• Divine Appointments: Those whose hearts are prepared will be available for the Kids' Club and to meet us on the street.
• Good Weather: Ireland has lived up to its reputation when it comes to rain. However, the next week will be all outdoor ministry. Pray that we will have the exact weather we need when we need it!!! No matter what comes, we will persevere!
• Health and Safety: This can be Satan's favorite way to attack. Pray that God would always go before and behind us and protect us on every side.
• Unity: Pray that we as a team along with the church would have the same heart and the same vision for all that God wants to do.

• Sunday - fellowship with Carlow Bible Church
• Monday - Day 1 of club and street work. Interviews with local paper.
• Tuesday - Club and Street.
• Wednesday - Club and Street. Local Paper will publish first story on what we are doing.
• Thursday - Clean up Carlow Day. A highly advertised day to deal with the litter problem in Carlow. Pray that we can introduce Carlow to the One who trades the rubbish of our lives in for His beauty.
• Friday - Club and Street. This evening we will have a community BBQ to begin the follow up process.
• Saturday - the team travels to a nearby town (Kilkenny) to debrief the trip.
• Sunday - fly back to Atlanta!!!

Thank you for standing with us as we finish strong in all God has for us to do!!!!

How is Laura?

I think my heart is good. It's a bit weird right now. Friday is my last day in this role with the World Race. For the past two and a half years my activities have been really centered on this program. I was talking with Corey last night and finally put into words how hard this really is. Most people in America work at a place and can't wait for God to move them into doing something they are passionate about. I actually work in a place that I love, with my best friends, doing something I am completely passionate about. Saying goodbye to this is really hard. I think I need the Grieving Session at Training Camp again!!! J

The reason I'm "weird" and not just "sad" though is because I'm simultaneously VERY excited. All of our setup has come together and I know (as much as you ever "know") what we're doing this summer. And I'm really excited about it. I've gotten to talk to quite a few of the students and I'm really excited to meet them. I'm looking forward to what Corey and I are entering into and I'm pumped. I'm not saying goodbye to the job I love to enter some horrible place… I'm really looking ahead to something great!

I'm a little bit freaked out about training camp to be honest. I've been on the staff side quite a few times and I know what kind of stuff we put participants through!!! I can't say I'm super excited about being a participant in camp… but maybe I am some too. I don't really know how I feel. I'm ready to meet the team and begin building. I think that overshadows any reservations I have…

So yeah… that's where I am… Weird.

This is a post from my friend Zachary Gappa from the Center for a Just Society website. Please read an pass the link to others to read. We need to get involved in how our local communities are shaped. "When good men fail to act, evil will have its hold"

Thanks to Zach for letting me post his words.

April 25: "Secular" Discrimination Against Religion by Zachary Gappa

Many people today are concerned about the "separation of church and state." More often than not, this means keeping religion out of the public sphere. They say the public sphere ought to be "secular," free from talk of religion lest someone be offended. Religious freedom is interpreted as the freedom not to hear another person's religious convictions.

Unfortunately, this freedom of religion is freedom from religion. The Founders specifically guaranteed the free exercise of religion and freedom of speech by demanding that the government not make any laws to limit these freedoms. The first amendment in the bill of rights states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech…." The Founders understood that these freedoms were in danger of being eliminated from the public square.

Sadly, these freedoms of the individual are no longer respected. The ultimate freedom is no longer the freedom to speak or practice one's religion, but the freedom to not be offended by anyone else. It is now seen as rude if one person defends their religious beliefs publicly. Beliefs about morality are no longer welcome in the public sphere. The only place left for religion is within the walls of a person's home or church. This new understanding of religion's place in culture has destroyed the freedom of religion which the Founder's sought to protect. Worse yet, Americans have ceased to understand religion altogether.

Most in today's culture believe that a person's religious beliefs do not have a broad impact on their view of life. In reality, a person's beliefs about right and wrong, justice, and how they live their day-to-day lives are dictated by their religious beliefs. For the Christian, these standards are rooted in a belief in the God of the Bible. For a Muslim, they are rooted in the Koran. And for an atheist, they are rooted in the belief that there is no God.

People do not realize that a "secular" public sphere inherently assumes that there is no God. Since every person's religious beliefs impact the way they view the world, a secular sphere discriminates against those whose opinions are rooted in their belief in God. The secular sphere accepts the beliefs of the atheist—that God does not have an impact on public life. For instance, a Christian will often differ from an Atheist in his or her view of public law because their core beliefs are different. One example of this is Christians who oppose euthanasia on the basis that God gives humans life and does not give them the discretion to end their lives. In contrast, many atheists would argue that, since there is no God, humans are free to end their own lives whenever they deem appropriate. By removing God from the public debate on euthanasia, secularism discriminates against the opinions of the Christian.

The idea that a person can divorce his or her daily judgments from their beliefs about God is a faulty view of the human being. Our core beliefs constantly affect our choices and actions, whether we are consciously aware of this fact or not. Thus the idea that these "religious" beliefs can be banned completely from "secular" discourse is simply false. A ban on the discussion of God merely discriminates against those who believe in God in favor of those who do not.

This kind of religious discrimination is seen clearly in a recent lawsuit filed in the UK by The Christian Institute against Google. The Christian Institute sought to purchase an advertisement from Google, "so that whenever the word 'abortion' was typed into the popular search engine, its link would appear on the side of the screen." Google refused this request, stating, "At this time, Google policy does not permit the advertisement of web sites that contain 'abortion and religion-related content'".

If Google had simply declined to allow advertisements involving the controversial topic of abortion, their decision would be completely understandable and fully within their rights as a private company. By removing a controversial topic from their advertisements they would not be discriminating against one religious view in favor of another. But this is not what they did.

Instead, Google accepted "adverts for abortion clinics, secular pro-abortion sites and secularist sites which attack religion," while refusing to accept The Christian Institute's "religious" ad. They did not shun the topic of abortion—just the "religious" view on abortion. In other words, they have discriminated against those whose view on abortion is influenced by their belief in God in favor of those whose view on abortion is influenced by their belief that God does not exist. This is a clear case of a company choosing to discriminate against one religious view in favor of another, and it is unsurprising that The Christian Institute filed suit against Google, claiming they had violated the UK's Equality Act 2006 which outlaws discrimination "on grounds of religion or belief".

Google's policy is yet another example of the modern embracing of secularism. People no longer understand that everyone is religious. In other words, everyone assumes certain facts about God, morality, and justice as they lead their lives. Those who do not believe in God are still making certain assumptions about God which impact their view of the world, and even those who "do not believe in right or wrong" have assumed that no God exists who divides right from wrong. Everyone has beliefs about God and beliefs about morality which impact their decisions.

The word "secular" is used to mask discrimination against religion—as if there were people who had no thoughts on God or morality. The theory of secularism is used to ban those who believe in God from the public square, leaving freedom of speech only to those who do not believe in God. If we continue to fail to grasp the true nature of secularism, those who believe in God will not be granted equal standing in public discourse.

Zachary Gappa is the Director of Research for the Center for a Just Society. Please email your comments to forum@ajustsociety.org

 I have to confess today... church this morning frustrated me. We started a new series called Ignite. Pastor Randall spoke about living a life where you are doing what you're made to do, not just existing. Most people seek after something to pay the bills... something to make ends meet... something they really don't want to do, but feel they must. He asked this question "What would you pour yourself out doing absolutely for free?" Most people not only live out a passion-less life... they don't even know what they would want to do! He challenged us to write out a one-sentence purpose statement this week - could you do it?

I had a conversation with my friend Amy that was very similar. She mentioned Donald Miller's sermon Story. Miller basically asks this question - do you live a life that you would pay money to see in a theatre? Amy said it this way, quoting Miller - if my number one goal this year is to save enough money to buy a Volvo... that's not a very interesting story. But then Miller tells of a 25 year old girl who runs an organization building wells in Africa so those communities can have clean water. What she does with her day to day life is impacting an entire nation.

As Randall spoke this morning, I began thinking of the people of Ireland. I began to think of the churches... boring... lifeless... hopeless. I began to think of the 18 year olds, so excited that they can go to the pubs legally now and join the ranks of the alcoholic society. I thought of the teenage boys... so hopeless that more of them commit suicide than anywhere else in the world. The death, the depression, the lifelessness that hangs over the entire country...

And then I began to imagine a couple of 20 year olds, sitting in our living room, worshipping, laughing, meeting their Creator's smile and knowing for the first time how much they are loved. I began to imagine sitting in that bar, knowing the bartender's name, and praying with her. I began to think of a group of young Christians, gathered together for a week of training - becoming whole in Christ and being equipped to share God's wholeness with their hometowns.

...and I got excited.

But here's the hard part... that 25 year old girl who builds wells? She also cries herself to sleep, knowing how much has to be done... the lives she affects. Why? Because passion is severely opposed. A Christian who grabs hold of the idea that their life CAN make a difference... that's a threat to Satan. So at the same time that Corey and I get excited about the Story we get to be a part of, we also enter into a dangerous season - Transition.

I honestly believe this is the hardest part of the role we play. It's the time when we know where we're headed... but we're not there. We know what we'll do... but not yet. We know how to get there... but that takes time and a lot of effort. Michael Hindes recently said the we must learn how to Transition Well. I don't think I'm good at that yet... We aren't where we were... but we're not where we're going. It's in this time that I see my passion being tested.

So right now we covet your prayers. We covet your encouragement. We covet your support. We are in the time that we need people like Amy... Randall... Michael... people who come alongside us and remind us who we are and what we're about. Know that you are vital to us... to where we are now... to where we're going.

Since Laura and I came back from our visit to Ireland, I was almost sure that it was where we needed to be, but lingering questions attacked me like invisible bullets "Will we EVER raise all that money?" "What is the partnership doesn't work out and we can't go?" "Will God make this possible?" "Will He ever show us if this is what He wants us to do?"

On the last Tuesday in March I met with Scott Borg (we rent from them) to help me process the options and help determine which direction Laura and I needed to take at this stage of our life. the Proverb "With many advisors a king does well, but with non he falls" is so true. I thank God for the people He has but Laura and I around. Back to the story.

So Scott and I were outside shoot'n hoops and talking through all that I could remember from the time in Ireland and bring from my heart any doubts and desires. The sun was going down and a pause in the conversation was getting longer. Scott broke it "Lets pray". We both sat on the cement, still warm from the southern sun that struggled to come out that day. He prayed for me, I voiced my doubts to God and then we fell silent. I felt the Lord say, "I will lead you". I thought, "ok, where are you leading me?" I didn't hear anything but saw a picture of Laura and I close to each other, standing in the kitchen of the place we stayed in Ireland, and her holding a baby.

I looked up; the sky was now a deep blue and stars where poking through. Scott looked up at me and said with a big smile, "I usually don't see pictures when I pray but I did now. I saw you and Laura close to each other and smiling really big smiles".

At this I could only smile, in my heart I felt as if the Lord finally gave His thumbs up to Laura's and mine desire to be in Ireland! "DID you really?" I exclaimed. "Well guess what I saw?" We both laughed in joy as I told him I saw a very similar picture "Sweet!" Was the reply from Scott.

"Sweet indeed" was my thought. As we walked back to the house I praised God for giving my a sounding board in Scott and for showing us the same picture that means so much to me.

The other half of the story, this will be quick.

From the first to the 13^th Laura and I are working with the World Racers who will leave everything they know and own in July. Last night we were with them in Unicoi state park around a big fire pit. 40 some people listening to a man talk about burning bridges.

You can't go to a new place if the old is still connected.

Saturday night I received a phone call from Wal-mart asking me if I wanted a job still (I applied there back in November). I explained that my wife and I were only going to be around until June, be gone for a month then be preparing to move overseas. She thanked me for the explanation and said she wanted a long term employee then hung up.

This morning I received another call from a job that I wanted more than a few months ago. I told him the same thing., he replied "oh great! Good luck to you then!".

Luk 12:22-31

And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.

For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. …

…And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!

And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried.

For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

Its funny how I could get a job to save my live here in Gainesville since last August. The frustration and financial tightness that Laura and I had to go through has shown me not depending on what I could give myself (and Laura) but to depend on Him for every need I have. There is freedom in continually saying "Lord we seek your kingdom before our comfort, our security, our happiness."

I am intrigued this morning by 1 Timothy 5. At first, it just seems like this ridiculously exhaustive to do list that Paul is doling out to the church. Now, I'm a list person... I enjoy my yellow steno-pad with things I can mark off. But this is overwhelming even to me. But as I've learned to read the Bible, I've learned that though God does give us rules to live by, He's much more interested in the heart. So that led me to ask... God, what is your heart in this list of instructions?

The title above 1 Timothy 5 says "Instructions for the church" and it most definitely is. "Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him..." "Honor widows..." "...provide for relatives..." But there are two overtones I'm sensing... 1) family, 2) community living.

I don't know that I've ever fully grasped the importance of physical family in the Bible. It's easy for me to go out on the streets of Atlanta and feed a homeless man who's lost most of his mental capacity. I can sit with him for hours. But call my grandad who is in a nursing home and doesn't have anything to talk about? Now that's hard... And 1 Timothy is a good reminder this morning that it's not okay to stay that way. "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." I can't go to the homeless gypsy in Ireland, never call my grandfather, and call my job complete.

The other part of this chapter that sticks out to me is the community aspect. Church in our society is becoming increasingly more and more a place to either punch in your timecard and just survive, or a place to become entertained. 1 Timothy 5 says nothing about attendance or entertainment. In fact, it says that what a church is supposed to be about is caring for people. We're to be a people who, when you see a need, meet the need. When there's a widow with no family, you bring her into your family. This is where I heard God's heart behind this To Do List... care for my people. The idea behind this passage is not "How to set up a widows ministry." The idea behind this passage is that we are involved with each other... we are caring for each other... we hurt when others hurt... we are never alone.

And really... it goes back to family again. If someone has no family, make them family. Community living is about being family beyond blood. Which then circles back around to the previous point... "If anyone does not provide for his relatives..." So we are to live life in a way that the old woman down the road is no longer the weird neighbor... she becomes grandmother. And the run-away youth becomes brother... and the orphan in Africa... she's now my child. And because they are my family, I care for their needs... I hurt with them... I cry with them... I rejoice with them... Because we are community... we are family.