Live the Adventure
Bro. Pagel
Ideas from Men’s Ministry — Wisconsin District UPCI
What exactly would you consider to be an adventure? Where would you go? What will you do to find adventure? The Oxford Dictionary defines adventure as an “unusual or exciting experience.” Also, “dare or undertake,” and “incurring risk.” So, are you adventurous? Do you consider your life to be an adventure? Are you ready for a week-end that could change your life?
Jesus, his disciples, the apostles, the prophets, and many of our forefathers have been the real deal and have lived the adventure of Jesus. We have been called to get our hands dirty and to fulfill the great commission. It is imperative that we equip ourselves with the Word of God and move from our comfort zones in order to be the apostolic men that are willing to engage in the work of ministry. If we don’t, who will?
We must dare to engage ourselves in a worthy risk if we are to experience the exciting and unusual. Men, it’s time for us to stop telling each other about Jesus and start living the adventure of Jesus in our everyday life. I don’t know about you, but it is a waste to live a life of apathy and missed opportunities, yet it seems that many have outgrown the heart of the boy that made him invincible and have traded our adventurous life for “maturity” in which we do nothing more than go to work, build a career, pay the bills, read the newspaper, and surf the net. There are things we have to do, but what about the adventure?
Paul said it best in Romans 13:11-12 when he said, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” It seems things aren’t much different now than they were then except that we are living closer to the second coming of Jesus. So we must challenge ourselves to get involved in the adventure of a lifetime.
The Men’s Ministry of the Wisconsin District believes that apostolic men desire to “Live the Adventure” and want to impact our world. It is our generation, and our time to rise to the occasion and experience the great revival God wants to give us. We are stronger together and if you are looking for a band of spiritual brothers to join then you need to consider attending Men’s Camp 2008 on August 1st and 2nd at the Wisconsin District Camp Grounds. It will encourage and equip you to start living the adventure again! Make plans to attend now. We look forward to seeing you there!
Neighborhood BBQ How-To’s
Try this simple tool this summer to build bridges of friendship with your neighbors! The logistics are below, but don’t forget to cover this event in prayer, asking God to use the time as an opening to deepen relationships and eventually share your faith.
A Week Before the BBQ
* Talk enthusiastically to a few key neighbors and enlist their support.
* Take a flyer to each person on your block (example below). Be sure to spend time greeting the neighbor; introduce yourself if he or she does not know you.
* Ask several neighbors close to you if they can provide BBQ’s for this event. If you do not have a table to put food on, ask a neighbor if they have one you can use. Card tables work!
Anytime Before the BBQ
* Buy sodas for more people than you think will come. Buy drinks you will use if there are leftovers.
* Buy paper goods (plates, cups, napkins).
* Buy mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and relish.
* Buy nametags (very important)!
The Day of the BBQ
Set up the BBQ’s and light them in time to be ready by your start time.
Set up food tables, a jar to collect $1 from each person, name tags with a pen, condiments, and paper goods.
Buy ice and put all drinks in a bucket with ice and water.
Suggestions During the BBQ
* Give everyone a nametag; encourage them to include their address under their name.
* Have everyone introduce him or herself during dessert.
* Ask them to respond to a simple, non-threatening question that each person can answer, such as:
* How long have you lived here and what attracted you to this neighborhood?
* What do you appreciate about living in this country? (If it is July 4th)
* What is the most unusual (or fun or hard, etc) job you’ve ever had? (If it is Labor Day)
* Be sure to let anyone “pass” if they are uncomfortable responding.
* Set out a ping-pong table, bocce ball, or other games for kids.
Enjoy the time!
Sample Flyer:
YOU are invited to a…
Labor Day, Sept. 4th (Monday Eve)
NEIGHBORHOOD B-B-Q
Where:
Bill & Fran and Keith & Barbara’s front lawns: 1234, 1236 Main Drive
When:
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4th
What To Bring:
* Meat for yourselves to B-B-Q
* Buns for hamburgers (if you want)
* Salad or dessert or whatever else you want to share with 4-5 other people
* I per person for soda, paper goods, and condiments
* Knives, forks, spoons for you and your family
* Blankets to sit on – or a table and chairs
Provided:
* Cold Soda
* Paper goods (plates, cups, napkins)
* A hot B-B-Q
* Condiments (mayonnaise, mustard, catsup, relish)
RSVP by Sept. 2 (Saturday)
123-4567 – Bill & Fran
Come and enjoy you neighbors!
This article “Live the Adventure” by Scott Pagel is excerpted from http://www.neighborhoodbiblestudy.org/ehelps_bbq.htm.
