Conversational Evangelism

What is conversational evangelism? I asked myself this as I eyeballed the 2 hour block on our schedules marked "Conversational Evangelism Practicum". That Monday morning, I got a sneek peek into our afternoon as York Moore, Intervarsity's director of regional evangelism talked to us about sharing the gospel. Basically, conversational evangelism is the post-modern version of the dreaded 'contact evangelism'. Unlike in contact evangelism where the focus is on your ability to clearly communicate the message to as many people as possible - conversational evangelism focuses on the fact that God is already at work in non-believers around the world and it is our privilidge to go and participate in the harvest. It's "like a treasure hunt" as you talk to people and discover where God is already at work in their lives and help them to see that they are on a spiritual journey. Staff paired up and went out seeking conversations with people around the downtown area and in those 2 hours we saw 4 people come to know Christ (and yes, they were directed to Churches in the area who can continue to disciple and welcome them into the kingdom) as well as nearly 100 presentations of the complete gospel. Please pray for me as next year I hope to include conversational evangelism as one part of stretching the worship team at st. louis university towards a more wholistic view of what worship is.

Orientation for New Staff - Day 3

It's the third day of orientation and I'm finally getting a chance to sit down and do a little writing to catch ya'll up on what's been going on. Orientation for New Staff (or ONS) has been a great experience so far. From learning about the history of intervarsity to studying scripture to talking about fundraising (yike...) - I think what I have enjoyed the most is getting to know some of the other ~100 new staff coming on this year.
It is very exciting to hear everyone's stories of how they came to be on staff and what they believe their callings to be. Day 2 focused on hearing and confirming our calling to staff and specific ministries we are working in. God prepares us all for a calling, a single vocation via the specific gifts and passions he has built into us and that vocation may span a number of jobs / careers. It's very affirming to me that God is soverign and that he has a purpose for us. Sometimes it can be too easy to think that we go it alone and God doesn't care about the work we do. We studied a scripture in Genesis 12 about how God called Abram and undeservingly decided to turn this unlikely nomad into the father of God's chosen people. As is often the theme - God uses the weak to do wonderful things so that in the end, God might be glorified by their works on earth.
Day 3 has focused on fundraising and partnerships, both with individuals and with the church. I learned some neat things about intervarsity's partnership with churches though some discussions with people in my small group. For example - intervarsity helped establish Vineyard church's mission arm. Intervarsity staff from 2100 productions also planted the vintage 21 church in NC. The more I learn about intervarsity the more excited I am to be a part of this kingdom buildilng movement. Speaking of partnership - I want to thank all of you who are currently praying / supporting me - without you guys we wouldn't be able to be nearly as effective as we are. Thank you!!!!

--> vintage 21 videos: a satire about the perceived Jesus in today's culture

Spa 101

When I was in Seattle, my mom took me to a spa for the 1st time. I'd never really had interest in going to a spa before and honestly... I was a little uncomfortable being there. Let's face it - when people ask how I spent my afternoon I'd rather say I played some football or went skydiving or went to a band rehersal - going to a spa scores a 0.2 out of 100 on the 'manly things to do' scale. Never-the-less, since my mom already booked me a time slot, I was in.
Massage Pride
The first thing she'd signed me up for was a full body massage. The lady giving me the massage was very nice at explaining that sometimes the pressure she applies is too much for her clients and that I should tell her if it starts to hurt and she'll back down. Inside I smiled, surely this little lady can't push that hard. It wasn't but 15 min into the massage that I became the victim of an acurately placed elbow dropped right onto a pressure point in my upper back. Yes it hurt, it hurt like mad crazy. Call me a sucker for punishment or just call me proud but after spending a couple of afternoons getting pummeled by Kurt (former US National Team w/ Martial Arts) during a grappling lesson I wasn't about to tap out for this gal. So I gritted my teeth and took the punishment for an entire hour finally thanking her through clenched jaw and pridefully limping out the room. God has been working on my pride since I've ever been involved with intervarsity and though I'm getting better - I still have a "I can do anything" kind of attitude toward work which isn't always realistic =).
Facial Evangelism
My final experience at the spa was getting a facial. Yea, that's right I said facial - what of it? =0 I ended up having a great conversation with Erika (the woman giving me the facial) about her wanting to know more of who God is and desiring 'a spiritual component to [her] life'. So in the end the facial was very refreshing - more so because I felt renewed as I listened to her explain her experience at the Church she's going to and what she's thinking about God right now. I couldn't help but think of a young lady named Allison at SLU who's thinking many of the same things as Erika at this point in time. Please keep both of them in your prayers as I feel they are both eagerly peeking over the fence at Christianity.

Stefan & Rachel tie the knot

So after dating for what seems like forever ... 4 years, 5 years? Stefan and Rachel are now officially Mr. & Mrs. Atay! I served with Stefan and Rachel on worship team my Senior year of college and it's so great to see their relationship grow. Stefan & Rachel are both strong Christians who's lives are greatly affected by their faith. During Stefan's own bachelor party (we were in the loop at the time) he took time out to go get a sandwich for a homeless friend of his & even spend some time with the guy before we moved onward to our next destination that evening. The two of them together treat each other lovingly and respectfully and are, as a couple, submissive toward God and His plan for their lives. It's very exciting to me to see what might happen in their future. Good luck you two and God Bless ya!

More pictures of the wedding...