Watson 2012

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Our final night at “Watson” – as it’s lovingly referred to by all those who attend – was both a joyous and spiritually provoking night.

Fewer audiences are as loud as those who come to Watson. The term “sheer worshipful pandemonium” comes to mind (see video). I love it.

And fewer audiences are as sincere.

Last night I changed gears about an hour before I was to speak. One of the mom’s was very humble but very bold and asked if I share Jennifer’s and my engagement story. It was during worship that the Lord made it clear that mom was spot on: God was eager for his kids to hear about singleness of heart and the perseverance it takes to truly seek God for his heartbeat.

After the meeting was over I spent another three hours praying for teens who’s lives needed a touch from the Lord. So many of the were set free; soul ties broken, deliverance, salvation, encouragement, it was glorious.

By the time I made it back to our room, my kiddos were down for the count (especially little Judah who spent two hours leaping into the deep end of the pool no fewer than 90 times).

This was a beautiful weekend all around. From spending some much needed time together as a family to watching the Holy Spirit move powerfully in the lives of those willing to be touched by his love, I chalk Watson 2012 up as a glorious success.

To all those who made it out, thank you for making some great memories with us. ch:

Don’t Delay Destiny

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Last night was our first meeting here at Watson Homestead in Painted Post, NY for the Southern Tier Youth Baptist Association’s annual Winter Retreat. Aside from two breaks, Jennifer and I have been coming to lead worship and speak for about nine years.

I was younger then, and had no kids. But this time around we decided we’d make it a family getaway. And I’m loving it.

Camping out in the same hotel room.

Eating meals in the cafeteria together.

Worshipping together.

And even ministering to people together.

Last night Eva and Luik had no problem jumping into the fray and praying for some teens during a time of altar-ministry. As their dad I was so encouraged.

Many times we see what we want to become “one day,” but often don’t take practical steps toward it. My kids’ prayers may not have been the most intellectually sound prayers, but they were sincere.

Our sincere attempts mean more to shaping our future than our wishful thinking.

Don’t just dream about what you want to become, ask God for the next step and be faithful to engage in that process with a bold and humble heart.

Sleeves up! ch:

Beautifully Dingy Details

[Today's post is dedicated to my Dad who first took me to the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum when I was seven years old. I've never forgotten the experience.]

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One of my favorite airport art displays is in Washington’s Dulles International Airport, hosted by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority’s Arts Program and organized by the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.

Captured by photographer Carolyn Russo, each image depicts the often overlooked details hidden amongst the Smithsonian’s larger collection of iconic aircraft. Any one of the stunning backlit frames is enough to stop even a timid aviation enthusiast in their tracks.

[CONTINUED BELOW PICTURES]

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As humans we sometimes get annoyed with the details of our lives, as if they muddy up the waters and distract from the big picture – facial flaws, appointments, bills, phone calls, mistakes. But life’s larger piece of art is composed of those nuance-driven details.

Beauty is the composition and choreography of the insignificant.

Nothing is missed by heaven; God doesn’t blink. How you handle that conversation, that attitude, that mess, is a part of your grandeur reflection. Compose it well. ch:

Finishing Strong

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We concluded our 10-day tour last night with a concert in Brunete.

Yesterday morning’s church service was a powerful reminder of just how important the individual is: Alex, pictured with me above, was saved in the service I preached in two years ago – today he is a leader in the church who’s said, “I am a totally different man.”

And last night’s concert was a beautiful gift to the people of the town that God is crazy about them, as is his church. Special thanks to Codigo Eterno from Honduras, Gospel Choir Christiano Centro, and Moise Cayuela my sound engineer.

Jennifer and I are flying home today. I appreciate your continued prayers for health and safety as I recover. ch:

[Pictures by: Jennifer Hopper]

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Pig Legs or Bust

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You know you’re in Spain when someone’s happily shaving cured pork as a pre-meal snack from an actual pig leg on the counter.

While I may be writing this from my bed – suffering a bout with a bad fever and cough – it’s good to be among family again. Fabio & Yael Fernandez, Marie-Elise “Momma,” and my crazy French brother Nathan, are making the time pass (too) quickly. (Hi Yael – I know you’re reading down there).

With today’s rehearsal postponed for my sake, I’m hoping to lay low and gain strength for tomorrow’s full day of ministry. If last night’s practice with the Gospel choir was any harbinger, it’s going to be a great weekend. ch:

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Amongst the Mountain People

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Traveling through Switzerland is quite an experience. Essentially, everywhere you go you’re surrounded by mountains. It’s spectacular.

To make it even more scenic, ancient ruins summit countless peaks and centuries old villages cling precariously to the sides of mountains – some reachable only by geared train cars.

It takes a certain type of person of a peculiar moral fortitude to live here. It’s not for the faint of heart. But the reward is constant breathtaking beauty, a kind of violent majesty. Up here, being cold is a way of life, and surviving amongst the hills requires discipline, determination, and the absence of a complaining nature.

But it’s these kinds of people that I love being around, and I find them not only here in Switzerland, but anywhere that people are willing to pay a price for the Gospel. They each have a story to share, a testimony to impart. They are the conquerors, the victorious, the noble.

I was sitting with Jennifer in the church cafe after teaching all day when one of the students asked me if I’d like to hear her testimony. I’ll admit, I was in the midst of catching up on some work and really didn’t want to be bothered. But I’m trying to be better about not seeing people as interruptions, but as the ministry itself.

Meet Regine. She was trained to be a medium at age 14, studying white magic and skilled in necromancy, séances, and ouija. While she was taught that white magic helped people, she always knew something was wrong.

Finally at age 30 she bumped into a strange man in a night club – strange because he was one of the only people she had ever met that she could not read his thoughts. The idea that he was a more powerful medium than she was seemed out of the question, so followed him only to ask him what was his secret.

“He started to laugh and laugh and laugh,” Regine said. “When he finally told me that he was a Christian, I was the one laughing. ‘How stupid,’ I thought. ‘People that believed in Jesus, how stupid.’”

But her inability to read his thoughts continued to plague her. So the Christian gave her his phone number and offered to speak more with her.

“He even gave me a Bible,” she explained to me. “But I found it impossible to read. It was in a completely different language to my eyes.”

Eventually the Christian invited her to a special event at his church – three nights of meetings with a guest minister.

“The first night I arrived, but couldn’t even go inside the church. There was a presence in there that was foreign to me. So I ran,” Regine said. “When the Christian called me to ask how the meeting was, I explained there was no place to sit so I had to go home. So he insisted that I try the second night.”

Regine went, but only got halfway down the isle before running out of the church.

Once again the Christian man called and asked how the meeting was; Regine explained she left early.

“He told me I must try again the third night. So I went, still curious where this man’s power to resist my magic was coming from.”

On the third night, Regine found a seat near the back.

“The guest minister, Ray Brooks, walked in and looked right at me with the big smile on his face.”

Little did Regine know, but sitting all around her were some of the most well-known names in francophone Christian ministry, including my friend Jean-Marc Bigler and his wife.

It was a total set up.

Eventually the guest minister asked people to come forward for prayer. Regine decided to go, but was determined not to close her eyes as the minister had asked: she wanted to confront this power head-on.

That’s when Ray laid hands on her to pray for her.

“Suddenly I felt this incredible love wash over me,” she explained. “I remember seeing my shoes, then everything went white. I have no memories of what happened next, but they said chairs went flying as I started to roll across the floor. I was talking with a different voice and my face was disfigured. I only remember waking up pinned to the floor and seeing Jean-Marc’s face with this big smile hovering over me saying, ‘Welcome to the family.’ It was the greatest moment of my life. I was free.”

Today Regine emanates the love of the Father in a way I can hardly describe. Because she knows just how destructive the power of the enemy is, she has a strong ministry reaching those involved in the occult and witchcraft, sharing the all-powerful love of Jesus with them and declaring the victory that Believers have in Jesus.

I asked if I could share her story on my blog with you and she wholeheartedly consented. “Please tell them, tell them all,” she said. “God is so good – beyond good. The enemy only desires to kill you, and manipulate people through until they’re dead. But Jesus only gives life.”

I love living among the mountain people, among those who weather the attacks of the enemy and live to see great victories.

Regardless of your physical geography, I encourage you to live amongst the mountain conquerors: the view is well worth the price. So is the company. ch:

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God Spaces

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Last night Jennifer and I had the privilege of taking this stage in the mountain-ensconced city of Martigny. Christians from all over the region gathered together for their monthly night of worship, and we were so honored to serve them with our team. Jennifer in particular had some powerful things to share with the people and was used mightily in song.

One thing that impressed me was the Swiss team’s ability to transform an ordinary hotel ballroom into a house of worship. They worked tirelessly, imported a truck-load of gear, and managed to create an atmosphere where not only did people feel welcome, but the Lord did too.

Creating God-spaces in our lives is extremely important. They help facilitate moments of encounter and inspire long-term memories. Whether it’s a prayer closet, a stage, a forest-nook, or a church sanctuary, creating a physical space where people can connect with the Holy Spirit is not only something I’m passionate about forming, but God is too.

Of course His greatest space is that of the human heart. He’s very intentional about turning it from a dark, cold rock into a warm and inviting home. But he was just as passionate about prescribing specific instructions to builders of the Tent of Meeting – the Tabernacle – and the Temple.

What’s your role in preparing God-spaces? Being intentional with your preparations is not only good for you, but benefits those who are effected by your service. Minimizing distractions helps eliminate disappointments. ch:

Fait du Bruit

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Our first three meetings here in Switzerland have been joy-filled and boisterous. Or maybe I’ve just been boisterous. Either way, as the Swiss say, I like to “Fait du bruit,” or make noise.

This shot, care of Fredo Bovigny, is from last night’s worship event in Escale. As expected I soaked through my shirt within the first two songs.

Right now I’m sitting on a couch tucked amongst some mountains in Sion recovering from an amazing post-church meal (merci Pastor Sandy and Laureline!) and hoping this espresso buzz kicks in soon. Tonight Jennifer and I will be playing with our band for a regional night of worship.

Thanks for all your prayers! ch:

Back In Europe. Back Online.

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You know you’re back in Europe when a high performance coupe is parked less than two inches from a cement wall.

They must have detachable side mirrors.

You also know a blogger’s website is back up when he’s posting again after a week’s absence. Many thanks to Kevin Zoll for his tireless effort in unhacking what a Russian underground ring managed to infect. Bad.

Jennifer and I are safely in Switzerland and had our first night of ministry only hours after landing. Par for the course. Levi is doing well, but we’re all suffering from head colds so your prayers would be appreciated.

Stay tuned. Daily updates are back in motion. Thanks for your patience. ch:

Unexpected Happens Fast

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These two photographs were taken within about one mile of each other on Rt. 12 North yesterday.

One moment the roads were wet from a light rain, grass on both sides of the road; the next, visibility was reduced to about 200 yards and traffic was moving at 20mph.

Life has a way of changing gears on us.

Fast.

But there are some practical steps for navigating its turbulent conditions:

1.) Get intel from those who’ve gone ahead of you. Jennifer called me just as I was taking my normal route home from church. “Don’t go the back way. It’s bad.”

Being old does have its perks; and the perk of being young is the blessing of listening to people who’ve driven the road ahead of you.

“He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.” -Proverbs 15:32

2.) Respect good equipment. The snow tires on my front-wheel drive Matrix are killer. But I tend to delay changing tires out. For a time-sensitive guy like me, it’s a hassle. An inconvenience. But getting in an accident it a bigger inconvenience. Fortunately for me yesterday, I put my snow tires on two weeks ago.

And I was three cars behind a snow plow.

While the oncoming lane had two inches of snow to navigate, I had smooth sailing.

Preparing yourself emotionally (by measuring your responses and keeping everything in perspective), physically (by taking good care of your body while you have the opportunities), and spiritually (by actively growing your faith in God) can often be the difference between making your destination and sliding off the road.

Learn to follow people better equipped than you are; you may move a little slower, but success is usually guaranteed when compared with the alternatives.

3.) Pray simple prayers. The late Elizabeth Austin – by far the most spiritually mature woman I’ve ever know (and the most successful evangelist to ALL the nations I’ve ever heard of) – used to tell me her most spiritual prayer ever was, “Help!”

We can have all the wisdom and preparation in the world, but without a relationship with Jesus we’re bankrupt in a snow drift just waiting for a tow we can’t even afford.

(Praise God that He’s quite good at pulling us out, too).

I think that was the secret to the success of the people mentioned in Psalm 112:7:

“They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.”

What things in your life have helped you prepare for and cope with the unexpected storms of life? (You could be a real blessing to someone by sharing).

Thanks for reading. Thanks for sharing. ch:

Planes: Cruising Not Cursing

Planes.

They allow carriers of the Gospel to travel more quickly and more efficiently than any time in history.

The only exception would be Philip and his translated in Acts 8:39 (my preferred method of travel, though I’ve yet to experience it).

Let’s not succumb to the tactics of the enemy that often convince us to curse modern means of transportation and technologies, and by extension curse the spreading of the Good News.

Rather, thank God for his genius. After all he invented technology, not man.

Remembering that simple truth will go a long way in ensuring we use it for Kingdom purposes. And not blow up at every gate gent we see when things don’t go our way. ch:

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Life-Themes and Leadership Tips

While it seems the subjects of “age” and “getting older” are the brunt of many jokes, we would be remiss if we didn’t reflect on the fact that God invented the process. As such, there are some incredible benefits.

One of which is seeing life-themes emerge.

Although Jennifer and I have certainly had some highlights leading worship for thousands of people, that’s not the context God places us in most often. Rather, it’s is ministering to rural churches that are on the verge of “epoch” change.

A life-theme emerges: encouraging people that the idea that God likes to do big things in seemingly small places.

It’s a joy to fly home from a trip utterly spent. And my time here at Hope Community Church in Marlette, MI will be no exception. This place is in the midst of transforming their town for Jesus, and further, their county. In one year they’ve already moved from one building to a bigger building, and are transitioning to two services in less than a month.

Two tips to seeing a local church have a massive impact through word of mouth:

1.) Love your community. Every person on a church’s leadership team must be sold-out, head-over-heels in love with their region. If they’re not, they need to get the Father’s heart, step out of leadership, or move. People in a region can smell hirelings that are not 100% committed to a locale, and as a result the church will never grow. As my Senior Pastor once asked me, “Are your feet planted?”

2.) Love whoever God sends you, and whoever God sends you to. I just heard a story last night where a church leader did a mailing but told his secretary not to include the addresses of a trailer park. That is so anti-Christ it made me sick to my stomach. Yet we all have a little if that in us and it needs to be confronted. Loving the unlovely will spark revival every time: it’s what Jesus did for each of us.

Hope Community’s people clearly love their community and are walking testimonies of Jesus’ tangible love. I’m thrilled to be here for their one year anniversary weekend. My sincere congratulations to Pastors Paul & Erin Rohling. I’m behind you 100%.

So if you’re ever in Michigan’s thumb, you’ll be blessed to visit a powerful church touching God’s heart. ch:

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