Jubilee 2009

I spent my weekend at Jubilee. This was the fifth time I've been there, and it was also the best. The line up of speakers was amazing. Just a few of my favorites were Andy Crouch, Gabe Lyons, and the folks from *culture is not optional.

Bill Strickland also spoke. Play the clip below for a taste of what he had to say.



Mr. Strickland built a training center in a bad neighborhood of Pittsburgh. It's a shining example of the Jubilee vision, that the good news be shared with all people. The following scripture comes to mind: "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." ~Colosians 3:17 If we're doing things in the name of Jesus, then we'll do them excellently Like the folks at the Bidwell Training Center.

Here is a link to a longer YouTube video about Mr. Strickland's training center. It's well worth your time.

This was the message of Jubilee. We also heard from other people who are in the midst of projects to bring God's Kingdom to Earth. Thanks for your support and encouragement that enables me to undertake a similar project, albeit a small one, bringing God's Kingdom into the lives of students at OWU.

Theology: Ideas about God that change the way you live

I heard this definition last week, and it keeps running through my mind. The question I ask myself again and again is "Do I only give students new ideas about God, or do I truly guide them to change the way they live?"

College students are inundated with new ideas every day, so its not enough for me to add Christian ideas into the mix. I need to show them that another way of life is possible and challenge them to change. I have two big events planned this spring to do just that: The Jubilee Conference and Spring Break Wilderness Treks.

Jubilee is the CCO's biggest event of the year. More than two thousand college students will converge in Pittsburgh to worship, learn, and network with other Christian students. Together we will explore this year's conference theme: "Every square inch belongs to God." Students will hear dynamic speakers and participate in interactive workshops explaining how God cares about all of life, including how they study and what careers they choose to pursue.

Presenters at the conference include: Andy Crouch, a new favorite author of mine and Daniel Sepulveda, punter for the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. These are just two speakers in a brilliant line up of more than forty Christian professionals and leaders.

Spring Break Wilderness Treks are outdoor adventure experiences to all parts of the country. This year's trips are:
"Climb Well, Live Well" Rock climbing at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Arkansas
"Sun, Wind, Tide" Coastal canoing in the Florida Everglades
"Searching for Self" Backpacking on Cumberland Island, Georgia
"Where am I storing up treasure?" Backpacking in Big South Fork National Recreation
Area, Tenessee

Each team is captained by OWU student leaders working with a CCO staffer to create a safe and fun trek that gives students an opportunity to not only hear new ideas about God, but to change the way they live.

Each trek focuses on one aspect of lfe, demonstrating how to approach it differently, and challenging students to do so. My team (Arkansas) will focus on ways to measure success. The message I want to convey to students is this: Even though we often measure our success and self worth solely on our performance, God measures us by a different standard. According to him our worth comes from being his children, created in his image.

In addition to offering this idea about God, we have activities and reflections planned to make this abstract concept tangible and give students practical steps they can take to make it real in their lives.

"God will provide" is an idea that changed the way I lived when I became a campus minister - and he had provided. Your generous hearts are the tools he uses to supply me with a salary and also with encouragement, especially when I need it most. Thank You!