from the classroom to the ridge line

Its hard to believe we are passing the halfway point of the RefGen program- the weeks are flying! Our first week featured the basics of the Faith; this past week built on that foundation by addressing how that faith in Christ works itself out in the life of a Christian. We taught about what a worldview is, what the Biblical narrative dictates about God, and how those truths form the Christian's view of everything in life. (Coming up this next week we will be engaging with opposing world views, to understand both the way they influence us, and how to reach out to people caught in these systems! Our final week will focus on Apologetics, being Revived and Reformed by God, and making an impact on our world.)

But too much time in the classroom would make everyone stir crazy- we're in Maui! So this weekend's outing was to the Waihe'e Ridge along the north west coast of the island. 

 Roughly two miles up and two miles back down, the Waihe'e Ridge line hike requires a bit of exertion- but its worthwhile. Effort is rewarded with beautiful views of the lush valleys creasing down from the tropical West Maui mountains.

A few in the group had to be bribed along with gumdrops, but in the end all was well. We managed to get out with just some blisters, a few scratches, and a respectable amount of sweat.

As much as I don't consider myself much of a hiker (i enjoy trekking in Nepal, but thats different) I do like occasional trips up the Ridge line trail. Its not too long, its challenging enough without being too advanced, the trail is easy to follow, and the views are lovely. 

It was a good start to the weekend- besides that I had piles of laundry waiting when I got home. Sigh- there went the rest of my Saturday!

loving the summer

We are a week and a half into the Reformation Generation program- and I'm loving it. Its exciting as I daily see the Lord touching the lives of our seminar participants; we are seeing lives deeply impacted through relationships, teaching of the Word, open discussions, and times of worship. Each person has a story of how the Lord brought them here, and how He has been priming their heart for this time- and now those stories are being marked with a life changing interaction with God and His truth. 

Its sweet to be involved in facilitating this opportunity for these fifteen young people to heal, dream, celebrate, love, learn, reach out, be challenged, grow, lay foundations, and commit more deeply to living all of life with the Almighty God. 

We're also making sure that we have plenty of fun- after all, its summer in Maui! We have bonfires, pool time, hikes, volleyball, beach outings, snorkeling... they were drinking from coconuts in the yard the other day, for goodness sake! Basically, they are loving this summer, too. 

Reformation Generation 2013 has begun!

They have finally arrived! Fifteen young men and women from all across North America have converged here in Maui for our Reformation Generation summer seminar- a one month experience geared to build foundations for faith that will last a lifetime, even in the face of pressures and challenges. 

Tonight we kicked off our summer together with an island barbecue and some base introductions- we are having a great time already and its exciting for me knowing that this is just the frost on the tip of the iceberg of whats coming! (Which, incidentally, seems like a singularly ridiculous analogy for something going on in Hawaii....)

As a leader for the program (everything from theory, curriculum,  and Admin to event planning, lecture teaching, and mentoring) I am relieved that everyone is now collected from the airport, settled in, and that our Opening Night has come off successfully. Please be holding this program and these fifteen participants in your prayers this week- I am confident that God has called each one here to accomplish His purposes in their lives. Pray that my staff and myself would be full of the wisdom and grace of God as we come alongside these young men and women to serve them and invest in their lives.

Its going to be an outstanding month- Reformation Generation 2013 is officially underway!!