Do These Shoes Fit Me? By Jason Keesee

Do These Shoes Fit Me?
By Jason Keesee

It’s never easy to walk in someone else’s shoes. Even if that person hands them over to you. Will they fit correctly? Will they be comfortable? Will they fit not just you, but your personality? Were they made for your intended use of them? Will they last as long as they did for the previous owner? These questions may not make sense to you now, but they will. Let me explain.
I am a Priest. I like being a Priest. It very much suits who I am and the ministry that I can provide for not just my congregation, but my Mission Center as well. I come from the Greater Pacific Northwest Mission Center. I was born and raised in Oregon and currently live in Vancouver, WA (just over the border from Portland, OR). I know most everyone that I see at our yearly family reunion at the beautiful Lewis River Campgrounds. I don’t think I could be anywhere else in the entire world. Unless, of course, God has something to say about it. And maybe God did have something in mind for me. I felt I was needing to do more. I was at a point in my ministry where I was looking for more.

It was at Reunion 2007 that I was approached by some folks who had a proposition for me. I was asked if I might be interested in taking over the Senior High Camp from the current director who was looking to step down after 19 or so years to pursue another path in his ministry. To be totally honest, I was surprised that I would even be thought of to take over his spot. I had not only never directed a camp before, but the thought of taking over for someone that had been in that role for almost 20 years was quite intimidating. I was looking for more, but not this much more. Or so I thought.

I then spoke to the director about it. I was humbly surprised to find out that he also supported me stepping in for him and taking the reigns. I was honored that he had that kind of trust in me (thanks Rick).

He invited me to come up on the last night of his camp to get an idea of what it was like. I hadn’t been to Sr. High camp since I was a camper. And it just happened to be his first year, too. I hadn’t been there as neither a counselor or pastor or cook or anything before. And certainly not as director.

I went up at the end of the week of the camp to the grounds. The kids were getting ready for the final campfire when I arrived. I knew most of them from other youth events that I had participated in as well as Reunion. I said hi to a few of the kids and some of the counselors too. They had all heard that I was considering taking over (I hadn’t made a decision as of yet) and were all asking me if I was going to. I told them that I hadn’t made up my mind yet.
While the final campfire was going on, I hung back a ways so as not to be a distraction. Even though they all knew me, I was still a bit of a stranger to that camp. It was still the current director’s camp. I was just a fly on the wall.

After watching campfire, I noticed an amazing spirit amongst the kids and staff that night. They were a very tight group. There was a lot of love for each other, and the spirit was there too. No doubt about it.

I left that night thinking to myself on the way home. “Is this the right thing to do? Do I deserve to take over a legacy like this? Will these shoes fit me?”

I had one more person to talk to about this. I had to make sure that the boss was ok with me leaving her at home with our own kids before I go trekking off for a week. Amazingly, she gave me her blessing as long as I would put my all into it…and prayed about it.

Yep, give it to the Lord. Let it be God’s will. How simple, right? It was until I spoke later to the director after I had said yes that I realized what I was really in for. We met for lunch one day in the fall and talked about what he put into his camp and what it took to run it. We talked for about 90 minutes about it. But instead of being intimidated, I felt a sense of calming about it. Yes, the Spirit was there very quietly telling me to “go ahead, do it”. But I was also excited about it, too. And confident.

And so, I went about preparing, getting a theme, finding counselors, cooks, nurse, lifeguard, and kids. In talking to the kids at my home congregation, they were as excited about camp, if not more, than I was.

Camp came and went. I came home when the week was done, said hi to the kids went upstairs and chatted with my wife about the week. I was so exhausted, but filled. I couldn’t really say anything. I just turned to her, put my head in her lap, and cried. Not in sadness, but for joy. Joy because it went so well. Joy because the kids all had a good time. Joy because I had put something together that was a success. Joy for the staff that I had who put their all into it as well and made it a success. Joy in my camp pastor/co-director who also mentored me the whole way with great advice and positive reinforcement. It was AWESOME!

Will I do it again, you better believe it. It was a learning experience for me. Trust in the gifts that God gave you and his work shall be done. And have trust in a new pair of shoes. Who knows where they will take you next.

From Erik

Heya People!

It took me a long time to get things organized over here, just after barely two weeks in the Netherlands, I went to WinterKamp near the border of Austria. Which was awesome and I just got home after 11 hours by car and 4 by train.But it was an awesome experience, once again.I just wanted to say that I felt so blessed to spent time with all the marvelous people from the Portland/Seattle/Salem area in the past months.You guys were amazing! And it felt as I belonged for years in our small group.My wish is to see you all soon again. Who knows in America again, but first in Europe. ;-)Thank you all for the wonderfull time!

Your Maya/Yaps member from Europe hahaErik

Dream For Darfur: A Testimony

This past Sunday a handful of MAYAs got to participate in an Interfaith Service co-sponsored by Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon in support of the "Dream For Darfur". We got to hear from several survivors of genocide from all over the world including Mohammad Yahya, founder of Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy and a survivor of the Darfur genocide. Below is a testimony from one of the young adults of the night.

A Testimony From Nick Carroll

Unfortunately, I know very little about the conflict in Darfur, so it was nice to learn about it firsthand through this church service. The keynote speaker is a survivor of the genocide in Darfur. He was heavily accented and got hard to understand when he yelled part of his speech (in anger against the Chinese-backed government and the lack of response from the international community). But it was touching to hear his story. The service itself was awesome. It featured various faith communities, integrating them into one service. The LDS Church had a choir that sang a couple songs; another group had a Trombone Quartet; people from the Catholic Church, the Baha'i faith, the Tibetan Buddhist Community, a Synagogue, an Armenian Apostolic Church, and a mosque gave various reflection moments. They illustrated the world's promise after the Holocaust: "Never Again." Yet, it happens time and again. We learned nothing from Rwanda.

After the service, we filed outside with our candles for a vigil in the South Park Blocks (my favourite place to walk three or more times a week). They had a torch that was lit, and went around to light everyone's candles. Survivors of the genocides in Armenia, the Holocaust, Bosnia, Rwanda, and Darfur all spoke about "Never Again" as we held the candlelight vigil. It was kind of windy, but my flame wouldn't go out...even after the vigil was over and we (the MAYAs) headed to Starbucks. My flame would keep getting lower but never go out, then grow again in size. The other four people in MAYA had their candles blown out by the wind, but mine wouldn't go out, even when we were at Starbucks. I waited outside for mine to go out naturally, but it wouldn't...so I kind of waved it until it went out so I could go inside and get my Chai Latte.

While my candle was fighting the wind, a thought played in my head. I don't know where it came from, but it basically said: "The flame is you. Though you think there are times when the forces are too strong and your flame burns low, you'll never go out, because there are times when your flame grows large. Remember this. Your flame is strong enough to endure, your moment will come. Don't ever give up."

After we got our drinks and everyone else piled into Rachel's car, I walked back to my apartment, just ecstatic over what I experienced, over the message I had received while watching my candle flame fight against the wind without going out like I wanted it to. I made it home in time to catch a couple of my shows, including my absolute favourite, which I watched absolutely riveted: "Brothers and Sisters" (my favourite show at the moment...and it just keeps getting better and better). It was the perfect end to a perfect day to a perfect weekend.

In fact, I had trouble falling asleep because I was too euphoric over the events of my weekend. When I looked at my calendar and counted the weeks on rotation and off rotation if I had taken the Alaska job a couple months ago, I realized that I would be on the Alaska rotation this weekend (up in Prudhoe Bay) and would have totally missed out on what was probably one of the best weekends I've ever experienced. That only reinforced my gratitude that I didn't get the job, that my hesitation came from a place that is wiser than I. I finally fell asleep with the mantra in my head: I am blessed, I am blessed, I am blessed

Under the Overpass

I was prompted today to share this book with you all after an experience I had this morning. Pretty much every day I pass a homeless camp on my way to work. This morning there were paramedics taking someone in a blue bag to the vehicle. I was awestruck as I saw many of the people staying at this camp looking on as they put this stranger (to me) away never to be seen again.

I thought to myself, who was this person, what was thier name, where are they from, do they have family that will miss them, who were they?

I then remembered this book I read several years ago, "Under The Overpass."

I was searching for a book that would inspire me, something where I could read about people living out thier faith in the rawest and truest ways. I grabbed "Under the Overpass" off the shelf and began to read the back cover. Hmmm...a story of two Christian upper class guys who decide to live on the streets, homeless, penniless for 6 months to truely see what it meant to lose everything.

This was what I was looking for. When I got home I could not put it down. They shared many stories of thier time in the cities in the US with the higher homeless populations: Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco, Denver, and DC. They shared thier spiritual experiences, thier struggles, the discrimination, the hardships, the suffering, and the joy they encountered on thier 6 month journey. One might find it interesting how they were treated by many Christians along the way.

Now several years later I am still being impacted by this books message. It has helped shape how I look at society, the marginalized, and the homeless. I see things a lot differently now. I act differently now. I myself have contemplated many times if I would have had the courage to do what they accomplished. Could I even spend a weekend on the streets living homeless?

Those who live on the streets have names, lives, histories, stories, family, and friends just like the person I saw this morning. They, like us, love, struggle, have faith in God, and encounter the same experiences others do it is just in different ways. It is so easy to forget those lost to society. They are adults, children, and teenagers. All of which are in need of care, love, attention, and to know that they are of worth. If you can, read the book, step out, listen to the stories of the homeless, spend time with them, learn thier names, and share with them when they are in need.

You can buy "Under the Overpass" it at amazon.com used (buying used saves on waste) and the 30 Day Devotional, "My 30 Days Under the Overpass".

Rachel

Petition For Dedication

Petition for Dedication from Tim Soper

Members of the Community of Christ, brothers & sisters of faith and all those who feel a calling to receive all the eternal gifts promised to you by our Holy Lord. Do you have an unceasing desire to spread love, peace and joy throughout our communities? Would you like to? If so, come lift our creator up to the majesty, honor and respect to which He deserves. Get involved. Help make this world a better place for all. Develop your skills as peacemakers.

Refine your bodies and consciences in preparation for your rightful place in heaven. Through the perfecting of your unique and personal gifts, which have been bestowed upon you by God, learn to grasp your full potential. Practice forgiving your enemies and prepare to wage war on all that defies the most high will of God the Creator who embodies Christ's Shalom. Make new friends and allies in Christ Jesus. Develop the "know how" to obtain inner peace and happiness in a world that can all to often be such a bleak and broken planet.

The M.A.Y.A.'s are a great group of young adults dedicated to Christ. We meet on a regular basis to fellowship and share in all sorts of really fun activities. Together we plan to engage in what's most meaningful to each of us. We are constantly looking to expand our base and attract souls who share our desire to be disciples of our Lord. We are one in the spirit. We are one in the Lord.

You deserve greatness and the young adults of the Pacific NW Mission Center, Community of Christ are striving to do great. We have a powerful will but we need you. If this is your place, open your heart. Ask Jesus to come into your life and direct you to places only the true Love of God could inspire. If one of our month to month activities sounds cool and fun, come join us. We want to show you love. We would love to have you. We want to grow strong and together overcome the turmoils that plaque this world with you. We want your company and we would love to fellowship with you. he Community of Christ is a faith tradition dedicated to the Pursuit of Peace, Reconciliation and Healing of the Spirit. We are dedicated to God our Maker and desperately want to serve him and do good.

Through righteous living and blameless conduct, we not only stand upright in the eyes of the Lord but we serve as agents of love and our light shines through the darkness of an impoverished and war-stricken planet when we engage in Kingdom building activities. Come, be moved. Attend a service. Lift our family of friends and Christians up in prayer so that we may more effectively serve our God and help humanity help itself. What are you waiting for? Send an e-mail our way, give us a call and set aside a time to come join us and enrich your life and ours. The state of this world calls for steadfast dedication and devotion to a set of high ideals and firm trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Every opportunity to overcome evil and win battles for His glory are blessings and gifts we can not overlook or underestimate. Win with God. Love Him. Know Him. Come to His alter and lay your life before Him. Take upon you His yoke for it is light. Pick up your cross and walk. Become a fisher of men. Spread the Good News. Spread peace, for this world thirsts. Spread love, for the world hungers. My heart goes out to you if your tired and you need relief. Maybe you've lost friends and family like me and miss them. If the world is moving too fast in your life I hope you can find the answers you need. There are tons of things that can weigh heavy on our hearts. We can all use as much support as we can get. Hopefully the Lord places positive souls in our lives to help aid along life's difficult times and the Lord knows we can use friends to share life's good times too. So basically I am trying to recruit you.

I want you to join in with our group. I want you to develop peacemaking skills. Truly, I believe we have a lot to gain from a union together. However, if that's not where your being led. If you don't think sharing time with us is the direction towards which you are being called. Please, consider praying for our groups and if you do, please pray that God will move our members to unite as well. Consider praying that our ministries will be effective, vibrant and powerful. Pray that we may be the agents of love we seek to be. Finally, dedicate your life (as your able) to the pursuit of fulfilling the Kingdom of God on earth.

For me, don't let another "calling" pass you by unanswered if you haven't connected with God's will and plan for your life. There really is a loving God out there and all around who wants to be your friend and desires that you invite Him into your life. It is my prayer that if you don't know Him but want to, that He lower the walls between you and Him and that a bond begins to form right now ,at this moment, that shall be the beginning of an unending friendship and journey. All in all, may the light of God's love direct you in every avenue of your life and all humanity. God speed. May Peace be with you.
-God Bless

“Community of Christ,” your name, given as a divine blessing, is your identity and calling. If you will discern and embrace its full meaning, you will not only discover your future, you will become a blessing to the whole creation. Do not be afraid to go where it beckons you to go.

Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s shalom, invites all people to come and receive divine peace in the midst of the difficult questions and struggles of life. Follow Christ in the way that leads to God’s peace and discover the blessings of all of the dimensions of salvation.

Generously share the invitation, ministries, and sacraments through which people can encounter the Living Christ who heals and reconciles through redemptive relationships in sacred community. The restoring of persons to healthy or righteous relationships with God, others, themselves, and the earth is at the heart of the purpose of your journey as a people of faith.

You are called to create pathways in the world for peace in Christ to be relationally and culturally incarnate. The hope of Zion is realized when the vision of Christ is embodied in communities of generosity, justice, and peacefulness." Doctrine and Covenants 163: 1-3a

No Storm Can Shake My Innermost Calm

A Testimony From Nick Carroll

For most of this year, I have been looking for a better paying job in a field that I'm interested in. I've applied to about 50, sending resume after resume after resume to no response. I've been growing more and more depressed over my lack of finding a better job and felt like I was in a downward spiral by July when I was about ready to quit my job and take my chances with a temp agency, which is not the best option but that was how desperate I felt about my situation.For some odd reason, I finally got some responses in August after not getting any all year. Most led no where, but at least I knew people were getting my resume. There was one job offer that I got really excited about, which required me to work three weeks of every month in Alaska. Though it wouldn't have brought me closer to my career goals, it would've been an adventure worth having for about a year. But at the same time, there was a job that was exactly what I wanted. I was torn by having to make a decision that I had asked for prayers at the prayer service we had at Rachel's house. Jarom and Tim both offered prayers on my behalf and I just want to let you know that their prayers worked!

The next day, I got an answer. Rather than go into details about it, I learned that the person offering the Alaska job wasn't truthful and the other job had already selected someone, so they had saved me from making a huge mistake in accepting the Alaska job. Had I taken the Alaska job, it would have required a huge sacrifice just when we finally got a good Young Adult group started in Portland that I want to be a part of. And if I had taken the job, I wouldn't be at the retreat now because I'd be in Alaska working right now. Because I hesitated, they decided not to hire me, which was actually a blessing. It was the best rejection I've ever gotten.

I was actually happy about the decision. I just need to be patient for the right job to appear that is more in line with what I want to do in life.A couple weekends ago, I listened to nothing but Enya cds all weekend and I was surprised how calm and peaceful I felt on Monday morning. I was so blissed out on her music that no one's negativity could affect me. Something Rachel said earlier reminded me of a line from an Enya song: "no storm can shake my innermost calm." I try to remember those words, especially when I feel myself heading into a downward spiral. I just have to remember to maintain an inner peace and trust that everything will work out.

Listening: The True Power Of Persuasion

A Testimony From Jessica Porter

I consider myself a very outspoken person in most circles. However, when I'm in church related groups, I tend to keep more quiet and reflect. I often have a desire to speak up, but bite my tongue on most occasions. I have fought with whether I'm just a horrible public speaker, or I wouldn't know what to say. My life experience and situations that I've put myself in have led me to a certain common ground with many people. I don't like to come out and talk about it. But, I find joy in helping others who are in similar situations that I used to be in get through their troubles. Today, I felt that there is a reason I don't always tend to speak up. I have been called to listen. I'm to listen with not only my ears, but with my heart. So, that when those that do share come forward in their desparation, I am able to see that and not interupt. I can come to them on a more personal level to share with them that I understand. I can let them know that I have been there, and that they have a friend that truly cares and is willing to help carry that burden that weighs on their hearts. Through God, of course, the burden is made light, and I can share that burden so that the journey isn't overwhelming.

I pick my battles, my times to speak up, and my times to reflect. I choose to listen, and that is how I spread peace throughout my walk with Christ.

Samish Island Young Adult Retreat 2007: Includes Recap, Slideshow, and Testimony

At 8:30am the MAYA young adults gathered to leave for what would be a 5 hour 500 mile round trip trek to Samish Island for the annual Samish Island Young Adult Retreat. With everyone carpooling we set off at what was the start of a beautiful day. Upon arriving at Samish we were blessed with a beautiful day. Since we got there rather early many of the young adults set out to explore the campgrounds. From the lake, to the Indian burial ground, to the point, and back again. Camp started at 8pm as more and more young adults arrived. We started the retreat off with a campfire and ended it with devotions and games.

The next morning everyone arose to find that the local forcast had been wrong. We were supposed to have rain all weekend but the Lord blessed us with wonderful weather all weekend. Saturday was full of fun, fellowship, and worship. The morning worhsip was led by Rachel at the campfire pit overlooking Lake Freestad where Rachel shared a personal testimony of her struggles this past week and how the Lord led her out of it. She then opened it to everyone to share of thier struggles. The group took the time to open up and share with one another. We closed with what became the weekend song, "We are one in the Spirit." From there everyone attended the theme class given by guest ministers Christie and Christian Skoor-Smith. They discussed with us about Enviromental Stewardship, the state of oil in the world, what we can do to help the environment, and how to get involved. Many came away with a deeper understanding and conviction for what they need to do. The afternoon was filled with rest, volleyball, and many spending time laying out with a good book. For dinner everyone participated in what has become a camp tradition of making our own pizzas for dinner. Some were unique, pretty, and odd but they all tasted good as Sean yelled out Prices Right style when each individuals pizza was finished and ready to eat.

We started off the evening with a rousing game of "Mafia". Who says you are ever to old to play games. Campfire followed as Rachel and Jessica topped off the weekend with an encore of thier toast skit. We all then gathered together for a communion service led by Erik as we listened to music and shared testimonies of the cost of our discipleship. Erik portrayed wonderfully how in our world today we all struggle with being Chrisitian. Many shared and bore testimony and strife over the cost of thier discipleship. Everyone connected and comforted one another and the peaceful Spirit of Christ was present as we all partook of the sacrament of communion.

The night was topped off again with games and late night discussion. As the retreat came to a close the following morning with everyone running around doing camp chores there was that Spirit of anticipation as the time came to leave. We gathered together in the closing worship led by Sean to share in our experiences over the weekend and how we know it is hard to leave after being together in such an amazing environment.

Camp ended at 12pm but most stayed behind talking and saying good-byes until 1. We were truely blessed this past weekend with the Spirit of Christ as we gathered together to share with one another in fellowship, worship, and fun. For those that missed, do not worry, you do not have to wait another year. There will be another young adult retreat in the Spring at Lewis River Campgrounds in Yacolt, Washington (more details to come soon).

See below for a slideshow of the weekend with pictures compliments of Erik Olinjsma

A Testimony From Tim Soper
The recent young adult retreat at Samish Island was truly awesome. We had 36 young adults show up which to me is just wonderful. We had great times playing volleyball, making pizza and of course joining together in worship and sharing each others company in fellowship and shared testimony. About midway through camp I had already decided that the camp had met my expectations and exceeded them and it only got better as well and concluded with, for me, a sense of accomplishment and contentment.

For the week approaching camp though I have to say I had my doubts and was seriously questioning what my role was and how I would fit in. I deeply wanted to be completely in-tuned with God's will and make the most of what I felt could be a great opportunity. As the days past and it became closer and closer to the time we would begin the 4+ hour drive from Portland past Seattle to Samish, nothing it seemed was stirring in my heart or leading me to contentment with the upcoming events.

But, if I may, I'd like to turn the clock back about a week to our congregational retreat at Lewis River. It was here that an epiphany occurred in my spiritual growth and development that allowed for further closeness with God. Although simple and possibly trite, I took a step with God that has revolutionized my look at life and has changed me in a way which I believe has forced me to a brink from which I will never be able to return.

I gained a closeness with God I had never achieved and so naturally any upcoming events would be judged by the success of this leap and so naturally my heart was set on great things and it was easy to look at further progress with speculation. In the process of this retreat at Lewis River I accepted God and my relationship with God to be one of Father and child. I had already learned of the unconditional love He held for me. Deep inside me though, for the longest time I felt I constantly had to earn it or repay it through good deeds. Everyday I would approach life with an unceasing drive to do good in anyway I could. I constantly tried to gain new ways in which I could pray more efficiently or make a closer approximation of myself to my Savior.
With God playing the role of parent it is now clear to me that with my heart true, any reasonable request for needs from Him are requests He wants to fill. This is the, "possibly simple and trite", "epiphany" I had. When these needs are not fulfilled the result stems from the work of the devil and the evil in men's hearts. I know now that I am literally entitled to the granting of these needs on my behalf as I unceasingly look to do my Holy Father's work.

At Samish, I walked out into the daylight. I felt a refreshing breeze flow over my skin. I looked to an open bench with a spectacular view of the bay. I knew this was where I would spend my "rest-time" for the afternoon. As I lay on the bench and peered out over the majestic view. Birds flew over my head. Insects buzzed about hurriedly attending to their "daily chores". The wind whipped about. All about me the Spirit moved and I shared with my maker, some one-on-one down time. I conversed with Him openly in my mind and through my senses. We were completely connected and we knew every attribute of each other. As a loving Father He guided me to understand anything I desired and gently instructed of priority kingdom building needs. He swept away any fears I held inside or was ready to openly share with Him. The most deep love I had ever experienced occurred here and every doubt ended. In the innermost depths of my soul I have a devotion to my God now that I know I can never again deny. I have an understanding now of exactly how he wants my life to be lived and truly all that's left of this life as far as question or insecurity is an endless war, for love.
-Amen