Those who are generously donating to this mission deserve a gift that God alone can give. I get frustrated at my inability to communicate how incredible this ministry truly is. It's hard for me to imagine a greater privilege than to help these midshipmen grow in their faith.
All I can say is thank you: thank you to God, thank you to my family, and to all those people who are proudly supporting our work here. So many nights I drive home in silence, just thinking about how blessed I am to be doing God's work in such a unique way. I mean, I get to talk with these men about things that they've never mentioned to anybody. Lots of times, they are realizing new things about themselves and I get to be with them in those moments.
Each man's search for God is uniquely his own and, for some reason, God desires me to get a glimpse into that journey. I love being able to share my common experiences with them. I think the hardest part is being okay with my best and I need to realize that people's lives are never simply "fixed". You'd think 22 years of living with myself would have made that clear by now! In the end, the midshipmen aren't problems to be fixed but people to be loved. I must never forget that about them or myself!
Thank you for placing me here, in their lives, where I can do God's work. Oh, how great it is to be an instrument! Thank you.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
This Was Awesome!
First, I apologize for failing to keep all of you, who have been more generous and faithful than I could have ever dreamed, in the loop. It is no coincidence though, that these last few weeks have been the busiest by far and I truly feel that our ministry is now soaring! I'm amazed, truly amazed, with how much God is blessing us here at the Naval Academy. The midshipmen are taking advantage of every opportunity to grow that we give them! Thank you for making this possible... some students are already asking if we'll be here next year!
I'll be perfectly honest: your financial support is bringing about a beauty beyond my understanding. All I can do is be grateful. Why me? Why do I get to experience these men and women come alive in a way like never before? Why do we get to be a part of something that's changing their lives? I don't know, I can't explain it, all we can do is be grateful. Isn't it amazing that finite things, when handed to God, bring about realities that extend far beyond our mind's reach?
Here is something sweet that we did at the Naval Academy! A couple weeks ago, we bought the midshipmen 25 pizzas (which were gone in minutes) and each missionary gave their testimony to the students. Yeah, we were a little nervous but, more than anything, I think we just felt overwhelmed at the idea of communicating what God has done for us. God's love in our lives is so incomprehensible and is hard to explain even to ourselves, let alone telling 100 students about it!
We each had 10 minutes to sum up how we've been transformed through our relationship with God. I was really impressed by my teammates and their ability to articulate all that has unfolded in their journey with Christ.
I was last and excited! I couldn't even begin to explain to the midshipmen my relationship with God and I even admitted that before them all. A testimony is like painting a picture of the most beautiful sight. There is something about beauty which just can't be duplicated! You can't capture the whole picture, I guess. ANYWAYS, it went great. I felt as though the Holy Spirit really gave me the words I needed to say and I was really grateful for the divine assistance.
From that day, things have definitely changed with many of the students. I feel a lot closer to them and I think they've felt more comfortable to share their struggles with me because they now know that I've gone through similar difficulties...
This is where words fail me! Ah, how beautiful are the conversations I've been having with some midshipmen. I'm truly grateful for having been placed here. Thank you.
I'll be perfectly honest: your financial support is bringing about a beauty beyond my understanding. All I can do is be grateful. Why me? Why do I get to experience these men and women come alive in a way like never before? Why do we get to be a part of something that's changing their lives? I don't know, I can't explain it, all we can do is be grateful. Isn't it amazing that finite things, when handed to God, bring about realities that extend far beyond our mind's reach?
Here is something sweet that we did at the Naval Academy! A couple weeks ago, we bought the midshipmen 25 pizzas (which were gone in minutes) and each missionary gave their testimony to the students. Yeah, we were a little nervous but, more than anything, I think we just felt overwhelmed at the idea of communicating what God has done for us. God's love in our lives is so incomprehensible and is hard to explain even to ourselves, let alone telling 100 students about it!
We each had 10 minutes to sum up how we've been transformed through our relationship with God. I was really impressed by my teammates and their ability to articulate all that has unfolded in their journey with Christ.
I was last and excited! I couldn't even begin to explain to the midshipmen my relationship with God and I even admitted that before them all. A testimony is like painting a picture of the most beautiful sight. There is something about beauty which just can't be duplicated! You can't capture the whole picture, I guess. ANYWAYS, it went great. I felt as though the Holy Spirit really gave me the words I needed to say and I was really grateful for the divine assistance.
From that day, things have definitely changed with many of the students. I feel a lot closer to them and I think they've felt more comfortable to share their struggles with me because they now know that I've gone through similar difficulties...
This is where words fail me! Ah, how beautiful are the conversations I've been having with some midshipmen. I'm truly grateful for having been placed here. Thank you.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The USNA: A Prep Seminary?
The Military Archdiocese flew myself and three midshipmen down to Texas last week for a weekend of discernment. Thanks be to God, we have several men discerning the priesthood at the Naval Academy! In fact, we already have two guys signed up for next semester's retreat. Not to mention, there were two students who left the Academy at the beginning of the year for seminary.
We drove to BWI Airport Thursday morning for our flight to Houston. I was excited for the trip for several reasons but most especially because I knew the "mids" and I would have a great time! It was beautiful down in Texas and, from the moment we touched down, I knew it was going to be a blessed weekend.
Our introductions consisted in telling the other 12 men discerning why we had come to the retreat. It was really encouraging to see some really good men in the military who were seeking to discover God's plan in their lives. Afterwards, we took some time to pray around the seminary before we retired for the night. I found my way to the roof of one of the seminary's buildings to pray under the stars.
For the next couple of days, we heard a lot about the chaplaincy and several people, including Archbishop Broglio of the Military Archdiocese, gave their testimonies on why they became priests. It was very interesting. I'd say the common theme that ran through all the talks was a call beyond their understanding which could only be satisfied in the priesthood. It reminded me of Pope John Paul II's book on his call to the priesthood, Gift and Mystery, where he says that, in the end, his deepest need was to administer the sacraments. To deny himself of this need would have been to deny his very self.
It was a very productive time of prayer for all of us and, if nothing else, the midshipmen sure enjoyed the tranquility of the seminary! Captain Thorpe, who now teaches at the Academy, once mentioned that the midshipmen need time to reflect on life more than anything else because they generally get pulled into a mindless succession of obligations throughout the week. The discernment retreat was that time they needed and they were expressly grateful for it.
We drove to BWI Airport Thursday morning for our flight to Houston. I was excited for the trip for several reasons but most especially because I knew the "mids" and I would have a great time! It was beautiful down in Texas and, from the moment we touched down, I knew it was going to be a blessed weekend.
Our introductions consisted in telling the other 12 men discerning why we had come to the retreat. It was really encouraging to see some really good men in the military who were seeking to discover God's plan in their lives. Afterwards, we took some time to pray around the seminary before we retired for the night. I found my way to the roof of one of the seminary's buildings to pray under the stars.
For the next couple of days, we heard a lot about the chaplaincy and several people, including Archbishop Broglio of the Military Archdiocese, gave their testimonies on why they became priests. It was very interesting. I'd say the common theme that ran through all the talks was a call beyond their understanding which could only be satisfied in the priesthood. It reminded me of Pope John Paul II's book on his call to the priesthood, Gift and Mystery, where he says that, in the end, his deepest need was to administer the sacraments. To deny himself of this need would have been to deny his very self.
It was a very productive time of prayer for all of us and, if nothing else, the midshipmen sure enjoyed the tranquility of the seminary! Captain Thorpe, who now teaches at the Academy, once mentioned that the midshipmen need time to reflect on life more than anything else because they generally get pulled into a mindless succession of obligations throughout the week. The discernment retreat was that time they needed and they were expressly grateful for it.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
YEA BABY! THAT'S LIFE!
Beyond the many formal ministries we do at the Naval Academy, much of our time is dedicated to the midshipmen. Actually, this more sporadic time with the guys ironically tends to be the most fruitful. It's truly at the heart and foundation of our ministry.
It's so critical, especially in our day and age, to actively engage the culture and to meet people in their everyday experiences. This can be scandalous for those who see holiness as an over-pious activity, detached from all cultural activities. They may ask, "Aren't the things of God contaminated by such ordinary things?" Though, in reality, it's our mission, as lay-missionaries to imbue this world with the authentic peace and joy of Christian life. Just as Christ became man in all things, except sin, we Christians must enter into all the dimensions of human existence, except sin. This is the epitome of "being in the world but not of the world!" We eat, we sing, we dance - as children of God - so that eating, singing, and dancing can be redeemed, belong wholly to God!
Our world wants to see witnesses more than teachers. Yes, people need to be taught, yet they also need a living example, a tangible experience from which they can shape their own actions! Why do we wish to tell them about the truth, when we can show them it directly! In this way, people come to an undeniable encounter with the Gospel message, which is the Gospel of Life!
Let's face it people, we've got a problem. Look at the world, look at all of the destruction, loneliness, guilt and depression. We are our own greatest obstacle! An obstacle that seems impossible to overcome - so we try to "escape": drugs, alcohol, sex... all the momentary "bliss" that leaves us more empty than before. What can we consume to set ourselves free, to be happy? I don't know, but do we really think the next commercial has the answer? Working out? Girls/guys? Another drink? Food? I've given up on these things because they don't reach deep enough. I've got a problem that reaches deeper into my soul than any sensation can reach. There are chains holding me down inside that I know no thing can fix. Hear me clearly: I said "no thing" not "nothing"!
There is somebody, who can undo all the wounds that I and others have inflicted in our hearts. And if I had not found him, I know all the crap from my past would have swallowed me whole by now. Some can suppress it better than I ever could. I think my weakness was my saving grace! I couldn't deny the misery I felt for very long, I had to give up, I had to surrender to the only remaining option. Why is this abandonment so difficult? Why do we try every option before this one? I think a question of this magnitude must have a layered answer, no doubt.
In my own life, The Way wasn't "my way". I had to let go of everything, all that my heart clung to, all that made me "happy" (miserable). I knew this choice would take my life out of my hands and it was scary thinking where this abandonment may leave me and those that I loved. My friends, family, sponsors, this is The Choice! This is the choice at the very heart of human existence and the tension we feel within ourselves. This is the choice which leaves us hanging somewhere between Life and Death. Do we take the leap of faith or do we cling to all that we've acquired (which really possesses us)?
Do not be afraid! He came into the world for this very reason: to bring freedom to the captives - to you and to me! This is what we must witness to in the world. We must enter into the world - into the bars and gyms, and onto the dance floors - and be a living witness to the freedom we possess inside! By this witness, all the world will come to trust that Jesus Christ is the true liberator and that our hearts, cares, and needs can be entrusted to his care.
That's why I loved having a tailgate for the women's hockey game, cheering and chanting for their victory, bowling, hanging out with the "mids" at bars, and going to the Navy VS. Air Force football game this weekend. In these things, I can be a witness to the freedom I've come to possess through God! Just hanging out and letting the Gospel of Life speak for itself! What a life, thank you for making it all possible.
P.S. Sorry! When I'm living life with these guys, taking pictures never really comes to mind. I'll try to get some good ministry shots at some point!
It's so critical, especially in our day and age, to actively engage the culture and to meet people in their everyday experiences. This can be scandalous for those who see holiness as an over-pious activity, detached from all cultural activities. They may ask, "Aren't the things of God contaminated by such ordinary things?" Though, in reality, it's our mission, as lay-missionaries to imbue this world with the authentic peace and joy of Christian life. Just as Christ became man in all things, except sin, we Christians must enter into all the dimensions of human existence, except sin. This is the epitome of "being in the world but not of the world!" We eat, we sing, we dance - as children of God - so that eating, singing, and dancing can be redeemed, belong wholly to God!
Our world wants to see witnesses more than teachers. Yes, people need to be taught, yet they also need a living example, a tangible experience from which they can shape their own actions! Why do we wish to tell them about the truth, when we can show them it directly! In this way, people come to an undeniable encounter with the Gospel message, which is the Gospel of Life!
Let's face it people, we've got a problem. Look at the world, look at all of the destruction, loneliness, guilt and depression. We are our own greatest obstacle! An obstacle that seems impossible to overcome - so we try to "escape": drugs, alcohol, sex... all the momentary "bliss" that leaves us more empty than before. What can we consume to set ourselves free, to be happy? I don't know, but do we really think the next commercial has the answer? Working out? Girls/guys? Another drink? Food? I've given up on these things because they don't reach deep enough. I've got a problem that reaches deeper into my soul than any sensation can reach. There are chains holding me down inside that I know no thing can fix. Hear me clearly: I said "no thing" not "nothing"!
There is somebody, who can undo all the wounds that I and others have inflicted in our hearts. And if I had not found him, I know all the crap from my past would have swallowed me whole by now. Some can suppress it better than I ever could. I think my weakness was my saving grace! I couldn't deny the misery I felt for very long, I had to give up, I had to surrender to the only remaining option. Why is this abandonment so difficult? Why do we try every option before this one? I think a question of this magnitude must have a layered answer, no doubt.
In my own life, The Way wasn't "my way". I had to let go of everything, all that my heart clung to, all that made me "happy" (miserable). I knew this choice would take my life out of my hands and it was scary thinking where this abandonment may leave me and those that I loved. My friends, family, sponsors, this is The Choice! This is the choice at the very heart of human existence and the tension we feel within ourselves. This is the choice which leaves us hanging somewhere between Life and Death. Do we take the leap of faith or do we cling to all that we've acquired (which really possesses us)?
Do not be afraid! He came into the world for this very reason: to bring freedom to the captives - to you and to me! This is what we must witness to in the world. We must enter into the world - into the bars and gyms, and onto the dance floors - and be a living witness to the freedom we possess inside! By this witness, all the world will come to trust that Jesus Christ is the true liberator and that our hearts, cares, and needs can be entrusted to his care.
That's why I loved having a tailgate for the women's hockey game, cheering and chanting for their victory, bowling, hanging out with the "mids" at bars, and going to the Navy VS. Air Force football game this weekend. In these things, I can be a witness to the freedom I've come to possess through God! Just hanging out and letting the Gospel of Life speak for itself! What a life, thank you for making it all possible.
P.S. Sorry! When I'm living life with these guys, taking pictures never really comes to mind. I'll try to get some good ministry shots at some point!
A Picture "Pot Luck"
Here's a little bit of everything!
Meet Tecumseh! He is the figurehead of the USS Delaware (1817) and he is appropriately painted before any major (even some minor) occasion:
When a hurricane reeks havoc, this is what you get:
Good Ol' Naval Sarcasm:
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| Daily Tecumseh |
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| Dressed Like a Plebe (Freshman) |
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| VS Air Force (Falcon McNuggets) |
When a hurricane reeks havoc, this is what you get:
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| The Aftermath's Beauty |
Good Ol' Naval Sarcasm:
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| Showcased in Fr. Mike's House |
Friday, September 16, 2011
Anchors Aweigh!
Bible studies have begun! Wednesday at 1900 (7 pm) about 12 midshipmen came to delve into the Sacred Scriptures. This was a special moment for me. After four years of waiting, I was finally able to give to these midshipmen the very thing that rocked the very foundations of my life.
But even moments like these are never void of setbacks! I sat waiting at Gate 1 of the Naval Academy for an essential part of any good Bible study: Papa John's pizza. The delivery time came and the delivery time went... still no pizza! Defeated, I walked back to inform the hungry "mids" that spiritual food, the Word of God, would have to suffice for the night. Fortunately, they received the news with a laugh and we all sat down to pray.
I was excited, a little nervous, and eager to begin. I opened up the night with a brief explanation of Salvation history and how the drama of human existence unfolds within its narrative. We examined creation as the context of God's filial intimacy with man; how man's ultimate end is to know and love the Lord; Original Sin and man's fall from Grace; finally, we heard God's merciful promise of redemption.
The guys really clung to the notion that we're called to respond to God's love by "tilling" or working within creation. We aren't too busy to be holy because our busyness is the very means by which we can become holy. We don't need to leave the world, to leave the workplace, to be a saint because sanctity is found in the midst of the most ordinary things, if only we offer them to God!
Even though we didn't have Papa John's, I was pleased with how the night went. There is definitely room for improvement but I'm excited to get better each week. Thank you for making this all possible. I gratefully pray for all of you daily. It's things like this that bring hope to the world!
P.S. I have a different Scripture study that begins this Monday! Keep it in your prayers, please.
But even moments like these are never void of setbacks! I sat waiting at Gate 1 of the Naval Academy for an essential part of any good Bible study: Papa John's pizza. The delivery time came and the delivery time went... still no pizza! Defeated, I walked back to inform the hungry "mids" that spiritual food, the Word of God, would have to suffice for the night. Fortunately, they received the news with a laugh and we all sat down to pray.
I was excited, a little nervous, and eager to begin. I opened up the night with a brief explanation of Salvation history and how the drama of human existence unfolds within its narrative. We examined creation as the context of God's filial intimacy with man; how man's ultimate end is to know and love the Lord; Original Sin and man's fall from Grace; finally, we heard God's merciful promise of redemption.
The guys really clung to the notion that we're called to respond to God's love by "tilling" or working within creation. We aren't too busy to be holy because our busyness is the very means by which we can become holy. We don't need to leave the world, to leave the workplace, to be a saint because sanctity is found in the midst of the most ordinary things, if only we offer them to God!
Even though we didn't have Papa John's, I was pleased with how the night went. There is definitely room for improvement but I'm excited to get better each week. Thank you for making this all possible. I gratefully pray for all of you daily. It's things like this that bring hope to the world!
P.S. I have a different Scripture study that begins this Monday! Keep it in your prayers, please.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
An Update: On "Discipleship"
"Discipleship" is the mentoring we do as FOCUS missionaries. We call it discipleship because it uses the same evangelical logic as our Savior. We stand alongside the many midshipmen who have engaged their faith on a deeper level and help them find other students to help in their faith journey.
Ted Murner, Brendan Belschner, and Tim Cadigan have been working with the FOCUS missionaries for at least the past year and have taken on a leadership role in the Catholic community. They are the men I am fortunate enough to be working beside. The formation they have received at the Naval Academy has shaped them into some of the most impressive young men I have ever encountered and it is one of the greatest joys in my life to help them find and share Christ in the midst of their daily work.
It is difficult though because I firmly believe that discipleship must be formed upon friendship and mutual trust/respect. So one of the challenges of discipleship is finding ways to get involved in their lives so I can know them on a more personal level. It's a challenge that I gladly embrace because I can already tell God has great things in-store for the brotherhood I find with these guys. I have a lot to learn from them and hopefully, I can help them along the way too.
As a FOCUS missionary, I'll also be helping these guys lead Bible studies for their peers. Bible studies start next week, so it is both an exciting and hectic time at the Academy. Please Keep Ted, Brendan, and Tim in your prayers. These are our Church's future leaders! Thank you for enabling me to enter into the lives of these men in such a radical way. God bless all of you on my support team! Our work is underway!
Beyond doing discipleship with these men, I'll be leading a couple Bible studies for a bunch of the other midshipmen. But I'll tell you more about that NEXT WEEK.
Ted Murner, Brendan Belschner, and Tim Cadigan have been working with the FOCUS missionaries for at least the past year and have taken on a leadership role in the Catholic community. They are the men I am fortunate enough to be working beside. The formation they have received at the Naval Academy has shaped them into some of the most impressive young men I have ever encountered and it is one of the greatest joys in my life to help them find and share Christ in the midst of their daily work.
It is difficult though because I firmly believe that discipleship must be formed upon friendship and mutual trust/respect. So one of the challenges of discipleship is finding ways to get involved in their lives so I can know them on a more personal level. It's a challenge that I gladly embrace because I can already tell God has great things in-store for the brotherhood I find with these guys. I have a lot to learn from them and hopefully, I can help them along the way too.
As a FOCUS missionary, I'll also be helping these guys lead Bible studies for their peers. Bible studies start next week, so it is both an exciting and hectic time at the Academy. Please Keep Ted, Brendan, and Tim in your prayers. These are our Church's future leaders! Thank you for enabling me to enter into the lives of these men in such a radical way. God bless all of you on my support team! Our work is underway!
Beyond doing discipleship with these men, I'll be leading a couple Bible studies for a bunch of the other midshipmen. But I'll tell you more about that NEXT WEEK.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Leaky Lucy
The whole building was shaking and we all evacuated the restaurant. Nobody expected an earthquake in Annapolis! It happened Tuesday afternoon and, when the day had finally finished, I went back to the apartment to work on my car, Lucy. Lucy had a mystery leak and I was determined to solve it!
Kyle and I figured it was coming from the windshield... nothing duct tape couldn't fix! We proceeded to put the tape "discreetly" around Lucy's windshield and sunroof. Kind of tacky, I know, but it did the trick! Or did it?
Four days later, Lucy's leak was in for the ultimate test: Hurricane Irene. I decided Lucy was in for a losing battle so I tried to help her chances by getting a car cover from Target. The neighbor jokingly asked if I was trying to protect the paint job on my faded '94 Jetta. Unfortunately, I didn't check whether the generic car cover fit Lucy's girlish figure until the wind and rain was full force. It didn't fit well at all.
The next day I opened the door and experienced the overwhelming smell of mold. It was mold from Lucy's leak. I pulled the carpet back and tried to dry the carpet and rubber padding out for hours. It felt dry but the smell was worse than ever! Finally, two days ago, I was drying the car out with the girls' hairdryers and discovered a layer of insulation under the rubber padding and it was infested with mold!
Last night, I pulled back the top two layers, ripped out the moldy insulation, sprayed the whole area down with bleach, and dried it all with a heat gun! Lucy now wears a new scent: bleach. It was disgusting but I'm glad it's finally over. Kyle and I discovered the leak was coming from the passenger side door and I'm going to get it rehung next week.
In the end, I wouldn't have traded this experience for the world. Lucy is well worth the work!
Kyle and I figured it was coming from the windshield... nothing duct tape couldn't fix! We proceeded to put the tape "discreetly" around Lucy's windshield and sunroof. Kind of tacky, I know, but it did the trick! Or did it?Four days later, Lucy's leak was in for the ultimate test: Hurricane Irene. I decided Lucy was in for a losing battle so I tried to help her chances by getting a car cover from Target. The neighbor jokingly asked if I was trying to protect the paint job on my faded '94 Jetta. Unfortunately, I didn't check whether the generic car cover fit Lucy's girlish figure until the wind and rain was full force. It didn't fit well at all.
The next day I opened the door and experienced the overwhelming smell of mold. It was mold from Lucy's leak. I pulled the carpet back and tried to dry the carpet and rubber padding out for hours. It felt dry but the smell was worse than ever! Finally, two days ago, I was drying the car out with the girls' hairdryers and discovered a layer of insulation under the rubber padding and it was infested with mold!
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| Nasty Mold and Insulation |
In the end, I wouldn't have traded this experience for the world. Lucy is well worth the work!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Welcome to "The Yard"
After a 30 hour drive in my "new" '94 Volkswagen, I arrived in Annapolis this week. It has been a hectic transition and there is much to be done. Between FOCUS, Maryland, the Naval Academy and living in an apartment, there are a lot of foreign things in my life right now. Luckily, all of them are exciting because it makes getting acclimated a whole lot easier.
THE APARTMENT:
Getting settled in has been quite the task. Having my mom around for the first couple of days really helped the process though! We had a bit of a mold issue in the basement that needed to be resolved and we re-caulked both the showers. Not to mention, a midshipmen and his buddies had been living in the apartment over the summer and did a good job of trashing the place. I felt bad for Kyle, my team leader, because he got blasted with most of the work before I arrived. The place is definitely "broken in" but it's the perfect apartment for a couple of guy missionaries.
ANNAPOLIS:
It's beauty is in the past... but it's past is alive TODAY! The downtown area is all brick roads with colonial houses and buildings. It runs right up to where the Severn River meets the Chesapeake Bay and the city dock is filled with impressive yachts. The dock is called "Ego Alley" because people bring their yachts there just so others can admire them. The Academy is right at the heart of it all!
"The Yard":
Is also known as the U.S. Naval Academy. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel towards God and to all of you who have brought me here. The Academy itself is incredible. I'll just post some pictures because it's hard to describe... hopefully they do it justice! The people? Well, they are even more impressive. The midshipmen that I've met have great character and a deep love of their faith. The past FOCUS missionaries have done an incredible job at the Academy because the midshipmen seem sold on the program. I'm just excited to further cultivate these great young men and women and to reach out to those students who haven't received this amazing opportunity yet. Just seeing the fruits of FOCUS' past work has reaffirmed why I have surrendered the next two years of my life to this program.
FOCUS:
Most of the students have not arrived on campus yet; so I've been working to familiarize myself with the campus, meet the chaplains, and click with my team. The chaplains are very supportive of the work we're doing and they remind us of that each week when they take us out to eat! The last two days have been filled with team meetings to sketch an overview of our goals and expectations for the year.
MISSION PARTNERS:
To those who are making this possible, thank you. I feel so blessed to meet these men and women, who have sacrificed so much for our country, and to see their love of God. FOCUS is an amazing organization made possible by amazing people.
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| The Apartment |
THE APARTMENT:
Getting settled in has been quite the task. Having my mom around for the first couple of days really helped the process though! We had a bit of a mold issue in the basement that needed to be resolved and we re-caulked both the showers. Not to mention, a midshipmen and his buddies had been living in the apartment over the summer and did a good job of trashing the place. I felt bad for Kyle, my team leader, because he got blasted with most of the work before I arrived. The place is definitely "broken in" but it's the perfect apartment for a couple of guy missionaries.
ANNAPOLIS:
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| Annapolis, MD |
"The Yard":
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| The Chapel |
FOCUS:
Most of the students have not arrived on campus yet; so I've been working to familiarize myself with the campus, meet the chaplains, and click with my team. The chaplains are very supportive of the work we're doing and they remind us of that each week when they take us out to eat! The last two days have been filled with team meetings to sketch an overview of our goals and expectations for the year.
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| Missionaries with Alexander Charles (A Student Leader) |
MISSION PARTNERS:
To those who are making this possible, thank you. I feel so blessed to meet these men and women, who have sacrificed so much for our country, and to see their love of God. FOCUS is an amazing organization made possible by amazing people.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Trust in God.. A Car! Two cars? Crazy!
God always provides for his faithful! I'm sure we've all encountered times in life where we receive more than we ever could have dreamed. I've felt that way every single day during this month of fundraising!
We are all hyper-sensitive to our needs and sometimes we worry that God isn't so aware. We become filled with fear at the sacrifices God might call us to make, as though He's uninterested in our heart's desires. At least I fear that! So He reminds me, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear... Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides." (Mt 6:25, 32-33)
Although I'd sometimes look at fundraising as a daunting task and envision myself as an Isrealite in the desert: God has sent me out here to die of famine! Whenever I reached this point, I'd go to the chapel and pray for help.
Just this week, I had been asking God for a car to use out in Annapolis. It seemed like a long shot but nothing is too big for our God! Within the week, I received an email from my regional director saying that an old missionary wanted to donate a car. It was the answer to my prayers! Just when my hope was on the rise, I found out another missionary received the car... Dang it! But, I just knew that God had not forgotten me. Then, a couple days later, one of my monthly donors offered me his old car! I couldn't believe it. The very next day, I met with a family that offered me another car, in case the first one didn't work out! I was in awe.
Obviously, I'm not going to take both cars but God has given me some peace-of-mind in knowing that I'll have a car for next year. He loves us, He really does. Jesus paitently waits for us to trust in him, to come to him with our needs, and then he always provides. Just like He promised.
Jesus appeared to Saint Faustina in a vision and told her the one thing that hurts him more than any other. Do you know what that is? Our refusal to trust in Him.
Jesus, I trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you.
P.S.
I didn't get a Ferrari
We are all hyper-sensitive to our needs and sometimes we worry that God isn't so aware. We become filled with fear at the sacrifices God might call us to make, as though He's uninterested in our heart's desires. At least I fear that! So He reminds me, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear... Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides." (Mt 6:25, 32-33)
Although I'd sometimes look at fundraising as a daunting task and envision myself as an Isrealite in the desert: God has sent me out here to die of famine! Whenever I reached this point, I'd go to the chapel and pray for help.
Just this week, I had been asking God for a car to use out in Annapolis. It seemed like a long shot but nothing is too big for our God! Within the week, I received an email from my regional director saying that an old missionary wanted to donate a car. It was the answer to my prayers! Just when my hope was on the rise, I found out another missionary received the car... Dang it! But, I just knew that God had not forgotten me. Then, a couple days later, one of my monthly donors offered me his old car! I couldn't believe it. The very next day, I met with a family that offered me another car, in case the first one didn't work out! I was in awe.Obviously, I'm not going to take both cars but God has given me some peace-of-mind in knowing that I'll have a car for next year. He loves us, He really does. Jesus paitently waits for us to trust in him, to come to him with our needs, and then he always provides. Just like He promised.
Jesus appeared to Saint Faustina in a vision and told her the one thing that hurts him more than any other. Do you know what that is? Our refusal to trust in Him.
Jesus, I trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you.
P.S.
I didn't get a Ferrari
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Fundraising: An Inside Look
Many people have asked about my overall experience of fundraising. So I wanted to answer that question with an inside look into raising funds. You may be surprised by my response!
Simply put, I did not want to fundraise! I avoided FOCUS like the plague for years because of it. I saw it as an imprudent risk and a disservice to others. In my mind, fundraising was intruding on people’s lives, twisting their arms, and guilt tripping them until they begrudgingly donated. Not to mention, losing my friends, reputation, and self-respect in the process.
 |
| What I feared... |
Over the past two weeks, I have not experienced any of those things, not even once. In fact, I’ve witnessed the complete opposite from what I expected. Want to know why? It’s really quite simple…people are good! My fears were built around a society made up of Ebenezer Scrooges. When, in reality, people have loving hearts and want to see others happy too. Normally, the people I’m most scared to meet with (who will remain unnamed!) have become my biggest donors! People see that FOCUS is radically transforming our culture in a dynamic way, it’s exactly what they’ve hoped for in the world, and they are excited to be a part of it!
Some people do not donate. And they don’t for two reasons: (1) Either I did a poor job of explaining God’s work of FOCUS (2) or they are at a really tough spot financially. But never because they don’t want to be a part of something both life changing and world changing… who wouldn’t want that? Besides, if someone were to utterly reject this mission, it isn’t me that they reject but rather God’s work at the Naval Academy. It’s God’s work, not mine. I’m just an instrument in his handiwork!
 |
| ...What I've found. |
In the end, fundraising is an incredible blessing. Every single day, I see several people respond with abounding generosity to God’s invitation! I get to see Christ alive in them. It’s beautiful being at the heart of this journey with so many other incredible people and I can’t wait to see who else will join us!
Thank you to those who are supporting this work. So many lives will be changed through your sacrifice and I can’t wait to see how God blesses our own lives along the way. And, for those of you that have just learned about FOCUS, join us! I’d love for everyone to have this in their life!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Mile High Ministry
During my flight from Champaign to Cincinnati, I sat next to the president of a Methodist college. Being worn out from 5-weeks of training, meeting a stranger wasn't very appealing but I REMEMBERED MY MISSION PARTNERS! Every day, you inspire me beyond my natural inclinations...
I introduced myself and we exchanged information for awhile. I learned about her work and she learned that I was a Catholic missionary at the Naval Academy. It was an incredible opportunity to learn about each others faith!
We talked for a long time and I learned a lot about the Methodist faith that I had not know before and she was really surprised about Catholicism. It was such a blessing being able to address some of her misconceptions about the Church but, most of all, we both left that flight with a deeper love of Jesus Christ. Hopefully that love, with the Holy Spirit's aid, will lead her into eternal life! What if we met again in Heaven?
She mentioned how thankful she was for me saying, "hello" and how she felt reinvigorated to lead her college faithfully! Not to mention, she is going to use our conversation as the school's vision this year! It's crazy that such an incredible conversation only happened because of your support. God bless your generous sacrifice to the work of FOCUS!
I introduced myself and we exchanged information for awhile. I learned about her work and she learned that I was a Catholic missionary at the Naval Academy. It was an incredible opportunity to learn about each others faith!
We talked for a long time and I learned a lot about the Methodist faith that I had not know before and she was really surprised about Catholicism. It was such a blessing being able to address some of her misconceptions about the Church but, most of all, we both left that flight with a deeper love of Jesus Christ. Hopefully that love, with the Holy Spirit's aid, will lead her into eternal life! What if we met again in Heaven?
She mentioned how thankful she was for me saying, "hello" and how she felt reinvigorated to lead her college faithfully! Not to mention, she is going to use our conversation as the school's vision this year! It's crazy that such an incredible conversation only happened because of your support. God bless your generous sacrifice to the work of FOCUS!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
ONE CRAZY NIGHT!
I had been working all evening on fundraising when my team leader, Kyle, encouraged me to take a break and have a beer. We went to MURPHY'S PUB with several other missionaries. Kyle immediately went over to a table of random guys and struck up a conversation while I talked with Brian, another missionary, across the room. The whole table of guys was laughing and having a great time. 20 minutes later, the whole table stood up to leave. Intrigued, Brian and I walked over and introduced ourselves to the guys Kyle had met.
As Kyle closed the tab, the students told me that they were all going to JOE'S. Joe's Brewery is insane... in the worst kind of way. It's the bar where everyone goes to hookup. One of the guys jokingly summed it up by saying, "At Joe's you pay $5 to get an STD!"
Standing in the long line outside the bar, the guys told me the topic of conversation: True love. The guys originally thought people should just do whatever they want. But now, they were beginning to see that true love requires us to sacrifice what we want for the beloved's needs. To seal the deal, we told them we'd demonstrate on the dance floor...
In the midst of the "bumping-and-grinding", we asked girls to dance with us in a different kind of way. They were hesitant at first but loved it by the end! We treated them with brotherly love and they were astonished! Kyle danced with the same girl for over 45 minutes and her face was glowing with joy.
One of the guys we had been talking to was in awe. He said, "You guys are seriously messin' with my mind... I stopped believing in that kind of thing a long time ago." I invited him outside and we started to talk. He opened up his heart to me about the hurt he experienced in past relationships and I explained how God desires for him to have healing and freedom. He was genuinely awestruck about Catholicism! I gave him my number so we could talk later.
My heart breaks for all of those people in despair at Joe's Brewery. They've given up on true love and now settle for living for pleasure, like animals. They deserve so much more and it was an incredible blessing to show them that true love and happiness is real and attainable through Christ. Friday night was one of the best nights of my life. THANKS FOR MAKING ALL OF THIS POSSIBLE!
As Kyle closed the tab, the students told me that they were all going to JOE'S. Joe's Brewery is insane... in the worst kind of way. It's the bar where everyone goes to hookup. One of the guys jokingly summed it up by saying, "At Joe's you pay $5 to get an STD!"
Standing in the long line outside the bar, the guys told me the topic of conversation: True love. The guys originally thought people should just do whatever they want. But now, they were beginning to see that true love requires us to sacrifice what we want for the beloved's needs. To seal the deal, we told them we'd demonstrate on the dance floor...
 |
| JOE'S BREWERY |
One of the guys we had been talking to was in awe. He said, "You guys are seriously messin' with my mind... I stopped believing in that kind of thing a long time ago." I invited him outside and we started to talk. He opened up his heart to me about the hurt he experienced in past relationships and I explained how God desires for him to have healing and freedom. He was genuinely awestruck about Catholicism! I gave him my number so we could talk later.
My heart breaks for all of those people in despair at Joe's Brewery. They've given up on true love and now settle for living for pleasure, like animals. They deserve so much more and it was an incredible blessing to show them that true love and happiness is real and attainable through Christ. Friday night was one of the best nights of my life. THANKS FOR MAKING ALL OF THIS POSSIBLE!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Love Against Evil
Last night, all of FOCUS' men missionaries went and prayed outside of an "Adult Boutique" store. We met in the chapel to pray and then walked to the store. In the midst of the hustle-and-bustle of a busy college town, a hundred guys walking in silence was probably quite the sight to see!
We cornered the store and prayed a rosary. It was simple, yet profound and I know we made an impact. We may never see the fruit that comes from our prayer but we must have boundless confidence in God's concern for his children. He has shown us the extent of His love through Christ Crucified and I cannot believe such love could ever remain ineffective!
As we walked, the Holy Spirit filled me with a new understanding of Christ's presence in my life: God is truly in me. I have been grafted into the life of Christ through Baptism. His life courses through my entire being and therefore, I carry power from On High! "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Gal 2:20)
We were warring with evil but I was filled with confidence in Christ's presence. I felt like Saint Paul! "For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us form the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 8:38-39)
This same confidence was transposed onto those whom we were praying for and I know that Jesus worked in their lives last night. Praise be to God!
We cornered the store and prayed a rosary. It was simple, yet profound and I know we made an impact. We may never see the fruit that comes from our prayer but we must have boundless confidence in God's concern for his children. He has shown us the extent of His love through Christ Crucified and I cannot believe such love could ever remain ineffective!
As we walked, the Holy Spirit filled me with a new understanding of Christ's presence in my life: God is truly in me. I have been grafted into the life of Christ through Baptism. His life courses through my entire being and therefore, I carry power from On High! "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Gal 2:20)
We were warring with evil but I was filled with confidence in Christ's presence. I felt like Saint Paul! "For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us form the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 8:38-39)
This same confidence was transposed onto those whom we were praying for and I know that Jesus worked in their lives last night. Praise be to God!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Why A Blog?
God bless OUR work with FOCUS! We stand at the threshold of an incredible journey which, by God's grace, will reach the ends of the earth and penetrate the hearts of many, including our own. We have committed ourselves to a divine task, a work of God, for the salvation of human lives.
With God's help, this blog can be a source of life for all of us. Through it I hope you can enter more fully into the missionary activities you've so generously made possible. Nothing has ever fit my heart's desires more radically and I want YOU with me, every step of the way.
With God's help, this blog can be a source of life for all of us. Through it I hope you can enter more fully into the missionary activities you've so generously made possible. Nothing has ever fit my heart's desires more radically and I want YOU with me, every step of the way.
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