BEing Designed by Christ: June 2006

Thursday, June 29, 2006

No Pictures, But...

Keyword: FLEXIBILITY

Well, as you can see...no pictures. :( I have talked with Javed concerning where I can get the best internet connection and right now I'm outside, ground level, as close to Javed and Jen's house (where the wireless internet hub is) without going into the "honey, who's the creepy guy sitting outside our house with a laptop" stage.

I don't know what to say. How about, I'm bummed. I was hoping to give you all daily updates via photos of what was happening. All I can say is that God has used the 17 servant's hearts tremendously! Today was our last "ministry" day and tomorrow at 6:00am we head out to Tobago for some snorkeling.

I do promise that you will get to see more pictures than you can shake a stick at. I am very close to the 600 count milestone. 600! Luckily with digital pictures, you don't have to thumb through every single one. You can just skim and stop on the ones you like. Anyway, we will compile everyone's digital pictures to one DVD and we will all get a copy.

When I get back to the states and to a more reliable internet connection, I will continue what I started in posting the highlights from each day. My first day back to work will be July 5th so look for them then.

Thank you for your prayers and emails and we will be seeing you all VERY soon.

—b

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

More Internet Fun

It's been a couple days now with no reliable internet connection. (Last night I couldn't even get connected.) We are able to send emails only and sometimes they haven't been going through. So tonight (hopefully) I'll talk with the youth pastor Javed (Pastor Ashoke's son) to see if I can't just use an ethernet cord to connect to the internet somewhere on the compound.

—b

Monday, June 26, 2006

Trinidad: Day 4

Sunday started out like any other Sunday...church. Only this is a church plant located in the village of Campoo. It was HOT! The ladies bring washclothes for their faces every week.

After church, the "adults" met as to the day's operations and plans of action.

While the "adults" met, the youth and pastor Tim met to practice a skit about the prodigal son.

That night we all got to experience a Trinidadian wedding. It's pretty much the same as an American one.

After the ceremony, Pastor Ashoke (pronounced ash-hook) posed with Faith's youth Pastor Tim (pronounced t-im.)

The reception included authentic Indian food. No silverware. Everything was eaten with fingers. Most of it was good. The goat seemed to suprise people and was a favorite.

We ended nightly devotions with a lesson in cross-cultural missions.

End of day 4.

—b

Sunday, June 25th 2006/Hebrews chapters 10-13

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;—Hebrews 12:15

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
We all know that our relationship with Christ is very personal, but what we also need to do to the best of our ability is see that others are also strengthening their walk with the Lord. One hinderance that 99.9% of people deal with on a near daily basis is bitterness. We must forgive as Christ forgave us. That's easy enough to do huh? :)

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
THE WORLD RELIGION AND CULT/SECT/OCCULT GROUPS THAT ADVERTISE IN HOMOSEXUAL PUBLICATIONS
There are an estimated 275,000 homosexuals living in the Twin Cities. (The homosexual community themselves would claim higher estimates.)
• The Center, Minneapolis

Technical Difficulties

Due to technical difficulties, I was unable to post last night. Hopefully I'll get up yesterday's happenings later on today. Sorry.

—b

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Trinidad: Day 3

WooWhoo for Pictures!!!

Thankfully I'll get to sum up our day in pictures. I'm hoping the internet connection will cooperate with me the rest of the way. Enjoy.

This morning we arrived in our "circle" for devotions at 8:00am. A few people were tired but for the most part, everyone was attentive. Good job team.

After orientation meetings with Jen Bachew (light blue t-shirt) she took us on a tour of 2 Hindu temples.

Not only did we see and learn about several major Hindu gods, but we also witnessed 2 outdoor cremations.

This picture was taken outside one of the temples and each flag represents one of the 330,000,000 + Hindu gods. Jesus is one them.

An 85 foot tall Hindu god.

After coming home, most of us took advantage of the hour long break to do some swimming. In this particular case, Reggie did some jumping.

Supper was served and everyone was dressed in their "Sunday best" for a 2 hour long church service. Normally people would complain about the length of service but the Trini Christians love God and it shows in their worship. They aren't afraid of what other people may think of them singing and worshipping for God. A great lesson for the American churches.

Pastor Tim was the guest preacher for the night. His time to prepare for the sermon...about 15 minutes. He did a great job! His humor along with basic life applications had people saying "Amen" several times through out his teaching.

End of day 3.

Tomorrow we visit a church plant in the morning and a wedding in the afternoon. Be on the look out for more pics!

—b

Saturday, June 24th 2006/Hebrews chapters 7-9

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
"For I will be merciful to their iniquties, and I will remember their sins no more." —Hebrews 8:12

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
"...and I will remember their sins no more." I can't even comprehend how that is possible. I would think it would make sense to forgive our sins when we ask for forgiveness, but not completly forget them. That way, you always have the "sin card" to play. You can always bring the person to guilt saying "yes but, remember when..." Just another degree of how much God loves us by not even remembering when we sin against Him.

Friday, June 23, 2006

Trinidad: Day 2

Normally I put pictures up here but I have been having difficulty ever since coming here. Hopefully I'll figure it out ASAP.

8:00am, Erin and I awoke, jumped into very cold, but very relaxing, cold showers. We still have a hard time believing this is a "mission trip" considering the great accomodations that TTUM has for it's missionary's.

9:00am fellow team leader Rachel met us downstairs for scrambled eggs, bread, and juice. We had a lot to nail down before the rest of the team arrived later on tonight. After a couple hours, everything seemed to be in order (STEM wise). So I headed up stairs for some quiet time while the two women dipped their feet in the pool and ran to the drug store. (I told you this is a very cushy place for a mission trip.)

We were invited for lunch at Pastor Ashoke Bachew's son's home. Frozen pizza was on the menu. I almost forgot we were in Trinidad. We had a great conversation with Pastor Ashoke's daughter-in-law Jen. Discussing itinerary, basic rules and expectations, as well as how life was in general. It was a fun conversation. (It probably helped that their house was air-conditioned.) ;)

Afterwards I took a 3 hour nap (yea!) while I got some beauty sleep, the women were nailing down more details such as who was going to be paired together for rooms. Later on, Rachel would take a nap while Erin played some card games on the laptop.

When 7:30pm rolled around, we headed over to the airport to pick up the rest of the team. By the time 9:00pm rolled around, we finally had everyone present and accounted for. They had little to no trouble. (Thank you Lord.)

Anyway, here we are, 11:15 pm, everyone is in bed and hopefully sleeping. See you tomorrow.

End of day 2.

—b

Friday, June 23rd 2006/Hebrews chapters 4-6

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. —Hebrews 5:12

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Our faith needs to be ever increasing. It is unable to stand still. It is either growing or we are backsliding. Once we become saved, we must actively pursue God in order to not only increase in our faith, but to encourage and instruct others who may be "baby" Christians.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Trinidad: Day 1

TTUM - 360°
(Click for a larger view but it will still be smaller than I would like. Sorry.)

Well, I didn't think I would be able to post while in Trinidad, but it turns out they have wireless internet. (So much for roughing it.) ;)

Anyway, let me start out from the beginning...[sing] which is a very good place to start. (Sorry, I started to go into Doe-Rey-Mi from the Sound of Music.)

Erin's brother woke us up at 3:00am so that we would make our flight to Miami. (I didn't realize the world was around that early. I just figured the globe stopped turning until 8:00am.)
We easily made our flight and landed in Miami during 50th minute of the United States Men's Soccer Team game versus Ghana. (Ouch, all we needed to do was beat Ghana, and we would advance to the next round of the World Cup.)

While I watched our boys loose the game, Erin met the other team leader Rachel in the airport. We hadn't planned it that way and I'm suprised we found her. While hanging my head in dissapointment over the outcome, I pouted all the way to Chili's to grab a bite to eat with my wife and Rachel.

After a 5 hour lay-over, Erin and I jumped aboard the flight to Trinidad. (Rachel was on a different flight.) It was a smaller plane but we still had the option to watch the movie "Cake". (Erin liked it, I slept.)

Immigration and customs went like clockwork. (I was kind of worried but the Lord saw us through without hassle.) Stepping outside of the airport, we ran into a wall of heat and humidity. Our ride arrived within 10 minutes and we proceeded to wait a good hour and a half 'till Rachel's plane landed.

15 minutes later we were at TTUM's (Trinidad and Tobago Urban Ministries) compound. We had some brief small talk and headed strait to bed. Despite the heat, we were all so tired it didn't take much for us to crash.

End of day 1.

—b

Thursday, June 22nd 2006/Hebrews chapters 1-3

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, —Hebrews 2:11

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Both Jesus and peoploe are from the same God. Because we come from the same heavenly Father, Jesus is not ashamed of us. So why is it so often the other way around? Why are we ashamed to mention the name of Jesus when He is perfect? Shouldn't it be Him who is ashamed of us for our sin? Thank you heavenly Father for your agape love!

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Will Return July 5th

JULY 5th

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

"Hometown Hero" Wins Cup

Congratulations to Moorhead alum Matt Cullen and the Carolina Hurricanes for winning Lord Stanley's Cup.

Amidst World Cup fury, there still are some sports going on in the world. Last night, game 7 of the Stanley Cup took place. Definitely the "Super Bowl of Hockey". It was a hard fought, fast paced, and tense fight.

I really didn't have an overwhelming favorite going into the series. The 8th seed Edmonton Oliers were underdogs throughout the playoffs and deserved to win. But with the 'Canes having several veterans on the team who had never won the Cup and my hometown of Moorhead, MN being represented by Matt Cullen, I had to route for Carolina.

Great job both teams!

—b

Tuesday, June 20th, 2006/2 Timothy

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. —2 Timothy 1:12

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Do we know whom we have believed? How do you know Christ? Does He know you? How? We must contunually examine our faith and what it means to us. Are we willing to suffer and be persecuted because of ? Or are we just going through the motions by going to church every week?

Monday, June 19, 2006

Seeing Red

White Jersey vs. Blue Jersey = Red Card Victory

A typical soccer game consists of 11 men (or women) for each team. This particular one ended up 10 vs. 9. Even though the final score was 1 all, the United States easily won this game. Bravo guys.

Like the game vs the Czechs, I won't go into detail about the game. If you really wanted to read about it, you could easily check out FIFAWorldCup.com. But I will briefly list some points:

No matter how many men were on the field, the U.S. always seemed to look better than Italy.
It was a very exciting match. For soccer critics complaining it is a boring sport, all I can say is: just watch and enjoy.
The ref has had a sordid past with inconsistancy. He wasn't allowed in the last World Cup and shouldn't have been allowed in this one.
Ask anyone, Italy fans included, the 2 U.S. red cards were unjustified.

Good job guys. Go U.S.!

—b

Monday, June 19th, 2006/1 Timothy chapters 4-6

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity. —1 Timothy 5:1 and 2

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
This is just a little bit more detailed of "loving your neighbor." But for whatever the reason, it makes it more personal for me. Every person we see, whether while driving, shopping, going shopping, going out to eat, or even at work, we are to love them as fathers, mothers, brothers, or sisters. Christians or non-Christians. The amount of love that we are to show can be mind boggling. Especially when we don't know the people we are called to love like family.

Friday, June 16, 2006

Comfort in the Lord

How do you define comfort?

A comfy couch, certain food, a warm blanket, a pet, even a certain movie. But what about someone else's faith in the the Lord? Can that be comfortable? Last night, and not so coincidentally this morning , I discovered the answer is "yes".

It had been a while since I last talked with my mom over the phone. (Or should I say listened to her.) ;) I quickly forget how much I miss seeing my parents. Anyway, one of the things I took away from the conversation was how she was comforted in Emily's faith.

I was intrigued.

So I actually turned away from the TV and listed to what she said. (Women of the world rejoice! A guy actually paying attention to a women despite TV being on. That's a miracle in itself!) :)

Turns out, long story short, Emily will be homeless for one night while she waits to move into her new place in Leeds. Mom, being the "mom", of course was concerned for her "little girl". But Emily's answer was a humble and peaceful, "the Lord will provide". The perfect answer that nearly drove my mom to tears. Later we would find out the Lord has provided using a Christian campus' housing.

Cool huh?

Kudos to Emily for her faith, but that's not the point I want to make in this post. Her strong faith comforted someone else. The way Emily (or any Christian) lives their life, verbal or not, can be a comfort to someone else's. Whether we know it or not.

Anyway, much to my surprise, this morning during my daily devotions, the Holy Spirit revealed this scripture that I know I would have normally breezed right over. (See "God's Message For Me Today".)

Thank you Lord for the comfort in scripture.

—b

Friday, June 146th, 2006/1 Thessalonians

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; —1 Thessalonians 3:7

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Our walk and personal relationship has an effect on other people. Is this suprising? The closer our relationship with our heavenly Father is, the more His love/light will reflect off of us. One of the end results is bringing joy and comfort to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ or exposing the darkness/sins of others. And that's without necessarily having to say anything. Just by the way we live will speak louder than any words.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Sleeping Like a Dog

Out Cold.

After a long day at work, we finally got home close to 7:00 and I was tired. I didn't realize how tired. Responsibilities completed (Bella fed and taken outside), I immediately headed upstairs for bed. Assuming I take a relatively quick nap, I woke up at 9:30 to Bella whinning at the bedroom door. Letting her out, I went straight back to bed only to oversleep my morning Bible study time.

So...Did anything exciting happen for anyone last night? I don't even know what Erin did. Oh well. Till next time...

—b

Thursday, June 15th, 2006

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
Get some sleep so that I won't oversleep my quite-time again.

BE IN PRAYER FOR:
THE WORLD RELIGION AND CULT/SECT/OCCULT GROUPS THAT ADVERTISE IN HOMOSEXUAL PUBLICATIONS
There are an estimated 275,000 homosexuals linving in the Twin Cities. (The homosexual community themselves would claim higher estimates.)
• Mayim Rabim Congregation, Minneapolis

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

BEing Bondservants

Tuesday night, more than a dozen of us learned of another way to serve Christ.

Living for Christ is a call in itself. One that is impossible to perform perfectly. Thankfully, that's why Jesus Christ died on the cross, so that we may be found blameless in His sight.

But enough of Christianity 101.

What happens after you become a Christian? Same old, same old? By spending time with Christ in the word, we will develop a stronger relationship with Him.

Ok...that's nice. But what does it mean?

Loving God enough to want to obey Him. And more specifically (in this particular case), fundraising for Him. Yep, I said for Him. Not work. Not us. Him.

Erin and I have heard the call, whether we wanted to or not, to help raise money for God's kingdom and, in a sense, our own eternal investment. We will be asking others if they would like to participate in this higher calling by supporting us for $100 a hole. It's not really that much if you think about it.

The money will be targeted to sending short-term missionary's not only around the world, but also urban Minneapoilis, and our most popular place right now, Louisianna, to help out with the effects of Hurricane Katrina.

We have already contributed our own $100 and are offering the opportunity to you. It doesn't have to be $100. You could sponsor us (with a tax deductible donation) for 2, 3, or how ever much you feel called.

If you would like more info, please feel free to call Erin or I, email us, or follow this STEM Golf link.

ERIN: 952-996-1385 or eeidsmoe@stemintl.org
BERNT: 952-996-1348 or beidsmoe@stempress.org

—b

Wednesday, June 14th, 2006/Colossians chapter 1

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; —Colossians 1:9b-10

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
That is a great summary of living life in Christ. Starting out with prayer and knowing what to ask God for. Not just knowing what to ask for, but knowing why. There is so much wisdom just in this verse and a half.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Oh Ish.

Ish.
That's the only way I can describe our performance yesterday. Ish.

Thank you mom for leading by example and giving me the only word I can come up with. "Yuk" may be another one but "ish" in itself is such a disgusting word that I feel it fits the best.

Yesterday, Erin and I got a day off since we "worked" on Sunday. (It was our last meeting in Wisconsin before heading to Trinidad.) So we, along with J-Bone, and periodically over the phone, Leif, parked ourselves in front of the T.V. to hopefully witness the U.S. win their first World Cup game ever on European soil.

I'm not even going to describe the game. It's not the way I want to start out my day. Here's a link if you would like to read about it your self.

[sigh]...depressing.

—b

Tuesday, June 13th, 2006/Philippians chapters 3 and 4

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; —Philippians 3:20

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
With illegal immigrants being a hot topic recently in the news, this particular passage had some extra meaning for me. It's ironic how we much emphasis we put on illegal citizenship here in the U.S. (not that it shouldn't be) but more concern should be on our heavenly citizenship. After all, our time here is only temporary. I'd much rather be focused on our heavenly home than the one here.

Monday, June 12, 2006

My "Quiet-Time" Compadre

Accountability Partner

It's funny how God uses everything for His glory. In this case, He's using a miniature dachshund named Bella.

Let me travel back in time using my Delorean to January 23rd. That was the "red-letter date" (not November 5th, 1955) of my recent resurgance with the Lord. Bella was consistantly waking up at 4:30 am. Initially I was irritated with this but the Holy Spirit slapped me upside the head and gave me the idea to start up my quiet-time.

It has been the best thing I have done in a long time. (Remember if we boast, boast in the Lord. Jerimiah 9:24) My relationship with Christ has never been stronger. My favorite time of the day is easily the time I spend with my heavenly Father.

I'm telling you this to not make you feel bad if you aren't constantly spending time with the Lord, but to encourage you. I wish I could do justice with my words in telling you how much a difference in my life reading the Bible has made.

Some days it's harder than others. And to be honest, sometimes I would much rather sleep in. (and some days I have.) But those are few and far between thanks to my accountability partner, Bella. She needs to be fed and taken out every morning. I try and look at it as the same for me only spiritually. I'm not strong enough to go very long without being spritually fed.

Anyway, I know you all know this but I would just like to encourage you as well as thank you. For because of making a committment to posting my daily devotions on the blog, you to keep me accountable and are able to see when I miss a morning feeding.

—b

Monday, June 12th, 2006/Philippians chapters 1 and 2

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, —Philippians 2:14 and 15

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
Paul could have easily stopped at "Do all things without grumbling or disputing" but he expands into verse 15 and 16. We could have figured out that we aren't supposed to grumble when do...well...whatever it is we are supposed to do. But I'm like a little kid who continually asks mom "why". Paul gives a better answer than I could have come up with on my own. (No suprise there.) So for all of you other little kids, here's a great answer to your question, "why".

Friday, June 09, 2006

Prayer Letter

BEing Designed • June 2006 • Print Edition

We only printed about 100 of these so I'm not sure who'll get one and who won't. Anyway, just in case you want to read it, here ya go.

(Click on the image to enlarge.)

—b

WooHoo!!! World Cup!!!

WooHoo!!!
It's here! It's here! It's here!

As you can tell, I kinda excited about this year's World Cup. The best teams in the world competing. Where as the World Series, Super Bowl, and NBA Finals only have teams from North America, this truly defines the world's best team.

With countries making it a national holiday and others shut down all places of business to watch their teams play, this is no small event. Too bad the U.S. hasn't discovered that yet. Although if they do as well, if not better than last year, it won't be too far before Americans start taking more of an interest in the game. Having that said, we are in the toughest first round group. No bias either. But I still have confidence that we will advance to the second round.

Anyway, since a lot of you could probably care less about the World Cup, I'll keep my posts about it to a minium and let the look of this site to the talking for the month of competition.

This weekend Erin and I will be in Wisconsin for the last meeting before heading down to Trinidad (who made the World Cup for the first time ever) for the mission trip. We have a great team and I know, with God's help, this will be a rewarding experience for everyone.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Don't expect to see a post on Monday since I'll be home watching the U.S. National team play their first game against #2 ranked Czech Republic!

USA! USA! USA!

—b

P.S. Here is a link to the official website. FIFA WORLD CUP 2006

Thursday, June 8th, 2006/Galations chapters 3 and 4

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load. —Galations 6:4 and 5

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
As Christians, we are called love one another as ourselves, bear each others burdens, and have a servants heart. But the bottom line is, our faith cannot save someone else. We each must make that decision on our own. I wish our faith could save someone else but that would be "forcing" them to go to heaven. (Sounds weird doesn't it?) But if God doesn't force people into heaven, I guess we can't either. ;) We must continually examine our own hearts because that's the only one we can control.