The Journey

The Long Journey Home

What a great time!

From London to Oxford, and Back home in a week, it's been a whirlwind tour of England. 

I was totally out of my league with thinkers who've articulated well the problems of the Christian faith, and the answers so many desire to know, but God was there.

I was around some of the most famous buildings where the beginnings of science, philosophy, and art had root.  I felt insignificant at times, but God was there. 

As the future continues to hold the mystery of this life, and the great adventure will continue on here and lands far away, I am confident God will continue to be here.

Thank you for your prayers. 
Thank you for your comments here, and through e-mail
Thank you for believing in this ministry God has so ordained.
It's been a Long Journey, but good to be home!

Wandering the Streets of London

Wandering the streets of London.
People walking everywhere.
I wonder as I wander
And look at every stare.

I wonder what they're thinking
If It's off to work they go?
I see the empty stares of life
In London they still don't know.

They don't know what life can be without
A city buzzing by.
They keep on walking faster still
I see meaning empty in their eyes.

Whether shopping, driving,  or building high
They live beyond their means
For one small comment to
Impress others with false dreams.

No "Hi's" No "Hey's"  No "Thank you much."
They seem so focused still.
As one small thought of satisfy
Their hungry lives they fill.

Then I Stopped...

I stood by green parks grass and saw
A man just sitting still.
He seemed so  different than the one's
Running fevorish to their will.

His quiet nature  so distinct
It caused my heart to smile
I knew right then, a "stop" for me
Will go just a little while.

But little while I need
From now to then again
I don't wish my heart to end up
Wandering for mere busy here in London.

Travels to Oxford

Well, Oxford is fantastic.  What an awesome place filled with great minds!!  It's incredible to sit with some of these people who are truly on the world's stage for the defense of Christian thought. 

The greatest literature, the greatest art, the greatest science, and some might argue some of the greatest theology is coming from Oxford. 

We're a part of a weekend apologetical training weekend, and have the pleasure to hear some of the best of the best teachers in the world. 

Today we went a top the Christ Church College tower and had a chance to peer over the wall at the school C.S. Lewis taught.  The halls of this school are screaming history...and wow, to be a part of it is incredible.

Thanks so much for checking back here.  I do have Internet access now, and will be posting more issues over the weekend.  Lots to talk about....back soon

Andy

Off to Young Christians Weekend

The End only Leads to another Beginning

What a week!  

60 Teenagers in Guatemala
Working with Orphans
Seeing a new Culture
Experiencing God in a new way....priceless.

The first week is finished and we had a tremendous time.  The people at Casa Bernabe were incredible, and we had a wonderful time getting to know the kids at the orphanage.  It was actually an impressive glimpse into a multi-national community.  People caring for each other, no matter the background.

The students were awesome!! 

During the down times we spent talking through teenage issues, and each one of them had an opportunity to reveal their highest highs and lowest lows of the year.  It's amazing the power of knowing someone else is going through the same issues you go through.  It's a strong bond,  to revel in victories, and mourn in defeat. 

I'm proud of these kids.  They did great.....

But...as the end approached, a new beginning rises. 

Today I flew another 20 kids down to Casa Bernabe, and we'll spend the better part of next week, exposing the orphan problem of Guatemala with a new group.

Please keep praying for our work.  It's a valuable time in the life of these teenagers.  And, I'm sure they are returning to their families with a new perspective on life....

All work and No Fun makes....

All work and no fun makes Jack a very dull boy, at least that's what my mom used to say. 

60 Teenagers have been on a mission in Guatemala to serve others, expose themselves to different cultures, and seek the heart of God around the world. 

We've been staying at the Casa Bernabe orphanage outside of Guatemala city, and it's been a Blast.  From cleaning, to changing diapers, these kids have gotten a real good taste of what it means to approach humanity with a humble attitude and care for those in need.  It's been incredible!!

So yesterday I decided they needed a break.  I know this won't sound incredible spiritual, but I thought it a worthwhile trip to take them down to Antigua, the market of Guatemala.

It's a quaint colonial village with cobblestone streets, an outdoor market, and a lively city feel.  The kids were in heaven.  They walked through the markets bartering for their trinkets to bring home, while drinking in a different culture from all senses.

They smelled the food cooking in the street, played Frisbee in the park, and even ordered a big mac from one of the coolest McDonald's I've ever been in.  It was a great day with many memories.

I know I said it wasn't going to be too spiritual today, but as I was walking through the market, I couldn't help but notice the beggars on every corner.  I saw a guy without any legs, a woman with a deformed arm, and many many blind people shaking plastic buckets in hopes to hear the clang of a few coins as the people passed by. 

It was a haunting question rattling through my mind when I was wondering, "What would Jesus do with this?"

I read the New Testament, and the red letters are clear.  He walked through those kind of markets and prayed for the sick.  He healed the blind.  He worked miracles so the handicapped could walk again, and I began wondering what my role was to be? 

Are we supposed to stop?
Are we supposed to pray?
Are we supposed to spit in the dirt and coat the eyes of a blind man so he can see?

I've always been taught, "That was JESUS.  Those times are over."  But one simple verse keeps echoing in my soul, "Truly Truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:12)

Greater works than I do?  What does that mean?

Are we to be satisfied that the meaningless giving of some coins to a blind man is somehow supposed to compare to the life giving works of the Messiah?

Should we be concerned as we look at our works and reduce them only to a fleeting compassion, lost in the moment of the market, but lost as we drive away in our air conditioned car?

I don't know....Sometimes I feel like I'm asking more questions without really getting any answers.  If I'm supposed to sit with the blind man so God can heal him, then I'll do it!  If I'm supposed to pray for the crippled lady so Jesus can make her arm well again, I just want to do what He commands me.

I know this one thing for sure...Living by the spirit and trying to listen to God rather than relying on the teachings of the law, is MUCH HARDER!!  It's easy to say, "It doesn't happen so don't do it."  It's hard to feel your wretched soul wonder....Should I?

It's Cold...

I stumbled out of the hotel yesterday, and felt like Lucy discovering the cold hard reality of a freezing Narnian winter. 

Ok, it wasn't a life long freeze that kept spring at bay or anything dramatic like that, but 22 degrees with the snow blowing through downtown is enough to cancel 1100 flights at NY, Laguardia.  WHEW!!

We got to the airport at 2:00 pm for a 4:20 flight, and the place was packed.  Evidently the planes started canceling early in the morning, and the airport was full of people trying to hitchhike their way to whatever destination they needed to go. 

In the midst of all the chaotic airport storm, a great relationship of warmth began melting away the freezing storm plaguing the inside of so many people's hearts.    I looked over at an older gentlemen, obviously of some kind of euro descent, and his little two year old girl, obviously of Asian origin.

He was traveling across the country to visit his mother, who was meeting her little granddaughter for the first time. 

"Daddy...when can we eat?" she moaned.

"Hang on.  Patience little one."  He really said it just like that!

"Daddy...are we getting on this plane?"

"I think this is the one."

"Daddy, I'm thirsty."

"Daddy, I'm hungry."

"Daddy, When are we going to be home?"

It just kept coming from all angles, and those of you who have toddlers know the questions come in rapid fire; and sometimes, they tend to fray the nerves of even the most solid of weary travelers.

So I just watched.

I watched this graceful older man giving his daughter the audience she so needed.  She was tired, but so was he. 
She was hungry, and he was too.
She was ready to be home, and I could tell He was there.

But he just kept the grace of a grandfather, and answered her every question.

It was an awesome look into the heart of a father.  He put away his own needs and desires to give a sweet voice to a little girl who didn't know any better.  She was antsy and anxious, and even in his weariness; he was gracious and giving.

And I started thinking again...

Isn't it awesome to think we have a wonderful Father in heaven who knows our every need. He knows the number of our days.  He understands the endgame.  But, even in the weariness of each of our lives, He continues to extend grace.  He keeps us in the light, giving us answers to the hardest questions about faith, love, and giving. 

In the middle of a hard cold outside wintry wonderland, my heart was warmed realizing this is only a season, and God the Father, will continue to speak grace and forgiveness to my soul in my deepest time of need.

A Great Time with Old Friends

It's our last day in New York City, and of course it's snowing like crazy.  Airlines are all grounded in Laguardia, but American seems to think they will valiantly brave the snow, ice, and sleet.  Oh be still my nervous soul!

Anyway, it's been a tremendous time re-connecting with my best friend and life mate Jamie.  She's an incredible person with a depth of character which reveals itself new and fresh every time I take the time to understand her.  This was a successful trip on so many levels, especially on the friendship level.

Some of our newest most fun friends reside here in the craziness of New York City.  One couple we met for dinner last night, and just laughed for three straight hours.  Isn't it awesome to be able to sit down with people you admire and share life together, even if it seems a million miles away.  What a refreshing trip!

Then, this morning, we reconnected with one of my old theater friends.  She's been up here for the last 10 years making a difference using art as a platform to connect with people.  Her honesty is refreshing, and her ability to cut to the chase is amazing!   Questions like, "Ok Andy, if Jesus says all who don't believe in me are going to hell, how do you deal with that." 

COME ON!!  What more could you ask for? 

It was a great time catching up on life, spiritual ideals, and future plans.

All in all, I don't have anything deep to write today, but I am going to re-enforce some ideas I've been dwelling on for a few weeks now.  Friendship is essential to core humanity!!

We need friends. 

We need community.

We need to have people from all different walks of life to give us the shape and vision from all different parts of the world.  How fun is it to dive deep with people from all over the world, and know in an instant, when life starts to terry toward the muck and myre, there are friends in the world who you can call that put their arm around you in any circumstance.

My hope is....

You can give thanks for your friends today!  I sure do! 

On my Pat Malone

I've got an Aussie friend who teaches me the latest Aussie slang.  So we were sitting at dinner the other night, and he started telling a story.  "So I was at my flat the other night on my Pat..." 

"What? did you just say on my pat?  What the heck is that?"

"You know, on my pat.  Pat Malone?"

Looking bewildered and misunderstood, I asked again, "And...."

"Pat Malone.  All Alone.  Pat Malone."

"What does all alone have to do with pat Malone?"

He started laughing, "Oh you Americans....Pat Malone rhymes with alone.  So when we want to say we're alone we say we're 'On my pat'" 

"that's D U M, DUMB!"

We both had a laugh, and he went on with the story. 

So today I was sitting with some international students talking about the Love of God.  I was trying to relay God's infinite love for us a part from performance tactics, or checklists; and I asked, "If we're to love God with all our heart mind and soul, and love our neighbor as ourself, then we'd better define who our neighbor is.  Who's your neighbor?"

"Everyone of course!" they all sounded.

"Everyone?  you mean you love everyone?  Come on...Who do you hate?" I dug deeper.

And one student looked across the isle at me, and with tears in his eyes he said, "I hate myself."

And my heart sank.

This young man is one of the neatest kids I've ever been around.  Happy all the time, and full of life, but only has one small issue...he walks with a gate.  He needs help as he walks up and down stairs.  In one short comment he was telling me he hated himself because God didn't take time to make him walk right.

It's such a sad time...on my pat!  All alone.

I looked back at him and started in, "God loves you, my friend.  He made you specifically who you are for whatever reason he deemed necessary.  This earth needs you and all the talents you bring to the table.  So whether you're a movie star or a rock star, a scientists or a philosopher, God gave you a special gift, and He loves you as much as He loves anything in the world.  HE values you for who you are right now!  And guess what?"  I looked around at the rest of the group. "He loves you all the same." 

You know, sometimes when I'm on my pat, I need someone to look me in the eye and reiterate God's creation in my own life.  And you know what happened next....

I got the biggest hug from a teenage boy I've felt in a long long time!

The Journey is Alive in Canada

I'm in Canada right now presenting my re-imagination to a large group of Christians.  There are 15K people here all under one roof for the purpose of understanding a believer's role in the world. 

Sometimes we insulate ourselves in a small corner of the world.  Insulated from the activity and positive ideas being thought around the globe.  So, let me be the first to tell you, the heart of Jesus is alive in Canada, and what I've noticed is people are more excited to entertain an active role in living out Jesus' message to the world, rather than merely talking about it.

I've found a group of people who are leaping past racism and judgment living, solely interested in doing their part to engage in a world longing for hope.

Be encouraged today.  Hope is real today in Edmonton Canada.  These people are a joy to be with.

I'll be back to normal blogging Monday.  I can't wait to get back in the thick of it! 

All Good things must Come to an End

Yes, it's true.  All good things must come to an end.  And so it is with a great sense of relaxation that I am packing my family up from our vacation, and we're heading home.  It's been a while since we've been back at our home, but this time has been a great re-connection with my wife and kids. 

Sometimes being on the road gives everyone a false sense of relationship.  We talk on the phone.  I write.  They make welcome home banners.  And, everyone seems to think that's how life is done.  This trip has taught me much more. 

The time honored richness of relationships can't be substituted.  You can't order a fast-food type of a relationship with your kids.  You certainly can't order a value meal relationship with your wife.  It takes time.  It takes an ear willing to listen.  It takes memories made having fun together.  It takes connecting. 

I know New Year's resolutions are a dime a dozen, but I'm truly interested in connecting better with my family this year.  After all, we can help all the poverty in the world, cure all disease, and try to re-develop a community, but what good is it when your home is in shambles. 

Thanks for keeping up with the travels, and you can rest assured, I'll be back on the blogging grindstone Tuesday. 

DONT FORGET:
Head on over to iTunes and check out the podcasts that accompany each blog.  You'll be sure to know there is a new podcast if you see an Mp3 file at the end of the blog site.

Also, if you haven't got a copy of DUPLICATE THIS! just yet, be sure to go to www.amazon.com, and type in Andy Braner.  It's a great tool to help begin spiritual discussions, as well as an aid for you along your own journey to know God in a real way.

See you back here, Tuesday!

Home at Last...

So, after an incredible September, traveling all over the globe, I'm finally home at last.  It was awesome to be home this evening, a welcomed site to the craziness my life has become. 

Homemade meals, kids playing in the yard, dogs all jumping up and down, it felt really good to turn the corner, and come up on our house.  Tonight...I sleep in my own bed, and for a while at least, I get to enjoy the safety and serenity of home life.

It's great to be home, and it makes my mind wonder to that place when we'll finally be in our eternal home.  I can't wait to relax around a fall fire, dance in the yards, and live in a sea of humanity the way God intended. 

I know if this home is nice, when I sit with God I can finally look into His face and declare, "I'm home...at last."

Hong Kong or Bust!!

No crazy videos.  No inspiring thoughts.  I just wanted to drop in here and let you guys know I'm on my way to Hong Kong today. 

It's weird how God intends on hooking like minded people together across the globe, but somehow there has been a connection.  I have an incredible friendship developing with a business leader over in Hong Kong, and a tremendous friendship with a growing church. 

We're going to be talking about a future program for high school graduates, a possible facility in the Philippines, an additional outlet for students to help others around the globe, and to top it all off, I'm doing a Pastor's conference for a group of international pastor's in the Philippines.  CRAZY!! It's awesome how these things just keep falling from the sky.  It will be great to hook up with new friends, old friends, and a host of people that will be teaching me how to love people of different cultures around the globe.

If you're a prayer warrior, I would be deeply thankful for your prayers for the next week, as we line out some intriguing new future plans.  If you'd like to drop a note, I would love to hear from you.

So...until next time...thanks for your prayers, To God Be the Glory,

PEACE!!

Andy

Small Town...Big Dreams

I'm hanging out in Blytheville Arkansas this weekend, and I'm telling you, this is a really interesting corner of the country.  It's about 50 miles North of Memphis Tennessee, in the Northeast corner of Arkansas, six miles from the Mississippi.  It's flat Delta country with cotton fields extending as far as the eye can see.  There's a peaceful serenity on the surface, but down deep in the soul of this small town lies a beast waiting to be defeated.

Like much of the southern delta towns along the Mississippi river, there still remains an intense racial division.  White sides of the city and Black sides of the city are still in effect.  I've been watching in every restaurant, and although there are no signs, the behavior of people speak louder than neon.  Black folks sit on one side of the diner, and white folks sit on the other.  Black waitresses help Black people, and White waitresses help whites, that is until I walked in.

I couldn't help myself.  I wanted to sit right in the middle of the black section to see what would happen.  Would they kick me out?  Would they serve me?  Would they look at me weird, or say anything strange?

When the African American lady came to serve me, she asked if I was a "star"?  What in the world?  I think it was more of an unusual situation for her, because I didn't know the rules...I just sat down and waited.

It turned out to be a great morning, and I made some new friends, but the overwhelming oppression of racism is quite evident here. 

So, we're coming in to the town so we can help people see that following Jesus has nothing to do with race, economic situation, education, or any other variable we decide to alienate ourselves from each other.  Following Jesus means looking to your right, and looking to your left, and figuring out how to serve them like Jesus would.  This afternoon, I'm going to a rally at the high school football stadium, and the local churches are expected 500-1500 students to show up.  If you're a prayer warrior, pray for this moment.  Who knows?  We might be able to set the stage for the Holy Spirit to defeat this ugly beast of racial division? 

I know When He's ready He will, but we'll continue taking steps to help encourage people to slay this beast.

Thanks for praying.... 

It's a little slice of heaven

OK, so for something not so serious this time; I'm in Durango at our annual Father/Son retreat for Kanakuk Kamps.  Each year we open the camp for 30 Dads and Sons to come and spend some time together away from work, away from school, and away from noise. 

It's amazing what a little R and R will do for guys who are programed to be addicted to production.  All too often I find Dads who are trying to push their boys, or boys who are trying to live up to their dads, and this is a place where they can just get away and get re-acquainted, and focus on the most important parts of their relationships.

We take them biking, climbing, fishing, river rafting, and we fill their bellies with steaks and brats.  It's a totally guy deal. 

Anyway, I bring a few staff with me out here, and this year Jarod Sickler, Adam Martin, Luke Parrot, Brad Ray, and Nate Friend are all part of our outdoor support team.  So tonight, I took them to a little slice of heaven....The Pagosa Hot Springs.

  It's pretty much a little slice of heaven on earth.  That is once you get over the pungent sulfur smell. 

So we sat in the pool tonight and talked with people from all over the country.  Some from Florida, some from New York, and Some from Pagosa.  It was awesome!!  We go a chance to just sit and be with people from all walks of life, and we even got a little opportunity to talk about faith. 

Isn't life grand!

We have such an opportunity to sit and hear stories, and make friends from around the country.  Nothing really deep.  Just another adventure in trying to develop community around the globe. 

The best part of it was just connecting back with the Kanakuk Colorado family.  I love being with the guys; laughing, joking, hearing about life back home, and just re-connecting. 

If your life is filled with noise, maybe it's time to just take a weekend, get out of the normal ho hum drum of life and spend some time with people you care about. 

That's the real magic to this little heavenly place. 

Isn't it fun to be in the middle...

Some might say the middle is a place of indecisiveness.  It's a quagmire of decision making.  It's weakness to sit on the fence, and not make a decision.  The middle is where pastors tell us to avoid, like the plague.  God doesn't want you to be in the middle.  Much like the most over told, understudied, misrepresented verse in the Bible, "I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot.  Would that you were either cold or hot! So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:13-16)

Most pastors would interpret that verse and say the middle is evil.  Why, Who in their right mind wants to be spit out of God's mouth?

I, on the other hand, adore the middle.  Maybe not the middle as you might be thinking, but rather; smack dab in the middle of His will.

I'm out in San Jacinto at a camp doing a retreat for a Christian School out of Lancaster California.  And, I'm convinced, I'm right in the middle of God's ultimate will.  There is no question in my mind this is where I need to be, at this very time, at this very place, telling teenagers how to re-engage with Jesus. 

You should watch their eyes light up when they hear how they can make a difference  You should see the guilty faces turn hopeful, when they hear of God's forgiveness.  I wish you were here to watch a generation of people who are ready to take serious the message of the Messiah. 

Is it a disgrace to be in the middle....I think not! It's pretty fun to be right in the middle of God's will.

Thanks to those who are praying.  Whatever you are doing, the Lord is showing up in a MIGHTY WAY!!