Michael Guggliemucci

By now most of you would have heard about the recent news that Mike Guglielmucci has confessed that his so-called battle with terminal illness was a fraud. This is a mind-boggling turn of events that is sending shock waves throughout the Christian community.

A whole range of emotions emerge when something such as this comes to the surface - from anger to compassion. There are also some personal challenges that I identify:

One is for me to examine everything in the hidden depths of my heart.

The second is to look at my attitudes. At a time like this it is very easy for Christians to 'devour' each other. Hear is a question for you. When you heard about Mike did you run to the the phone to let someone else know, or did you pray for him, his family, and the many people who will be impacted by this event? Why? Hmm....

Also, why is it htat we often look to people for our foundations in faith rather than to God? Yes, people are going to let us down and dissappoint us, but our trust is not in them.

I am uncomfortable with many of the rants on the internet about the matter, so instead, my focus will be to examine myself.

Mal Fletcher has some insightful thoughts on the matter.

Mark Conner shares the following:

More details about the Mike Guglielmucci story continue to unfold. This tragic event may end up being just a minor blip on the radar as far as the media goes but the effects within the church world may continue to build momentum for quite a while yet. After all, he's one us - a follower of Christ.

Having read the myriad of comments on my and other blogs, it is clear that there is a diversity of thoughts and feelings on this issue. I think the challenge for us all at this time is to seek to find a balance of Grace AND Truth, two things that Jesus was filled with (John 1:14).

The danger is when we go to either extreme - Truth only without Grace OR Grace only without reference to Truth. Jesus modeled these two important aspects in perfect balance. His response to the woman caught in adultery was radical Grace - 'neither do I condemn you' - AND radical Truth - 'go and leave your life of sin'.

Posted by Braden Matson

Fijian Ethnic Youth Camp

I had the privilege recently of sharing with the Youth Leaders at the Fijian Ethnic Youth Camp. There are some great young men and women involved in the Fijian Churches who are passionate about God. I am looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in ther lives. Well done to Lolo and her team.

Posted by Braden

Summit

We just had an amazing time at Summit in Rotorua. Pastor Thomas Hansen was incredibly insightful in what he shared. A real highlight for me was the dinner on Friday night on the Lakeland Queen. A whole lot of people shared in a open and vulnerable way about the season they were going through. It stresses the need for our constant support of each other as Youth Pastors and Leaders.

Summit emphasised again the strength that we have as a movement.

Amos took a whole lot of photos for us so as soon as I get them I will put them up.

Posted by Braden