Legacy Shepherding Updates

Randy’s February 2010 Update

Transparency:

Recently, around sixty 20something Missional Community Hub leaders and their team members went on an overnight retreat at an amazing log house in Wisconsin.  The topic for the weekend was Transparency (Transparency with God, self, and others).  I was invited along to listen and pray with anyone desiring an older person’s presence, especially if the talks and exercises stirred up difficult things that needed to be shared and brought into the light, that maybe they weren’t comfortable sharing with their peers.

What Was Holding Me Back?:
 
Before the weekend, I was debating whether I would go on Friday night for the whole retreat, or drive up separately,  joining the group on Saturday for the full day.  I’ve been on retreats like this before and I knew that when you get sixty 20somethings together overnight, sleep is not high on the agenda.  I was pondering how many days afterwards it would take me to recoup from one overnight “retreat”!

As I prayed about it and listened, I sensed promptings that I was supposed to be there for the whole retreat, Friday night as well as Saturday.  I wasn’t to let the possibility of lack of sleep deter me.  My excitement began to grow as I sensed some divine nudges.  What’s going to happen at this retreat, I wondered, specifically on Friday evening?

Who Shared What?:

On Friday evening, Devon Noonan led us through an exercise of identifying things that we really like about ourselves (yeah!).   Then she guided us into considering the parts that we don’t like about ourselves (ugh!).  Could we bring the parts we don’t like about ourselves to God?  Could we allow those parts to be loved?  We then had an opportunity to bring all the parts of who we are to God.

On Saturday, Tyler Grissom talked about building transparency in community.  How do we make our communities safe places for people to bring all of who they are into a loving setting where people can find presence, acceptance, affirmation, truth-telling, and forgiveness?  We had the opportunity to share in small groups some of the things we personally keep hidden (Yikes!).

Jon Peacock shared part of his journey/struggle around separating his worth (identity, value, and lovability) from his performance.  His performance may go up and down with successes and failures, but his worth is secure and constant in God’s love, never in jeopardy, no matter what he does, what he has, or what people think of him.

Living It Out:

The leaders shared vulnerably.

One of the things I deeply love about this group of Y- generation people, that I have the honor to work with, is their raw honesty.  I’ve been involved in church my whole life, and I haven’t previously seen the levels of honesty that this group of people reaches.  At best people may share something that they’ve already overcome, but what about being honest in the midst of the struggle, long before any overcoming has occurred, when one looks messy, weak, and vulnerable, when one could easily be judged and rejected? 

Throughout the weekend, I was privileged to watch people (especially Tyler Grissom) live out what we were talking about.  I had the opportunity to pray with some of them and get to know more of their stories.  I was and am continually inspired and challenged by them.

The Weekend Was A Success:

From the opening session on, I sensed God’s hand at work, opening people up to redemptive transformation.  I had some amazing talks with people in tender places throughout the weekend, especially on Friday evening.  (I’m so glad I followed the promptings I felt about attending the Friday night session.  It was a gift to be there.  I’m glad I didn’t miss out.)

Did I get any sleep?  Surprisingly, I did.  How?  Ear plugs!  What a great invention!  From what they tell me, the last group of energetic leaders didn’t get to bed until around 4:45am!  Though I didn’t get the amount of sleep I normally need, I somehow felt energized the whole retreat.  I attribute it to being lifted up in prayer. 

Prayer requests:

The weekend gave me opportunities to move toward some possible future mentoring relationships.  You can continue to pray for discernment around those possibilities. 

Thanks for holding these extraordinary leaders in your prayers.  Please continue to pray for the next generations and our efforts to bless them and bless our world.

In His Love,
Randy

Kyle Get’s Engaged!:

A special shout out to my nephew, Kyle, and his new fiancée, Stacy.  They recently got engaged!  They’ve been dating for six years, since high school prom.  Stacy already feels like family, having been around for years.  Soon it will be official!  Yeah!

Randy’s January 2010 Update

Support Raising?  Yuck!  No Thanks!:

There are times when I think, that at some point in life, everyone should have the experience of raising support to meet their daily needs and to do whatever redemptive thing they feel led to do with their life.

It truly is an amazing journey – filled with humble surrender, redemptive trust building, hurtful discouragement, life-giving excitement, courageous fear conquering, and on-going faith strengthening; a journey I never thought I could or would do, until the more recent past.

Support Raisers’ Uplifting Stories:

I used to hear stories about people who lived on support.  Their stories often told of ways in which they saw God come through for them financially right when they needed it most – almost always to the exact dollar.

Our Current Economic Reality:

As you can imagine, 2009 was a tough economic year for non-profits, with people losing jobs and many people being concerned about their financial futures.  During the year, I heard of many non-profits that expected to end up in the negative for the year.  It looked like Legacy Shepherding Ministries might be among them.  There were times when it was discouraging and a bit scary when I wondered about the future.

Around October or November, I told Legacy’s Board of Directors that it would take a miracle for me to reach my bare-bones support raising goal for 2009.  God needed to raise around $8,000 within a couple months.  I’d done everything I could.  I’d made my “asks” of just about everyone I knew.  All I could do was send out my remaining monthly letters, wait, pray, and see what God might do.

Slowly, unexpected contributions began coming in, some from people I didn’t even know.  I was a little afraid to get my hopes up.  Would He possibly come through?

Something To Celebrate!:

Well, you can guess how the story ends.  It’s so easy for you to have faith.  It wasn’t happening to you!  Tee hee!

Including numerous checks written on the very last day of the year, God accomplished His miraculous mystery – contributions received exceeded expenses paid out by $139.57.  Amazing!  Something to truly celebrate!  The extra will most likely go toward the purchase of a printer and office needs that I put off buying, not being sure where this year would land – wouldn’t it be funny if my foregone purchases cost exactly $139.57?

I feel hopeful for the future, though I know 2010 will still have its financial challenges.

We Did It! Thank You:

When I ventured out into this world of ministry, I included a saying on one of my first support-raising letters: “A single snowflake can’t do much on its own, but if the snowflakes stick together, they can stop traffic.”  I feel like together, we stopped traffic; we made a difference in people’s lives and in the world.

Thank you so much for being a part of this – through your prayers, support, encouragement, free meals, and all the other ways you reached out to me and to the young leaders benefiting from this ministry.  You could have spent your money and prayers on other things.   I’m so grateful you chose to spend them here, investing in people (the true treasures) of the next generation, who desire to make a benevolent difference in our world.

I pray that God will open up the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing on you that you will not have room enough for it (Mal 3:10) and it will overflow onto everyone around you, for God is a God of abundance, not scarcity.

It was your generosity and prayers that made it possible to provide this ministry in 2009 and hopefully your continued generosity and prayers will make it possible to provide it for many years to come.

May God bless you and may God bless the wonderful people of Haiti, who could use our compassion now more than ever.

In His Love,
Randy

 Randy’s December 2009 Update

Merry Christmas! It’s a season of celebration!

Here is an anonymous story of life-change worth celebrating.  It’s a great representation of some of the lies that many people struggle with:

My Top Ten Lies List – by Anonymous:

          “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

 “Identifying and naming my Top Ten Lies was huge for me.

“Lies like:
1) I don’t have what it takes.  I’m not good enough (not smart enough, not eloquent enough, not good looking enough, not outgoing enough, not __________ enough);

2) People are thinking bad thoughts about me.  They see my flaws and inadequacies.  They are judging me, even though they are acting nice to me.  I fall short in their eyes;

3) My lovability is based on my performance – when I succeed perfectly I’m lovable, when I fail (even slightly) I am reject-able;

4) I have greater worth and value when I please people, when people think and say nice things about me;

5) If people really knew me inside, they wouldn’t love me.  I have to stay hidden;

6) I have to take control of my life.  I know better than God what I need and want for my fulfillment.  God doesn’t have my best interest at heart.  He won’t give me what I want, or he’ll ask me to do something I don’t want to do – like stay single or serve in a third-world country;

7) I have to fix myself first and get myself presentable before I can go to God;

8) Showing and feeling emotions equates to weakness.  It’s better to ignore, minimize, and/or repress them; 

9) As a leader I have to look perfect, I can’t show any weakness or vulnerability, or people won’t want to follow me;

10) When God looks at me, he’s usually disappointed.

“After naming these awful lies, I realized how much they were holding me back.  Through the mentoring process, I’m slowly claiming the Truth that offsets each lie.  Over time, I’m believing God’s truth more.  And the truth is setting me free.” – Anonymous

Closing Thoughts:

We all have lies that hold us back at times.  What are your Top Ten?

Thankfully we still have a Savior who frees us from lies and leads us into truth.  I believe he desires to remove any lies that would keep us from fully experiencing God’s extravagant love and our amazing full potential to extend love lavishly in our world.

Recently a young man said to me, “This ministry has major exponential life-change on people”.  He’s observing the rippling impact this unique ministry style can have – following Jesus’ example of pouring into qualified men and women who are equipped to pour into others, who can then pour into others, and so on…

Jesus was an amazing lover.  I think he wanted to multiply lovers like himself when he said:

“Therefore go and make disciples (lovers) of all nations, …teaching them to obey everything I commanded you…” (Matt 28:19a, 20a)

His great commandments to obey, he narrowed down to two:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength…and…Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:30, 31b)

Not only are the young people we are investing in becoming extraordinary disciples, they are also becoming extraordinary lovers – lovers of God, themselves, and others.  I applaud these young people for their courage to go on such a journey, and I’m grateful for their honesty.  The truth is setting them free…to love extravagantly.

Thank You:

Thank you so much for your participation in this life-changing, world-changing work.  I believe your investment in these amazing individuals will reap eternal dividends.  They truly are difference makers, living out their unique redemptive potentials in a wide range of social issues, communities, and locations.  They (and others like them), the young church, are the hope of the future.

Financial Support Update:

There is still a financial need in reaching my support-raising goal for the year.  I could use your help and your prayers!  Contributions are tax deductible.

Contact me at:  randy@legacyshepherding.org with any questions.

May you be blessed by His love this Christmas season,
Randy

Photos by mysza831 at flickr.com

Some simple decorations at my house Macy’s.

Merry Christmas! I haven’t written a Christmas letter in years – which some people may appreciate!

Here’s a brief pictorial update on my life (outside of ministry).

Friends Return:
Andy: 

Around Christmas last year, one of my closest friends, Andy, moved back to Chicago from San Diego.

“Are you sure you want to come back at the beginning of winter?” I asked.

 Talk about a rude re-entry.

He went from this:                                                      To This:

   Ahhh.                             Brrr!

It’s been great having him back.

Rusty:
In the fall, one of my other closest friends, Rusty, moved back to the Midwest from North Carolina.  He is currently attending seminary just outside of Milwaukee. 

He went from this:                                                          To this:

I took a trip up to see him:

When they are all running around in those black cassocks, the place looks like Hogwarts!  Can’t you just picture it?

Up Where We Belong?

I ventured up to the clear bottomed sky decks on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (former the Sears Tower). Yikes! 

I took some of these photos without looking down.  I went with my motto of the day, ”just aim and shoot…and check your pants later”!

Family Events:
Scott Graduates!: 

My youngest nephew, Scott, graduated from college this year.  Wow, they grow up so fast!  It seemed like just yesterday, he was sucking on a bottle…oh yeah, he was…at his college graduation party!  We celebrated in a park after the ceremony.

Kristin Weds!:

 One of my god-daughters (my cousin Kathy’s daughter) got married this year. She was a previous Miss Teen Minnesota.  Almost everyone from my mom’s side of the family traveled to Minnesota for the wedding. It was fun having extended time with the family…

Step Aside Picasso: 

I allowed my inner artist to express itself through painting this year.  These were my favorites:

 Some people thought the first picture was of a lady with blue hair (like Marge Simpson, I guess).  It’s supposed to be a blue head covering like the kind women wear in Muslim countries.  After these art critics told me the blue hair thing, I noticed their faces turning blue.  Then I realized my strangling grip around their throats was a little too tight!  I’m still learning how to receive constructive criticism.  It’s tough being an artist! 

I had some painting parties with friends which was fun.

I love seeing people express their creativity, including those who swear they don’t have any talent.  Those are the ones to watch.  They crank out masterpieces that put all my paintings to shame.

Birthday Celebration – 49 and holding: 

My friend, Andy, treated me to an awesome Bob Schneider concert for my birthday.  It was a FUN concert.  Lots of people singing along.  I was going to put a Youtube sample of  one of his many great songs, but then I noticed at the end it led to other songs I wouldn’t necessarily recommend.  Ahhh, living in the tension of life’s paradoxes.  I wish I could recommend all his songs.  He’s brilliant.  It truly was one of the most fun evenings I had this year. 

Praha and Pivo: 

I went to Prague this year with a 20something group from Willow Creek Church.  I got the chance to graffiti on the side of a building…all for a good cause (a promo video)! 

 It was a mission trip, so it wasn’t really a vacation.  I’m realizing I am soooo in need of a real vacation…and perhaps some Pivo (beer) would help too!  If you know of anyone with a condo someplace warm, available in February, let me know! 

 Small Group – being known & loved:

 
 My small group has been an on-going highlight.  It’s important to me to be in circles (as opposed to rows) where I can be known and loved.  Our group has been together for about two years.  We continue to dive deeper together.  I’d tell you more, but what happens in group, stays in group.  (Note: this old photo is missing Matt).

Moses From Burma: 

I love opening my home to friends who are in town.  We had numerous house guests throughout the year.  The winner of the “Traveled the Furthest” Award was a guy named Moses.

Moses is from Burma (Myanmar)(between India and Thailand).  He is a new friend of Rusty’s from seminary.  Moses experienced his first Thanksgiving with Rusty, me, and my family.  It was his first time tasting turkey, pie, and mashed potatoes. 

Whenever Moses would try something new he would say, “Welcome“.  A slice of pumpkin pie – “Welcome”.  When he’d see something amazing, he’d say, “God bless America”

We took a trip downtown.  It was the first time Moses had seen buildings over 12 stories tall.  God bless America!

Ministry: 

Many of the other highlights of the year involved ministry, which has been a huge highlight in my life…but I’m not talking about ministry in this Christmas greeting.  You can read about some of those highlights in my monthly ministry blogs.

Closing: 

That gives you a little taste of my life this year.  I’d love an update on yours.

May God bless you this holiday season and throughout the new year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,
Randy

Randy’s November 2009 Update

One of God’s many surprises for me this year showed up in the form of a woman named Uma from India.  Though Uma would not label herself a Christian and doesn’t fall within this ministry’s target age group, through God’s mysterious design, Uma and I have recently begun a spiritual mentoring relationship.  

Here’s a bit of Uma’s fascinating story: 

UMA’S BACKGROUND:

“I was born Hindu, and raised accordingly.  But I was a ‘questioning brat’, one who didn’t simply accept the do-it-because-we-elders-tell-you-so theory.  However, answers eluded me and frustration gnawed at me.  I didn’t understand what the rituals and chants meant.  Prayer began to feel like an alien language.  So I took the only way out: I stopped praying.

“I was also raised in an alcoholic home where my father was, often, an invisible figure.  Shame and loneliness alienated me during those secretive years.  It seemed God had cut me out, and I chose to ignore Him right back. 

“You obviously don’t care, was all I said to God in those days.

“In a casual conversation with Sister Valeria, who taught me Psychology in college, I blurted out the carefully hidden family secret – my father’s an alcoholic.  With that disclosure, my dammed up emotions flooded out of me. 

“From that day on, Sister Valeria became my friend and mentor.

“It was Sister Valeria, who I loved dearly, who introduced me to God. 

“God is sculpting you, my child, she said.  It hurts when He uses the chisel on you but at the end of it all will emerge a beautiful statue.  

“I loved those words and actually started to believe in them.

“One day she asked if I’d like to attend a prayer meeting.  I felt intense emotion rise up in me as the pastor spoke.  He used the word ‘Father’ to address God.  He asked for God’s blessings on us all, and that God would take care of those who were alone and suffering.  

“During that prayer, I had a thunderbolt moment.  God did care.  He loved me.  He was the Father I was missing.  To me, this felt like a reunion with my Father, one I’d never known.

“That was the day He took up residence in my heart.  When I closed my eyes and sought comfort, I saw a man with shoulder-length hair and warm brown eyes, and I called him Father.

“Even today, I have no attachment to labels.  I don’t let them define me.  I am Hindu and Christian and Buddhist all in one, because I try to absorb the best lessons that all religions offer.  

“But the God I see and the one I pray to is the Father who lives in my heart.  I feel a sense of peace wash over me when I talk to Him, just as I would to a dear friend.

UMA’S LONG JOURNEY TO THE U.S.:

“My husband’s sister who was living in the United States applied for our immigrant status.  We waited with eager anticipation.  

“Fifteen years later, long after the excitement of the mailman’s daily arrival faded and we’d forgotten all about the possibility, the US Consulate contacted us.  Within two weeks, green cards fell into our laps and we had a decision to make.

“We prayed, and decided that if everything went as planned, it would be a sign that God had blessed this move and had a plan for us.  And so it was.

“When my husband, teenage daughter and I moved eight thousand miles from Chennai (India) to Chicago in May 2008, we arrived with dreams and plans. 

“Ten days later, my mom was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer.

“Transitioning into a new culture and coping with a loved one’s terminal illness is enough to unhinge the sanest.  I felt alone and friendless, disconnected and isolated from those I held dear. 

“This was a far cry from the adventure we’d set out on.  It was like being trapped in the middle of a nightmare.

“Eight months after the fatal diagnosis, mom stole away from us forever.

HOW UMA MET RANDY:

“I tried to pick up the threads of my life.  A very dear friend of mine, Andy, who I met through work, threw me a life-line and suggested I meet Randy.

“The idea took root right away.  A mentor had been on my Wish List to God for some time but my mental image of the person did not include theology, saffron robes or beads.  Randy arrived in faded blue jeans, wearing a sunshiny smile, speaking a language my heart understood.

“Not only was I dealing with enormous grief over the loss of a loved one, but her death had unleashed a series of existential dilemmas I was feverishly seeking answers to.

“My head buzzed with ‘Why’s but there were no answers.

“Randy, in his inimitable way, shifted that focus a tad bit and opened up a world of possibilities.  Instead of ‘Why’, ask ‘What’ you’re meant to learn from this experience, he said to me.  With that statement as my guide, I now navigate my days with more grace.  I now know that every experience God sends me, good, bad or ugly, contains a lesson.  Together, they form the blueprint of my life.

“My growth journey with Randy has just begun.  I know we have miles to discover.  All I know is I couldn’t have asked for a better Sherpa.” – Uma Girish 

THANK YOU:

Uma is an amazingly loving woman who attempts to faithfully follow God’s leadings.  Throughout her day she continually seeks him, asking, Who should I talk to today? and What would you want me to say?  She can often be found comforting and encouraging the elderly.

Though Uma didn’t fall within the ministry’s target group (Y-generation Christians desiring to discover and live out their unique redemptive purpose in this world) and part of me wondered, Why would she want to meet with me?, I felt a prompting to follow God’s preparations, and Uma seemed confident she’d found the right person.  

I have no idea what will happen as Uma and I journey together, but I’m up for the adventure and all the learning we will share.  

One thing I do know is that she is very tender towards God (including Jesus) and cares deeply for others.  The love inside her flows out naturally – it takes action as she attempts to follow her Father’s nudges.

Thank you for partnering with me in providing this life-changing discipleship ministry to the next generation of Christian leaders, and to amazing seekers and charitable lovers like Uma.  Your prayers and financial support are making a huge difference.   

If you haven’t already taken the opportunity, will you pray about it and partner with me?  My email is randy@legacyshepherding.org

Happy Thanksgiving!  

In His Love,
Randy

PS  Uma is a writer.  She returned to India briefly after her mom’s diagnosis and then again for her mother’s funeral.  An article written by her about the day her mother’s head was shaved was published in an on-line medical magazine.  To read Uma’s Article click here.

Randy’s October 2009 Update

YOU CAN’T CAN HANDLE THE TRUTH:

Imagine standing in front of eight of your peers and finishing the statement:

“The truth I don’t want you to know about me is…”

How would you complete that sentence?  How would you feel being that vulnerable with other people?

That was how we kicked off an intense men’s retreat weekend, I recently co-facilitated, for seven 20something leaders.  All weekend the retreat participants shared vulnerably and the retreat became incredibly redemptive!

QUOTES FROM THE WEEKEND:

“That was the most transformational experience I’ve ever been part of…This weekend was deeply transformative for me.” – Andy Tucker

“I have been noticing a big difference in myself and my relationships.  I feel like I am able to love without forcing it.  I feel a lot of strength and passion as well.  The vulnerability everyone showed was amazing.  I was shocked.  It was obviously life-changing for all of us.” – Scotty

“I believe what happened has changed me…SET ME FREE from the bondage I was in emotionally.  I was reluctant to face that pain inside of me, but with the group’s encouragement I believe something transformational happened.  I think we all saw the power of God working itself out as we confronted truth and love.” – Nick Rode

“I was extremely impressed.  Men who are willing to do what it takes to grow and make a positive impact in their world get much honor in my book.  I spent the weekend with eight such men and I can think of NO other way I would have rather spent my time.  Those were holy and special moments that I will treasure.  I saw a lot of honesty.  I saw a lot of strength.  I saw a lot of courage.  I saw a lot of gold.  Much love to Randy for cultivating such a group.” – Erik Racine (co-facilitator of the weekend)

WHY THIS MINISTRY IS IMPORTANT:

Incredible things are happening in this ministry!  It’s so exciting being a part of the amazing work God is doing.  And it appears to be very needed.

A recent study showed that only about 14% of the Y-generation (individuals born approximately between the late 70’s and the early 90’s, totaling over 70 million people in the U.S.) currently attend church.  The majority of individuals within the Y generation say they have a spiritual interest.  They simply are not interested in what “organized religion” is offering.  (Hmmm. I’m often not very interested in what “organized religion” is offering either.)  What’s the Church doing about this drastic decline?

Other studies show that one of the most effective means of spiritual growth is having a spiritual mentor.  If that’s true (and I believe it is from personal experience), how do we equip more people to be spiritual mentors?  And meet people in the Y – generation right where they are at?

THE HOPE AND MISSION OF THIS MINISTRY:

I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to pour into young leaders of the Y-generation who will lovingly pass on what they have received.  That is the hope and mission of this ministry.  To leave a legacy of love by holistically developing next generation leaders with love and for love, helping them discover and realize their unique redemptive potential in this world.

The 28 young leaders I’ve had the honor of mentoring this year have incredible potential.  They are amazing!

MEET THE LEADERS WHO ATTENDED THE RETREAT:

Nick Rode is a high-school guidance counselor and the leader of a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (basketball) group at his high school.  Nick has an amazing desire to pour into high-school students at such a critical time in their lives.  With depression and suicide rates on the rise, I’m glad Nick is in a high school, extending God’s love and hope.  Students and parents notice a difference in him.

Andy Tucker is currently passing on the legacy by effectively mentoring three leaders in their twenties, two of whom are leading community groups within the Y-generation.  Andy’s a great blend of strength and tenderness.  He loves people well and inspires them to grow – that includes me!

Scotty is leaving a lucrative job and following a call back to Africa in October.  Scotty will be spending a year (possibly more) running projects that will provide opportunities to share God’s love through actions and words.  Read about Scotty’s initial trip and current updates at Scotty’s blog .  Scotty has many fascinating stories and some awesome photos (Check out the fun one on the left!).  It’s definitely worth a visit.

Mike Belke is also willing to sacrifice and leave behind his job, family, friends, and security to follow the leading he feels from God.  He and his wife will be moving to California at the end of the year, where his wife, Christina, will be doing an internship program at Mosaic Church (where Erwin McManus is pastor).  I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this amazing, surrendered couple.

Gabe Strom is mentoring individuals in the area of social media.  Through speaking engagements and one-on-one coaching, Gabe continues to incorporate and pass on the spiritual lessons he has learned through our times together.  Gabe is an incredibly dynamic, inspirational, and influential leader who is making a difference in the business world.

Troy Creamer continues to have amazing breakthroughs.  People around him have been encouraged to take steps on their own journeys just by watching the changes in him and hearing him enthusiastically share what he has been learning.  Troy has been a wonderfully supportive cheerleader of this ministry.

Jeff Leslie has led a 20something missional community hub and may lead another with his new wife.  I don’t regularly meet with Jeff, but was thrilled to have him on the weekend.  He is a great man with remarkable strengths.  Thumbs up, Jeff!

WILL YOU PARTNER WITH ME?:

The call to “make disciples” within the Y-generation appears to be more urgent than ever.

Will you partner financially with me in this ministry? I need your help and I believe you will be blessed through giving.  An added benefit: contributions are tax deductible!

Thank you so much for joining me on this amazing journey.

Contact me at randy@legacyshepherding.org with any questions.

In His Love,
Randy

Randy’s September 2009 Update

“There is no deep knowing of God without a deep knowing of self and no deep knowing of self without a deep knowing of God.” – John Calvin

“A humble self knowledge is a surer way to God than a search after deep learning.” – Thomas a Kempis

“Grant, Lord, that I may know myself that I may know thee.” – Augustine

 
Free Assessments:

This month’s update is designed to point you toward some free assessments that can be taken on-line to discover more about yourself…and subsequently more about God (hopefully).  These types of tools have often been helpful in the work I do with people.  They frequently help open up some space internally where God can do some work.

To be honest, when I was first introduced to this stuff, I was sceptical and resistent.  I didn’t want to be labeled or put in a box.  I didn’t want some quack telling me who I am. 

Secretly, I didn’t like what they were telling me.  I didn’t want to be the person they were telling me I am.  I didn’t want to be the introverted guy who’s deep and sensitive and spiritual and safe and a good listener and lives by his convictions.  Yuck!  I wanted to be the extroverted, life of the party, woo all the girls, I don’t give a rat’s ass what anyone thinks guy. 

Maybe that’s why it took me so long to get where I’m at. 

Anyway, over time I’ve come to really appreciate who God designed me to be.  I now appreciate these assessments more than I ever thought I would.  As an added bonus, the frugal part of me that has trouble spending money on myself loves the fact that they are FREE!!!! 

After taking these tests and reading the type descriptions, people are often amazed at how well these personality test folks seem to know them.  It’s as if these people were spying on us.  Hmmm.

So give ’em a try.  What have you got to loose?  Let these quacks put you in a box and then see how God might want to break you out and set you free. 

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator:

What is your personality type?  How do perceive and relate to the world?  How do you make decisions?  Are you an introvert or extrovert, intuitor or sensor, thinker or feeler, play-it-by-ear or just-settle-it person?

To take a free Myers-Briggs assessment (Click on the image below):

For further descriptions of your type (for those who want to dive deeper), here are some possible sites to check out by clicking on the images:

 
Enneagram:

What is your predominant personality strength?  What is your primary sin pattern?  What is your key virtue?  How do they know all this about us?  Scary!

To take a free Enneagram assessment (Click on the image below):
(Once you get to the site, scroll down for the test).

 For a more thorough description of your Enneagram type, Click on the image below: (When you get to the site, click on your number-type on the circle).

 To discover your key Sin Pattern, key Virtue, key holy ideas, and key ego-fixation Click on the image below: (When you get to the site, scroll down the page, look for the Enneagram diagrams:

Love Languages:

How do you give and receive love?  It’s helpful if we know our own language and the languages of those we love, so we can better communicate love to one another.

To take a free Love Languages assessment based on this book (Click on the image below):

Spiritual Pathways:

How do you most naturally connect with God?  What works for someone else may not be the best path for you.  Discover your natural ways of connecting.  Try them out.  See if they work.

To take a free Spiritual Pathways assessment based on this book (Click on the image below):

Spiritual Gifts:

What spiritual gifts has God placed inside you to bless the world? What reflection of himself does he want you to uniquely reveal to the world?

To take a free Spiritual Gifts assessment (Click on the image below):

I hope you find these helpful.

Let me know what you discover.

In His Love,
Randy

PS  Here’s a shout out to the subscribers out there who I don’t know personally and who signed up to receive my updates.  I’m humbled and amazed.  I hope you find what you were looking for.

Randy’s August 2009 Update

God Opens Doors:

When I first stepped out of my comfort zone into this Legacy Shepherding ministry adventure, I had no idea what doors God would open.  

All I knew was that I had to step out.  

I felt confident that God would do something amazing.  Not because I’m “all that”, but because I sensed God wanted to do something beautiful, something he’d been preparing me for my whole life, and God can do anything through anyone…even me.

Door after door has mysteriously flown open since I stepped out.

Recently, one door that God opened was a mentoring relationship with a woman in Oklahoma. 

I’ve never met this woman in person.  Until a couple weeks ago, when I saw her photo on Facebook, I had no idea what she looked like. It was somewhat strange.  I knew her better than I know a lot of people, but I wouldn’t have known it was her if she passed me on the street.  

I’ve been mentoring Melanie over the phone for about four months now.

The fact that this mentoring has occurred over the phone is interesting to me.  I’ve never considered myself good on the phone.  I used to not even like to talk on the phone.

About two and a half years ago, one of my closest friends who I’ve done a lot of soul work with, moved away.  His moving forced me to learn how to have deep, soul conversations over the phone. 

It unknowingly became a safe training ground for me.  

It made me realize that what I do is possible over the phone, though maybe not ideal.  Previously, I wouldn’t have considered meeting with someone over the phone.

Having been prepared and opened up to previously impossible possibilities, the opportunity with Melanie was handed to me.

Melanie has graciously written a brief testimonial for me. 

She thought she’d like to share a brief testimonial now and then one later after we’ve done more soul work together.

Melanie’s Testimonial:

Here is what she wrote:
“Randy and I met through a mutual friend, Justin Vorel. (Note from Randy: See my June Update for more about Justin).

“I was sharing with Justin my desire for more formalized training, as I have served as a mentor in a few different capacities for the last few years.

“Justin told me about Randy and how valuable their time together had been.  He also shared some of Randy’s background and how he had received some of his training.

“I asked Justin to mention to Randy my desire to learn more, and Randy graciously offered to speak with me.

“God’s movement in my first conversation with Randy was very evident.  It became clear to both Randy and me that not only did God want me to learn more about being a mentor, He wanted me to have one myself!

“Randy and I are new in our journey together, but I have already learned so much more about who God has created me to be.

“I am learning that many of the things I have fought throughout my life about myself are really God’s design for my heart and have meaning and reason.  They aren’t just random parts of my makeup and temperament.

“I have also learned that many of my unrealized desires are God – given and need to be nurtured and cared for.

“Randy has a very unique way of sharing an unconditional love that makes those he journeys with feel safe.  He is able to draw out, with God’s help, the innermost self to examine in truth and in love.

“I am thrilled and honored to be working with Randy.  I look forward to this new path of discovery and can’t wait to share what I learn with others!

“I’ll share again toward the end of my time with Randy.  Until then, God’s richest blessings to all of you.

In Him,
Melanie Hummel

It’s All Good God:

To be honest, I’m often a bit embarrassed by some of these testimonials.  I feel a bit odd posting stuff that sounds so glowing about me, wondering if people think I’m doing it to boast and boost myself.

I’m quite aware of my limits and often wrestle with insecurities.  

I know this ministry work isn’t about me.  

Whatever happens in my time spent spiritually mentoring really is a God thing.

Somehow God uses my beauty and brokenness, my insecurities in myself and my confidence in Him, all my messiness that I’m still sorting through to bless people. 

They seem to find a place that’s safe enough to be honest about their doubts, fears, wounds, and desires.

In those honest moments God shows up and does something wonderful.

Henri Nouwen calls it being a “Wounded Healer”.

I see Melanie as a Wounded Healer.

She has suffered from an autoimmune disease that has limited her body…and grown her spirit.

There have been bad days over the past nine years when she could barely move because of the pain.

Still she has opened up her home to minister to 20somethings, inviting them into community, guiding them toward the love of Jesus.

I’ve met some of the people she has poured into.  I can tell they have been greatly impacted by God through her.

I believe God has prepared her, and is preparing her, for amazing things.

I look forward to reading what she writes at the end of our time together.  Not so I can get some pats on the back, but because I love hearing stories about what God is doing in people’s lives.  

I believe he is a God of redemption, interested in transforming everything in us, to bring us and the world more freedom, more life, more light, and more love.

Thank You!:

Thank you for your investment in Melanie.  She is definitely someone who is giving it away and leaving a loving Legacy of her own.

In His Love,
Randy

On A Personal Note:

I took a step of faith into the glass bottom balconies on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower).  Here are some photos:
 

Yikes!  It felt scarier than it looks in the photos.  That first step, with no railing to hold onto, is freaky!

It’s a lot like stepping out in faith with God – I’m actually safe.  It just looks scary.

Confession:  I took some of these shots without looking down.  I just aimed and clicked, hoping for a good picture.  My scared!

Randy’s July 2009 Update

Eric’s Story:

“In the past six months, I moved from the role of associate pastor to interim senior pastor.  I am currently a candidate to become the permanent senior pastor of the church I serve.

“Though we’ve been presented with a series of unique challenges, I’ve found a great deal of joy in my role.

“I attribute this to time spent on an inner journey over the past couple years.  What might have produced much anxiety and discouragement in years gone by has been energizing.

“By God’s grace, I’ve become more truly myself.

“One experience that promoted this transformation was an assignment Randy gave me early in our relationship.  I was to ask three people to identify things they loved about me as well as areas where I needed growth.

“Don’t be too surprised when people jump at the chance to tell you how they think you should grow!

“The most interesting outcome for me was that all three, in their own words, identified the same thing.  That made me pay attention.

“Apparently, I get defensive when I hear criticism.

“Now that’s a catch-22.  Any effort to disagree only reinforces their point.

“That exercise was part of the process that led to an exploration beneath the surface of my life.  Why did I feel personally attacked when I smelled criticism of any kind?  Why did I evaluate my value based on what I do rather than who I am?  Why did I tend to see myself as either all good or all bad?

“Randy provided a safe place to explore the answers to these questions.

“Through a combination of well selected readings, insightful questions, extended listening, imaginative praying, and lots of love, discoveries were made.

“I don’t suppose I’ll ever be done growing on this issue.  But I am much more eager to know the truth—good and bad—about me.

“I’m learning that truth, reality, is always my friend even if it’s not always comfortable to hear.

“And I’m learning that no criticism changes my standing as God’s beloved son.

“One of my favorite verses of Scripture has become Ephesians 1:5:
‘God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.  This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.’

“It astounds me that God, the Father, didn’t adopt me in his family begrudgingly.  It’s what He wanted to do.  And I bring him delight!

“Once this became an experienced reality, it changed everything.” – Eric Flood

Eric’s Process:

Eric’s story describes a beautiful process of healing, redemption, and developing deeper intimacy with God and others through:

• Awareness – Becoming aware of what is going on internally.  We need to recognize and courageously name/admit what’s going on and allow ourselves to feel our feelings, think our thoughts, face our realities, and be in touch with our inner life.  The truth will set you free.
• Be Known – Bringing things we’ve become aware of out of hiding and into the light of God’s love and grace, where they can be transformed with God’s help.  This step of surrender often requires bringing things into the light and being known with safe people as well as with God.  Things tend to lose their power over us when they are brought into the light and known by those who love us.
• Invite Love In Experientially – We need to invite God’s love in and experience it fully.  Love heals.  I notice people (including myself) often race passed this step.  We think we know about love and that we’ve already done this in the past.  In this step, we need to feel and experience love in the present, in our current discovery/mess.  We need to soak in love long enough for it to actually sink into our wounded, defensive, unloved places.
• Develop Our True Self – Rediscovering, claiming, and living out of our True Self, our true identity, so our True Self can come out of hiding and express itself in healthy, loving ways.  We change when we rediscover and live as our True Self, and then experientially connect our True Self to God, per Charles Whitfield.
• Empower Loves Flow – Allowing the overflow of God’s love to pour out of our True Self onto others – passing on what we’ve received.
  Hey, I just formed the acronym ABIDE! I could do a sermon message on this!

Over the past couple years, I have seen Eric become more loving, confident, and secure as he has engaged this on-going journey of redemption.  Eric ministers to a church of about 700.

Thank You:

Thank you so much for walking with me through my journey into living more fully out of my True Self through this Kingdom work I feel privileged to do.  You are a blessing to me and to the people benefiting from this ministry.

In His Love,
Randy

Paintings on Cardboard:

PS  Here are a couple of my latest paintings:

                                                Emerging From Shadow

                                                        Anime Annie Mae
Hmmmm.  The picture in my head didn’t look like Japanese anime, but since that’s how it turned out, I swear it’s what I intended all along.

Randy’s June 2009 Update

Where In The World Is Justin?

Justin Vorel, age 28, considers himself a nomad.

He spent two years in Afghanistan.

Two years in Taiwan.

And he spent a year riding his bicycle from Oklahoma to the southern tip of Chile (approximately 12,000 miles).  My butt hurts just thinking about it!

Then he ventured to cold and snowy Chicago, where his internal world and external life began to unravel.  Welcome to Chicago, Justin! ☺

“Too much road is not good for the soul.  I lost part of myself out there.  I lost part of my heart.  I am now seeking to put all those exiled pieces together.” -  Justin

Justin heard about me from a number of random people he met.

“All roads led to Randy”, he joked after we started meeting.

Where Do We Go From Here? 

“Having my world fall down around me left me reeling for a life line.

“I didn’t know what it was that I was looking for, but I knew that I hurt really bad.

“I wanted to run away, but I knew from experience that the problems would only follow me.  There is a difference between running away and living the nomadic life.

“So I humbled myself and I did something that I have not done in a long time – I asked for help.

“I asked for others to walk with me.  I can honestly say, for one of the first times in my life, my heart found a home in my body.

“It started out by opening up my heart to a few acquaintances.

“These acquaintances mentioned Randy’s name, so I gave him a call.  We set up a time to meet.

“I didn’t know which direction we would go in, but one thing I knew is that no one could be as desperate as I was.

“I really threw myself into the reading and doing the heart work.

“You see, I had been in ministry for ten years, doing missions and having traveled to 28 different countries.

“I had the ‘doing’ and ‘going’ down really well, but I did not have the ‘being a child of God’ down at all.

“I was striving to be so many things that I was not.  My identity was so wrapped up in the externals.

“In my striving, I starved my soul.

“It was not until I said that I am lost could I be found.

“In my time with Randy I really grew.  I started the process of discovering parts of my heart that I did not know existed.

“In my discovery process, I realized that part of my problem was my inability to receive love – I was not allowing myself to be loved and accepted.

“I sought God and began discovering the ways I am loved.

“I began surrendering to that love and truly experiencing it.

“In just three months, I learned so much in my meetings with Randy.

“I still have a nomad’s heart.  Yet, I have learned over the last months that I must journey from a healthy place.  Running away, striving to be what I’m not, is not being true to myself.

“I know that the Lord is calling me to take steps to go back overseas.

“I believe next time will be different, because my heart is so radically changed.

“I know that I am loved and accepted, not because of what I ‘do’ or that I ‘go’, but because of I am lovely and deeply loved, as Christ demonstrated by dying on the cross for me.

“I am holding on to the truth that I do not have to ‘do’ anything to be me.  All I have to do is ‘be’.  I just have to abide in Christ and open up my heart to God and to others.

“To surrender is to find oneness.

“To know myself, I can only be known as I know the Maker.  To find the Maker, I must surrender from playing the game and trying to pretend to be the mask before me.

“I feel like during my time in Chicago, I was given the tools to leading a victorious life.” –  Justin Vorel

Where YOU made a difference:

I believe Justin has embarked on a worthwhile journey – one more challenging than biking 12,000 miles.

While he was briefly here in Chicago, I witnessed God doing some loving work in him that I envision being carried to hundreds of people from many far off lands.

I’m convinced Justin will do ministry in the future differently than he did in the past.  I believe in more loving, healthy, and sustainable ways.

We may not all be nomads.  It’s nice having the privilege to invest in one, who will go for us.

Thanks so much for making this possible.  I couldn’t have met with Justin if it wasn’t for your financial support and prayers.

Where Can I Find Out More About Justin’s Adventures?

If you’d like to follow Justin’s journey or read more about his past, check out his personal blog (which includes his bike trip) at http://thenomadlife.blogspot.com and his Afghani blog at http://nomadincentralasia.blogspot.com

(Note: All the photos in this Update were taken by Justin.  He’s an amazing photographer among his other many talents.)

In His Love,
Randy

 Randy’s May 2009 Update

Prague, The Czech Republic

The Prague mission trip went well.  It’s probably best to tell through pictures.

         Prague is beautiful.

And…the Czech Republic has one of the least religious populations in all of Europe.

During the 40 years of Communist rule, religion was virtually outlawed, and churchgoing was strongly discouraged.  Today, the majority of Czechs classify themselves as either atheist or agnostic.

Heroes of Faith: 

On our trip, we partnered with three Christian Czechs/Heroes who are trying to make a difference in their homeland.

    Vitech                                  Anna                         and                     Stepanka

They work through an organization called “Teen Challenge” and are trying to reach out to the Romani/gypsy children in the city. 

I came to admire these three Czech nationals.  They are working hard, with very little support or encouragement, to make a difference in these children’s lives.  It appears to be a very slow process, with unknown long-term results, due to this countries spiritual climate.

How We Served:

Our team of fifteen (mostly 20somethings) assisted and encouraged these three by serving with them as they ran their after-school programs for the children.

We also prepared an outreach event for children in a city park…

… and we worked on a construction project called the “House of Hope” – a building that will serve as a foster home for gypsy children when their parents are unable to take care of them (due to jail time, drugs, abuse, etc.). 

The House of Hope will also serve as a place to hold the Teen Challenge after-school programs, where these young people can learn about God and hear about Jesus’ love for them.

Vitech has been working on this house all alone for about four years.

Promotional Video:

While we were there, one of the team members was working on a video to help bring more awareness about what these folks are doing in Prague. 

To artistically capture the environment these children are growing up in, the videographer wanted an opening scene showing Vitech walking in front of a wall covered with graffiti (which was plentiful).  Vitech would then start spray painting graffiti on a wall.  The camera would pan back to see that the graffiti said “House of Hope“.  A further pan back would show the graffiti on the actual House of Hope.

Trouble was, they weren’t sure how they were going to spray paint the graffiti on the house.  Who could they find who could spray paint graffiti on a wall?

Randy Goes Ghetto:

I got to do my first graffiti job –  all for the glory of God!

Now I wanna do more!

If you’re interested, check out a video of the graffiti/construction in process:

Prague // Day 4 Update from Axis on Vimeo.

Randy tries to enter the culture and learn the most important words of the language: 

 In attempting to maintain a learner’s heart and a beginner’s mind, I wanted to learn the most important words in the Czech language…and culture.  After some in depth investigation, here’s what I learned:

The most important word I learned was “pivo”, which means “beer”!

The second most important word I learned was “na zdravy” (nah z-drah-vee), which means “to your health” when drinking beer!

When you say “na zdravy”, you are to touch glasses with each of your companions while looking them in the eye.  If you don’t make eye contact it is a sign of severe disrespect.  You must do this with everyone at the table. 

From what I read afterwards, as everyone at the table reaches to clink their glasses with each other, if any two people’s outstretched arms intersect in any way, the two will suffer seven years of bad luck in the bedroom.  Dang!  Why didn’t someone tell me this before the trip?  How many more years of bad luck in the bedroom can one  single guy stand?

 Lastly, you touch your glass to the table before lifting it to your mouth.  Apparently, if you don’t do this, it will go even worse for you than the seven years of bad luck in the bedroom. I don’t even want to imagine the horrors that could befall those people.

 In Closing:

The trip was beautiful…

          …and hard. 

I felt a lot of uncomfortable internal stuff on this trip – as my heart grew for these people and as I faced deeper layers within myself that are still in need of loving transformation, as God continues his re-construction work on my inner chambers.

I truly believe everyone should go on a mission trip at least once in their lifetime – preferable periodically. 

Each trip I’ve been on has been impacting in some way, especially those that have allowed me to be with the poor in transformational ways.    

I’m so pleased these 20somethings are taking trips like this.  I trust that God will use trips like this to shape and form himself in them in ways that will impact their love relationship with him and the trajectories of their lives. 

I believe it will impact the way they view the world, how they engage and interact with the poor and disenfranchised and others who are different from themselves, how they partner with God in dealing with the difficult problems that face our broken world, and how they choose to interact with people in loving ways that hopefully facilitate intimate union with God. 

I applaud these young people for taking the risk of stepping outside their comfort zones and paying the cost to go on a trip like this.  

Thank You’s:

Special thanks to my Dad, who provided funding for travel.

Thank you all for your prayers, encouraging words, and support. 

I feel very blessed to have you on my team, especially after seeing the people serving in Prague with so little encouragement and community.

In His Love,

Randy

Randy’s April 2009 Update

Book Recommendations:

This month, I’m adding to my book recommendations list (for those of you who are reading along).

If I could only pick four books (outside of the Bible) for people to read, currently these would be the four I’d recommend:

The Gift of Being Yourself – David Benner

This book is a great way to begin on a deeper journey of discovering God and yourself in more experiential and transformational ways.  It will introduce you to concepts like your False Self and True Self, and truly knowing God experientially (from the heart) as opposed to simply knowing about God (in your head).  Currently, this is the first book I usually recommend and go through with the young leaders I mentor.

Changes That Heal – Dr. Henry Cloud

I’m called to love God, love others, and love myself in healthy ways.  I’ve found this book to be a useful tool in helping me become more aware of, and deal with, some of the issues that keep me from giving and receiving love.

 In this book, Henry Cloud looks at four topics:

1. Bonding with others to form healthy relationships (how to do that and what happens when I don’t)
2. developing healthy Boundaries
3. understanding the G0od and Bad in myself and others, and
4. growing emotionally and spiritually toward Adulthood.

This is one of those books where I often see myself described in the author’s examples.  Sometimes I wonder if Henry has been spying on me!  As I honestly take a look at the issues he describes, and then invite God and his love into the issues that I deal with, I notice that I take another step in my journey of transformation and redemption.

The Emotionally Healthy Church
 A Strategy for Discipleship that Actually Changes Lives – Peter Scazzero 

The thesis of this book is that emotional health and spiritual health are inseparable.  It is not possible for a Christian to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature.

It is often our emotional immaturity and unhealthiness that causes problems and prevents us from growing spiritually and living out our spirituality in loving ways.

This book is a great overview of areas that we may need to continually mature in:

• how to get beneath the surface of the things that are holding us back
• how to break the power of the past
• how to live in brokenness and vulnerability, rather than in pride-fullness and defensiveness
• how to live within our human limits
• how to grieve our losses
• how to live a life of love, including how to actively listen in ways that bring about transformation

FYI: Peter has some interesting videos on YouTube.com. Just type “Peter Scazzero” in the search box.

 Surrender To Love – David Benner

God wants us to move beyond responding to him out of fear and obedience to intimately relating with him out of true surrender to his Perfect Love.  When we surrender to love, we may then be transformed by love and become love.

As I become more self-aware and God-aware, Surrender to Love continually means something deeper and richer to me. 

As I walk with people on this journey, I like to save this book until we do some digging into their barriers to giving and receiving love, which may be uncovered from the previous three books mentioned.  I find this book is more life-changing after a person has looked at some of the deeper things in need of surrender and on-going redemption.

Enjoy your reading!

YouTube recommendations:

Just for fun, here are a couple YouTube videos that were memorable or somehow inspired me.  (They have nothing to do with this ministry.  Or do they?)

Beautifully imperfect:

 
Discovering Someone’s Hidden Beauty:
Susan Boyle reveals the beauty she has inside

Beautifully Imperfect People Around the World:

I hope those filled you with some love, laughs, and tenderness toward this beautifully imperfect world in which we live.

Prayer requests:

I’m going on a mission trip to Prague in May.  Please pray for our team as we attempt to let God’s love flow through us to the unloved gypsy children in that city.  I’ll let you know how it went in next month’s update.

Thanks for your prayers, your love, and your support.

Lovingly,
Randy