Second Day

It's time for church, and my bed couldn't have been any cleaner or softer. Eat your heart out Waldork & Historia, b/c you don't have anything on my brother and sister in-law. I can not describe how amazing my towel was. It's almost like it was crafted by angels. So soft and clean. Those who enjoy cleanliness know what I'm talking about. Since I had a good clean shower the night before, all that God required of me was to "do ironing, love shaving, and walk quickly out the front door." I made it to the door looking good, with ironed clothes and everything...except, aww man, my bible. Before I even got the the "bi" in bible, my brother pulled the car around and I raised up the stairs to grab my bible.
We ran a little bit late, but fortunately so did everyone else. I helped my brother carry musical equipment, and instrutments into the community center in downtown Ottawa. As we're setting up, I'm constantly meeting new faces, and trying different techniques to remember their names. One guy's last name was becker, so he instantly became "Dr. Becker" as Ted Dancin so brilliantly plays it.
As things are set up, I talk with a few different people, and try to find out each person's story. Worship (with Gen, my sista in law, she's awesome) starts up, but unfortunately we have some problems with the old peavey mixer. Voices come in and out, but worship carry's on. My brother, embarassed by the distraction and holding a screaming child a the same time, steps in and addresses the problem. However, then he asks the congregation if they have a word of encouragement for the Body that morning. People step and speak out about what they've heard God speak to them from their devotions, or maybe even a special word that God gave them that morning. It was really cool. Afterwards, the worship continued without the speakers, mics, and cables. It was beautiful and sincere, as everyone sang louder together. Then my brother decided to have everyone, as the Scripture says, Stand up, Lift your hands in the sanctuary and say at the top of their lungs, "PRAISE THE LORD!" This also was really cool.
My brother really did a good job of handling pressure, yet speaking the truth of God's Word into our lives. Romans 7 brought up the difficult subject of Divorce and Re-marriage. I'm not sure if it got recorded, but almost everyone thought that he did well by looking at the whole of Scripture rather than only one section. I'm not sure if the sermon is available on the website, but the others are here: www.calvaryottawa.ca I didn't realize that in the OT, God writes Israel a certificate of divorce. That's huge. Obviously, this wasn't the only thing presented. For the sake of argument (you know who you are), my brother showed that Scripture does not condone divorce, but does give credence to the fact that it will happen. We live in a fallen society built on conceit, and rebellion. Those things prevent us from seeking God who is full of beautiful truth, and presents the notion of radical obedience. It would be wise to get a copy of the sermon, or even perhaps the sermon notes. My brother, although he is on a tight schedule, would love to dissolve any questions, or comments you may have. Since he's my brother, I'm gonna warn you...be nice, or I'll throw Canadian horse manure at you. Trust me you don't want that.

It becomes very clear to me how I can really help my brother out by leading the worship. Gen can take care of my nieces, if I can take care of the worship. Sounds like a good idea to me.

After an awesome meal at a place called "The Works", we went home. Although I was really sleepy, I wanted to hang out with my brother. He had his laptop in the living room, on the couch, so I decided to bring mine. We talked to each other as we checked emails, made plans, and kept up with people in our own ways.He found the apple commercials that are so funny. I found him the Will Ferrell performance of Music of the Night. Got him laughing pretty good.

Then I went on facebook, and told him that one of my friends had just wrote asking how Tavis, and Steven were doing. With a very somber look in my brothers eyes, he told me that Steven died during the summer. I found out later from someone else, that he had committed suicide on a drug overdose. It was a real blow to my brother, as he seemed to drift away into a state of melancholy. The only way I can desribe how this made me feel was like having an anvil dropped in my lap. I had just met Steven a few months ago, and he seemed like a nice guy. Andy proceeded to tell me how Steven was loved by many people. He showed me where there was a group on facebook to remember fond memories of Steve, and people were encouraged to write. (Remembering Steve Flint)

This presented a new challenge. As a worship leader, what songs can I pick to help people with so much brokenness? I started praying, then I typed a message urging my friends at home to pray as well. Later on, I also contributed to the wall, and dared to bear my soul as I unashamedly spoke of my tears, and how much I was expecting to see him when i came. I encouraged my friend to do the same.

Around 5, we headed for the bible study over in orleans. I met a big looking guy who reminded me of one of my brothers. He puts on a tough face, but inside, he's a big teddy bear. The effects of drugs and alcohol have taken their toll, since he can only speak out of the side of his mouth. He proceeds to jokingly tell me in a gravely voice, "I'm your brother's worst nightmare." Which makes me smile, b/c I can tell whatever was mean has left a long time ago. Well, we looked at the last section of Matthew 25. My brother does such a great job of giving background information, and cultural clues to difficult verses (5 wise virgins and 5 foolish). He also is making sure all the guys have a chance to talk and respond to the passage (sound familiar my SPC people?). It's funny how my mind works. I just loved to listen to my brother talk, and daydream about the jewish wedding he's describing. I started thinking about the parable of the talents, and lo and behold, that's exactly what came next.

I did the best I could to continue my networking skills, and tried to listen as best I could. I got in a great conversation with one guy about bikes, and how Canada is an outdoor enthusiast dream. We talked about a bicyle accidents, how many "clicks" you could get out (think oat) of the tires, and also the world of computers. It was great. I hope to hang out with that guy sometime next week.

We went to a Starbucks, and waited for some people to show up. The first guy (good friend) came, and offerred to buy me some coffee. He asked me, "So, are you going to order a manly drink, or feminine one?" I quickly retorted,"In this place, I can't tell the difference." He let out a good belly laugh, as he patted me on the back. My brother had a heart to heart with our very good friend, while I looked over my devotions. I was amazed at all the things I was learning. Sure enough, just like my brother said, Jon Ruby, and Jason showed up to keep me company. We talked about our mutual apathy towards maintaining devotional time. Well, at least some of us (not me, I like it). Yeah, I know I'm a nerd right? Oh, well. I'll be a geek for God.

My brother joined us at the table with his latte, and we all started talking, and laughing at each other stories.
"
It's an established fact that men laugh louder, longer, and more often than women."
-Men's Relational Toolbox, Gary Smalley and Sons

Caffiene can really get things movin. The night came quickly, and Jason being the good husband called it a night. We all decided to mosy on out fellowshipping as the breeze blows. Somebody calls my brother, and he has to go away for awhile.

So, me and Jon Ruby talk about jericho road, and the people he ministers to. He really has a heart for these guys, and you can tell that God has really done a work in his heart. You can see it in his countenance. I present him with a question of how best to handle accountability for these guys who have substance (alcohol+ drugs) abuse problems, and even some mental hurtles to jump through. He consistently talks about tough love, and how that a person really has to make a decision for themselves. It was a great talk, and I'm glad I got the chance to hear his testimony. You don't have to pull his arm to get him to tell ya. I swear, he reminds me of one of my brothers.

Andy emerges from the shadows unscathed from his chat via cell. It's only the 5th or 6th time I've seen him pick up the phone and actually talk on it. Most of the time he just uses txt messaging, since it's more cost effective. However, some things need to be talked about, not typed about.

Later, I arrive home, and wonder to myself about what I've fallen into. Such a wonderful place where God is doing incredible things! I can't stress this enough. It's almost like the last 2 years of my life have been set up for this short period in Canada. Honestly, I'm really not looking forward to the day I leave. I'm already getting teared up, and I"ve got at least 3.75 months to go (did ya like that Brandon?).

In summation, early bird and lazy bird (early bird's younger brother) go to church, equipment fails, but God's Word prevails, awesome people, awesome lunch, punch in the face from shock, not enough hours on the clock, Hell's angels teddy bear, men's bible study w/ prayer, Coffe stop, call won't drop, amazing story, and future warry (worry with NY accent).