Nueva Laredo, but wanted to share some pictures with you from our family Christmas! I love my family!

On Christmas Eve, we watched the Nativity Story--what a great movie. We enjoyed having Caroline join us for Christmas this year. On Christmas, we read the Christmas story, opened gifts, and then headed to mom and Jim's for Christmas lunch! I absolutely loved watching the kids open their gifts!

Let Me Tell You What God did in Nueva Laredo....Part I

What a great week in Nueva Laredo! I spent December 26-January 2 with a group of young adults sharing the love of Christ! God worked in my own life through these missionaries as we worked alongside to bring Hope to a lost city. I am hoping to give you a taste of what I experienced through my journal and my personal time with God, so hopefully there will be many parts to this post throughout this next week.

Wednesday, December 26.....

We left the AWESTAR office around 5 a.m. and headed to Nueva Laredo. The trip was a good opportunity for us to get to know one another. Kristen P. was my co-pilot--Josh T. was my backseat driver(not really--he helped keep me awake) Annie slept pretty much the whole thirteen hours in the back seat.

We arrived in Laredo, Texas around 5 p.m. and stopped at Sam's Club to get some groceries. All of us except Walker and Katie were in the vans. After taking a bathroom break and sitting in the parking lot for about 15 minutes, I had my window rolled down and I was looking through the AWESTAR journal. As I was reading, a lady came up to the window(scared me half to death, because I was in deep thought) and she shared a need and asked if we could help. She was trying to get to Houston to see her husband, who had cancer.

After talking with her briefly, all of the students got out of our van and surrounded her. We told her one thing we can do is pray and one person that could change her circumstances and life is Jesus Christ.

After sharing the Gospel with her, she invited Christ into her life. I tried to talk with her, but she was not fluent in Spanish, so we pulled out our card written out in Spanish to explain the Scriptures. Kristen helped to translate and she asked Christ into her life!

It was a GREAT wake up call. It was a huge reminder for us to expect the unexpected. It was a confirmation to me of my purpose on this mission trip.

Praise God!!!!!

Ice Storm Recovery Pictures

Here are some pictures of our fortress of limbs from the recent ice storm....this is just half of them. For about a year, I've begged Sarah to let me get a chainsaw--THANK YOU ICE STORM. I went to Sam's and bought a manly chainsaw!

I really felt manly when the first time I was using it, it started snowing, so I felt like a true mountain, manly man! I grunted a lot like Tim the Toolman!!!