Heres the thing

2007-11-04T16:59:00.000-08:00

Enter the Golden Monkey

Today we had a HS flag football tournament for StuCo. I was proud of the team representing Romeoville. Made up mostly of highly competitive football players...many of which have no connecting to our student ministry...they did there best to be inclusive and in many ways humble. Despite being a washed up, butter fingers aging youth director they we enthusiastic about making sure I was on the field with them. They also were quick to include a couple of students that they didn't know- but were looking to be a part of the day. Sure there were a couple of rough plays and heated arguments but overall they were just trying to give their best and have fun on a perfect Sunday afternoon in November. Great job bringing home the Golden Monkey.

2007-09-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

We had just finished dinner at Bollingbrook Country Club (for a leadership initiative at church) when Ben came over and asked Angela and I to come pray for His friend Joe. Joe had just been diagnosed with a phase 4 cancer in his liver and lungs...but as we approached he surly did not look like a man who had just received such bad news. He had a humbling look on his face but it showed optimism as well. We lade our hands on his shoulders and began to pray...I cant remember how long we prayed for...it was a while but when we were finished there was not a dry eye in the circle of friends now gathered. When Joe looked up he said something to the effect of "they say its medically incurable but I cant wait to see what God does...i know he will use this."

That was a year ago. Most people thought Joe would no longer be with us anymore. But yesterday I watched him stand in front of over a hundred people and tell them how God continues to work miracles in his life. I was at a golf event in tribute to Joe's life...and what an incredible life he has lived. I heard person after person tell stories of how Joe had mentored or coached them. But one thing rang true through all the stories- from his daughter to his former boss to his neighbor...Joe is a man of faith. It is evident in his walk, his talk, and the blessings of his family. Joe has lived a life of eternal significance. What ever measure marks significance in a mans life- it is modeled in Joe's walk with Christ. I have often times wondered what "well done, good and faithful servant" really looked like. It is no longer a mystery...I have an example to follow through the life of Joe.

2007-09-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

Student Community- Fall Kickoff in 4 days.

Were are starting a new series. Here is a promo.

http://www.youtube.com/v/YNmPreakfVQ

2007-07-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

Whats Going on....

What isn't going on? Summer has raced by at a neck breaking speed. And our fall kickoff is weeks away.

But really here is whats going on. I was hired this month part time in Romeoville as the student director and will start full time this fall.

The summer conferences and camps for students were incredible. Students making first time decisions to follow Christ, some making life changing decisions and others stepping up to be leaders...I would say that the summer has been great.

Jr High camp ended two days ago...I haven't caught up on sleep but I feel great. That's crazy.

Yesterday I went to Venetian Night in Chicago. Fire works were awesome. But it was also cool to sit in the park with so many people of different cultures and here them laugh. We all laugh the same language. Its a wonderful thing

2007-06-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

Vacation...

So Angela and I got back from our trip to North Carolina (NC)...and it was great. We ate well relaxed, visited friedns and family, and even went to a wedding. Here are a few things I learned while in Morrisville "Racway USA" NC.

Frisbee Golf is really fun. My brothers and I played a couple of rounds at Davidson University. They have a beautifull campus and it was pretty quite with school out. I think I'm going to find a course near my house. Maybe join the bro circut

NC is growing. Morsville is pretty much over populated. My brother needs to leave an hour early for work in the morning...to travel like 5 miles...redicoulous.

You all and Y'all are two differnt things. Y'all might include you and me- or just them. You all is you guys.

I'm getting old. My brother, Dad and I all have a birthdays in the last two weeks of May. So we celebrated...Not only can I not eat as much...but you can tell I sometimes eat too much. Also its Friday and I'm still sore from trying to wake board on Monday.

Here the last thing I learned. When driving on the highway be prepared to stop. Even if traffic is not bad. Someone you know might be pulled over on the side of the road...they might not even be in an accident. So slow down...check to see if you know them...see if they are driving the same car as you...see if they have a haircut like you...see if they want to get a coffee at the next exit. Whatever you do...don't keep driving...don't just glace and pass by carefully. By all means stop.

Hope your vacations are as relaxing fun and educational as our trip to NC was.

2007-05-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

Summer Time

With summer only a few weeks away- I'm not sure what to expect. I do know that past summers go by way to quickly...so we should focus on people as much as we can. Here are a few things I am determined to do this summer.

Journal. My observation over the past year has been that the people who I see as great leaders...or highly influential...or missional....all have one thing in common...they have some sort of journaling life.

Exercise. I turn 29 in a few days. I always wondered if I would still be doing student ministry when am 30...so if I do have more years influencing students...I want to be healthy...that and I don't like to be beaten by Jr High or High School students.

Hang out. Summer is a down time for students...even if they are working full time. I am going to structure my schedule in such a way to be available to students and parents...that might mean a few later nights than usual...but I don't want to miss an opportunity to experience life with a young Christfollower- who in a few years will be off to the unknowns of college life.

So that's what I'm going to do...what are so me of your thoughts. What are you looking forward to this summer...what challenges do you face...how are you going make people a priority?

2007-04-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

THE TALK

Its always interesting to talk about sex within a high school and Jr High ministry. There are always little giggles, blushing faces, and the more than occasional comment from the students who are uncomfortable with the conviction they experience. This series was slightly different from the usual- "Don't have pare-marital sex" talk most churches give. Of course that's a part of it...but we wanted to do more than that. So after showing some"Satan Sex Ed" videos (which can be viewed on you tube) we dove into the questions students asked and ended with a talk about how to move forward when surrounded with so much sexual temptation.

I will say it was a tough series because we have students that will say outright that they are going to do what ever they want regardless of what we say. However there was some hope. To end the message students could respond by writing a letter to there future spouse. This is something I did as a sophomore in college before I meet my wife. She still has the letter...and I'm not sure how much she thinks about it...but when I placed it on our bed on our wedding night I knew it was one of the best gifts I could give her....It wasn't just a bunch of nice words...it was a commitment i made to be pure before I even new her...it was a gift of trust that can still be counted on today...it was even a gift to myself because it caused me to stay accountable to my own words- and because i still live up to those words today.

And so today I am still encouraged because there were students taking the time to write out the commitments and goals they have to stay pure and to give that as a gift yo their future husbands and wives.

2007-03-08T08:54:00.000-08:00

inconsistency

So here's the thing...its hard to blog everyday. Maybe I'm afraid that if I get too consistent I will start running out of things to say...

Not possible- I vary rarely have little to say- and almost never do I have nothing to say.

But still...some days I think "What could I possibly write worth reading." Thus the inconsistency. I really envy those of you out there that have already moved beyond this.- those of you that have consistency. I guess its really a discipline. So my inconsistency is a lack of discipline...

2007-02-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

What if?

What if everyone you know was a part of your church...or your ministry (by this Im impling mission) ? How does that make you feel...does that make you cringe or smile? Angela and I went to dinner last night with a friend and on our way home I had a thought about how excited I would be to be a part of a church were all the friends and family we know were attending and contributing in some way. But isn't that what Christ desires? Isn't that his dream as well?

We know some incredible people...and the impact that they could have and will have on this world is tremendous. And this is Gods desire...that we would see the people around us as a part of his plan...include them in the things God is about.

Reaching the world around us starts with the people we already know. Because everyone we know can be a part of this mission...maybe they are incredibly caring...or have a gift of knowledge...or they can build things with their hands...or welcome people with their smiles. Include people where they are- in the way they have been gifted. Trust God in all of this.

2007-02-23T09:39:00.000-08:00

Its been a while-

So here is whats been going on...wake up...plan for blast....wake up...plan for blast...wake up go to blast...blast...blast...come home....wake up... recap blast get ready for fusion...write a message for a short film...get ready for blast...i mean fusion...go to fusion...today.

Blast is our High School winter conference...Fusion is for Jr High. And it has been the topic of every conversation...meeting...and thought for the past 3 weeks...but ive never been so excited for our students and their peers.

The events- although on different weekend are programed basically the same...and this year its amazing...a set built to look like a rock wall- 16 feet in the air stretching almost 90 feet across...with water pouring down on both sides...and a makeshift jail with the drum set on top....

and the music- we have mostly students leading worship and the 4 specials- in each of the three sessions...that's a lot of music- complete with video and slide shows...but that's still not the best part....

Our theme is Redemption...and the high school students responded in a huge way...stories are still trickling in...and we baptized 8 students during the last worship set...and more students will be baptized in the coming months...and we still have fusion to do this weekend.

For me and my small group- we grew even closer together- really starting to get to the core of our life's...

Even though the even took hundreds of man hours...to see the effects of a retreat that meets the students where they are- and fits right into all we have been talking about this year...and their getting it...this is totally worth it.

Look for videos to be posted soon...but here are some pics
I was able to MC the event- I had a great time...

Students responded to the call of being a part of Redeeming the world.

2007-02-12T13:38:00.000-08:00

Why are you married?

So last week at the Jr. High service I was asking one of the young ladies why she is dating. He response- which is a great response- "Well...why are you married?" What a great question to ask. What better thing for her to hear than why two Christ followers decided to get married?

Although I wasn't able to give her the whole story- here are some things I pondered on my ride home- Being so close to Valentine's day- my marriage is a great thing to reflect on.

I got married not just because I find my wife extremely attractive or because of her great personality...although those are things that helped me fall in love with her...what made me committed to her was the realization that she would be an incredible person to continue on this life journey with. I couldn't imagine anyone i would rather explore the mysteries of God with.

We also got married because our friendship is the most valuable thing we have. We not only enjoy being together...but we challenge each other...we work well together...we compete well with each other. The more and more time we spent together the more we wanted to be together.

Right before I met my wife I spent some time thinking of the person I would want to marry some day...not what she looked like...or even where she came from...what kind of church she was from- or what she was like in high school...but where is she headed...where is her heart in regards to following Christ...what does she value...

When those things were apparent though dating...the natural direction was marriage. I have been married almost four years...for incredible years with my best friend...did I mention shes gorgeous too.

2007-01-30T08:40:00.000-08:00

Serving Now- Part 3/3

After hearing the message on serving in the adult service and the StoCo service you would think I would have gotten what it means to serve. But during the week I had an encounter at home that was pretty selfish. As I was sitting on the computer writing emails- my wife was on the coach feeling sick. She mentioned she wanted me to go do a load of laundry...so I was going to go do that- after finishing some work...some time went buy and she reminded me...and also asked if I would make her some tea. The question was also posed- "what are you working on"...and at that moment I was caught up looking at some funny video on Youtube. Needless to say my procrastination did not serve her well...she didn't feel cared for and although I had the intention of eventually helping her...that didn't do much for the moment.

the next day at church i passed by two of our staff having a meeting. A few moments later they were on their knees fixing a broken leg on a couch. They noticed something that needed to be done- and although they were busy- they stopped what they were doing and served. They didn't just go tell someone that it needed to be done- they did it.

So here's the thing- When you have a heart of serving you are not only looking for ways to serve but you are willing to stop what your doing and serve. The meeting can wait- you can come back to your email...you can call that person back. Who knows what can happen in the moment that you serve? Maybe what happens- only happens to you...your heart transforms in the moment...you understand Christ a little more.

2007-01-26T08:56:00.000-08:00

Savior Serving,

Its an amazing feeling to do something for someone that, if not done would never get done. Even if the recognition is minimal there is a type of high that is hard to match. If you have ever helped someone that was in desperate need you know what I'm talking about. I think the blessing that comes through serving and giving to others is designed by God. He wants you to feel that incredible feeling. And once you get a taste of it- you want more...its an addiction to helping others. A healthy addiction that brings with it a rush of emotions.

I believe God wants us to feel the rewards of serving...not the earthly reward of recognition...but the eternal reward that gives us a glimpse of Gods glory. There is a danger though...of developing a savior complex...and the line is all to easy to cross. We can go from...I'm doing things that show Gods glory...to...Im doing a lot of good things...I'm saving people...I'm a blessing. And soon we replace Christ as savior and put ourselves in his place.

Think about it...have you ever done it? Have you ever seen yourself as the savior of those you help...said in the back of your mind..."If it wasn't for me these people would still be suffering." Now in reality- no glory can be taken from God...we just block the view. God will accomplish his will- with or without me. And maybe God did use you...and no one else would have come along...but we still need to be aware of the attitude that "good things happen because of me"...rather it is because of Gods work through us.

And don't get me wrong...if people are doing the work of God...and trying to take the credit...i wont stop them. I wont stop them from feeding the poor...or building homes, of giving large amounts of money. Gods glory can go nowhere except to him. The addiction of doing good things is a blessing...its a gift from God. And when we realize that there is no better feeling than to be a part of Gods mission than we are truly blessed- with a heavenly reward. If you develop a savior complex-addicted to recognition- addicted to being the savior- just realize..the rewards of heaven are much greater than the recognition of earth.

2007-01-23T15:12:00.000-08:00

Serving from the Heart

This week we saw a great video- bring Serving Back. But what would it look like to really bring serving back...or to bring our hearts back to serving. There are three motives that tend to drive us to serving.

Pitifully Serving (Part 1)

When we see the commercials play on TV...or hear the bell ringing at Christmas time as we leave Walmart...there is something inside of us that gets tugged...maybe its guilt...maybe shame...or its pity-a genuine feeling sorry for someone else. Many times this is where the motivation to serve starts. We experience a sort of pity for someone less fortunate then us. Maybe they were born into it...perhaps they hit a run of bad luck...or ran into the wrong people...what ever it is...we feel bad.

I think you know what I mean. We here these circumstances that cause us to think..."wow..that's horrible..I should help" The initial response we have to help is great...if we really follow through with it. But there can be a downfall to serving out of pity as well.

We learn from the book of Romans...do not think of yourself higher than you ought. Have you ever caught yourself thinking..."I need to help this person...because they need ME" Notice the emphasis, its subtle, it can sneak up on you. Its the idea that some how I'm better than the person I'm serving...the genuine ache that you might have felt can turn into pride- This is what makes Jesus example so important. When he washes the disciples feet...it is no prideful thing. Its actually somewhat disgusting...but he does it anyway. When he is finished he basically says- now you do the same thing...and don't think there is anything or anyone your to good for.

Our motive may start with a genuine sorrow for someones situation...but we need to check our hearts to be sure that by serving- we not making more of ourselves then we ought.

2007-01-18T08:36:00.000-08:00

Paralyzed

I have had several conversations this week that have kept me up late thinking...how in the world can we reach this generation. A generation confused...lost. A generation dealing with temptations of designer drugs (in addition to the "normal drugs"), perversions of sexuality, dependence on acceptance, loneliness of broken families, and the ever present reality of materialism. Even in "healthy" homes students face these realities...they see friends blinded by the "fun" of it all...

The truth is... students are paralyzed. Maybe they seem to function fine...but they just cant seem to move towards who God made them to be. Many students are paralyzed because their identity is in something else besides Christ. Maybe their identify is in someone else- or just pursuing a relationship with someone else. When we find our identity in something other than Christ...then we will not be who God made us to be. So what do we do?

I think this week's message at church (connect) about the paralytic lowered down through a hole in the roof, is the summary of how we help people find their way back to God. We all have things in our life that will keep us on our mat- things that paralyze us. Sin seperates us from God...It is not these things that keep us from God...it is our unwillingness to seek out relationships with other Christ followers that keep us on our mats. Even if we surround ourselves with Christ followers- are they aware of our paralysis?

When it comes to our students...many of them will not want to share their downfalls, sins, struggles, pains....unless they believe that we are not there to judge, to fix, to direct, to discipline, but we are there to bring them to Christ. That we will do anything to get them in front of Christ- where their true identity is found. We will carry them up steps...and dig through roofs...we will do whatever it takes to help them see Christ. That needs to be our motivation...our passion.

When we see students paralyzed- we can not look at them and say- "their sin is keeping them from Christ". We need to say..."what can I do to help them see Christ"...to get them to the only one who can remove the paralysis. It happens in community- its not up to just one person. Develop your small group, the leaders around you to look for ways to get their peers directly in front of Christ. If this is our focus- we will see students getting up of their mats and walking...running for Christ.

2007-01-12T09:04:00.000-08:00

A new direction...

This blog was primarily a blog about Africa...but I really don't want to start a new site- so I will just go a new direction. Recently I started apprenticeship at my church CCC. Basically I'm learning how to become a reproducing leader at a reproducing church. I have not thrown my training or previous experience to the side...but I will say that the culture at CCC is different than that of the churches I was trained to go in to. Add student ministry to the mix and its a whole new game.

The past 2 weeks have been crazy...After returning from MN for Christmas I had a few days to prepare for the trip to NY with my StuCo small group. We did a roadtrip that I believe has brought our group closer together. I'm really excited about how excited my small group of high school guys are about the 3c's (celebrate/connect/contribute). After the trip (we are using the footage as a tool to teach) I was dead tired...Driving over 2000 miles in a few days...on of which we stood for 12 hours in one spot...is tiring. Take some time to view the videos on youtube.

2006-06-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

Please veiw the new blog at http://jakenangelakirchner.blogspot.com/

2006-05-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

Power in Prayer

“Our father in heaven…hollowed be thy name…” I will never hear those words in the same way again. This past weekend I prayed with my wife’s grandmother for the first time since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. We asked her if she would like to pray with us…immediately she held out her hand and said yes. I wasn’t sure what I was going to pray…but before I even had an opportunity she started into the Lord’s Prayer. With very little prompting, she went through the whole thing. Afterward I prayed for her…for healing and rest for her mind…I prayed that she would know God’s love more and more each day through the love of her family. When I finished, her eyes were glazed over with emotion instead of confusion. My prayer connected with her in a deep way- and she said so. What a profound thing for me to learn…that Gods spirit can connect and reconnect and touch people- who in other situations may not have the slightest clue what is being said. We often pray for other people…and I know pray is powerful but so much more moving is praying with someone; to bring someone into God’s presence and speak on their behalf for things they may not know how to say.
My wife’s grandma gave us a wonderful blessing this weekend. Being on the brink of departure for a land where others may not understand us; we are encouraged buy the spirit of a woman that transcends our own understanding of this world. When in Africa, and when we come home- we will be praying with people- regardless if our words are understood. Because of some mystery their spirit can be moved and Christ can make a change- if only for a moment in our world, for eternity in his.

2006-04-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

Tears in Rwanda-4/11/06
Every couple of weeks my wife Angela and I get an email from our good friend Cyprien. Cyprien is from Rwanda and works on staff for Global Family Rescue. His story, like so many that survived the genocide, is remarkable. He considers Angela his sister and he looks at me as a brother…because everyone in his family, brothers, sisters, parents, cousins…were all killed in the genocide. Yesterday Cyprien cried for the first time in twelve years…the first time since he saw his family killed in front of him. He has been holding all the pain inside for so long and yesterday he finally started to let go.
As you know I will be traveling to Rwanda this summer as part of a group going to help the widows and orphans that have struggled to survive for the past decade and continue to live in some of the poorest conditions imaginable. We will build homes, we will dig wells…we might play soccer…or help plant a garden…but most of all we are going to be a brother or sister to someone who has no family to cry with. Sending money to give people food and water and shelter says a lot…they more than appreciate the aid they receive. But I believe that showing up and letting someone know they are loved helps them start to heal a heart that has been broken, and hardened with grief, abandonment and anger.
I wish we could be there with Cyprien and his wife and Vianney the case worker as they struggle to deal with things that have gone unspoken for so long. This month marks the 12th anniversary of the 1994 genocide that started with 100 days of killing (more than 800,000 were killed in 100 days). It has taken much too long for the world to notice the devastation of those days and the wake of devastation that has been left behind- even 12 years later.
Angela and I (leading 20 others) will be departing on June 9th to join the staff of GFR to continue to build hope for the people of Rwanda. We are still short $2000 on the money we need to raise. Please consider giving to the worthwhile mission of helping these people heal their land. All donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to Global Family Rescue ▪ PO Box 529, Wheaton, IL 60189 (Please indicate Kirchner Trip 2006). If you have questions about Rwanda or the work that GFR does please visit Globalfamilyrescue.org.

To read more about Rwanda go to
http://globalfamilyrescue.blogspot.com/

2006-03-31T11:57:00.000-08:00

Africa. It sounds so far away for most people- especially those who live in the Midwest. I don’t think it’s far geographically. People travel much further distances- usually for vacation or business. I think most people don’t understand Africa…they don’t know anything about Africa…and honestly most people don’t care. Most people don’t care about places far away…places that don’t have an impact on there day to day lives...places that are full of people so much different from themselves. How many people really cared about the fate of Iraq 7 years ago?
I watched ER last night…Dr Kovatch was thinking of going to Africa-the Sudan to help Dr Carter-. While I was watching I was thinking- how many people watching are compelled to find out what is happing in the Sudan- how many people care? How many people think that it’s fictional- that what happens in Africa isn’t really that bad?

Africa is a mystery in most people’s minds. I think that’s why people are so intrigued and yet objectionable when I tell them my wife and I will be spending two weeks in Rwanda this summer. It doesn’t make sense that two young people trying to figure life out- trying to save money- hopefully start a family soon- would travel for a second time to somewhere so far away. We are going because Africa isn’t a mystery- it’s a tragedy. And it will remain a tragedy until others- especially those with influence- hear the stories.

When people start to see the stories in Africa- and places like it- not as mysteries but tragedies, some will be moved to turn those stories to Romance. Can you imagine a people devastated by civil unrest- feeling hated for who they are and forgotten because of who they are not? Can you imagine what a story it would be if those people were taken in- cared for and loved. If others from across the world start to show grace and mercy- to people that are completely different from them- can you imagine how that could change the future?

Last year I walked in and out of homes that would be unworthy to be called sheds in the US. Last year I saw ten year old children that would be unable to compare to a five year olds in the US. Last year I saw households made up of only orphans- struggling to survive. Last year was the last year of doing nothing about it.

It is one of the most basic of human needs- to know and be known. There are people who need food- yes…who need water-yes…and shelter, and clothes…but that is not why I go. My wife and I go because these people need to know that someone is thinking about them…that someone wants to see them…that someone would take whatever resources they have just to spend a few minutes looking into their eyes and say “I’m glad to be here with you- you matter to me.” Their stories will not go untold.