It occurred to me the other day that I did not clearly explain how and why I decided to volunteer as a chaplain at NIU. Several observations may help explain my motivation and opportunity.
When I got the call to volunteer with the Rapid Response Team (RRT) I couldn't help but say, "YES, I will be there!" Just days prior to NIU's tragic shooting a series of severe storms and tornadoes impacted the lived of many in the Jackson, Tennessee area (and throughout the state). Instantly the nation was told of the tragic death of over fifty people. In nearly the same heartbreaking news story came stories of incredible triumph. At Union University (UU), heavily damaged by the storm, the student body shared words of hope. The students of UU shared the message of God's Love! My heart, like yours, was instantly engaged!
The relief efforts were great. Many came together from across the Christian College network. Even Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) responded with financial gifts and the students of IWU provided additional assistance. I felt the sudden urge to response as well by going. Well, this opportunity did not work out. But, when I heard about the opportunity at NIU, I jumped at the chance to assist.
Isn't it interesting how God directs our steps. With the permission of IWU, I spent the weekend at NIU. What a wonderful experience! Not only did God use our team but he ministered to our team as well. It was a joy to fellowship, pray with and work with the RRT.
Why did I go? Well, quite frankly I felt the Lord's prompting, He worked out the details and as evidenced by the response of NIU, we were used by the Lord to care for and pray with those impacted.
Perhaps part of my rationale also has to do with the connection I have to a University. What would IWU do if faced with similar circumstance? We can only pray that our students, administrators and faculty maintain close, personal connections with those in our programs of education. We can only hope that we too can be a witness, like UU, of God's provision and love.
Lessons learned? Just one. IWU, like other colleges and universities, must remain personal, caring and willing to take the time to listen to the needs of each other. We must be willing to provide care and prayer for anyone hurting throughout our community!
Showing posts with label NIU. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NIU. Show all posts
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Prayer Evangelism - a welcomed message
Ever wonder why people don't listen when you want to talk about Jesus? It seems that many Christians complain that our society is just not listening to the claims of Christ.
Let me share with you a story that may actually change your perspective of evangelism.
While at NIU, the Rapid Response Team (of which I was a part of) had the awesome opportunity to share the Love of Jesus with many. In fact, MOST! Many that we interacted with on the campus of NIU received us positively. As our team mingled with students and alumni at the memorials, dorms, student center, and dining areas, we were surprised and excited at the positive response from people.
Is evangelism tough? NO! If people are careful to listen and demonstrate an open spirit, sharing hope in Christ is usually respected if not accepted. The claims of Christ must be presented in loving terms, not judgemental and harsh accusatory. Beyond this, if we offer to pray for and pray with people, our attitude will convey a positive message. Chances are, your offer to pray will encourage positive interaction.
I suggest we offer "prayer evangelism!" By presenting caring terms and careful to listen (even through asking thoughtful questions) you will usually get farther. Relational objectives will befriend evangelism efforts....just a thought!
Let me share with you a story that may actually change your perspective of evangelism.
While at NIU, the Rapid Response Team (of which I was a part of) had the awesome opportunity to share the Love of Jesus with many. In fact, MOST! Many that we interacted with on the campus of NIU received us positively. As our team mingled with students and alumni at the memorials, dorms, student center, and dining areas, we were surprised and excited at the positive response from people.
Is evangelism tough? NO! If people are careful to listen and demonstrate an open spirit, sharing hope in Christ is usually respected if not accepted. The claims of Christ must be presented in loving terms, not judgemental and harsh accusatory. Beyond this, if we offer to pray for and pray with people, our attitude will convey a positive message. Chances are, your offer to pray will encourage positive interaction.
I suggest we offer "prayer evangelism!" By presenting caring terms and careful to listen (even through asking thoughtful questions) you will usually get farther. Relational objectives will befriend evangelism efforts....just a thought!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Monday Morning
This morning our team gathered for debriefing and sharing what God has been able to do. Many stories were shared about how we were able to prayer for and share with NIU student, alumni and community people. It is amazing what God is able to do!
Damien shared about the opportunities he had to speak with officers and social workers.
Mindy shared about being able to speak with anxious parents. She also was able to speak with several foreign exchange students. It was so impressive to see Mindy hug and comfort so many.
Some gathered at the Recreation Center. They were able to provide ministry to faculty affected by this tragedy.
Dennis shared with over a dozen and prayed for them, bringing them comfort and hope.
God can truely bring peace in the midst of broken pieces! At NIU, it is clear that God can provide help in times of trouble.
As I was checking out of my room I had the opportunity to speak with Dundra, an Indian student. He shared that he was a Hindu but very impressed with the many Christian chaplains. I explained the difference in religions and that because of Christ, salvation is a free gift. I shared that we can have the assurance of eternal life. While he did let me prayer for him, he said he was not sure about the claims of Christ. I left him with a "The Life of Christ" booklet by Billy Graham.
I also had a last minute exchange with Andrew while he waited for the bus. He shared the anxiety he felt. He said, "You never think that going to school could be so unsafe." I told him that God has a plan for our lives. I prayed for him and left him with literature. I also told him that according to Jeremiah that "God knows the plans he has for us. Plans for hope and a furture..." Pray for Andrew so that he may come to a personal relationship with Christ.
Damien shared about the opportunities he had to speak with officers and social workers.
Mindy shared about being able to speak with anxious parents. She also was able to speak with several foreign exchange students. It was so impressive to see Mindy hug and comfort so many.
Some gathered at the Recreation Center. They were able to provide ministry to faculty affected by this tragedy.
Dennis shared with over a dozen and prayed for them, bringing them comfort and hope.
God can truely bring peace in the midst of broken pieces! At NIU, it is clear that God can provide help in times of trouble.
As I was checking out of my room I had the opportunity to speak with Dundra, an Indian student. He shared that he was a Hindu but very impressed with the many Christian chaplains. I explained the difference in religions and that because of Christ, salvation is a free gift. I shared that we can have the assurance of eternal life. While he did let me prayer for him, he said he was not sure about the claims of Christ. I left him with a "The Life of Christ" booklet by Billy Graham.
I also had a last minute exchange with Andrew while he waited for the bus. He shared the anxiety he felt. He said, "You never think that going to school could be so unsafe." I told him that God has a plan for our lives. I prayed for him and left him with literature. I also told him that according to Jeremiah that "God knows the plans he has for us. Plans for hope and a furture..." Pray for Andrew so that he may come to a personal relationship with Christ.
Convocation at NIU
Dr. Peters opened the Convocation by encouraging the students, parents, alumni and community. "We will not let this tragedy define us." he said. Northern Illinois University gathered in several campus buildings, sum 30,ooo expected. I gathered with a few Rapid Response Team Chaplains at the Alumni/Visitors Center. Nearly 500 others gathered to hear a variety of University leaders and government officials speak words of hope while memorializing the lives of those lost. Many expressed emotions and gentle hugs.
During this convocation gathering were several opportunities to share God's love and prayer for those hurting. Jackie is a student who approved us for prayer. She spoke of shock and personal sadness. She told us about another friend who committed suicide just a few days prior. We told her of God's love and provision. We shared the plan of salvation and left her with literature. We had a memorable exchange in prayer that seemed to really encourage her.
On Monday and Tuesday over 600 mental health specialist will gather with students in their classrooms and dorms. During the Convocation gathering we were able to speak with quite a few of these counselors.
During this convocation gathering were several opportunities to share God's love and prayer for those hurting. Jackie is a student who approved us for prayer. She spoke of shock and personal sadness. She told us about another friend who committed suicide just a few days prior. We told her of God's love and provision. We shared the plan of salvation and left her with literature. We had a memorable exchange in prayer that seemed to really encourage her.
On Monday and Tuesday over 600 mental health specialist will gather with students in their classrooms and dorms. During the Convocation gathering we were able to speak with quite a few of these counselors.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Tragedy and God's Message of Hope
As part of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, I have been deployed with the Rapid Response Team. The team of Chaplains from all over the country have been invited to participate in providing ministry and care-giving to the students, parents and alumni of Northern Illinois University. My role here will be from February 23-26, 2008.
Already we have seen several powerful example of hope and profound ministry. As the students return to campus there are many fearful and emotional reactions. All across the campus there are memorials filled with messages, candles and flowers. Over the next several days I will be posting short updates of the ministry impact we are seeing as we mingle and speak to people.
Today I met and spoke with Charles Rex Arbogast. He is an AP photographer. His images (one above) reveals the incredible impact this tragedy has had. Charles is a believer in Christ. He has been with the AP for over 20 years. A surprise to me but he has grown up in The Nazarene Church. See related link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/15/AR2008021500270_2.html
(Cut and paste link)
I also had the awesome opportunity to pray with and share the hope we have in Christ with many. Students like Danielle and alumni like Melissa have felt the incredible grief and hurt as a result of this tragedy. I have cried with and hugged several as they stood, almost numb, in front of the memorials.
There will be a Convocation service (simulcast) all across campus on Sunday evening. Several of us will be deployed in various locations. We hope to demonstrate Christ's love and comfort during this difficult time as they return to campus.
Please pray for those impacted by such a terrible tragedy.
More to come.
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