The Seabourns

Ministry

Causing things to happen

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That very special day is here again. Our worldwide day of prayer. As the sun makes its sweep around the globe, fellow staff and volunteers in every nation on earth gather at the foot of the throne to sing praises and to ask God to intervene so that all might come to know his love. Kay and I will soon join with our 25,000 staff worldwide in an entire day of prayer. I always welcome these days, which we have twice each year. These days are very unique.

I recently listened to this short excerpt from John Piper:

God, the sovereign ruler of the universe, has ordained that prayers cause things to happen that would not happen if we do not pray. When James 4:2 says ‘you do not have because you do not ask’, it doesn’t mean ‘you would have anyway even if you did not ask because I’ve got a plan’.

Kay and I are accepting the privilege God is offering to us to focus today on helping cause things to happen that would not happen if we do not pray.

OLC and GTL

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Kay and I are leaving soon for the airport. We’re going to the land of the Pyramids again. I’m always humbled to think that Moses and Joseph walked in this land.

We are helping lead the Operations Leadership Connection. This strategic conference is a gathering of almost 100 of our top operational leaders from around the world. Our focus is on developing as leaders who can help develop organizational capacity to sustain the mission around the world. These are leaders in human resources, finance, technology, communications, and general operations.

Following OLC, we lead the Global Technology Leaders conference. This time will continue the leadership development of OLC in the specialized role of technology leadership.

At a conference dedicated to the role of Operations in ministry, it’s natural to see how technology—particularly in the 21st century—plays a vital role in building operational capacity. Whether it’s through communication like email and websites or through managing donations and financial transactions, various technology tools are the vehicles enabling these critical functions. But when our mission statement is to build spiritual movements everywhere and our organizational values are faith, growth, and fruitfulness, where does technology find its place?

We see technology as functioning in three distinct roles in ministry. Building operational capacity is a key role. But we technology is also helping by increasing fruitfulness and connecting laborers. Simply put, we use technology for direct ministry, catalytic ministry, and operational ministry.

I’ll write more about that later.

Olympics

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What is your favorite story from past Olympics? I think my all-time favorite is Derek Redmond from Barcelona 1992.

Here’s another video clip that shows more of how his Dad came to help him finish the race.

Another favorite is Kerry Strug from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

It’s Olympics time. In our house, we watched the opening ceremonies last night. Well, mostly Kay and Michelle watched last night. Daniel and I are waiting for the more competitive events!

DVDStruggle and Triumph is a DVD and a website from the Athletes in Action ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. It’s a great tool to share with your friends. Read stories from athletes, view video clips, and explore a personal relationship with God that the athletes talk about.

The DVD is being used in many countries as part of Olympic outreaches. It is being broadcast throughout the Middle East. It is on local television in Turkey and other countries in the area. Thousands of outreaches are happening in India and in Brazil and other countries. It is available in 36 languages. Order copies and give to your friends.

By the way, what is your favorite story from past Olympics?

The next step in the journey

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“M” had many questions about God. He was returning from two weeks in Columbia visiting his family. He is a senior manager with a major telecommunications company and has lived in the U.S. for over 30 years. As we flew from Atlanta to Dallas, I explored areas where our lives are similar. We both trained as electrical engineers. I am familiar with his company campus in Plano, having friends who work there and having visited the campus. He teaches data security courses at a major university as an adjunct professor. We both think deeply about spiritual things.

“Why would God tell Abraham to kill his son Isaac as proof of his love for him?” “Why would God tell the Israelites to wipe out other nations?”

“M” has knowledge of the Bible from his Catholic education. But he does not personally know the loving God of the Bible. As we continued to talk, I realized there are some barriers in “M’s” mind that need to be bridged as he continues on his journey toward Jesus. I need to become a bridge builder to help him over these barriers.

“M” had not heard of C. S. Lewis nor his book Mere Christianity. With his permission, I sent him a copy with a note about our conversation. I invited him to email me with his thoughts and questions as he reads the book. I am becoming a guide to help him on his journey.

I have been greatly helped in thinking about evangelistic opportunities by training from CoJourners. Understanding the roles of Explorer, Guide, Builder, and Mentor help me sharpen my ability to connect effectively with others.

Our flight did not start out as an evangelistic mission. As we boarded the flight in Orlando, Kay and I were looking forward to meeting grandchild #3, Luke Andrew. The plane pushed back and moved out on the taxiway, then sat. And sat. And sat. It rained hard. Flights were not allowed to depart. The pilot shut down the engines to conserve fuel.

What do you do when you are waiting for two hours and you know you will miss your connecting flight? Henry Blackaby says that what you do next reveals what you believe about God. Is this a time to get mad at the airline? A time to take out your frustration on the attendants? Or a time to recognize that we are on a grand journey that is daily orchestrated by the God of the universe?

We did miss our connecting flight. We were put on standby for the fully loaded 7pm flight to Dallas.
Successfully getting on the flight, I was seated next to “M”. I don’t know how this twist in the journey will turn out, but we are on an exciting journey under God’s sovereignty. Stay tuned…

… and please pray for “M” as he begins reading Mere Christianity. Pray that his eyes are enlightened and his soul is inflamed by the God of the universe.

Missionaries Anywhere

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Living in 2008 is an exciting adventure. We have the privilege of being missionaries everywhere. And anywhere. I just helped a young lady who lives in Bristol, England. You might have  thought I was in Singapore. Well, actually I’m sitting in the Minneapolis airport on my way home to Orlando. “O” lives in Bristol but had contacted us through one of our websites. She wrote,

I just recommitted my life to Christ. My question is , in the bible it says when you are baptised is the time you turn away from your sins and is the time to recieve the Holy Spirit. i did not receive the baptism i pray at home , does it work pray at home ?

Great question! Does it work to pray at home to repent and turn to Christ? It was fun to help “O” with answers to her questions and to share some things that have helped me in my personal growth.

I also had an opportunity to talk with “T” on the flight from Singapore to Tokyo. He’s from Sri Lanka, traveling to San Diego to begin college studies in the U.S. I “happened” to have a Conversations CD prepared by Faculty Commons (formerly Christian Leadership Ministries). It contains several conversations with professors about important topics to students and includes opportunities to explore the spiritual side of these issues.

It’s been a good trip. Looking for opportunities to be an ambassador helps alleviate hours of sitting around in airplanes and airports. But right now, I’m ready to be home!