church life

General Tso’s Chicken

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I LOVE Chinese food.

I love everything about it.  It is wonderful for my belly in some of the best ways – taste and um…taste.  Delicious!

I find that there are usually two kinds of people when it comes to Chinese food:

  1. First are those like myself.  These kinds of people realize the delicious saucy goodness that it is.  They love the taste, the smell, the look, everything!  And just me mentioning it is driving those people crazy right now.  They want it!  They may even get some at some point today or tomorrow, just because it’s on their mind! (I’m sorry about that…no, I’m not.)
  2. Then there is the other type.  These people have preconceived perceptions of Chinese food.  It’s “different”. The smell is “odd”. The look is definitely not “right”. They’ll think things like – Who wants to eat all this rice?  Is it supposed to be gooey like that?  What is this meat that I’m actually eating?  These people ask too many questions!  Why does it matter if this place is “sanitary”?  The food is good!  And who really believes the rumor about “cats”?  Sure, those rumors started from probably true experiences… but how does that affect the deliciousness I’m about to eat right now?

Here are my key rules when eating Chinese food.  Follow these and you will be good to go!

  • Don’t ask questions!  Just enjoy.  I know this sounds like bad advice, but do you really want to know the answers to the questions you’re about to ask…
  • When at a Chinese restaurant, in almost all cases, don’t use the bathrooms!  Enough said.
  • Stick to the basics!  Don’t go off the beaten path.  If it sounds odd, it probably will be.  If you don’t expect that they have fresh seafood at this location, they definitely don’t – eat chicken or beef.  Stay with the meals that others order and that are guaranteed to be good.

Here is that most basic rule and #1 rule:  If you’ve never had Chinese food before, order General Tso’s Chicken.  And be ready for your life to be changed FOREVER!

This is easily the most popular Chinese food in America – General Tso’s Chicken.  It is so delicious and wonderful – for real!  The combination of crunchy and soft, sweet and spicy – perfection!

I like General Tso’s Chicken so much that the other day I watched a special on it.  I was curious – who is this wonderful general?  And why is his chicken so amazing?

You know what I found out?  Disappointment.  It’s not his chicken!  General Tso is apparently a popular general from Chinese history.  He was a general for his people.  Super loved.  But the thing he is most famous for (at least with me) – his chicken – is not even his.  It wasn’t invented in China.  It wasn’t around in his day.  Where he was from they didn’t even eat food that was sweet and spicy.  He never had chicken close to this!

MIND BLOWN!  We have been fed, literally fed, a lie!  All this time and it’s not even his chicken…

Okay, so I don’t really care.  The chicken is still delicious, and at least it doesn’t sound like General Tso was a bad guy!  But it raises the question – how long have I enjoyed something, partaken in something, and never really knew who or what it was about?  Many of us are Christians just like this.  We say we’re Christians, but we don’t truly know what that means, what we believe, let alone for why or for what reasons.  We like things about Christianity, but we don’t really know God or Jesus Christ for ourselves.

Because of this we often struggle to truly live the life we think we should as a Christian.  We often find purity, holiness, peace, joy, contentment, (the list goes on) out of reach, unattainable.  But how can we be or find those things in Christianity, when we don’t even know the God and Savior upon whom it was founded?

2 Peter 1:3 (NLT) says it simply:

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

What Peter says is very simple but so important and profound – you want to live a godly life?  Then know God.  It is that simple – KNOW GOD.

You want to grow, mature, further yourself, be useful, make a difference, find peace, live in joy and contentment, purify your heart, reach holiness – then get busy knowing God and Jesus Christ.  Get into God’s Word (the Bible) daily, find devotionals that connect you with God, pray often, listen to God in silence, fill your head with His praise and thanks.  Christianity is a relationship, with God and Jesus Christ.  Relationships take work.  Put in the work to know God.

As 2 Peter 1:3 tells us, God has given us everything we need, the opportunity and tools are in your hands.  Do you have a struggle, a decision, a stress, a pain?  The opportunity for help and guidance to handle this moment is within reach.  You can achieve it.  KNOW GOD.

When Life is Best

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(The following post was originally written as an essay for admissions to Wesley Seminary.  The point being to give a quick look into the testimony of my life.   A few changes have been made to make it blog-ready.  I hope you enjoy.)

One of my favorite things about being a father is the complete faith my children place in me.  They know I am their father, they know I love them, and they know how special they are to me.  I have demonstrated this to them through my words, my hugs, and my actions throughout their lives.  So moments come where they trustfully place their safety in my hands.  While my son has reckless desires, even my daughter, who is sometimes shy and all the time cautious, loves to find moments to fling herself off a high surface into my arms.  She knows her hope lies in me and her faith says that I’ll catch her.  And catch her I do.

From an early age, I learned that life was best when my faith and trust were placed in God.  I am the son of a Wesleyan pastor and grew up at the Port Ann Wesleyan Church in central Pennsylvania.  Like most kids growing up in church, I can remember multiple moments of decision in my relationship with Jesus Christ.  They happened as early as age five, were brought about through many experiences including camp meetings and movies about the rapture (there is this scene with a guillotine that still haunts me…), and came to maturity through my final years of youth camp.

While all of these moments hold value to me, the experience that truly cemented my faith and certainty in Jesus Christ came through the life and walk of my mother.  When I was around 10 years old my family was informed that my mother had breast cancer, and that it was severe.  In fact, we were told that she had little time to live – doctors were expecting three months.  As my mother began chemotherapy, with no where else to find help, we all turned to prayer.  I can still clearly remember lying in bed at night begging God to save my mom.  And He did.

To the amazement of the doctors, God saved my mother.  She won her first battle with cancer and then throughout the next 8-9 years she would do the impossible and win again and again, as the cancer would appear in new parts of her body only to be defeated.  I cannot tell you in words what an experience like this can do for the faith of a young Christian.  But I can say that I learned to again and again throw myself towards God’s arms knowing and believing that He would catch me.

My mother’s impact on my life doesn’t stop here.  See, it wasn’t just that she defeated cancer.  Her continual dependance on God, her strive to seek His will and follow Him, and her dedication to spiritual growth and development of character was incredible!  She was, and still is, everything I want to be as a Christian – loving, humble, and so filled with hope.  It wasn’t until my freshman year of college that I found out the depth of her love.  As I often prayed for God to save my mother, she prayed to simply live long enough to see her last child, me, raised and off to college.  It is almost too perfect that when she did go home to heaven it was after twice visiting me at Houghton College and seeing that her prayers were answered.

Matthew 18:3 (NIV) – And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

In Matthew 18, I believe Christ isn’t talking about simply believing like a child, but having the humility of a child.  Saying to God not only do I trust you, God, but my life is Yours, do with it as You will.  May Your will be done with my life.  That has been my goal, to continually throw myself into God’s arms and to allow Him to do with my life as He sees fit.  As is always the case with God, He has taken me to places that I never expected.  It is through God’s hand that I went to Houghton College debt free.  At Houghton and without my understanding, God gave me opportunities to serve that provided leadership and creative ministry experience that I would use in years to come (like dressing in a kilt and leading a team of young men in obnoxious cheers…seriously).

After Houghton, God guided me to the first job I applied to, being the Assistant/Youth Pastor at Pine Grove Wesleyan Church. At no point in my life had I felt a specific call to youth ministry, yet I quickly found that God had given me the gifts and graces to excel.  In one year’s time, feeling like I couldn’t possibly be the best candidate, I was asked to become the District Youth President for the Penn-Jersey District.  What a blessing this opportunity has been!  In 2008, God guided me to Bethany Wesleyan Church. Here at Bethany, I serve as the Pastor of Family Ministries, overseeing ministries from Nursery to Young Adults.  Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry – of all my time at Houghton, I never once took a specific class in any of them.  But God has opened these doors for me to serve in life and as long as that is the case – His will be done.

I am 32 years old and I know that another step of faith is coming.  As has been the story of my life, I want to be prepared for whatever faith step God brings my way.  When that step comes, I don’t want to just be ready to take that step, I want to confidently leap forward into God’s arms and everything He has in store!  I know there will be moments of doubt and uncertainty ahead.  But if I have learned one thing from my life it is this – life is best when my faith and trust are placed in God.

Summer Pt.3 – Vacation Bible School

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Another summer comes to an end.  For most of my life summer has meant three things – Youth Camp, Family Camp, and Vacation Bible School.  Three things that have brought so much to my life.  Three ministries that many would say their ‘time’ or ‘value’ is fading.  As I finish another ‘summer’, I amazed at the impact and life-change these events have brought and I want to share a few thoughts as to the value I see.

Who really likes hosting Vacation Bible School?  I mean seriously – the noises, the whining, the germs, and the smells (don’t forget the smells – they can be potent).  Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a ton of work and at times it feels like glorified baby sitting.  What parent doesn’t want to have a week of having their children entertained most likely for free – that’s the best, but not if you’re the ones running it!  And then, as a leader you realize that your dreams of reaching to community kids is for the most part not happening – you’re just entertaining kids from your church and other churches in the community – for real!  So really – who likes hosting VBS?

Me!  I love Vacation Bible School and while some may refer to it as a ministry of the past, I say they’re just not doing it right! I work at a church that I believe is moving forward. We’re growing and trying to be as relevant to our community and time as possible. Even so, as the years have passed I have found VBS to be only getting more meaningful to us. Here are three awesome reasons why it works for us:

1. We make a statement! VBS is a great opportunity for your church and kid’s ministry to make a statement. First – that children and families are important to you.  Second – a statement about what your children’s ministry will focus on and prioritize.  Through this event we clearly communicate we are about being a fun and safe place where children will feel welcomed to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.  We don’t focus on what VBS has been historically – we focus on what we want to be for children and family.

We are creative in the way we communicate the gospel, but we are steadfast in communicating the love of God and His Word.  It costs money because big, ridiculously cool things do, and we want this to be big and ridiculously cool.  Children have a lot of fun opportunities over the summer, but if they’d rather come to our VBS than something else, we’re doing something very right.

2. We recruit new leaders!  Children’s ministries need dedicated volunteers and often this is something that is hard to find.  Vacation Bible School gives you a great opportunity to get new people involved in children’s ministry.  Think about the pros:

  1. They only have to commit for one week.
  2. There are lots of opportunities to serve in low pressure roles (snacks, games, hayrides, inflatables, check-in, etc.).
  3. They get to be a part of the big cool thing happening that week.

VBS can be very attractive to volunteers and it is a great way to find new leaders who will often decide they like it and want to give even more time.  Don’t be afraid to ask people to volunteer, this is an easy commitment.  Always get background checks on everyone (ALWAYS).  Allow people to see the joy in volunteering, they may catch the bug!

3. We build relationships!  The biggest impact in ministry comes through relationships.  But when you only see a child one to three times a week for just a few hours (if that), then building those relationships can be tough.  VBS presents a huge opportunity to grow closer in just a short span of time.

Believe it or not, I have found that people like to check something out a few times, maybe even quite a few times, before they really commit to it – go figure!  (Did you catch the sarcasm?)  I have noticed that for many families that have connected to our church, it took multiple special events for them to “check us out” before they really committed.  VBS is a great opportunity to build that connection and even speed up the process as it gives you a lot of time with a family.  Build relationships with these new children and make sure to connect with their parents every time they pick-up/drop-off their kids.

We’ve created a Vacation Bible School that works for us.  For us that means no crafts, but fantastic snacks (think cotton candy, nachos, Italian ice).  We retired flannel-graphs and instead our Bible stories are shared through the use of costumes, videos, and mega-illustrations.  We like hayrides, making a mess, and renting large inflatables.  It’s not perfect but it’s pretty awesome.  Yes it still smells, it is tiring, and it does cost money.  But the statement, the new faces, and the relationships are well worth it.

Summer Pt.2 – Youth Camp

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Another summer comes to an end for me.  Now maybe summer isn’t officially over, but for me it is.  For most of my life summer has meant three things – Youth Camp, Family Camp, and Vacation Bible School.  Three things that have brought so much to my life.  Three ministries that many would say their ‘time’ or ‘value’ is fading.  As I finish another ‘summer’, I amazed at the impact and life-change these events have brought and I want to share a few thoughts as to the value I see.

Throughout my life, especially my teenage years, there have been different versions of me.  Let me explain.  There was School Justin, Jr. High Soccer Justin, Family Justin, Church Justin, Cross-Country Justin, and the list could go on and on.  Different versions of me for the different places, people, and cultures in my life (and man was it awkward when some of those cultures collided – I know you’ve been there!).  Of all the “Justins” out there though, my favorite to be was always Youth Camp Justin.

What makes Youth Camp Justin so special?  Youth Camp Justin was the best!  He was free from all the restraints and pressures of the society around him to fit in and meet a social norm.  He was a Justin who didn’t have to work at looking out for himself because he was in a place where he was accepted and loved.  He was a Justin proud of the God and Savior he followed and to whom he devoted his life.  He was unashamed of serving Jesus and excited to stand as an example for Him.  Youth Camp Justin was on fire, courageous, hopeful, and light-hearted.  He  could light up others’ lives so easily with his steadiness and patient smile.  Ready to say to the world, “You be you, I’m going to be like Jesus.”

Few places in life so easily allowed me to be that person.  There were glimpses of that person at home and church, but the nature and culture of youth camp so easily brought it alive.  Every year of youth camp it became my dream to be that person all the time, for there not to be different versions of Justin but for me to become completely and utterly the Justin I liked so much.

As much as I wanted it to, it didn’t happen immediately.  Pressures are tough, wanting to fit in is real, confidence isn’t just bought, friends aren’t always helpful.  But that person I was at youth camp started to make a difference.  It was that version of me that made a pledge of purity and stuck with it.  It was that version that kept me away from drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.  It was that version that found life in spreading hope and seeing God’s light open others’ hearts.  And year after year, youth camp after youth camp, that Justin slowly took over, slowly came to dominate every part, every aspect, every avenue of me.  Today, I like to believe that every part of my life is that Youth Camp Justin.

I believe so strongly in youth camp.  Sometimes I am pretty sure I slightly offend people when I try to promote this event to them.  I probably come off a bit strong, a bit dramatic (that does sort of fit with youth ministry though – am I right or am I right?).  I simply want so badly for every teenager to see the youth camp version of himself or herself.  To have a chance to dream about what life would be like if they became that person.

Parents and leaders of teenagers – I could try to sell you on the opportunity to see great speakers, to participate in dynamic worship, to experience great events and building moments, or even plug the greatness of 5 teenager-free days!  Instead, I’ll simply ask this – Have your teenagers had a chance to see the best version of themselves?  To dream about the person in Christ they could become?

Teenagers – Life doesn’t have to be about fitting in.  You don’t have to settle for society’s desire for who you are and how you’ll live your life.  Find the best version of you, the you YOU love to be, and bring that version to life everyday.

As a pastor I hear so many stories about youth camp.  Stories of husbands and wives meeting at camp or dramatic moments of teenagers accepting Jesus Christ for the very first time!  These are the best.  I didn’t find my wife at camp and I had already accepted Christ into my heart at least 7 times before I was considered a teenager.  But youth camp is where I met the best version of myself and for that I’ll be forever grateful.

Clear Eyes

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Churches are supposed to be welcoming, right?  That’s not really a question, more of a statement.  Like when my wife asks me, “You’re going to do the dishes, right?”  If a church isn’t welcoming it’s not going to accomplish much good in its community.  I think my church is very welcoming, maybe extraordinarily so.  But don’t most church goers think that about their church?  Funny enough it took a rather unwelcoming church moment to help me understand exactly why I can be sure my church knows how to welcome others.

When churches become a certain size they can become targets.  There are always new faces, random meetings, exciting ministries – you might say some hustle and bustle (okay no one actually says that).  It is exciting but it can create an opportunity for someone to try and take advantage.  A few weeks ago just such a person was slipping through local churches, taking advantage.

Then came the Sunday when the individual arrived at our church.  We had been notified to be on the lookout, but the whole thing didn’t seem likely.  I admit, this person made some rounds and probably got the customary smiles, head-nods, and hellos.  But then the unfortunate moment for them came, when one of our church leaders had eyes clear enough to see.  Clear eyes that first searched for ways to connect, then for ways to help, and finally for ways to understand.  And the situation clicked into place and our church became for but a moment a bit unwelcoming.

In Acts 3, Peter and John are on their way to the temple and they pass a man lame from birth.  The man calls out to them for money.  This is a regular kind of occurrence, something that most would say could be ignored.  But I love what Peter and John actually do.  Acts 3:4 says, “Peter looked straight at him, as did John.”  For maybe the first time in a long time someone truly looked at the man.  With clear eyes Peter and John saw the man and saw the real need.  They didn’t have money to give, but they gave what they had, healing by the power of the name of Jesus Christ.

Clear eyes – first off, I’m not referencing the product whose commercials featured the dynamic duo of Ben Stein (Bueller…Bueller…) and a beach ball (anyone else remember these commercials – just me?).  To me, clear eyes is having the ability to put aside our personal distractions, concerns, and self-focus so that we can ‘look straight’ at people.  We can give them the attention, the focus, and the care they deserve.  When this happens the true welcoming begins!

Seeing with clear eyes is not the easiest thing to do.  The biggest challenge is not allowing ourselves to get in the way.  We’re all going to have moments, minutes, and days where this is impossible, that is life.  But this is no small thing and it shouldn’t be taken lightly.  Having the ability to see others with clear eyes is a key ingredient to effectively ministering to others.  If you never allow yourself to do it, your impact is greatly limited.

I know what many of you are thinking, “Is he going to talk about clear eyes and never actually reference Friday Night Lights?” (A TV show that coined the phrase “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose.”)  Of course not!  Ask yourself – are you seeing others with clear eyes?  When you welcome people at church, when you see someone at work, and even when you pass someone in the grocery store – are you looking with clear eyes?  Put aside everything for a few moments and give someone your attention, your focus, and your care – see what they need, who they are,  and how you can make a difference for them!  Because maybe, just maybe, Friday Night Lights got it right.  Eyes clearly seeing others, with hearts full of Jesus Christ, could just be a recipe that can’t lose.