About a week ago I came across this big announcement from Jason Salamun (via the wonder of Twitter). Project Church is giving away half their budget to end human trafficking & sex slavery globally, serve the poor locally, and help start churches who share their DNA.
If you’ve been following my blog, you know I have a heart for social justice and ending slavery. I know this budget move isn’t realistic for most churches, but I admire the heart and passion of Jason and Project Church. I think they are blazing a new trail of literally putting their money where their mouth is and I hope it will have a positive impact on the Church – capital “C”.
What do you think about this decision? Could you see your church giving away 10, 20 or 30% to end slavery?
What I’m about to say is really preaching to myself more than anyone else. First of all, what many of you may not realize (unless you follow me on Twitter) is that I had a last minute change of heart before the game and decided to pull for Colt McCoy and the University of Texas. Yes, I had earlier predicted Alabama to win and love the SEC, but I had watched Colt all 4 years in college and couldn’t abandon him in his last game.
So with a minute to go before the game, I sent out a Twitter message saying I was going to pull for Colt and Texas. If you watched the game, you know that Texas’ starting Quarterback Colt McCoy got hurt in the very beginning of the game – the first time they had the ball. His shoulder got injured and he was not able to return – he watched from the sidelines his final college game at the University of Texas – and not just any game, the National Championship.
Now, I knew Colt was a Christian and had seen his I Am Second video, but I had no idea how much poise and class he had until his post-game interview (seen below).
Where to begin? He didn’t whine, complain or belittle Alabama. Twice he complimented Alabama and said they were a great team. He didn’t say anything like, “It would have been different if I had played.” Nothing. And when it comes to his heart and his overall view of the situation – with the world watching – he said, “God is in control” and that he doesn’t question God.
I don’t fully know why God allowed him to get hurt in the biggest game of his young career, but I think some of it has to do with the grace he showed and glory he gave to Christ in his post-game interview.
I think God was glorified MORE in his injury and team losing than if he had played a great game, won, and said, “Thank You, Jesus.” He showed true faith and trust in Christ in a harder moment and for that reason, I believe God was pleased – very pleased.
Thank you Colt McCoy for showing us how to handle adversity and trials in life. “God is in control!” Amen.
Tomorrow night is the College BCS National Championship. Though I lived in Texas for 5 years and always pulled for the Texas Longhorns (and I love Colt McCoy and Coach Mack Brown) – my heart is strong for the SEC. Therefore I’m picking and pulling for Alabama. Honestly, I’d be happy either way, but I think I’ll be pulling for Alabama as I watch the game. Who you got?
Wow – what a crazy last week this has been. I hope you had a great holiday and are enjoying the beginning of 2010. One thing I recently did was to sign up for one of YouVersion’s new reading plans. I encourage you to check them out, too. I also use and read the Bible on my iPhone – their mobile version is sweet. Happy New Year!
YouVersion Reading Plan Details:
20+ plans are available online and on your mobile device, so you can keep up with your reading no matter where you are.
You can customize each plan to match your schedule by making it shorter or longer.
Easily track where you are by checking off each day’s reading. We’ll also show you how far along you are with a percentage of completion.
Your online and mobile accounts will synchronize your information, including your plan and your progress.
Soon, you’ll be able to build a support system by opting in for accountability emails to you and/or a friend.
