That Book, Tongues and East Timor

Last time I wrote about the Da Vinci code, and I must admit that I'm getting real sick of that book. But hey that's what comes from doing a couple of school groups and Church services on it. How have they gone? The school group was not nearly as eventful as I thought. I was sure there would a few there to voice an argument against my ideas on the book. But the 15 or so there were all very polite, so will see how it goes tomorrow. The Church services have gone great - I had a good talk to a real honest spiritual seeker last night. Something I love doing.

This term our youth leadership team - decided that we wanted to try and bring the Spiritual back into Christianty. So in a balanced "Baptist" kind of way we are looking at Spiritual Gifts. Last week we looked at "prophecy, tongues and interpretation of tongues". It's funny that at times I have problems with the whole seeker thing in Churches that can water down the harder messages of Christianty so that "no-one gets offended by - well anything". But I must admit as a number of new people walked in the door on Wednesday I thought - why did you choose to come this week. I didn't need to fear the youth were there, really listening in a way they don't normally listen except during the sex and relationships talks. It was great to see a bunch of young people response in front of there mates for prayer as well. Youth hungry for God. Writing of youth hungry Saturday was first combined youth rally here in Taupo. Combined cos it was put on by different youth groups here in Taupo (I must be honest there are not many). But as our young MC for the night said we are "all on the same team, singing the same song" - so it was great to join with different Church groups and I'm sure it will be the first of many.

Lastly, I write with sadness tonight. 2 years ago my wife and I took a youth team to East Timor, last year my wife returned for a month. This year we have been busy fund raising for another very keen youth team all set to go in September this year. So its with sadness that I watched the news tonight with my wife, as riots and violence threaten to rip the country apart. Our trip in September is all but gone. We have regular emails from people on the ground in East Timor and things are not good as food and water is in short supply. It's funny in some ways this is when more than ever East Timor needs some help, and we are not able to go especially with a youth team. As for my wife and I we will have to decide whether to go or not nearer the time. It's great to see Australias and New Zealand governments have responded so quickly with troops. So please send a prayer for Timor this week.

Until Next Time
D

Da Vinci And Some Beginnings

This is not my first trip into the world of blogging. I read about this youth group somewhere out there that started some very cool discussions through having a youth group blog. So I started one. Let's just say a great idea but not for Branded here in Taupo. Only got a couple of hits and that was by one youth group member complaining about the lack of hits....

But here is my first solo blog - and what else to do than to give my two cents to the thing the whole Church seems to be talking about at the moment - that book, come movie the Da Vinci Code.

Yes I've read the book - and saw the film. I know some Christians will think that curses me to hell but I listen to Rock music to so to them I'm already doomed.

I enjoyed the book - thought the film was OK - and that's all.

Personally I see the Da Vinci Code as a great opportunity. Here in NZ I find most people are not against religion. The reason being, they simply haven't thought that much about it to be even against it. In NZ a whole lot of people simply don't give a stuff about Christianity or anything else. So if this book and movie are at least going to get people talking then I think it's all good as long as we Christians are prepared with some answers and to seize the moment.

Last night at The Station (Our Sunday Evening Church Service) we did the first of two nights on the Da Vinci code. We looked at how the Bible especially the New Testament came to be what it is now. I was amazed at the interest. There was a good deal of healthy discussion afterwards, and when asked at least 2/3 of the people there had read the book. Tomorrow I will be trying to order discussion at a School Lunuchtime group I am runnning on the Da Vinci Code at one of the local colleges, will be interesting to see who shows up and the questions they have.

Dan Brown I'm sure may have had some bad motives for this Da Vinci Book, but does that mean we can't twist it around and use it for some good old Spiritual discussion. Personally I think we can - and I am praying that in the midst of a secular school tomorrow, and The Station this Sunday night that is exactly what happens. And you never know in discussing the false Spiritual claims of this book the Holy Spirit may just move and truth may just be found.

Til next time