Thursday, March 10, 2016

simplicity 2016: earrings from africa

One of my favorite characteristics of Jesus is that He is a creative storyteller.

Today I am in La Mirada, California, at BIOLA University's annual missions conference.

I'm here with Serve Seattle, recruiting for our summer program.

Not normally something that falls into my job description, but it's a cool adventure, so I'll take it.

Also... I love talking about Serve Seattle!

We are not the only ministry represented though, and the last day and a half has been spent settling in and getting to know people.

You guys, people who deeply love Jesus are doing amazing things in our world.

And while I do have a tendency to be a little jaded when it comes to "corporate" Christian events, today really blessed me.

Because Jesus wrote me a story.

Our table is set up inside a tent with about 30 other ministry displays.

Yesterday, after we set up, I walked over to the table next to us to see what they were all about. 

Correction: they had super rad earrings made from bottle caps on display and I totally wanted a pair....#sorrynotsorry

I started chatting with Chuck and found out he volunteers at this conference, helping his friend recruit teachers for schools in Africa.

Super cool.

And the earrings I was eyeing? Made by a widow in Malawi... 

Then I shared what we do in Seattle and he shared what he does full time.

He is a police chaplain in San Diego.

Which to some might not seem like a big deal, but having a dad who was in law enforcement gives all those men and women a special place in my heart.

We chatted for awhile about the law enforcement community and how the Lord is using him in this capacity.

And probably the coolest thing we talked about was how the community of law enforcement is actually a really beautiful example of how Jesus wants us to live with each other each day.

Not a bombastic story at all. But it never fails to amaze me that when we are open to the creativity of Jesus, we meet the coolest people and walk away blessed in ways we wouldn't have otherwise been.

Chuck gave me some earrings, a couple books and a blessing in my heart.

God is cool and I love Him.

#simplicity2016