Thoughts,Songs,Writings,Rants,Encouragements, and Life

Monday, November 13, 2006

Friends

India Prayer letter

“Give me one pure and holy passion, to know and follow hard after you, oh God.”

Friends and family,

I have been captured! Not by men in masks or by the terror of a gun, but by the hearts and faces that are the people of India searching for hope. On my first trip to India in 2004, the Lord captured my heart for this amazing land of hurting people. The following year, I felt God calling me to go deeper and I spent an entire year captured - discovering and soaking up the beauty of this country and its people. What happened during that year in India is almost unexplainable, however, towards the end of that wonderful, humbling and eye-opening experience, I was beginning to feel useful, needed, and most of all - home.

“Home?” you say. “One year did that to you?” And my reply is a loud and excited, “YES!” There is something about India that owns me. There is something about India that I need in my life.

It has come upon the time of year where I will be returning to India during the winter with the Village team. We will leave the 24th of January and return, the 14th of February 2007. I have not lost the passion that was first ignited three years ago. The truth is, my passion for India grows more each and every day. My passion to see the youth of India worshiping the Creator of life with everything they have is still alive and burning.

I have many roles coming into this next India experience. First and foremost is that I will be joining with the Pastoral Training team. No, I am not a pastor, but I do have a few years experience with youth. I will be leading and teaching a few sessions on youth ministry and training of youth leaders.

Second, my mother is going on this trip. My father joined me on the last trip and now my mother will be experiencing India with me. I am excited for her to be coming to the land I love. My girlfriend is also joining with me on this trip. We are looking at a possible future of long term ministry in India.

So, there are many reasons to be on the team this year. And the truth is, I cannot do this with out you. I need your prayers. Please remember the team and each individual on the team. We will need your time and energy this year, more than any other year. We cannot do this without God in front and behind us. We NEED YOU!

I also cannot do this without your support. As a member of the team it costs $3,800 to be a part of this amazing experience. I am responsible for 1/3 of the cost. The rest of the funds are from your gracious and needed support. Please, this is a wonderful way to help make a difference in a hurting and suffering part of the world where God is getting a grip. Won’t you please help us continue to usher Christ into this country?

If you feel led to support me financially, please send your tax deductible cash or check donations to:

Marked Benjamin Christensen/India 2007
Remember all donations should be above your normal tithe offering. With your help we can make a difference in India this year!

Furthering the passion,
Benjamin Christensen

“All of life comes down to one thing, to know God and make Him known!”

If you have question or just want to talk, you can contact me at Switchfootdude@hotmail.com

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Blazers

I have to say that I have been very impressed with the Blazers this season. I am excited and proud to be a Blazer fan.

Even though we lost to Dallas tonight, I am still fired up for this team.

We seem to be down (five major players on the bench injured)and yet still putting together some good games.

Lamarcus Aldridge was amazing and fun to watch last night to. 10 points and 8 rebounds (6 offensive) is pretty impressive for a rookie in his first game.

Found a cool Blazer blog/site

Check it out here:Blazer Edge

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Comfort

"Have you left your comfort zone lately, to go and comfort those who are uncomfortable?"

-Benjamin Chirstensen

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

True Worship

Isaiah 58:6-10

6 “No, the kind of fasting I want calls you to free those who are wrongly imprisoned and to stop oppressing those who work for you. Treat them fairly and give them what they earn. 7 I want you to share your food with the hungry and to welcome poor wanderers into your homes. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
8 “If you do these things, your salvation will come like the dawn. Yes, your healing will come quickly. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. 9 Then when you call, the Lord will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.
“Stop oppressing the helpless and stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumors! 10 Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as day. 11 The Lord will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Hope

"The hope we have is contageous and gives birth to hope in others."
-Benjamin Christensen

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Are you shining?

Matthew 5:14-16

14 You are the light of the world—like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. 15 Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Friday, November 03, 2006

Heavenly Father

Father to the fatherless
Shelter for the homeless
Provision for the hungry
Heartbroken for the oppressed
Friend to the friendless
Comfortto the widows
Lover of the insecure
Protector of the fearfull
The one true constant intimacy, in a world permeated with false hope.
The one true romance in this dance we call life!

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Blazers Win

First of all, congratulations to Portland for winning the season opener against Seattle. I am a beleiver in Portland. I believe full heartedly that they will be in the playoff hunt this year.

Watching the game tonight was a blast. Portland did a little bit of everything, but mostly they showed how young and exciting they are and will be. The highlight was in the fourth when Zack and Roy took over the game and literally won the game for portland.

By the way. Brandon Roy. His last name says it all!

Rookie Of the Year!!!