"...End of the Rainbow...is Peace & Rest"

Well, it has been a whirlwind of activity the past 48 hours and I know I missed a lot of time in there somewhere with my flight back across time. I know I traveled about 20 hours in the air, yet got home on the same "date" that I left Manila. Pretty strange, but maybe that is where they get the saying..."how time flies."

The end of Passion events and the following days to get home all seem to come so fast with little time to catch your breath and do much of anything, especially blog. So, I apologize for being a few days about getting back here, but I literally had to "run" through the airport...in Atlanta to catch my flight. In fact, I was 1 minute from missing my flight from Atlanta to Austin as there were many things that seem to work against me on the last leg of my journey. But, suffice it to say, I made it and will try and catch a breath before going back out to the last part, until the fall, to Hong Kong in 5 days.

I had a comment in my last blog entry from a just one of the great friends I made in 2008 in Manila and it was great to seem them all again and it was hard to leave as well. But, the impact of Passion will never be known on the wave of what was and is being done in the youth of Manila.

Well, as I drove into Austin I could see what looked like a pretty severe thunderstorm to the West-Southwest of Austin, the direction I was going, and the closer I got to home I saw the storm had just passed. As I turned down my street just off the main road the most beautiful and big rainbow appeared in the sky and the closer I got to home, it looked like it was coming right from my lot. Well, I did not find any "pot of gold" at the end of the rainbow, but I did fine some peace and rest for a little while in knowing that the Creator of that rainbow is still in control of every part of our lives and everything that is going on in the world when it looks like it is going the wrong way. I have full confidence that He who controls the rainbow knows and controls everything that happens and even through pain and suffering He will make it to be "good" whether it feels like it or not.

I did find out another thing In Manila. The people of Manila love shopping malls. They are everywhere and where they are are a lot of people. The one picture on this entry is in the center of one of 5 malls that are attached together. It was a sight to see.

I may make another post here just before I leave for Hong Kong next Wednesday, so keep track and let me know if you want me to continue the journey as I have enjoyed writing a few things down throughout all this to hopefully give you a small glimpse of what is happening. I leave for Hong Kong Wednesday, June 2nd.

"A Thrilla in Manila"

Some of you may be too young for the Title Line to mean anything, but the Passion Event was at the same venue as the Ali vs Frazier fight back in 1975...it was built in 1961 and has original paint and wood I think, but it is a domed stadium. The biggest in Asia at the time.

Anyway, "What A Night." It was truly spectacular and amazing to watch over 10,000 university students pack and rock the house. They did not stop singing and praising until well after 11pm local time and it is almost 2am as I type this blog. I do not know if that is dedication or stupidity on my part, but I can not go to sleep. It was wild and amazing from the start. They praised, prayed and listened intently and finally gave for the students in Hong Kong where we will be sometime next week...I think. I could not get over how amazing the kids were. They were very polite and all wanted their pictures with me as I stood at the front of the stage...like they thought I was someone important. Boy, were they mistaken. But, they did all say my picture would be all over Facebook in the Philippines. I am not sure what that will mean, but it was fun.

There was a slight hiccup as I was scheduled to get on a plane in a few hours from now to head back home...but, looks like I will be 24 hrs later as I need to stay another day to take care of a couple things from a security standpoint. At least that does mean I will get to sleep in tomor...I mean today...if I ever get to sleep.

The night is over, but I really cannot even express my feelings and emotions right now as their singing is still ringing in my ears and their smiling faces with eyes closed...oh well, look at some photos and try and place yourselves in my place.

Wake-Up Manila!

Well, I was not sure I wanted to post or should post this blog with not much to say, except that we have just arrived in Manila...wide awake, and I am not sure why. It is, as I type, 1:00am here in Manila and we have just arrived to our rooms. A very nice hotel and a city that as we drove in from the airport had at least two huge neon signs at the top of some buildings; "JESUS alone SAVES" and "IN GOD WE TRUST."
I know it is a Muslim country, but there are a lot of Christians as well. The venue is already packed/sold out at 10,000+ university students!!! This is going to be wild and crazy! I can't wait!! 10k students!! Can you believe it?

The only other thing I want to mention...at this late hour...is the driving habits around the world. I know many of you have traveled around and have seen this, but for those who have not, it is wild and crazy in every country. I know and recall what Sao Paulo, Brazil is like from our tour there in 2008. The traffic and drivers, especially the motorcycle drivers are nuts! There are 5 deaths a day, motorcycle accidents, in Sao Paulo, Brazil and you would believe it if you saw it. Here in Manila, our driver from the airport was following our escort, which had red and blue emergency lights and a siren on, but no one paid any attention to us. Our driver kept his foot on the gas pedal and on the brake the entire 30 minute drive from the airport. Most of the time we could NOT read the license plate of the escort vehicle in front of us, going 50 miles per hour, because we were TOO CLOSE to read the license plate! That is the truth, no exaggeration. Anyway, just a slice of life around the world. Many places in the world the driving is the same. So, after careful consideration, U.S. drivers and even Texas drivers are not so bad after all. However, I have to say, it is thanks to GOOD POLICE OFFICERS in the states that I have to give credit too. I know you may not agree...if you have gotten a ticket before...but, thanks to enforcement of traffic laws, we are somewhat safer than most of these places I have been to.

More tomorrow with some photos of Manila. I may include a couple more from Tokyo with this blog so it is not so boring!

Sayanora Tokyo, Hello Manila

After a good nights rest and some time to ponder all that has happened thus far it is still amazing what God has done and is doing in a country with so few professing Christians. It did not look like it last night to see and hear thousands praising Him and singing and dancing to Him. The venue people were touched and could not believe the respect and behavior of the young people. That always touches me. When people act "different" others see that and want to know what they have. THAT is the Gospel. Other people seeing JESUS in our lives and being so different from the world, they want to know what you have that they don't. How are you so peaceful in such a tough, tough world where there is so much pain and suffering. If you can live your life in such a way and do your job, whatever it is, so well, people want to know how you do it and what you have. There is the opportunity to share your faith. I can't tell you how many times as a police officer in Houston how many people would ask me, why am I so different from other police officers? Why are you always smiling and treat me with respect...even when you are arresting me? Many open doors and many opportunities to share my faith.

I hope this blog has encouraged you and given you a glimpse of the world of university students and the HOPE they have through Christ and their desire to make Him famous...no matter what. I always think of a lesson in Habakuk that I love to teach. Chapter 1 opens with the Prophet questioning God and asking where He is in all the wickedness in the world. God tells him that he is "going to do something that he would not believe it if someone told him." Habakuk does not like the answer he is given until God tells him the end result of the people He is going to use to judge Israel in Chapter 2. Chapter 2 also has that most famous verse we have all read in the NT "...the just shall live by their faith." The final chapter 3 ends with Habakuk receiving that hope and faith and coming to the most beautiful conclusion, "...no matter if the fig tree does not blossom, no matter if I have no food on the table (NO MATTER WHAT), I will serve you!" It is much better and much more powerful if you read it yourself, but what a journey the prophet took of questioning God and wondering where God is when all is wrong in the world and finding that, no matter what, God is still in control and has a plan. It is a beautiful story of hope and faith!
Read it today, it is a short book.

I find it bittersweet...again, as we are coming to the end of this whirlwind world tour in a few days. I know we have Manila, a few days off, Hong Kong and that will be it until the fall.

Talk to you again from Manila!

Passion Tokyo

It is Saturday morning and we got up early to get to the venue in expectation of a swarm of college university students to arrive this evening. We are excited about them coming and hearing a word from God through worship and Louie Giglio from The Word. There is all the sushi you would want to eat...and sad to say, I don't like to eat! I am ready for some good American food again.

We just had a brief prayer meeting with some local church Leaders and volunteers who will help out with the logistics and serving the Japanese university students when they arrive.
One great thing I love about being a part of Passion is that it is always emphasized that we do not want the students to remember Passion when they leave, we just want them to remember JESUS and His fame and His glory. This was talked about with the local leaders and with all the volunteers before the event. I like the thought of that as it goes so well with scripture. "I must decrease and He must increase."

Just finished Passion...fantastic! The Tokyo kids were great and really excited to worship and hear the Word! I will put some photos and will blog and post some more maybe tomorrow before we leave for Manila. God is Great! He loves you...before you do anything!

A Free Day in Tokyo!

I went wandering around the streets of Tokyo today and walked quite a ways to the Imperial Palace to take some photos of Japanese history. I thought for sure I would get lost as the street signs and everything is in Japanese. I finally made it, and back, and that is what the pictures are in this blog.
Some things I also noticed of this city and I mentioned it in 2008 when we were here. This is a "clean" city and the streets are free of potholes. The hr. long drive from the airport to downtown Tokyo was on pristine streets that was free of any holes. The city being so clean is even stranger when there are so few trash cans to be found anywhere. In talking to one Japanese person, they said that most Japanese carry their trash with them until they locate a trash dispenser. How unique!
There are young people everywhere! That is one of the requirements of how Passion decides where to go. There must be a large college university presence. They are no different than kids in America. I see them with their phones and they always seem to be texting. I can't wait to see them worship on Saturday night and lift up their voices to the Glorious One!
Chris Tomlin has a great new song out, "If God is for us, who can be against us"? It will be a great night and I look forward to what God will do.
More to come!

Hello TOKYO!

Well, this may be a shorter blog as we just arrived in Tokyo and I feel like I have missed a day. I plan on staying up so I can get accustomed to the time here and go to sleep at the normal time here in Japan.
But, here we are in Tokyo, considered an "unreached people group" as less than 1% are professing Christians. Yet, there is a wave of University students that want to change that.

We are getting ready to go visit the venue and get some ideas on what we need to prepare for and what we might encounter on Saturday night!

Ok, I have slept the night, worked out at the gym and had a good fruit breakfast and feel refreshed. My study this morning was back in Romans 8:28-39. Just reviewing the passage Louie and Frances Chan both talked with the students about in London.
Some points I have taken away from that passage:

We, as believers, are "predestined"...to be conformed to the image of His Son..."
This point takes more study and meditation as we contemplate how do we get there? Many times and the biggest change is through "suffering and pain". "If they rejected me, they will reject you also" (more study and meditation).

"If God is for us, who is against us" (No one)
"Who can condemn or bring a charge against us?" (No one)
"Christ is interceding for us...at the right hand of God" (right now)
"Who or what can separate us from the love of Christ?" (No one)
"We are more than conquerors"

There is one more awesome point I want to make, but perhaps another time. I have some things to do to prepare for the students Saturday night here in Tokyo. Sunday we travel to Manila for a Tuesday night event. I return home to Austin Wednesday and a week later will be in Hong Kong! We are 14 hours ahead of Austin, TX time so remember to pray for these events.

A picture of the kids in London worshipping; a picture of Louie giving the message and a shot of the city of Tokyo.

Good-Bye London - Here we come Tokyo!

Well, it is the last night in London. Part of the team has gone on ahead and we will follow bright and early tomorrow morning! We fly to Paris and then board a flight to Tokyo...all depending on the volcanic ash. It has been a problem but has not prevented any of our people from getting out thus far.
I can't believe the first part of the tour is half over. We have done three events with one in Kiev and 2 in London! We have Tokyo, Manila...quick trip home for 5 days and a return to Hong Kong. That will do it until September when we go to Sao Paulo, Brazil and then Vancouver in November.

"The fields are white and ready for harvest...send laborers to the fields."

The field does not have to be overseas, more and more the fields are right there in our backyard in America. They are right there in your neighborhood, workplace, even your church!
Your life is but a vapor...and this is not your home!

Are you ready to "give what you cannot keep to gain what you cannot lose?"
Jim Elliott, Missionary to Quito, Ecuador, 1956

London-Off Day

Well, we just got most of the crew off that heads back to the US...if the volcanic ash does not delay them. There is a possibility that the next couple of days the airport may be closed down. So, not much for me to do today except to rest up, see some more sights and post this blog. I will add some pictures I had that I did not post earlier. I also will attempt to post a few pictures of some of the artists from someone else' camera. I sit in front of the stage but have always taken pictures of the students and never the artists. So, maybe I can let you see who has played on the tour.

David Crowder Band, Kristian Standfill, Matt Redman and Kristy Nockles all went back to ATL today and only Chris Tomlin's band will go on to Tokyo. Ron Hood, those that know him, left and will head back to Austin today and I know he will be glad to be back home. Todd, will join me in Tokyo and for the remainder of the tour! See you in Tokyo Todd!

I did get to see the new Robin Hood movie here in London. That was a cool thing seeing the Towers of London on the screen and then seeing them the day before in real life and they say they were built in 1078. We think in U.S. that a building from the early 1900's is old. I am not sure we know what old is compared to buildings over here.
Well, if you know me you know I like Pizza. I have found a pizza place across from the hotel that serves great pizza! I think it is time...a little pizza, little shopping, little sight-seeing...then to work out. Then I think I have an appointment with the Her Majesty, The Queen!
Well, maybe not!

Christ says-I don't want some of your time & money, I want you. I've not come to torment your natural self but to kill it! CS Lewis

Passion London Day 2 OVER!

What a day! It is 1:30am on Sunday morning as I just got back to my room as I decide to blog a bit. It was a fantastic evening. The big FA Football (soccer) Cup was next door and it was uneventful as far as any issues or problems with the 70k people there. I bought and wore the right jersey as Chelsea beat Portsmouth 1-nil for the England FA Cup!
The Worship, led by Waco, Texas' own David Crowder Band was powerful!

The message, I got to hear 95% of this one, led by Frances Chan was very, very powerful. It was challenging and it really moved me and I know it did the university students as well. There is no way I can even try and talk about it. I have to first process it all over again and again myself and maybe I can post some points here and there, but it will do no good. Some life-changing scripture, personal application, personal internal struggle and finally giving it all up...no matter what it takes I want to be Romans 8:29...no matter what!

I will hold off for now and post some more pictures and try again tomorrow. I have a couple days to relax here in London...and maybe longer. At least I do not fly out until Tuesday. The dozen or so flying out tomorrow-today, Sunday, including my friend, Ron Hood, have been told that London's Heathrow airport will shut down at 1PM Sunday afternoon because of the volcano ash...again. Their plane leaves at 1:20pm. They have called and been told their flight may be the last one out for a while. But, that can all change with the wind!

Tokyo-Manila-and home to Texas for a couple days and back to Hong Kong? I hope we do not have to go back through the volcanic ash!

Passion London Day 2

Well, a late night last night, but we got to sleep in a little today since everything is set up at the arena already. The big football (soccer) match is on today next door to our arena with 70k supposed to be there. That is definitely a concern for traffic issues, but security wise we will be fine.
Well, those of you who don't know, Todd, my brother, was not able to make the first two cities of this journey, Kiev and London, and a friend from back in Austin, Ron Hood, was dragged along to fill-in. Well, he leaves tomorrow-Sunday morning and heads home and Todd will join me in Tokyo. Ron will be missed and I hope he goes back and tells everyone what he has seen, heard and learned. He has done a great job and I could not have done it without him. Maybe now he will be ready for Ft. Worth in April 1-3, 2011. I hope he can share with the Church of the Springs back in Dripping Springs about what he has seen.
Todd, Wahoo! will join me in Tokyo. I know he was sad he could not make it, but will be glad to see him in the Orient. Expecting big things there.

Well, if God is for us...there is no one and nothing who can stand against us...and since Christ is standing on the right hand of God "interceding" for us all the time...WHAT is there to worry or be anxious about? Does not mean we are perfect or will not have hard times. It just means that God can be Glorified through the results all the more. No matter the circumstances, no matter the pain. Sometimes, the "pain" can result in even more glorification for Him. Just look at the Cross!

God chose to be "for us", that is already done, before we chose or will choose to be "for Him."
Believe it! Live iT!

Passion London Day 1

Well, the first day at Passion London is behind us and it was awesome! The worship was amazing to watch university students from all across Western Europe, including, Italy, France, Norway and other countries. There truly is a generation of students growing up with a Passion to make the name of Jesus famous! It was the first time in many Passion's that I was able to watch about 30 minutes of Louie's message. There were a lot of security on hand and the kids were great...again, so, no issues or concerns today. Tomorrow, is a big football (soccer) match directly adjacent to our arena where 70,000 "hoolligans" are expected and we just pray it does not spill over to our arena.

Louie's message was bold and directly from scripture...as always. IF God is for us...and He is, who can be against us? Romans 8 leave no escaping that fact! There is more to come but the kids response was amazing and loud. Another day awaits us tomorrow before we must head for our next adventure in Tokyo.