 Happy New Year!
We've got a lot happening this New Year as we gear up to our 11th annual UYWI national conference (UYWI08). Our staff is doing more to make it as new and diverse an experience as you'll have on this side of heaven.
Additionally, we have some good information we're passing on to you about some resources and items which may benefit you. Then you can learn more about my good friend, John Lewis, who helps coordinate the SoCal Urban Coalition (his ministry tip is powerful). Also, if you're buried in the snow this time of year like I am, STAY WARM!
- Ben Eash, Director of Innovative/Creative Solutions & Resources
"The Great Debaters"
debuts again January 18th (MLKjr Day)
Grace Hill Media has allowed us to provide you with a personal message from Denzel Washington, the trailer, groups discounts, as well as a link to a Bible study guide created around the movie.
Click to find out more.
behind the scenes with UYWI staff
name: John Lewis
title: Regional Director of Southern California UYWI
favorite kind of pizza: I would say the Fraedo’s Special here in Alhambra (CA). It has all kinds of crap on it. Just hold the olives… hatem.
favorite sports team/sport: It has been the BULLS and Basketball, but USC Football I think is tied now. I love to go to Trojan games.
I could live without: So many things… UCLA fans, most vegetables, people who like to yell and argue, people who think Kobe is better than Jordan, personal trainers, those boys who wear girls pants (ouch), Hugh Grant films, America trying to be the world's police, and I could keep going but I will stop.
recent good read/flick (why?):
Embracing Grace: A Gospel for All of Us by Scot McKnight.
It really brings some unity and depth to the gospel. Scot does an amazing job of developing a holistic definition of the gospel that is biblical and does not niche it into what we want it to be for our own world view. It shows us the Gospel is a purposeful commission to join a community of faith that wants to join God in saving his creation.
Good flick… I must say Alvin and the Chipmunks! I do not see many non-kid films since I live with a 4 and 6 year old. I loved Alvin growing up, but Theodore was my favorite of the three.
3 to 5 favorite weblinks:
I live on ESPN.com. I love myself j-lou.blogspot.com. Facebook is addicting.
best tip in ministry: I stole it from Bart Campolo but here in Alhambra they think I created it, so I will roll like I did. “Love God, Love People… Nothing Else Matters!” We add so much value to the programs that we design, the talks that we create and the numbers that we beef up to make ourselves look good. The real ministry comes in being present with the people you serve. It comes in standing next to a student as his mother passes away. It comes in teaching them how to cook tri-tip and create memories that will last a life time. My advice would be to stop thinking about the next program to create and begin thinking about how to connect kids to people who will love them and do life with them. |
