Barbed Wire

Not taking a stand for sake of unity

2008-12-01T19:52:00.004-05:00

In my personal devotions today I was reading Mark 11:27-33. In this passage Jesus is in the temple in Jerusalem and the religious leaders approach him and ask him by whose authority he performs these things (miracles, teaching, etc..). Jesus replies in verse 29 saying that he will tell them if they answer one question:

- Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? (see Mark 1:4-5)

The leaders begin to reason with themselves on whether they should say from heaven or from men. If they said it was from heaven then they would be guilty of not believing John, if they said it was from men then the people of Israel would have been angered as they believed John to be a prophet.

Instead they replied "We do not know" and officially took no stand.

Does this look like many churches today? Officially not taking a stand on something scripture is clear about because it will make them unpopular, or perhaps it will offend members, or other believers. I am not just talking about doctrines essential to Salvation, but doctrines which are very important to the spiritual growth of a believer, and important in regards to following God's Word.

If I can quote from James Gibbons' post at Theologica: "21st Century Church—committed to doctrine-free living. I would rather know what we believe and agree to disagree than happily go along agreeing not to know what we believe."

Psalm 119:160 says "the sum of Thy Word is truth, and every one of Thy ordinances is everlasting."

Let us take a stand for the truth in love.

Did someone say One World Government?

2008-11-13T21:03:00.004-05:00

I was just talking to a friend of mine who renewed her Brazilian Passport...and she received a "South American Passport".

Reading the news I hear:
"Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva recently revealed that the South American countries are planning for a common currency as part of the integration of the individual countries into the Union of South American Nations. This integration is patterned after the formation of the European Union, and parallels the plan for the North American Union.

The union plan also calls for a regional defense council, apparently the beginning of the imposition of a regional government. This council would resolve regional conflicts, promote military cooperation and allow for the regional coordination of weapons production, much as the military integration of Canada and the U.S. initiates the unification of governments in the North American Countries.

They see the move toward the South American Union with its single currency as easily fitting with the European Union and current efforts to establish the North American Union. Once the formation of these major trading blocks is completed, the next step would be the unification of the blocks into a one world government.

This one world government is sometimes referred to as the New World Order. The Council on Foreign Relations has openly stated that its intentions are to bring about the surrender of the sovereignty of the national independence of the U.S. with the aim of creating a one world government. The Council, referred to as CFR, has influence in all vital areas of American life and around the world. Members have run or are running the major media outlets including NBC, CBS, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and many other publications.
Source:
http://www.naturalnews.com/023480.html

With our world economy in financial shambles everyone seems to be talking about globalization:
http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20070501faessay86308/benn-steil/the-end-of-national-currency.html

As long as we can find a leader who can make it all work, and get Israel & Palestine to be friends it should be good.

As long as he is republican.
Will you be around to vote?
I won't

Bar Stool Economics

2008-10-28T20:22:00.003-05:00

Why do the rich get the big tax breaks and the poor get nothing? It's logical and suprisingly simple...I am no economist and this funny article from made it quite easy to understand: Bar Stool Economics (by Michael Patton, Parchment & Pen Theology Blog).

More Violence against Christians in Orissa

2008-10-26T13:17:00.002-05:00

Two days ago I made a post about Gospel For Asia's missionaries in Orissa being persecuted by Hindu Exremists.

Today I just read another article about the terrible persecution "Christians" are getting there. Not just evangelical Christians, but Catholics as well.

Nun Raped in India.

Persecution in Orissa

2008-10-24T10:50:00.004-05:00

The church in India is daily persecuted. Christians are killed every week. Currently there is alot of conflict going on in the Orissa area. Take a couple of minutes and check out the video, photo, and story updates sent by believers in the area as to the situation.

Gospel For Asia is raising up thousands of native missionaries who truly are unashamed of the Gospel. Hearing their stories and testimonies is very humbling. Please consider supporting one of their missionaries.

Postmodernism?

2008-10-14T21:39:00.004-05:00

I spent the last week out on the streets of Toronto & Hamilton shooting video and getting some stock photography for Word of Life Bible Institute while the students were doing Open Air Evangelism. I also had quite a few good conversations with people on the streets, and was able to do some video interviews which we hope to put up on the web soon.

One idea is very prevalent on the streets here in Canada: What is right for you is right for you, what is right for me is right for me. There is no standard of absolute truth. This idea is known as postmodernism. You could talk to the postmodernist all you want about the Gospel and they would smile and be very happy that you found the truth! But they would be just as happy that Joe Athiest has found his truth as well

How do we evangelize in this PostModern World? Michael Patton writes an interesting article on four approaches used to engage postmodernists. I generally use a mixture of option 2 and option 4. Now before you tie me to a stake and light a flame for saying I use option 4, read the whole article. I believe the Gospel has been discolored and masked by many "Christian" churches, proclaiming they have the truth, but preaching confusion.

A great book I am reading right now about postmodernism is called "The New Tolerance" by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler (I know dad, you lent this book to me almost 5 years ago, I will get it back to you!). It is scary to see how our culture & church is embracing this idea as right. You can read some exerpts of it from our friends over at Google Books.

Stay at Home Dad?`

2008-10-10T17:35:00.002-05:00

Is it biblical to be a stay at home dad? Is it biblically acceptable to be a mom that brings in the income and have the father stay home and raise the kids?

Mark Driscoll has what I think are some good biblical points on the issue. Mark, pastor of a very large church (Mars Hill) used to be involved in the emerging trend of the church today, but has since realized the faults in the emergent mindset. Since then his church did a 180 in the way they look at scripture, and have really gotten back into The Book. Although I don't agree with everything he says, I have found some good stuff from him more recently.

See His Video: Should I be a stay at home dad?

Interpretation of Song of Solomon

2008-10-02T20:43:00.003-05:00

I am beginning to work my way through a leadership & counseling series done by Paul David Tripp (visit his blog), along with some other students here at the Bible Institute. One thing he said that I highlighted in my mind was about truth. He said something along the lines of "truth to each person is not based on facts, but is based on their interpretation of the facts". I think he got it right....look how many viewpoints claim they know the truth? We all have the same facts...

The same is true when interpreting the Bible. It bugs me when I hear someone "exposit" scripture...then come up with some profound meaning hardly found within the text. The Bible is not a mysterious book full of allegories, hidden meanings, and secret truths. It is a book with a simple clear truth. I am convinced that we can interpret the bible literally taking into consideration the grammar & context. I think most "conservative" evangelicals would agree. But I also see many "conservatives" suddently take a slightly different approach when looking at Song of Solomon. Is it Christ & the Church? Marriage counselling? A graphic story? Michael Spencer @ internetmonk.com wrote an awesome article on this. See it here.

Photos from Rio 2008

2008-09-16T21:28:00.002-05:00

You can see the above and a few more on my flickr acount.

I made a more complete album with the last leg of our Brazil trip (the part in Rio) on facebook. You can check the album out here.

Dia de Independência, 7 de Setembro

2008-09-07T15:56:00.003-05:00

Today, September 7 is independance day in Brasil, so I thought I would share this video.

Jimmy Oliveira is a Christian musician who is amazing at guitar/piano, and has written/composed many songs, including praise & worship songs in portuguese. You can see his website and download tons of free songs at www.jimmyoliveira.com

Do NOT ask Jesus into your Heart

2008-08-19T23:27:00.003-05:00

It irks me, really irks me, when I hear someone explaining how to get saved, but they forget crucial parts of the Gospel, or the explanation is confusing.

So often I hear "Believe that Jesus died on the cross and you will be saved" or "Ask Jesus into your heart", or believe.

Asking Jesus into your heart is a concept not found in the Bible. Dennis M Rosker, pastor of Duluth Bible Church in Duluth, Minnesota wrote a great article on this topic:
7 Reasons NOT to ask Jesus into your Heart.

But what about "Believe Jesus did on the cross and you will be saved" ?
Yes Jesus did die on a cross, and you must believe that, however this is not the whole Gospel.

The Gospel is simple: I deserve eternal death because I sin (Rom. 3:23) and it has to be paid for (Rom. 6:23). In my place Jesus Christ paid for my sin and even though he was God, allowed himself to die on a cross (Rom 5:8) as a man in my place. He took the penalty and shame for every sin I committed instead of me. He spent three days in the grave, then rose from the grave alive (Rom. 6:9), conquering sin and proving He was God. He then ascended into Heaven where he sits at the right hand of His Father where he says to the father: See Jonathan, he is perfect. He has no sin. His sin is paid for. All of it. (Rom. 8:1) Because of that I can have fellowship with God, I am perfect before God.
How is one saved? Just believe it. Have faith that Christ did it all, and acknowledge that we are helpless on our own, and deserve what he paid for!
Romans 5:1, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Often times people (even evangelicals who believe in grace & no works) forget the simple concept of substitutionary atonement, meaning Christ took my place to pay for my sins, to make peace with God.

When preaching the Gospel, Preach the full Gospel.

War Photography in Georgia/South Ossentia

2008-08-17T18:57:00.003-05:00

Photo Credit: Dmitry Kostyukov/AFP

A few days ago Russia began moving troops into Georgia. According to Russian officials, over 2000 civilians have been killed in conflict, and Georgia has declared a state of war in South Ossentia. Georgia claims it as part of their country, while Moscow claims the area is independent of Georgia.

In the midst of the conflict, photographers and reporters risk their lives to get the story out. See some of their photos here:
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/08/war_in_south_ossetia.html

Today 80% of the Georgia's population of 4.6 million practices the teachings of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Eastern Orthodox Church is the second largest "Christian" communion after Catholicism. The Orthodox Church would adhere to several orthodox (orthodox as in essential doctrines adhered by all "Christians") Christian doctrines such as the Trinity, the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, the Bible as the rule of faith (as do Catholics and Protestants). However the Orthodox Christian, like a Catholic, relies on a faith+works salvation. Their worship is very traditional and full of symbols, chants, readings, and rituals, and this has introduced many heresies in the church over the ages.

Tocantins, Goias, and now to Rio

2008-07-14T09:57:00.005-05:00

Well our trip to Brasil is over halfway done and I still haven't posted an update on the blog! We had no flight troubles through our connections and ended up landing in Goiania, the capital of my home state of Goias. Some friends from New Tribes picked us up and took us to Anapolis (300,000) which is where New Tribes Brasil has their headquarters. We spent a night there before catching a bus 8 hours North into the state of Tocantins, where we stayed with Russel & Becky Schuring. They have a Chacara (small farm) about 10k outside of Formoso do Araguaia. While there we helped them with some projects they had going on (ie. building a Chapeu de Paia). The house they were living in was still under construction so it had no electricity and only was partially covered with a roof. We had an awesome time hearing of God's faithfulness to them and their huge family, and even got to visit two Javae Villages on Bananal Island (Worlds largest freshwater island). These missionaries goal is to plant a church among the Javae Indians.

After spending a week with them we returned to Anapolis for a few days where Gina had 4 wisdom teeth removed. After a couple recovery days, we headed to Vianapolis, a small town an hour from Anapolis where NTM has an MK school and language training program. That is where we are right now. I helped out putting a new roof on part of the high school, and Gina & Cherie helped painting and cleaning.

We were able to do some fun stuff throughout our stay as well. (climbing waterfalls, swimming, hiking, exploring a cave etc..).

Tuesday we head to Rio before flying home on the 18th of July. Thank you all for your prayers & support!

If you want to see more pictures, I made a facebook album.

Theology?

2008-05-26T19:51:00.003-05:00

Many people would say they love God's Word, and many do read it everyday, but start talking about digging into scriptural doctrine & theology they shy away from it. Excuses: Theology divides, we need to focus on what unifies, theology puffs up as long as you believe Christ died & rose again etc...and the list goes on. And many of those points are valid (Theology does divide, and it can make one proud!). But I think that anyone who seriously claims they love His Word, must seriously spend time studying it and trying to understand it and the true doctrine contained within it's pages. If one's heart has a passion for Christ one it must also have a passion for accurate doctrine.

Theology is the study of God. God has revealed Himself in two ways: Generally (through nature/creation), and specifically (through His Word the Bible). Theology generally focuses on his specific revelation, the Bible as it specifically reveals to us information about Him, and His plan for mankind, which ultimately is to glorify Himself.

I like theology...

I really enjoy learning about God through His written Word, and studying it to find out more about Him, and the nature of His saving grace! Therefore I really enjoy studying His Word and the doctrine contained within it, because the more I learn about Him, the more I learn about myself and how undeserving I am of what He did for me.

Importance of Theology

I believe that it is important for every believer to study God's Word and know & speak sound doctrine (Titus 2:1) and be able to quickly identify false teaching. (2 Cor. 11:1-4, 13-15).

I believe it is important to be able to not only give a reason of the hope that lives in you, but be able to give a defense of it (1 Peter 3:15, Phil 1:7, Titus 1:9).

I believe it is important to accurately apply scripture, and accurately challenge & teach others (2 Tim 2:2, 2:15, 4:2)

It enables me to analyze my heart's spiritual emotions and personal experiences and see if they are based on truth. (Jer. 17:9)

so that I might glorify God in every area of my life.

Essential vs. Non-essential
I love learning about all different aspects & viewpoints of doctrine and theology, however it is true that some doctrines are essential (ie. Diety of Christ, depravity of man, salvation by grace through faith, etc...) and some are less essential, or non-essentials (Are the Nephelim an evil race of man-angel children? Were we physically present with Adam when he sinned, or did he represent man in the "original sin"?).

The ratio of essentials to non-essentials varies in all denominations, from the Fundamentalists, some of whom place most doctrines as absolutely essential, and take a stand on everything, to the Emergents who loosely hold to a few core doctrines, but let all else slide since "who can know truth?"...and even as far as the Liberals who hold to virtually nothing.

The core-doctrines essential to Christianity are known as "orthodox truths" and are held to by the majority of denominations.

Sound Doctrine divides, it always will. It is my goal through studying God's Word to glorify Him, and therefore divide on certain issues relation to God's holiness, scriptural reliability, salvation, and following commands found in His Word.
Read this great article looking at the relationship between Fundamentalism & Liberalism.

Sincere Godly Christians, Different Viewpoints
So how can I come to a conclusion on true doctrine within the Bible when there are so many "godly" christians who have very different opinions on different doctrines (ie election, women in leadership, etc..) and seem firmly convicted of their position as truth?

Well it all starts at how you interpret scripture. Therefore the foundation to studying Theology is your hermeneutics, your method of interpreting scripture, so that you may properly exegete, or "get out" an interpretation of the text.

Therefore foundational in your study of Theology is Bibliology, or the study of the bible, and consequently your hermeneutics. How you interpret the Bible will lead to you settling on different conclusions on doctrines.

Personal Note: I really like discussing theology, different viewpoints, and ideas, but on non-essential issues I really don't want to argue! I may have an opinion on certain non-essential issues, and enjoy discussing them, but they are NON-essential! I discussing non-essential things can be healthy and fun, but it should not divide.

I believe we should divide on essential and important truths, but that being said I fully acknowledge that many people I believe to be seriously inaccurate in their interpretation of scripture are just as much saved as I am! What is scary is that people who may be accurate in their interpretation of scripture have missed the application and may not be saved at all!

I simply pray that all I do & say will glorify my Father in heaven.

Men of God

2008-05-26T10:23:00.005-05:00

This school year at the Bible Institute is coming to a close, and it is the last week of classes for the students. One of the cool things about the program here is that we get great Men of God to come and teach the Word of God. It has been great to talk to them while they are here and get to know them.

This past week we had Dr. Renald Showers, who is widely recognizes as one of the most distiguished theologians in North America. He went to Dallas Theological Seminary and Grace Theological Seminary, and now teaches at Grace. He used to teach at PBU and Moody. He is probably most famous for his works relating to dispensational theology.

Before he came I had been listening to some podcasts and audio series by him. When he arrived I was able to pick his mind and ask lots of questions I had. It was great to see a man who's life reflected his love for Christ, and who had a passion for teaching the truth of God's Word!

Students Exploring Missions

2008-05-03T09:13:00.008-05:00

Right now we are in the middle of an event called SEM (Students Exploring Missions). We have representatives from 6 missionary organizations who will be spending time with a group of our students here talking to them about getting involved in missions, and available to help them plan for how they will get involved. We have missionareas from
The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM | www.teamcanada.org)

New Tribes Mission
(NTM | www.ntm.org)

Northern Canada Evangelical Mission (NCEM | w ww.ncem.ca),

Association of Baptists for World Missions (ABWE | www.abwe.org),

HCJB World Radio (www.hcjb.org), and also one of our own:

Word of Life Local Church Ministries (WOL | www.wol.ca).

In the first session we heard from several missionaries sharing testimonies and facts about the need in World Missions. 10% of Christian Workers are Reaching 90% of the world, while 90% of Christians are reaching 10% of the world. That means that the vast majority of the world is hungry for people to come and teach them the word. Millions have no choice...they can NOT here the gospel of Christ if they wanted to. They have no churches, bibles, or christian leaders in their country. It is moving to hear the passion of these missionaries for spreading the Word to these people!

I was convicted by God's command to be a missionary last year during my year studying at the Bible Institute. I began where I could, God opened a door for me to serve at Word of Life at the Bible Institute. I see God leading me to go into New Tribes Missionary training in Durham after I finish serving here at Word of Life. This summer I will be flying down to Brazil with my sister and a friend to help out in a tribal church plant for a few weeks. Please be praying I will be able to raise the support for this trip, and will be able to do all I do to the glory of Christ.

Video/Photo Shoot

2008-04-21T21:38:00.004-05:00

Part of my job here on campus is helping out when needed with photography & media. We are working on a new video promoting the importance of having a biblical foundation, and how study of the Bible will change your life. Today we went down to Toronto to shoot some video footage and some photography for it.

A team of 6 of us went down. Scott, our marketing guy (above, on left) shot video footage, while I took still shots and helped with lighting. Four students here at the Bible Institute were the subjects of all our shots.

Ginger (above), is a french student from Quebec. Our final DVD will have both a French and an English version, as we have an awesome French ministry in Quebec, including a full Bible Institute and French Immersion program.

Before heading to Toronto we brainstormed locations to shoot. So yes, this idea was definitely ripped from Newsboys' "Adoration" album.

Jay (above), graduated university with several years of Animation & Design under his belt. He has an awesome testimony of how he went through university pursuing his dreams only to realize he had no eternal purpose. He made the decision to study God's Word here for a year and had his life changed by God. He will be coming on staff with us next year in our media & design department and is planning on using his skills in media in full time ministry. This "purpose idea" will be talked about in the video to challenge people to get into God's Word.

We were at Union Station in downtown Toronto when security approached us and informed us that we couldn't use any tripods in the building for security reasons...which kinda was a bummer first as we were trying to take some time-lapse video of the business there. So we did our best without a tripod and resolved to add the "shaky" effect in post-processing to cover up our amateurness ;).

Just under a year ago God blessed us with the funds to purchase this video camera. We share it with our Quebec campus and the rest of our Canadian ministry in an effort to increase the quality of our promotional and ministry video productions. It's Scott's baby.

And finally here I am in a shot. Stunning, I know. Most of the time I was behind a camera, but here I am helping reflect some light while Nigel (guy on right in the "newsboys" overpass shot) stole a few shots.

We still have at least another full day of shooting in some rural and suburban locations. I'll put some more photos up later and maybe some video clips.

Please be praying for the ministry of the Bible Institute here in Ontario, and for the lives we can impact in our circle of influence! I was really encouraged this week while attending a student worship and sharing time called "focus". Just hearing the many testimonies of what God has been doing in their lives and how excited they are for the future really motivated me to do my best for Christ in my ministry here. It is exciting to see the numbers coming in for next year! We have a record number of applications for the fall of 08, and are gearing up for another great student class!

Hmm....and Ephesians 4

2008-04-09T22:52:00.002-05:00

So I discovered that I can't be faithful in writing one blog post a day. But I have been faithful in studying a portion of one of Paul's Epistles each day.

I am learning a lot! Though some days I ignore what I learn and willingly overlook it. So my personal challenge for myself is to live each day with a Purpose, and to spend time each day remembering what I am learning, and APPLYING it.

I am in Ephesians 4 today. Very challenging, in many ways, but verse 23 challenged me the most. I must renew my mind daily, and not get stuck in the rut of "usualness" or get lazy in my walk with Christ. I must constantly be renewed through the Study of His Word, and constant Prayer.

April 3 - Galatians 3

2008-04-03T23:46:00.001-05:00

The internet was down, so I didn't get to post yesterday.

Galatians 3 is a heavy passage...all about faith. So here are my ramblings...

It astounds me how so many "Christian" religions and denomination's don't understand the concept of Salvation by FAITH not WORKS or the LAW.

What first comes to mind is the Seventh Day Adventists, who will tell you they believe in Salvation by Grace through Faith, but when it comes down to it they have a Works based Salvation, and rely heavily on following parts of the Old Testament Law for salvation(Worshiping on Saturday, dietary laws, etc...). A great resource to reach out to Adventists is the Proclamation Magazine. It is a great free Magazine written by former Adventists. I have been receiving it for a couple years now.

But there are other denominations who don't seem to get passed working for salvation. The Holiness/Wesleyan tradition for instance. Though I believe here are many great Christians, and sincere believers in the movement, when it comes down to it, they teach you can lose your salvation if you fall into Sin. I mean it is great that they stress living a Holy Life sold out to God, separate from Sin, but if "works" can cause you to lose Salvation, then essentially you are counting on works to keep your salvation!

Galatians 3:3 says "Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit are you now being perfected by the flesh?" Paul is referring specifically to Gentile believers trying to "keep" their salvation by doing the works of the Jewish Law. Is it so different if someone tries to "keep" their salvation by keeping God's Law?

Now, this is no excuse to sin! Romans 6 in Jon's paraphrase says "Should we keep sinning so that God's grace might become greater? Absolutely not! How can we who supposedly "died to sin" still live in it? Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ (Saved), were Baptized into His death?" See Galatians 3:26-27. I am baptized into Christ and am now part of His family!

This passage is a great reminder of how Gracious God is, and how vital Faith is. Challenges me to trust God, and also challenges me to live a holy life free from sin because I belong to Christ (vs 29).

April 1 - Galatians 1

2008-04-01T22:22:00.002-05:00

Two months ago I started studying 1-2 Chapters for each day of the month going from Galatians to Philemon to get a good grasp on these epistles. Each time I have tried to do it a bit differently & learn new things.

This time I am going to *try*, and by that I mean "try" to post something I am challenged by or am learning each day.

Galatians: Written by Paul in around 49 AD to the Church in Galatia. It is the first epistle of Paul, and its overiding "theme" is Justification by Faith, NOT the Law.

Galatians 1:
The verse that stuck our to me was vs 16. Paul was converted, and then God called him to preach the Gospel to the non-Jews. What challenged me is that Paul did NOT "consult with flesh & blood" to see if it truly was his calling.

When God calls me to do something, or the Holy Spirit convicts me, or I am faced with a decision from scripture, I sometimes find myself seeking the advice of others, or "testing" God to see if He truly wants me to do it. Time is often spent wasted by waiting on a "sign" or "confirmation", or by asking others their opinion.

If God through scripture commands I do something, or if He convicts me of something, I must act based on Scriptural Truth and Prayer, NOT the opinions or ideas of others. Good advice is good, but nowhere near as reliable or powerful as the Word of God and Prayer.

Ministry Update

2008-03-17T10:40:00.001-05:00

The campus is empty now, as all the students have left for March break. Well most of them. A large group of students made the decision to go on a missions trip to Jamaica. They have been raising money and planning for months, and they left a couple days ago. They will be doing many different kinds of ministry all over the island, so pray for God to use them, challenge them, and teach them over the course of this trip!
On another note, many of you may already know that I have been planning on heading to Brazil this summer. Last year I prayed about organizing a small missions trip with my sister, and God made that a reality! Gina & I, as well as several friends who have graduated from Word of Life Bible Institute, are going on a 3 week missions trip to Brazil. We will be spending two weeks in the jungle helping out with some New Tribes Missionaries and their ministry there! God has been calling me to get involved in Tribal Missions, and I am excited for what I will learn this trip! Several of the other members of our team want to go into tribal missions as well, and I believe God is going to challenge all of us on this trip!(the photo above is was taken by a Brazilian friend of mine near the town where New Tribes has its Language School. Much of this area of Brazil is covered with soy farming).
After spending two weeks in a tribe, we will be journeying South a bit to the New Tribes Mission Brasilian Language school, which is located on the same campus as the MK Elementary-High School (Vianapolis, Goias). This is where Gina & I were raised in Brazil. SIL & New Tribes are joining efforts on the one campus, and have different work projects available for us to help out on. After 3 weeks we may visit Rio for a couple days, then heading back to Canada!
Please be praying for us, that we will be able to raise the finances for the trip, and also pray that we can be a unified team focusing on Christ's work while we are there! If you feel led to help out any of our team Members please get ahold of me through email: jonathan-at-enns.net

Our Team:
Elias Klaesi (Pembroke, ON)
Cherie Keim (Chetwynd, BC)
Gina Enns (Stewiacke, NS)
Angela Countway (Coldbrook, NS)
Jon Enns (Owen Sound, ON
)
We plan to leave around June 26th and return mid July.

Lightning Strikes Largest statue of Christ

2008-02-12T18:24:00.000-05:00

Lightning hit the world's largest statue of Christ during last Sunday's storm in Rio.
The statue is 130ft tall, is made of 700 tons of reinforced concrete and stands atop the 2,296ft Corcovado mountain overlooking the city, and is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Brazil, being a very Catholic country has statues of Christ, Mary, and the Saints in most towns and cities. 95% of people you ask will tell you they are a Christian and believe in Salvation through faith in Christ's work on the cross, but the vast majority are counting on Works (Good deeds, going to church, or having statues of Jesus & Mary, praying to God, Mary, or the saints) to get them to heaven.

This concept of a "works based" salvation is found no where in the Bible. The Bible teaches that salvation is a free gift, unable to be earned by anything we do. All we must do is admit that we are sinners (deserving punishment in what the Bible calls Hell), and believe that God came down to earth as a man (Jesus), and that Jesus Christ took our punishment in our place by dying upon the cross, then rose 3 days later conquering sin, so that we can be declared perfect before God. God forgave our sin by placing the penalty we deserved to pay on his Only son, Jesus Christ.

So where do works and good deeds come in? The Bible says that our good deeds & works prove our faith. This means that if we truly believe in Christ, our life, our words, and our actions will show it. Nothing I can do can pay (or equal out) the sin I have done.

There is no concept of a Good vs. Bad scale in the Bible.

The New Year

2008-02-05T22:33:00.000-05:00

We just finished having our Campus Days, which is an event that I am heavily involved in. People from around ontario came to the campus to sit in on classes & experience student life. Many were challenged in the Word and we received 11 new applications to come here!

Even more exciting was the decisions made by people this last weekend at one of our Student Run Snow Camp rallies. Many people gave their hearts to Christ, but two in particular I had an opportunity to talk with. It was a guy and his girlfriend. Both of them are in their twenties, and for the first time understood the Gospel. One of them served in the Military and the other is in College. They have been living together and somehow one of their Christian friends invited them out to the event. Both accepted Christ! I talked to them for a while, and now both are interested in spending a year Studying God's Word & growing in Christ!

Students have just finished studying Philippians with Pastor Steve Hobbs, and are now in Galatians with Pastor Ken Philmore. Coming up is Revelation with Dr. Jimmy DeYoung, a reporter and Prophecy scholar who lives in Israel. Each weekend the students and I are busy running Snow Camp, so you can be praying that despite the hectic schedules, we will keep our focus on Christ and glorifying Him!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T14:37:00.001-05:00

Here are a few of the gifts given and received this Christmas. I flew back to Nova Scotia to spend it with my family. A few days ago we all went skiing together, and we spent time today around the tree, playing board games, and remembering why we truly celebrate Christmas, because God sent Christ to earth and he was born of God as a gift to us, which is why I celebrate!

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Photography

2007-12-22T20:19:00.001-05:00

I have been working on a course in photography and decided to start posting some of the things I am learning or ideas I have on a blog. If anyone likes photography or is just interested in pictures here is the link: www.photoexcursions.blogspot.com