Ashley

I was picking up some extension cords at the Ace Hardware, Super Store, in Truckee and was out the door, when I looked to the right and saw a young lady behind the coffee maker. My head basically snapped to the right because her bright colored shirt caught my attention. It said, "HOPE". Now in my first glance it looked like one of the President Obama t-shirts that said "Hope", but it wasn't. It did, however, have a picture of a little African child on the front, that I mistook for President Obama, but regardless it was a conversation starter. Here's how it went:

Hi, my name is Luke and I am writing a local blog and am investigating our culture and community with respect to spirituality.

Q: Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?

A: Not at all I am pretty slow right now.

Q: Where are you from?

A: Originally, I am from Sonoma, but I moved up here in November with a friend... unfortunately we are not roommates any longer.

Q: Do you have any belief system that you ascribe to?

A: No not really... well like my shirt... Hope in today!

Q: Ok, let me phrase that differently... if you had one slogan to sum up your life, like a title to a movie, What would it be?

A: I'm not sure... I haven't really thought about it much. I mean I work, hang out with friends and go home.

Q: Were you raised with religion?

A: Yes, I was baptized Catholic.

Q: So are you Catholic?

A: No

Q: Ok, well have you ever read the Bible?

A: Never, I have a friend who has though.

Q: Would you be open to reading the Bible?

A: Definitely, I just don't have one. Maybe one of my roommates does though.

I told her that I would bring her one that she could read and keep.

Q: Do you know who Jesus is?

A: Well sort of, but I think our culture has it all wrong as to what He looked like and other outward things concerning His life.

In the midst of learning about her and her life I told her what I did here in Truckee and what I am passionate about. Explaining to her who the God of the Bible is, and what He has done in sending Jesus as a love offering for us. I explained to her what sin was (missing the mark) and how it separates us from God, but then told her that Jesus died to pay for our sins and forgive us. She was interested and welcomed future conversations. I was amazed at how God uses his people for Kingdom Purposes.

TO ASHLEY:

I will bring you that Bible and would love to tell you more about who Jesus is and what He has done.

TO THE CHRISTIAN:

Allow God to lead and guide you as you live for Him today. Psalm 32:8

Joshua

I was heading back to my office after stopping by the First Baptist Church off Deerfield Dr. in Truckee. Not too excited to get on the freeway in my little 4 banger toyota, I decided to forgo the whole experience of being like the "Little Engine that Could" chanting "I think I can I think I can" and just take West River Street into Downtown Truckee. In turning left I noticed that there was this guy with long blonde hair taking the cross walk, as if he were going to walk towards Tahoe City heading South on Hwy 89. I thought nothing of it and made my left turn like any other day. As soon as I did, it was though God were speaking to my heart saying, "Turn around and help that guy out". I flipped a U turn and headed down 89 south to see the guy still walking and stickin out his thumb. This in Tahoe terms means, "Bro I need a ride"... it might be a universal thing as well, but I don't know. Anyways, I stopped... picked him up and then asked him where he was going. He told me Tahoe City and I answered saying, "I can take you to Squaw hop in". So we were off heading towards Squaw when I began to ask him a series of questions... Here's how it went:

Q: What do you think is the spiritual climate of the Truckee/Tahoe area?
A: I think that people are pretty open to hearing about beliefs and they will listen if you respect them.

Q: Do you consider yourself spiritual or do you hold to any specific world view?
A: I was raised in a sect of Christianity called "The Way". My parents were both Christians and my dad tried to teach me to love God and love others. He is one of my best friends and I respect him greatly.

Q: Have you ever read the Bible?
A: I have read parts, but not the whole thing.

Q: Do you believe it is God's Word to man?
A: I have a hard time thinking that a man, who is fallible, could be used to accurately translate the Words of God.
- I replied, well if God is Perfect in all His ways and all knowing, is it possible that He could speak directly to man in a way that man would not screw it up?
A: Huh? I haven't thought of that.

Q: Would you be open to learning more about it?
A: Definitely

Q: Do you believe in Absolute Truth?
A: Maybe, it is hard because there are so many religions claiming that they are the only way and that their way is the right way.

Q: Do you believe that Jesus was a real person?
A: Yes

Q: Who do you believe He was?
A: The Son of God.

Q: What does that mean to you?
A: I think that it means He was an example for us on how to live and respect others.

Q: Would you ever consider sitting and talking again?
A: No prob... it would be my pleasure.

It was then that we rolled up to Squaw. I gave him my email and the blog. Hopefully Joshua will check it out.

TO JOSHUA:
My hope here is that you will investigate the Bible. Test it and see if it is true... investigate the claims of Jesus, as well as others.

TO THE CHRISTIAN:
Don't get too comfortable going through the everyday motions of life. Be distracted away from everyday life to reach out to someone who needs to know Jesus.

LLoyd

I met Lloyd in line at the Safeway in Truckee. It was a pretty busy afternoon and I politely struck up a conversation with him regarding the blog and spirituality. He invited the conversation and the questions and was happy to take about a 1/2 hour of his time to talk with me. Here are some of the topics we discussed:

Q: What do you think is the spiritual climate of the Truckee/Lake Tahoe Area?
A: I believe that people are testing their spirituality and that there are many people of many faiths trying to unite. Each person has responsibility and it is a personal thing for each person to reach their highest potential. To each his own.

Q: Do you consider yourself spiritual?
A: Definitely! I am a committed Buddhist and have been for over 30 years.

Q: Do you believe that the Bible is the Word of God?
A: I believe that there are parts that are true, but it was given to man and man is fallible. So No, I don't think it is God's exact words.

Q: Who do you believe Jesus Christ to be?
A: I believe that Jesus Christ was a man, a man that understood the problems with humanity. He was one to help others... to help others over himself.

Q: Do you believe that His words were true?
A: I believe that some of His words were true, but they don't always work or apply to everyone.

Q: CS Lewis stated that, "Jesus was either: A liar, a lunatic or who He said He was, Lord". What do you think about that?
A: Change of subject!!!

It was there that our conversation of the spiritual came to and end. A tragic place to stop as Jesus' claims of Himself were needed to be dealt with. I didn't have the opportunity to share the full Gospel, but Lord willing this might happen in the future. "Zeal without wisdom is dangerous," and I want to be sensitive to people. At the same time, I will continue to speak the Word of God in love, regardless if it is heard or heeded.
It is so true of our age today... people do not want to think that there is one way to God... Jesus Christ. Many people have no idea of the roots of other major world views. To finish this post I want you all to know that Lloyd and I had a great talk, one with intensity, yet respectfulness of the other person. I am not going to be so political correct in every post, but this conversation was a good one. My hope through this is to continue to foster a relationship between myself and Lloyd.

30 Day Challenge

In coming back to the United States from my trip to Italy my heart burned with fire to share the Gospel with people. While in a foreign country it is so easy to talk to people. Even with the language barrier people want to know why you are there, why you are getting involved in their culture. When you tell people that you are from the US. immediately their eyebrows raise, until you tell them that you are from California, in which they respond, "oh you surf". This becomes a topic of conversation and a starting place for further dialogue and possibly a relationship of some form. One step on US soil and culture shock hits you. People have personal space here, there are unspoken boundaries, with respect to conversation. How dare you talk to me about money, politics and religion. What a sad state to dwell within.
My hope is to change that kind of mindset. That is why I want to break down those kinds of walls within our culture. My hopes in accomplishing this will be through the interviews that I have and the recording of this blog. Here's the deal: I will dedicate the next 30 days to meeting people, developing relationships within my community, on the basis that everyone believes something or someone. My hope is that those who do not believe in absolute truth will come to know truth and be advocates of it. Might I add, "Jesus was full of grace and truth", so basically I am saying that I want people to know Jesus.
Now if I were to say that right up front there would probably be some issues... that's fine, but I don't want to just get my point across. I want to see the spiritual temperature of our community and the only way that that can be accomplished is through simply talking with people.
So, for the next 30 days, I will seek to meet 30 different people, talk with them asking them a series of questions regarding spirituality, with the hope and intention of developing a lasting relationship (whatever the depth) with them. This section of my blog will be dedicated to introducing you to these people.

Last Day in Italy

I am headed home today (Tuesday). It was such an amazing trip and I can't wait to share what the Lord did in Italy!

Brandon leading worship

Italian feast... lots of meat!

Rick and Steph Dupea were a total blessing. Thanks guys!!!

Pompei

Street Ministry

Theatre in Pompei

Sunday

This past week has been spent ministering in Naples.  We taught two songs, which I was able to lead with Cate Morris, one of our teammates.  These songs were "How Great Is Our God" and "God Is Good".  Last night we were able to minister in the street and people heard the gospel.  It was hilarious because we almost were shut down by the local authorities.  Today is our last day... Please pray for us and for strength.   

LL

The Last Few Days

Tomorrow is our last day in Naples. We have church the next morning, then have a train ride back to Rome. The team takes off on Monday and I will be departing on Tuesday. I am staying with an Italian family Sunday and Monday night. 

This has been a great trip. Looking forward to sharing with you all what the Lord has done here during this time and looking forward to being back around the body of believers God has blessed me with!

LL

Cappucino!! Mossimo!

The home of Paulo

Rafael tapestry

Cappella Sistina!

Italian BBQ and pizza kitchen... Oven baked.

Nuccio and Pastor Valerio (seated) displaying the cake. "God is Good"!

Nebuchadnezzar stone in the Vatican

The stage at the studio

The recording studio where the Italian worship project might be recorded. That's Danilo.

Bob and Jebby

Street Concert in Naples

Door to the Pantheon

We led the choir in new songs

Brandon Bee at the tent

Italian hairstyles. "Hey don't mess with the 'do!"

Melissa and Cate

1 of 3 recording rooms

Finally, some pictures!!!

We took a 3 hour train ride and we are now in Naples. We never did go to the site of the earthquake. Naples is a very poor area of Italy. Pray for our safety and the possessions we have with us. Also pray that the Lord would do a MIGHTY work for the remainder of our time.

Danillo and myself... Crazy Ciciliano guitarist

Angelic air guitar

God's renewed promise in Roma

The people of Rome are some of the most generous people in the world. Here is one of their yards.

Some of the team

Coliseum

Rafael tapestry of the Resurrection. This is about 20 feet tall by 30 wide... Breathtaking.

Brandon Bee, coffee and an Italian dictionary... Oh yeah, he's an amazing producer!!!

Bob Kilpatrick and his wife

This is Jebby and he rips at guitar

1st Piazza outreach

Italianos

Italian feast at Paulos

Italian-style kitchen

The place where many Christians were killed. Notice underneath the floor... Christians would sing songs before they were executed for their faith and for not bowing to Caesar.

Valerio's church in the heart of Rome. This is the biggest church of believers in Rome: 300 people.

In a church in old Rome. Borderline Sacreligious, but it is really worse than Jesus the toddler throwin' up the peace sign?

Italian band "Dunamus" played some amazing music at the tent ministry. 

A picture of Calvinists hanging Priests

The Pantheon

St. Pete's Castle in Rome

First day there, in a small cafe

Gabriel and myself. Gabriel plays baseball for Venezuela national team. It has been amazing how Spanish has been my life line. 

The whole team at a special luncheon.

Allesandro, our Italian drummer and rockin "blue steel"!!!