Deep Wells and Homemade Desserts

One terrific perk about our group here is that we usually have tremendous homemade desserts around. These can vary from cookies to apple pie and brownies to flaming oranges (yes, we actually ignite them). Because of the handiwork of our group bakers, me not included, we have had the pleasure of providing these goodies to the group we hang out with at Lamb's Cottage. There is something about a handcrafted cookie or brownie that spurs conversation. These conversations can range from exchanging pleasantries to introspective muses on spirituality or the state of homelessness in Eugene. Whatever the topic, homemade desserts help to put us in a place of commonality to begin these engagements.

"Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well.... When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, 'Will you give me a drink?' The Samaritan woman said to Him, 'You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?' (For Jews did not associate with Samaritans). Jesus answered her, 'If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.' 'Sir,' the woman said, 'you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?'

At this point, Jesus has engaged this woman in conversation and goes on to reveal some painful truths, but in doing so shines the light on her need for Him, the Son of God. Jesus, in His humanness, was tired and thirsty and He happened to meet this lady, who was from a people who opposed Jews and vice versa. He began a conversation by asking for some water. Sure, I believe that Jesus knew exactly what He was doing and where the conversation would lead, but it is interesting to see the beginning of it.

The story resumes later with the woman leaving her water jar and going back to town to tell others about this encounter with a man who says He is the Messiah. She testified as to what He said and what He knew about her and how He offered living water. They urged Jesus to stick around for a couple more days.

"And because of His words many more became believers. They said to the woman, 'We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.'"

You see, when Jesus sat next to the deep well to rest, He engaged into conversation with the Samaritan woman and met her where she was at. Through this conversation she believed in Him and many others believed because of the words Jesus had to share. As we continue to journey though our life in His Kingdom, we should be ready to engage people where they are at. Each and every person is different, but each desires to be known. That is what is so miraculous about Jesus; He shared His message with many people, but interacted with them differently. So, whether we are resting next to a deep well or sharing a homemade treat with our neighbor (including those who you would never see yourself associating with), we can listen, talk, and share life with people and give them the good news of the Living Water.

D

Sundays

For a while now, we've been helping out at Lamb's Cottage on Sunday nights. It's a small building in a park near by where people can get a meal as well as "soul food" (as dave refers to it as). This week was kinda special for us. Our friends who usually run it were gone this week and trusted us to give the meal and the message. Here's a few pics.
Kitchen Time

Dinner

Tables

Lonely Cupcake

Heartbeat

Have you ever listened to your heartbeat? Pretty crazy huh? I mean, this muscle keeps pace like the rhythm of a metronome for our entire lives. Sometimes it accelerates quickly like when we are going up a flight of stairs or see a large bee (not me). And, sometimes it seems to drag on slowly like after a nice three hour nap (Drew knows what I am talking about). But, in general, we go about our daily lives not ever noticing the 80 beats per minute it ticks along. My Mom was just out here for a few days and it was a lot of fun having her in Oregon. We drove around and saw the coast, the mountains, and even a couple waterfalls up close. Whenever we have visitors, I tend to reflect on life out here. I am not sure why that is; maybe I am able to slow down a little bit and begin to notice all of the things going on around me. My life has become increasing busy over the last six months, mainly because 40 hours a week of it is spent in a bank, but also because we have met some great friends out here and have spent a lot of time hanging with them. Amongst this business challenges have also arisen. There are times where I wonder how things are going to work out, how bills will be paid, and how our future is going to look. I worry myself about these questions and most of the time try to figure it out on my own accord. Recently, Staci and I have seen answers to these challenges come about in ways we couldn't have anticipated. Now that I reflect on this, I realize that God is behind all of it, He always has been and always will be. Unfortunately, I do not take the time to sit and enjoy this truth enough. I notice it, but then I continue on with my "busy" day. This is not completely unlike noticing my heartbeat. Our Father is always working for us, always loving us, always. He tells Moses that His name is "I Am." He is always present, even when we aren't paying attention. I desire to slow down so that I can see more clearly the work He is doing in my life. I want to be more in tune to His voice, which David says in the Psalms is like a gentle whisper. So, as I am quiet enough to hear the melodic bass in my chest, maybe I can hear the gentle words of my Creator whispering "I Am."

D

Impossible & Possible

Last night at our Sunday gathering we discussed Mark 10:17-31. In the past when I've heard this passage preached it has generally revolved around the idea of money and how money can become a road block to the Kingdom of God, especially if we love it more than we do God. But last night we spent most of the night focussing in on two other truths from that passage, namely that with God all things are possible (v.27) and that Christ Himself (through his Church) makes up one hundred fold for everything that is lacking when we 'leave everything to follow' Jesus (vv.28-31). I think the first truth that Jesus declares in v.27 is the one that has encouraged me the most recently. Shortly after I got out to Eugene, I began to get an overwhelming sense of helplessness here. And truth be told, I am confronted by that feeling a lot. To this point, I've never questioned our calling to Eugene, but the work that God has called us to do here does feel impossible. I find myself asking the same question the disciples asked to one another in v.26, who then can be saved? What an interesting question that is, especially coming from the disciples. Remember in Mark 1:17-18, Jesus invited them to follow Him and He would make them fishers of men. And at once they left their nets and followed him. Here they are, they've left everything (more than any of our church plant team has left) to follow Jesus for the sake of the gospel and now they've come face to face with the impossibility of the task they've been called to. With man this is impossible... What a helpless feeling? I kind of imagine Jesus pausing for quite some time after saying that first part of v.27. The kind of pause that makes everyone listening uncomfortable, not sure if they should do or say anything or just wait out the akward silence. But maybe Jesus had to pause to let the reality of the human condition sink in, namely that it is impossible for man to enter the kingdom of God in and of himself. That it's impossible for us to change the hearts of any of our friends here in Eugene in and of ourselves. And just when we begin to recognize the gravity of our condition, Jesus breaks the long pause...all things are possible with God. Maybe it's not so bad to feel helpless after all. Maybe it's not so bad to feel like the mission we've been called to in Eugene is impossible. Maybe that's exactly where God wants us to be! God shows up when the situation is impossible, period. Maybe our lives are meant to be lived in the healthy tension between feeling helpless and hopeful, fearful and faithful, desperate and dependent, maybe that's exactly where God wants us to be. I guess my prayer now is that Jesus will help me to live in the tension between the impossible and possible. The impossible so that I'm always reminded that I can't change anyone...the possible so that I'm always reminded that God alone can...and does!

Clint

The 4th

One of Drew's neighbors gave us a mini fireworks show outside Clint&Rachel's apt. We only feared for our lives once when one of them chased us. hahahaha




I'm finding that holidays tend to be bitter sweet since leaving Indiana. I miss what I would have been doing with friends back home but I'm also thankful to have great new friends here and be apart of what's happening in Eugene.
Happy 4th from Eugene!!!
-Cj