tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46109166852897712632024-02-06T21:09:25.534-05:00Manhattan DiaryGaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-42442632569790859852010-01-20T22:03:00.002-05:002010-01-20T22:11:06.715-05:00Musings from Manhattan - Looking Back on 2009 and Forward to 2010!As I write these words we are exactly a month away from the wedding of our daughter Michelle and Bradley (BJ) Haas. Michelle and BJ met in Central Asia. BJ is from the Buffalo, NY area. They will be getting married Saturday, February 20 in St. Paul’s German Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manhattan.<br /><br />Our lives and the lives of our family have been busy this past year. We would love to catch you up on some of the main events.<br /><br />We officially became empty nesters and saw our run of 16 years of having a teen-ager come to an end. Eric, our youngest, celebrated his 20th birthday in December. In September he moved to Long Island City (Queens) and has been sharing an apartment with a couple of young men from our church. At the end of August Eric was hired as a concierge/doorman at a midtown hotel. He keeps very busy, but enjoys the challenges of the hotel industry. He is very good at what he does (words of his manager!). He took it pretty hard that the New York Jets bounced his Cincinnati Bengals out of the playoffs.<br /><br />So Michelle is getting married! BJ popped the question in June after our visit to Central Asia in May to see where Michelle has been for most of the past four years and to meet the young man who had created a stir in her life. One of the significant events of that trip was when BJ officially asked me for Michelle’s hand in marriage. After the wedding the future Mr. and Mrs. Haas will be in the U.S. for a few months until they return to their posts. Michelle is developing a new love for the intricacies of hockey (must be a Buffalo thing!).<br /><br />We continue to enjoy having Kristina, José, Sophia and Nicholas so close (West New York, New Jersey). We had some memorable times together in 2009: watching the first year of Nicholas’ life, Grandparents Day at Sophia’s school, a rainy day at the Aquarium in Brooklyn to celebrate Sophia’s birthday, Sophia and Nicholas dressed as Fiona and Shrek for Halloween, Nicholas’ first birthday, the special times of going back and forth across the George Washington Bridge over Sophia’s favorite body of water “The Hudson River,” and of course a wonderful time together at Christmas. Kristina and José both work in midtown Manhattan. The Torrejón family was very excited about the New York Yankees’ 27th World Series Championship. <br /><br />Charlotte continues her work as head nurse at a dermatology practice on the Upper Eastside. She keeps busy meeting with women of our church in a mentor relationship. Together we provided premarital counseling for several couples in our congregation. In June we became facilitators for Dynamic Marriage and led our first eight-week workshop of 11 couples in the fall. At the beginning of 2009 Gary left Barnes & Noble after five years and joined the staff of Trinity Grace Church as Pastor of Justice & Care. One of the highlights of the year was attending the Mobilization to End Poverty in April sponsored by Sojourners in Washington, D.C. Pastoral counseling, benevolence work, coordinating premarital counseling for numerous couples, and serving as an elder at TGC along with justice issues keep me busy.<br /><br />Our trip to Central Asia was the first time either of us had been away from the Western Hemisphere. We learned the true meaning of jet lag and discovered that Spanish did us no good as much as we wanted to use it. We celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary in August and our seventh year in New York City.<br /><br />We look forward to 2010: seeing Sophia and Nicholas continue to grow and babysitting them occasionally; watching and waiting with Kristina and José as God continues to lead them; welcoming BJ to the family; and celebrating Eric as he moves steadily into manhood. We are so thankful for the privilege of serving God through Trinity Grace Church as we gain further perspective on why God led us to this city in the first place.<br /><br />We are very thankful for the love, prayers and experiences we have shared with you over the years. In spite of challenging times we enter 2010 with optimism and commitment to see God’s Kingdom come in our lives, in our neighborhood, in our city and in our world. What a great time to be alive!<br /><br />Because of Jesus,<br />Gary and CharlotteGaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-21978297269195115242009-11-10T16:18:00.004-05:002009-11-10T17:17:50.199-05:00Am I too busy to write?A few days ago I determined that I would discipline myself to write consistently about life and the experiences I am having and the things I am learning. However, I find it difficult to get started. I just finished reading Donald Miller's latest book <span style="font-style:italic;">A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned from Editing my Life</span>. One of the things he said was, "People who live good stories are too busy to write about them."<br /><br />In so many ways I am living a good story, and maybe I have been too busy to write about it; but truth be told, the story could be a whole lot better, and taking the time to write it down is what I know that I need to be doing. I want to live a life that truly counts for something. And just as I embark on that great adventure of life Donald Miller speaks again: "Here’s the truth about telling stories with your life. It’s going to sound like a great idea, and you are going to get excited about it, and then when it comes time to do the work, you’re not going to want to do it. It’s like that with writing books, and it’s like that with life. People love to have lived a great story, but few people like the work it takes to make it happen. But joy costs pain."<br /><br />The discipline for me will be the living and the writing, the writing and the living - allowing the one to challenge and mold the other. I'm involved in a good story. It will only get better as I take the risks and am willing to embrace the pain. So I am really to live and write, to write and live.Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-52683092999976562482009-10-14T16:29:00.002-04:002009-10-14T16:35:01.731-04:00What will it take?I was sitting in a meeting yesterday. We were talking about what it means to live out our call to follow Jesus. An old quote from John Wesley came to my mind and has been stirring my heart since then.<br /><br />"Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth."Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-13551877922248760012008-12-16T20:13:00.002-05:002008-12-16T20:19:00.533-05:00Milestones of 2008On December 7, Nicholas Miguel Torrejón came into the world to join his sister Sophia and his mom and dad, Kristina and José. We welcome this 8 lb. 3 oz. beautiful baby boy as our second grandchild. He is healthy; his mother is doing fine; and we thank God for this little bundle of joy!<br /><br />Eric (19) graduated from high school this year. He is working at Barnes & Noble as a bookseller. He took a quick trip to Europe in October and is planning to go to college in the spring.<br /><br />Michelle left to go back to Central Asia in April, then made an unexpected return trip home a month later when a health concern arose. After three weeks she was given a clean bill of health and is back and very busy in her multi-faceted work as deputy director of a relief agency there.<br /><br />Besides adding another member to their family, Kristina and José moved to West New York, NJ. They both still work in Manhattan: Kristina at APA International and José at J. Crew. Sophia is an adorable 2½-year-old who makes “Ama” and “Papa” feel very special.<br /><br />Charlotte completed her third year as head nurse in Dr. Ellen Gendler’s dermatology office. While not always an assignment, God has given Charlotte incredible favor and little by little the impact of her life is bearing fruit. Charlotte has been busy throughout the year meeting and discipling women through Trinity Grace Church where we attend. This coming year she will be giving leadership to the women’s ministry. Of course, she treasures her Fridays, the day she gets to spend with Sophia.<br /><br />Gary reached the five-year milestone with Barnes & Noble in November. He has worked as a merchandise manager the past two years. It has been a valuable experience. <br /><br />Seven years ago we sensed very strongly that God was calling us to Manhattan. We arrived here in July 2002, and over the past six and a half years we have had to put our trust in God that He knew what He was doing when He called us here. Almost two years ago we began attending Trinity Grace Church (then called Origins). Immediately we sensed we had found a home and a place where we could participate in building God’s Kingdom. We have both become active in loving, leading and nurturing the people who have gathered in this faith community. Celebrating three years of existence this coming April, TGC is now a growing community of 700 people. And now the next chapter of our lives: Trinity Grace Church has asked Gary to come on staff as Pastor of Justice and Care. Beginning in January Gary will be responsible initially to give direction and raise up lay ministers who will provide pastoral care throughout the city. Also Gary will be working to put feet to our faith as we tackle in Jesus’ name issues such as hunger, poverty, homelessness, prejudice, and other justice issues.<br /><br />As a family we are blessed, we are thrilled with the privilege of ministering in this amazing city during one of its most challenging times.Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-63190648735562345082008-10-18T13:05:00.005-04:002008-10-18T13:23:17.824-04:00The Undecided Have to DecideDecision 2008 is upon us. There are only 17 days left before we go to the polls to elect the electors who will elect the next president. Can I just say that there is something strange and wrong about the electoral college? But that wasn't my point...the point is that there are only 17 days and a brief moment in the voter's booth left to make a decision to help determine who will lead the country for the next four years.<br /><br />I have been reading over a period of months "Red Letter Christians" by Tony Campolo. The premise is that we shouldn't vote in a bloc, but examine each issue and determine where the major candidates stand and then vote accordingly. Our voting should measure up with the teachings of Jesus found in the New Testament. The problem is we can't mix and match to create a candidate that fulfills that criteria on every issue.<br /><br />As I read, study and pray I find myself only 17 days away from pulling the lever...Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-77520871885012856532008-09-08T11:40:00.003-04:002008-09-08T12:03:53.527-04:00Same event brings new perspectiveLast September I wrote about a significant event that took place on September 8, 2007. The morning of that day God communicated to my heart in a powerful way that I was right where He wanted me to be...that He had plans for Charlotte and me and that we could rest in Him and His will for us. That happened on the second day of a leadership retreat through our church.<br /><br />This past weekend we participated in another leadership retreat twelve months and many incredible kingdom building, community building experiences later. What I realized is that the significance of September 8, 2007, made another date very significant in my walk with God: July 5, 2002. That was the day that Charlotte, Eric and I arrived in Manhattan with dear friends from Central Wesleyan Church in Holland, MI, who came out with two pickups and two U-haul trailers to bring us to our new home.<br /><br />For several years I had looked back on that date and wondered if I had somehow missed a signal. Was living in Manhattan really God's first and best plan for our lives? As I sat in a small circle in a pole barn in Pennsylvania last weekend during the retreat God's purpose became all the more clear.<br /><br />I came to Manhattan with a lot more to learn about God, me and this city than I ever dreamed or realized. On July 5, 2002, I arrived physically, but the spiritual, emotional, psychological, and relational components were underdeveloped and needed testing, seasoning and developing.<br /><br />Now for a guy who's almost 52 (on Saturday), that's not always easy. I look back and stand amazed (and sometimes bow in amazement) at the mercy and grace of God. What an awesome and glorious Father who loves me, continually manifests His patience, and is willing to use me to make a difference in His world. All glory belongs to Him!Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-61572701678966271232008-09-06T22:21:00.005-04:002008-09-06T22:42:32.511-04:00The Incredible Month of August is now over<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcUSZO90ne1wu3xZOaaaWFCCzkFOdCUcrRTdoZb4_duuARm_A_dybZZPKAzDkqOrAzxbwWOG_U6eTpiVv7YUo7uJ678yyzKEwROYW_vS04hX7oqzL-teNcLQK51Gs-hWN7OFkOMhX2RIQ/s1600-h/Gary+%26+Charlotte+Mon-Tues+anniversary+week,+2008+031.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcUSZO90ne1wu3xZOaaaWFCCzkFOdCUcrRTdoZb4_duuARm_A_dybZZPKAzDkqOrAzxbwWOG_U6eTpiVv7YUo7uJ678yyzKEwROYW_vS04hX7oqzL-teNcLQK51Gs-hWN7OFkOMhX2RIQ/s200/Gary+%26+Charlotte+Mon-Tues+anniversary+week,+2008+031.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243103406285506482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKMZLWNt3Xb2SoTEiJ0o5yXfLkRuq9_Nx4cwmvl-CQ1b4uD34KLknC6I-p1DYrW-OPFFlEz1WRyViNS8M_VFbu1AUBC20HQPKkB8OTx06Mvi66PgEdl-XLUYXHqaO7HKNpGISF9nYKSNm/s1600-h/Gary+%26+Charlotte+Mon-Tues+anniversary+week,+2008+019.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKMZLWNt3Xb2SoTEiJ0o5yXfLkRuq9_Nx4cwmvl-CQ1b4uD34KLknC6I-p1DYrW-OPFFlEz1WRyViNS8M_VFbu1AUBC20HQPKkB8OTx06Mvi66PgEdl-XLUYXHqaO7HKNpGISF9nYKSNm/s200/Gary+%26+Charlotte+Mon-Tues+anniversary+week,+2008+019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243103754401115314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIjkzhWU68LtsjInXnb_Tcm3_FQS6KOvOKADbpmH6iNWWN4CWa1r4dgN3JdxmF9D9OjI4AdyY_l-HHJw3_-oYoIwCznCns41y5ehkPgkHbmH2J4zOCN5HEJ1go5F_xE6n_hQnGjMGzvkw/s1600-h/Gary+%26+Charlotte+Mon-Tues+anniversary+week,+2008+034.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIjkzhWU68LtsjInXnb_Tcm3_FQS6KOvOKADbpmH6iNWWN4CWa1r4dgN3JdxmF9D9OjI4AdyY_l-HHJw3_-oYoIwCznCns41y5ehkPgkHbmH2J4zOCN5HEJ1go5F_xE6n_hQnGjMGzvkw/s200/Gary+%26+Charlotte+Mon-Tues+anniversary+week,+2008+034.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243102946135414818" /></a><br />The absolute highlight of the month of August for Charlotte and me was our week away to celebrate our 30th anniversary (August 26th). We drove five hours away from the city to the Finger Lakes region of New York state. What a beautiful area and what glorious weather we enjoyed.<br /><br />We spent two days in Seneca Falls, home to the National Women's Rights Museum. It was there in 1848 that delegates met in the Wesleyan Chapel for the first convention on women's rights. Seneca Falls is also believed to be the place that inspired Frank Capra when he made my favorite all-time movie "It's a Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed.<br /><br />Other stops included Auburn, Skaneatles, Ithaca, Highland, and New Paltz. Restaurant highlights included Simply Red Bistro and The Would Restaurant. We also found some might fine bed and breakfast inns. It was just the sort of trip that suited us and one we will remember for a long time.<br /><br />Thirty years!Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-52449101687617354322008-08-18T16:39:00.002-04:002008-08-18T17:00:12.212-04:00An Incredible Month...and it's not over yet!I knew the month of August was going to be significant because it marks 30 years that I have been married to the beautiful and amazing Charlotte, but little did I know how much would be packed into this month...and it's not over yet!<br /><br />Sunday, August 2, Charlotte and I took part in the Upper West Side weekend gathering as we have done on other occasions. We had lunch with Cece and Regina at the Key West Diner and then went to our Upper Manhattan Missional Community. What a rich time we experienced as we entered into a profound conversation on what it means to live missionally. We had been asked to participate in the weekend gathering in Chelsea at 7:00 p.m. and so we took the downtown "A" train to the beautiful St. Paul's German Lutheran church where Origins meets in the evening. It seemed a bit strange that Charlotte and I were asked to give the benediction together, but we did, and then the announcement was made that we were celebrating our 30th anniversary, effectively making us old enough to be the parents of 97% of the congregation present! We were led downstairs to the fellowship hall. There our missional community had planned and prepared an amazing reception, complete with food, balloons, flowers, candles, pictures, a wedding cake decorated like the original, and a sea of the most amazing people in Manhattan, including two of our children. How blessed we are, not only to celebrate 30 years, but do it in the community called Origins!<br /><br />The next weekend we were able to spend a day with Charlotte's parents and then attend a family wedding on my side. We brought my folks back to Manhattan with us and they were able to attend our church, experience our Life Group and understand a little better why we are committed to living and serving God in this city.<br /><br />This past weekend was a little more low key, but maybe even more significant--living in community--seeing how that really looks: caring, sharing, celebrating, cleaning, surrounding a hurting member, eating, praying, giving God the glory for the gift of His dear Son who makes all this possible. As we heard Sunday, we are God's glorious inheritance. Wow! I am speechless!<br /><br />Next weekend...another wedding...can't wait to celebrate with Josh and Jess! And then Charlotte and I are going to do some celebrating of our own--a week away during the actual date of our anniversary!<br /><br />It's been an incredible month...and it's not over yet! Dog days of August? I don't think so!Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-27213468106696764002008-07-02T10:00:00.002-04:002008-07-02T10:17:28.773-04:00Thoughts on the Second Half of the YearYesterday was the first day of the second half of the year. Six months down and six months to go. We still have Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Election Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas to look forward to. But there are many more ordinary days to come as well before the end of 2008. How will I live out those "ordinary" days?<br /><br />Each of those days can slip by unless I approach them with intentionality, with purpose, recognizing that each one is a gift to be savored and treasured, one that will not pass by again. How will I spend today? How have I already spent the first four waking hours of this day? I believe that time spent with God is time well invested, but even that time is squandered if the following hours are wasted or misappropriated. I am heading out to have brunch with my wife and daughter who just flew in for a doctor's appointment. Even that reminds me of the fragility of life and the importance of seeing every day, every hour as precious. Then I go to work...especially difficult after having three days off, but even there I need to be purposeful and see it as more than just a job, a way to earn a living. How can today be significant?<br /><br />I have a notion that if I treat each hour, each day as significant, especially making time with God the foundation of each day, the next six months will be the most significant time in my life...to quote my high school pastor and mentor Carles Fletcher.Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-21107303485716393102008-05-05T22:00:00.002-04:002008-05-05T22:22:48.162-04:00Thoughts in a Natural SanctuaryThe beauty of God's creation surrounds me visually and in stereo. Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan has been transformed by spring into one of the most beautiful places I can imagine. Even an airplane flying up the Hudson River to avoid Manhattan airspace and a police siren down on the Henry Hudson highway cannot rob me of this sanctuary. A little squirrel moves trustingly past me. In this moment all seems right with the world.<br /><br />Yet I know that such is not the case. I am becoming more aware of injustice and inequality, of suffering and starvation, of disease and cruelty. Whether it be the Holocaust of the last century or its latest manifestation in Darfur--all creation groans--the cyclone killing 10,000 in Myanmar this weekend another grim reminder.<br /><br />The suffering comes close to home even as a relative deals with a family member going through the degenerative stages of dementia, going from a stately, dignified proper person to a pathetic shadow of their former self.<br /><br />Even as I exult in the beauty of the glorious hues of the springtime flowers and innocent fragility of the leaves on the trees, I know that when I return in July, and in October, and again in January, that beauty will mature, then age, and then disappear altogether.<br /><br />I am reminded of words that Jesus spoke once as he gazed at the intricacies of nature: "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" (Matthew 6:28b-30, ESV).<br /><br />The issue was clothing and God's provision. My anxiety today is not about clothes for my body, but clothing for my anxious spirit in light of the realities we face. I believe I am called to do more to bring about the Kingdom of God, but I am inadequate, even naked due to fear, being overwhelmed and wondering what it is that I can really do. I am tired of giving lip service to the great causes that move God's heart. What can I do to bring God's redemptive love to a hurting world? Show me Father how to answer the call to be on the front lines of your movement so that your will is done on earth as it is in heaven.Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-33535909202164757602008-04-01T14:08:00.003-04:002008-04-01T14:43:52.593-04:00A Glimpse of the Father's HeartFor the past two weeks I knew that I wasn't looking forward to March 31. Last night at the airport we said good-bye to my youngest daughter as she began a three-year stretch on the other side of the world, answering God's call on her life. It isn't her first time away by any means, but this time it seems more permanent, no longer as a volunteer, but making a career choice. The tears flowed freely as I hugged her and whispered into her ear my love, my pride, and my loss.<br /><br />While there were tears from her as well, she is going out with excitement and enthusiasm to do her part to make a difference in the world. All of a sudden I remembered another scenario 21 years earlier as I said my tearful good-byes to my parents in the Indianapolis airport as my family of four headed to South America for what would become a major chunk of our lives. I remember my mom saying that it was the hardest day of her life and yet how proud she was of us.<br /><br />Twenty-four years earlier my parents with two small children (my sister and I) said good-bye to their parents and relatives in the Indianapolis airport as they embarked on a journey that would take them to the jungles of South America. I don't remember much that day as a six-year-old, except for my fear of the escalators. I couldn't comprehend why tears were flowing, nor that I wouldn't see my grandparents, uncles and aunts or cousins for five long years.<br /><br />Thirty-three years before that my grandparents left the Midwest on a train to go to California where they would sail for Asia. I can't even imagine what that must have been like for them at that stage of history. They were leaving all that they knew without knowing if they were ever see home or family again. There my uncle and mother would be born.<br /><br />Almost 80 years have passed since that first missionary journey in my family. While I am deeply thankful for the heritage that I have, and for the privilege of responding to the call personally, in the light of Easter, I am most thankful for Jesus who left His Father's house to so completely identify with us and make it possible for us to have our relationship with God restored.<br /><br />"(Christ Jesus) had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became <span style="font-style: italic;">human</span>! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death--and the worst kind of death at that--a crucifixion. Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth--even those long ago dead and buried--will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father" (Philippians 2:5-11, The Message).<br /><br />Because He was willing to leave His Father, there are people here, and in places where my family has been privileged to serve that have, are, and will call out in praise to Jesus! All to the glorious honor of God the Father!Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-63896570894849668472008-03-25T11:11:00.005-04:002008-12-10T02:03:30.611-05:00Two Books to Augment Your Easter Celebration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-Nd2jJPdh3D_SG_u4SAx3C3X27lnEQwJhZPb5mQqKOpUtVB1w5uVoFuwdGXD7-L3Oobnhopv2TtJIou0vRwFtuCGUHaCjm9X9OzRbrfUhA09bm2rurzxNv7wR3fqWKfxKWQOl9YWMFMU/s1600-h/25291735.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181700226464441298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-Nd2jJPdh3D_SG_u4SAx3C3X27lnEQwJhZPb5mQqKOpUtVB1w5uVoFuwdGXD7-L3Oobnhopv2TtJIou0vRwFtuCGUHaCjm9X9OzRbrfUhA09bm2rurzxNv7wR3fqWKfxKWQOl9YWMFMU/s200/25291735.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkHx5J25V_D8ovLNcSotXeGnToGlv3q-EI3YUOy66va8iWEqW-jDwj-klV6KPmndDL-GkVslpUYw-IM2FehLmucp3F7HtRwWPmY3efwZ-GcE1y5wM_ZIU5aUfGja4MdjpFaE6G8HojwAC/s1600-h/20460081.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181700080435553218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkHx5J25V_D8ovLNcSotXeGnToGlv3q-EI3YUOy66va8iWEqW-jDwj-klV6KPmndDL-GkVslpUYw-IM2FehLmucp3F7HtRwWPmY3efwZ-GcE1y5wM_ZIU5aUfGja4MdjpFaE6G8HojwAC/s200/20460081.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I just finished reading two books that made celebrating Easter even more significant. The first one is <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Surprised by Hope</span> by Anglican bishop and theologian N. T. Wright. You can never look at Christ's victory at Easter the same way after reading it.<br /><br />The other book, I read in one day, <em>The Shack</em> by William P. Young. Eugene Peterson of <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The Message</span> says that it "has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan's <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Pilgr</span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"></span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">im Progress</span> did for his." I was quickly drawn into the book and it is having a profound impact in my life. Check it out at http://www.theshackbook.com.Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-86730775721769929272008-02-18T13:32:00.005-05:002008-12-10T02:03:30.909-05:00Cousins<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOdRhyR9gXVx8-el1lQYzjhEC-cAvjKkKpSeBZJz8-8Tc7RuXEBzvEvl0rf5Bv9t6zGtYeMiyQgqaGkW8flrp1a2IzcMKvV0i4fEeQqm810AeSWmyO7nGejKWho7T6yh4SZ2qPynyGYGF/s1600-h/IMG_4534.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOdRhyR9gXVx8-el1lQYzjhEC-cAvjKkKpSeBZJz8-8Tc7RuXEBzvEvl0rf5Bv9t6zGtYeMiyQgqaGkW8flrp1a2IzcMKvV0i4fEeQqm810AeSWmyO7nGejKWho7T6yh4SZ2qPynyGYGF/s200/IMG_4534.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168393423628001026" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCbp73ZxhHrMwAP0S0NrOqWnE_Pr_BxZY1CTGhUbsbsijys3swK24FqHmOvRSSTRjvR7k5jw9jyMy1nCA9B9FxT07SuCCb07C9wg8XqbFymOUb6XVCCyExcNXjJaXmKXtg81kf4P4uO_j/s1600-h/barack-obama.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCbp73ZxhHrMwAP0S0NrOqWnE_Pr_BxZY1CTGhUbsbsijys3swK24FqHmOvRSSTRjvR7k5jw9jyMy1nCA9B9FxT07SuCCb07C9wg8XqbFymOUb6XVCCyExcNXjJaXmKXtg81kf4P4uO_j/s200/barack-obama.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168391263259451106" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Gary Wiley and Barack Obama--seventh cousins!Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-91997661250216586102008-02-18T10:44:00.003-05:002008-02-18T13:52:06.224-05:00Six Degrees of SeparationI have had an interest in my family tree for more than 30 years. Early on most of my information came from older family members, family Bibles, and occasional trips to libraries with genealogical sections. Now the internet has brought a wealth of information, especially census records, to my computer screen.<br /><br />A few months ago I was able to connect my Oden (mother's side) family tree with an early immigrant by the name of Mareen Duvall. Mr. Duvall was a French Huguenot who left France for England, and then settled in Maryland in 1650. Sarah Duvall, his great-great-great granddaughter married Elias B. Oden, my great-great-great grandfather. Mareen Duvall "The Emigrator" as he is known is my nine-great grandfather.<br /><br />Saturday afternoon, before going into work, I was indulging in one of my weaknesses, watching coverage of the political process. I had tuned into "Ballot Bowl" on CNN and they were showing excerpts from the stump speeches of the different presidential candidates. I heard Barack Obama mention once again "his cousin Dick Cheney" and my curiosity got the best of me. I googled "Barack Obama's cousin Dick Cheney" and found the article that told about the family connection between Mr. Obama and Mr. Cheney. Their common ancestor is none other than Mareen Duvall "The Emigrator." As it turns out Barack Obama is my seventh cousin.Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-84546813362223432592008-02-03T01:36:00.000-05:002008-02-03T01:57:47.763-05:00Why I Am in Manhattan...It's 1:35 a.m. and I just got home from another closing shift at Barnes & Noble. The store was exceptionally busy tonight, due in part I'm sure to the lousy weather that kept people home Friday night and because Sunday night many people will be home cheering on the hometown Giants in the Super Bowl.<br /><br />On my way home, waiting for the #1 train to take me 60 some blocks uptown before walking another seven blocks, I was reflecting on my day and what it means to live in this city and what it takes to live and responding in my head and heart to the question of why I live here. The answer is almost as complex as the city and as varied as the activities and involvements that each day presents.<br /><br />Today for example, after sleeping in until 9:20 after another closing shift, I spent some time with God and with Charlotte (a rare commodity it seems these days). I was trying to clear my head from my nighttime dose of Nyquil (another pesky cold)! Around 12:20 I made my way up to la Iglesia Presbiteriana on 174th and Wadsworth where a program called Outreach Exodus Inner City meets six days a week. My first cousin once removed, J.J. Pickett, volunteers there on Saturdays. He invited me to meet the executive director Matthew Mahoney. Outreach Exodus provides tutoring after school for students in Washington Heights. On Saturdays they offer a Bible club among other things. Through our Upper Manhattan Missional Community (Origins Church) we are hoping to partner with Outreach Exodus perhaps as tutors, but especially as volunteers to invest in the lives of these at risk kids and by God's grace give them hope for a brighter future. I was privileged to meet some of the volunteers as well as have lunch with Matt, J.J. and Dave.<br /><br />I left there encouraged and excited about the difference we can make in Jesus' name in our neighborhood as we live <span style="line-height: 14.44px;" class="style_4">the teachings of Jesus in the culture and rhythm of the city. Then I headed off to work and while it seems routine and maybe mundane, that too is a place of ministry.<br /><br />The air was crisp on my walk home. I saw a drug deal go down...at least that's what it appeared to be...I felt no danger because this is the city that never sleeps and there were others walking home after their long day of work. I am thankful for God's call on my life. I have some strong dreams and desires that I am asking of God, that I would love to see come to be as I live and minister in this city. But I know that all things are in His time. And I am learning to be content.<br /><br /></span>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-91588177645393758652008-01-21T09:08:00.000-05:002008-01-21T09:36:14.724-05:00Inaugurating Missional CommunityThe Upper Manhattan Missional Community met for the first time last evening. What a wonderful time of experiencing God's presence in community. Twenty adults and one baby filled Melissa's apartment in Washington Heights to near capacity. The food was good, the worship was rich and the sharing was transparent and sincere.<br /><br />For me it was an amazing day living in community. From worshiping on the Upper West Side and having the high honor of participating in Josh's ordination, offering up a prayer for him to trying to unclog the drain in Casey's apartment, but having failed, then enjoying a great meal with Charlotte and Casey at Dallas BBQ, to schlepping Subway sandwiches 22 blocks in our cart (that's right--cart not car!) to Missional Community and enjoying the warmth of Melissa's apartment while outside the weather was bitter cold--ahh!--life in Manhattan!<br /><br />I am excited about Missional Community. We are but one of six communities flourishing to life in Manhattan through Origins Church. These communities provide a way for people to connect and interact with each other, pursue Christian discipleship, and work together to bring renewal to our city. In Upper Manhattan we believe we can have impact in our communities--building bridges across cultures and language--as we share the love of Christ with our neighbors. We are looking forward to partnering with other ministries in the community as well as offering beginner Spanish classes for English speakers to help us identify better with the majority population--following in the steps of Jesus!<br /><br />Our icebreaker last evening as we broke up into two smaller groups was to state a dream, hope or wish. My dream is beginning to be fulfilled--to be part of a movement that is impacting Manhattan for Christ and bringing people together for the glory of God!Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-69879974574340282782008-01-14T18:08:00.000-05:002008-01-14T18:34:48.321-05:00Can We Trust Emotion?We have become very skeptical when emotions show. Mitt shed a tear when he recounted his emotion over hearing that his church had changed its official stance on African Americans several years ago. Some thought he had committed the Muskie mistake of 1972. Maybe he did. Hillary had a catch in her voice when she answered a personal question the day before the New Hampshire primary. Would it cost her votes? It appears in this case it made her seem more human and approachable. Just today T.O. (Terrell Owens) literally broke down as he defended his quarterback teammate from charges that it was his (Romo's) Mexican vacation and inattention to details that cost the Cowboys in their loss to the New York Giants. A tearful T.O. maintained that it was a team loss. Many will see it as just another of T.O.'s drama shows.<br /><br />One of the books I read at the end of the year was <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jim & Casper Go To Church</span>. Jim was a pastor for many years and is a follower of Jesus, while Casper is the friendly atheist he hired to accompany him to visit a host of churches from mega church to medium-sized church to house church, all to determine if these churches were doing what Jesus intended. It is an interesting read, and Casper shows no mercy in his critique of churches and Christians in general. One of his most severe criticisms come against pastors and speakers who utilized emotion: the break in the voice, the escaped tear, the heart-wrenching story. Rather than seeing this as genuine, Casper saw it as manipulation.<br /><br />Can we trust our emotions? When we tell the story that we are in...the story of what God has and is doing in our lives and in our world...what place does emotion play? Should our telling leave out emotion? What do you think?Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-23003825167397327122007-12-27T12:15:00.000-05:002008-12-10T02:03:31.560-05:00Christmas Greetings from Gary and Charlotte WileyIt is impossible to summarize a year in just a few paragraphs, but as we have celebrated Advent over the past four Sundays it is symbolic of what has happened in our lives during 2007. Six years ago the course of our lives took a drastic change as we stepped away from ministry in Peru and embraced the Big Apple. We had no idea what living in the way of Jesus would look like in Manhattan. Honestly, much of that time felt like "spinning our tires" on slippery pavement, but the certainty that we were where we were supposed to be was something that we could not deny. In our time of transition of frustration, God took us from expectation, to confirmation that our Lord was working in our lives and in His world, to joy in the waiting, and finally to a realization of His peace.<br /><br />Over the past eight months God has revealed that we are exactly where He called us to be--to participate in the establishment of His Kingdom in this city and beyond. We are thankful for the people He has brought into our lives and the opportunities He continually gives us to minister. The celebration of Christmas is all the richer this year as we harmonize with what God is doing in His world!<br /><br />Our youngest, Eric, turned 18 this month! He is a senior in high school and anticipates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROSa7pKBeTc3U9JtvVrBcIbvGo9-UKkEj5gCRfEOyWRLoKtDCrXQjNR4ZjCwkx77SMgHrntwc40izu2fGLe-ZMc4WkZ7X5DAcxy7ePTxBizBq_Bx3sekofrDqdg0Pov3M5wrs7nyIzuaD/s1600-h/DSCN3646.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROSa7pKBeTc3U9JtvVrBcIbvGo9-UKkEj5gCRfEOyWRLoKtDCrXQjNR4ZjCwkx77SMgHrntwc40izu2fGLe-ZMc4WkZ7X5DAcxy7ePTxBizBq_Bx3sekofrDqdg0Pov3M5wrs7nyIzuaD/s200/DSCN3646.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148705032772612226" border="0" /></a> graduating in June from the High School of American Studies. He works two days a week at Barnes & Noble, is active in F.A.T. (Faithful, Available and Teachable) Kids, and plans to go to India in February with a group from our church to minister in an orphanage of children from the lowest caste.<br /><br />Michelle is home for Christmas after being away last year. She was appointed by Global Partners in August as a career <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiAhHWUVXoz-lm68_ceWzFuTZfia1Ty5QT3b5V_ykS6HrqDFM3AynA0rVTt2BWNEorbIG0CbZbBnYnCilhrZXo7ItrVcY39cFKW-9l7FygcLY-ALLq_EDkKVfCUWNPyZw3V-uONnucKgz/s1600-h/DSCN3631.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiAhHWUVXoz-lm68_ceWzFuTZfia1Ty5QT3b5V_ykS6HrqDFM3AynA0rVTt2BWNEorbIG0CbZbBnYnCilhrZXo7ItrVcY39cFKW-9l7FygcLY-ALLq_EDkKVfCUWNPyZw3V-uONnucKgz/s200/DSCN3631.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148706308377899154" border="0" /></a>missionary to continue working with the Karis people. She spent the fall months in Holland, Michigan. We are thankful for her life and commitment to minister in a very needy part of the world. Her plans include leaving the U.S. in the spring. Right now she is enjoying spending time with her niece Sophia.<br /><br />Kristina, Jose and Sophia have had a busy year. Kristina continues as the office administrator for APA International and Jose is the merchandize manager at the Rockefeller Center J. Crew. Sophia is 20 months old and amazes us with her vocabulary. She know how to brighten a room and put a smile on your face. Grandma<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitO8gQZoticJqIrn6KvL1Nj-WR4xG1qDnOSOGskrg8POqj1zq04vqujLzazcaFXRPvP9-8AxJYhejJRmVK_k6EkqDJ2aHtCAe9rwf7YDD-TNpSsIcQrMn9i19MgkBufd-YRecatDNGVRIH/s1600-h/IMG_4053.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitO8gQZoticJqIrn6KvL1Nj-WR4xG1qDnOSOGskrg8POqj1zq04vqujLzazcaFXRPvP9-8AxJYhejJRmVK_k6EkqDJ2aHtCAe9rwf7YDD-TNpSsIcQrMn9i19MgkBufd-YRecatDNGVRIH/s200/IMG_4053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148710783733821650" border="0" /></a> and Grandpa love every minute we spend with her. Sophia and her parents made a couple of trips to Peru in 2007 for two weddings and she was able to get better acquainted with her Abuelo and Abuela Torrejon. She also recently visited her great-grandparents Lawn in Pennsylvania.<br /><br />Charlotte is having a growing impact as head nurse in the dermatology practice where she works. This has been a pivotal year for her to see how God is using her in that setting. Gary finished his first year as a manager in the Upper West Side Barnes & Noble. God has opened doors for touching lives there. One of the biggest things has been the community into which we have been privileged to worship and minister. Origins Church will celebrate two years of <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjYAxMVIDlkk7a3JGwKLUGxpvdeFrip3vaSJSIrOUO1MrFlbZl_mOwB0s9QvSp3GLsyxJ-pCgn7tTqMpzgSzAVOz73RUnhTRMPlL4GyektJphG6QqLKObO7Oy03c_oyoaR9ksxEs_Fxw_/s1600-h/DSCN0360.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjYAxMVIDlkk7a3JGwKLUGxpvdeFrip3vaSJSIrOUO1MrFlbZl_mOwB0s9QvSp3GLsyxJ-pCgn7tTqMpzgSzAVOz73RUnhTRMPlL4GyektJphG6QqLKObO7Oy03c_oyoaR9ksxEs_Fxw_/s200/DSCN0360.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148713747261255906" border="0" /></a>ministry at Easter and God is using it in a significant way. There is not enough space to tell what God is doing there, but we are thrilled to see the vision God gave us for Manhattan come to be through our involvement with Origins. We have been leading a Life Group since September and in 2008 will lead a missional community in Upper Manhattan. You can learn more about the ministry of Origins at www.originsnyc.com.<br /><br />Had God reveled to us how He wanted to use us in Manhattan six years ago, we might have had second thoughts because it didn't fit our concept of ministry or how we had "always done it." Six<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyA3vZ3FHzZlKv-YVXsL8iASajHM4DHFGJZlNeffWPmtvztULKW7cfG44oUst5rgA4fiyMmKsEHp47nF8ukvqITUTBe70xoOsP9xtIQj_SFMZvJenYISPrY4QtXU66BNWDGu-TSkGJJ8C/s1600-h/DSCN3599.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyA3vZ3FHzZlKv-YVXsL8iASajHM4DHFGJZlNeffWPmtvztULKW7cfG44oUst5rgA4fiyMmKsEHp47nF8ukvqITUTBe70xoOsP9xtIQj_SFMZvJenYISPrY4QtXU66BNWDGu-TSkGJJ8C/s200/DSCN3599.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148714198232822002" border="0" /></a> years later we can see the wisdom of God who gives us hope in the darkness and gives us joy in the waiting, and fills our hearts with peace. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus and the wonderful opportunity He gives each of us to participate with Him so that His will is done on earth as it is in heaven, our prayer is that you will be filled with His hope and peace. MERRY CHRISTMAS!Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-53372546263228162432007-11-01T11:25:00.000-04:002007-11-02T13:02:14.583-04:00October RecapAs I write today there are only two months left to this year! The month of October was full and eventful and brought more evidence of the exciting things that God is doing in our lives and the plans and purpose He has for us.<br /><br /><br /><br />The door for effective ministry continues to open. One of my coworkers has been very open with me about his search for God. He has come to our Life Group and we have been able to eat dinner together away from work to talk about his spiritual search. Also, my former manager has recently transferred to my present store. We have had some interesting conversations in the past and now we have the opportunity to work together again. Charlotte and I continue to view our jobs as an opportunity to minister--not overtly, but through our words and actions, allowing God to be seen in us. It's a challenge, but God is faithful!<br /><br /><br />One of the highlights of October for me was attending a book signing on Staten Island. Brian McLaren was there to discuss his new book "Everything Must Change." I will mention more about his book in my October Reading section. However, as I was one of the first ones there, I had about 15 minutes to chat with Brian. Over the past five years his writings have had a tremendous impact in my life and have given me a strong passion to see God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. It was great to meet up there with a group from the Origins community. I was able to blaze the trail on subways, ferry and bus to a "remote outpost" of NYC ahead of the group.<br /><br /><br />Charlotte and I, along with about 75-80 people from Origins, took part in the Strength Finder's Seminar on October 6, led by Eric Bryant from Mosaic Church in Los Angeles. We found the seminar very helpful as it focused on our strengths (resource developed by Gallop Organization) and how them relate to ministry. My number one strength is "communication," maybe that is one of the reasons I have to do this blog!<br /><br /><br />Over five years ago when we moved into Washington Heights we really wanted to be able to impact our community for the Kingdom. While our original plans have been modified greatly, God's original intent has not. Charlotte and I are leading a Life Group through Origins that is taking a serious look at Jesus' call and our response. We are working our way through the Sermon on the Mount. There is a growing consensus and passion for our community "Up in the Heights" where most of us live. We represent at least 10 different buildings in this community and are seeking ways to share God's love in creative ways with our neighbors. I look forward to updating our "baby steps."<br /><br />We've had some fun this month with a apple picking trip to New Paltz, NY. We rented a ZipCar and made a quick trip 90 minutes out of the city, had lunch in New Paltz, connected with others from Origins who had gone for the day, and brought home half a bushel of apples--all in time for me to be at work by 4:30. Another special occasion was this week celebrating Charlotte's birthday. It was fun taking her flowers at work and enjoying a wonderful meal at our favorite Peruvian restaurant Pio Pio Salon. Thanks Chris and Julia for joining us!<br /><br /><strong>October Reading...</strong><br />Allow me to share where my reading has taken me this past month. It was been varied, but for the most part very interesting.<br /><br /><strong><em>Everything Must Change: Jesus, Global Crises, and a Revolution of Hope</em></strong> by Brian McLaren. This was no doubt one of the most significant books I have read. The author considers it a companion piece to his earlier <strong><em>The Secret Message of Jesus</em></strong>. The bottom line is that the message of Jesus has everything to say about the global crises we face today. There were times that the message of the book was so heavy I had to put it down. But as I read the last four chapters I found myself weeping with joy at the prospect that there is hope to make a difference through the Kingdom principles of Jesus!<br /><br /><strong><em>The Year of Living Biblically</em></strong> by A. J. Jacobs provided some comic relief from the deep themes of the previous book. Jacobs is an Esquire editor, of Jewish descent who previously had read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica (30,000 pages), and took as his next project to read the entire Bible and try to live one year observing every commandment, rule, or precept. Since he is Jewish he spent the first eight months in the Old Testament and the last four months in the New Testament. There were times I laughed out loud reading Jacobs' experiences with Scripture, but there was also some depth and food for thought in his writing.<br /><br /><strong><em>Peppermint-Filled Pinatas: Breaking through Tolerance and Embracing Love</em></strong> by Eric Michael Bryant. The author oversees the leadership team at Mosaic in Los Angeles and led the Strength Finders Seminar we attended. Lighter reading than McLaren but still packs a punch as he challenges us to love our neighbors and fulfill the vision Jesus had for us from the beginning.<br /><br /><strong><em>Nobodies: Modern American Slave Labor and the Dark Side of the New Global Economy</em></strong> by John Bowe was a new subject for me, but motivated by my growing interest in fair trade products. Knowledge is dangerous, so that now that I know that workers (most immigrants, many illegal) are exploited to pick oranges, apples, other fruits/vegetables, even make clothes "Made in the USA," I cannot go back to my previous innocence. Wow! A challenging field for followers of Jesus to step into.<br /><br />Not all of my reading was so heavy...<br /><br /><strong><em>Tales from the Reds Dugout</em></strong> by Tom Browning...junk reading for Reds fans! Sorry all you others!<br /><br /><strong><em>White Noise</em></strong> by Don DeLillo...winner of the 1985 National Book Award for Fiction. College professor deals with his own mortality and insecurities.<br /><br /><strong><em>Case Histories</em></strong> by Kate Atkinson...very popular mystery by Scottish author...sells well in our store...but not my cup of tea!<br /><br />Love to hear your impressions if you have read any of the books I mention...or other impressions as well.<br /><br />To steal a phrase from Brian McLaren...<br /><br />Plotting goodness,<br /><br />GaryGaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-87309848727467933562007-10-05T11:50:00.000-04:002007-10-05T12:38:57.460-04:00September in a NutshellIt's my favorite time of year--fall! The temperatures have not caught on yet, but fall signals the beginning of football season, baseball playoffs (even though my team didn't come close), beautiful autumn leaves, and pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks (or the B&N Cafe)!<br /><br />I am convinced that the month of September races the quickest across the calendar. It only has one less day than July and August, so why is it? I have to believe it has a lot to do with the increase in activities--things starting up after the summer months, and of course the yearly reminder that I have become another year older and hopefully wiser! I had a nice, quiet celebration. Kristina (my daughter), Eric (my son), and Sophia (my granddaughter) had the day off, thanks to Rosh Hashanah, and took me out for breakfast. Charlotte surprised me at work that evening by bringing me my favorite meal: Eggplant Parmesan, and we had a lovely meal on the bench in the median of Broadway and 82nd. Michelle (my daughter) sent me Mackinaw Island fudge from Michigan, and other goodies and greetings came my way. Charlotte reminded me that I had asked God to show me some direction during my 50th year and he has been gracious to show me that my life is in his hands and that he has a purpose for me!<br /><br />Some of the blessings of September have been our Life Group that has met twice. Jeremy's report of the trip to the orphanage in India really gripped our collective hearts and consciousness. We are working our way through Matthew under the theme of "Jesus' Call, Our Response." We also took part in the walk for PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) on a beautiful Sunday morning with many from the Origins community. Charlotte and I were able to experience the Origins Chelsea service in the evening. We also took part in a rooftop party on the UWS for Environmental Justice. We were challenged to be better stewards of what God has given us.<br /><br />Charlotte has begun to take her lunch (30 minutes) to walk and pray for her office and staff. There have been some definite answers to prayer already. She also attended the first fall benefit for RESTORE NYC at the Yale Club. Faith Huckel, who is a part of the leadership community of our church, shared her vision for starting the first safe house in NYC for victims of sex trafficking.<br /><br />My coworker who asked me to pray for him during a heart episode at work, shared this week that he needs to get back to God. It has been so amazing, because it is so obvious that the Holy Spirit is at work in his life.<br /><br />I will leave you with some of my September reading titles:<br /><br /><strong>"A Matter of Justice"</strong> by David A. Nichols, chronicles the role of Dwight Eisenhower in Civil Rights--that he did more than Truman, Kennedy and Johnson combined.<br /><br /><strong>"The Barbarian Way"</strong> by Erwin Raphael McManus (birthday gift from Eric), amazing little book that challenged me to "let go of a sanitized Christianity and get back to the powerful, raw, and ancient faith that chooses revolution over compromise, peril over safety, and passion over lukewarm and watered-down religion."<br /><br /><strong>"Giving"</strong> by Bill Clinton, excellent resource for living more responsibly as a steward!<br /><br /><strong>"The Preacher and the Presidents"</strong> by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy--two Time reporters take a look at the relationship that Billy Graham had with 11 presidents and his struggle to minister to them and yet not be swayed or corrupted by temporal power.<br /><br /><strong>"Shopping for God"</strong> by James B. Twitchell--subtitle (How Christianity went from in your heart to in your face). The author describes himself as an "apatheist," but has some interesting insights to the marketing of church in our time.<br /><br /><strong>"The Long Ball"</strong> by Tom Adelman--a creatively written history of the 1975 baseball season that altered the face of the sport, and in which my beloved Reds won the World Series...thanks for letting me indulge in faint memories!<br /><br /><strong>"Run"</strong> by Ann Patchett, new book by the author of "Bel Canto"--nice story, but a little too happily ever after. Now I know what to say to the customers who ask for a recommendation!<br /><br />Have a great October!<br /><br />GaryGaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-84398572019331626532007-09-10T11:55:00.000-04:002007-09-10T12:25:52.753-04:006 years, 6 months, 6 weeks, 6 daysI woke up Saturday morning in Greenwich, CT, taking part in a retreat with Origins Church where Charlotte and I have been attending since late April. I didn't sleep particularly well, but when I did achieve consciousness I was distinctly aware of God's presence with me. In that early morning quietness some things became very clear for me: I am in New York City for a purpose and that purpose is to take part in a missional community. It is a call that God put in my life about <strong>six years</strong> ago that eventually brought us to Manhattan. During most of that time as God has been at work in my life and I have been struggling to understand my place in His Kingdom, I have felt like Moses in the wilderness, wondering why I had "left Egypt."<br /><br />About <strong>six months</strong> ago Charlotte and I began to attend Origins Church and found a community that was living in harmony with their stated mission: "Living in the way of Jesus...in the context of the city...with heart for the world." At the retreat our pastor Jon shared more in detail what living in the way of Jesus means: 1) Identity--living as dearly loved children of God, 2) Community--being called into a new family through the blood of Jesus, and 3) Mission--called to something bigger than ourselves. God made it so clear to me Saturday morning that He has called me to this and has been using this "wilderness" time to prepare me for this. He has brought many experiences and relationships into my life that now intersect at this point.<br /><br />About <strong>six weeks</strong> I renewed a weekly time together with a dear brother in Christ. We talked about being a friend like Jonathan was to David in the Old Testament, who was not afraid to speak truth into David's life--something David lacked desperately after Jonathan's death. So a few weeks ago we agreed to live in that way--whatever the cost! That has been a tremendous blessing and challenge, but a key ingredient to living in the way of Jesus...in the context of this incredible and needy city!<br /><br />So in the past <strong>six days</strong> God has given me insight into how He has been working, not so my life is safer or saner or financially more secure--but for the great adventure we are all called to. Last evening we had our first time together as a Life Group and I asked the group to describe their spiritual pilgrimage over the past six months, or six weeks, or six days. It was exciting to hear how God is working...taking in a coworker who doesn't believe in God and doesn't have a place to live because she just broke up with her boyfriend...proactively promoting a walk for Polycystic Kidney Disease because a roommate has PKD and that roommate who is burned out on the church because of previous exposure, is now very open to the expression of love that she has seen through our community...being a genetic counselor at a major medical center wondering how she could have an impact for Christ and realizing that God has place other believers in the same office that He wants to use to minister through their professional skills. God is helping Charlotte and me also recognize that we have an incredible opportunity to minister in our jobs. When we head off to work--it is ministry, pure and simple!<br /><br />I mentioned the walk for PKD. Our group will be walking this Sunday morning at 10:00 in Battery City Park with others of the Origins Community. If you are interested in participating by walking or giving connect at <a href="http://www.pkdcure.org/">www.pkdcure.org</a><br /><br />I finished an interesting book called "A Matter of Justice" by David A. Nichols that recounts the role of Dwight Eisenhower in civil rights in the 50s. It gives a new perspective on Ike.<br /><br />It is exciting to hear how God is working in His world through His children. Share with me as you have a chance.Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-11791699053077179802007-08-27T11:18:00.000-04:002007-08-27T11:19:21.244-04:00Monday, August 27, 2008Yesterday Charlotte and I celebrated 29 years of marriage. We had a quiet celebration that included lunch with friends from church and a late afternoon dessert with Kristina, José, Sophia, and Eric. The day before we had brunch at a restaurant we had wanted to try—Good Enough To Eat—and it was!<br /> The five plus years we have lived in Manhattan are the longest continuous stretch we have lived in any one place. Our years in Lima were interrupted by three home ministry stints. So we now begin our 30th year of marriage and our sixth year in the Big Apple.<br /> Charlotte and I are enjoying reading together. We have always done it while traveling, and our recent trip to Michigan/Indiana was no exception. On the way out she drove and I read A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah who was a boy soldier in Sierra Leone in the 1990s. We highly recommend it to you to get a better picture of what happens to so many children in countries torn by war, especially in Africa. On the way home we read The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. That too is quite a story. So now we have decided to set some time aside even while we are home and share some books together.<br /> We are excited about the coming weeks and the fall season. We will be attending a leadership community retreat in Greenwich, CT, with Origins Church on September 7-8. We look forward to renewing our small group on September 9. We are thrilled that one of the members of our group, Jeremy, is leading a team to India to minister in an orphanage during the month of September.<br /> I have been challenged recently by a book by Tony Campolo and Mary Albert Darling, The God of Intimacy and Action. The book attempts to reconnect ancient spiritual practices, evangelism and justice. To be honest I have been struggling to put it into practice, yet I see how powerful is the connection between intimacy with God and being a true follower of Christ. I have never really participated in contemplative spiritual practices but I can see where this will lead to greater intimacy with God and the outflow will be greater passion for reaching out to others through spreading the Good News and being involved in justice issues. I remember years ago sitting through Keith Drury’s Stratogetics and being impressed with the “ministry wedge”—if we concern ourselves with the depth of our lives, God will take care of the breadth. That’s what I want to see happen.<br /> I appreciated hearing back from some of you. It was an encouragement to have been an encouragement. This is truly an exciting time to live and make a difference in this world.<br /><br />Seeking His face,<br /><br />GaryGaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610916685289771263.post-63895884182190645482007-08-08T20:52:00.000-04:002007-08-08T21:10:07.618-04:00Wednesday, August 8, 2007The temperatures are in the mid 90s today, so hot and humid! Charlotte and I are both off this week on vacation, although Charlotte had to work Monday and Tuesday. Michelle is home. She flew in from Central Asia a week ago and it has been so nice to have her back. This Friday we are driving her out to Michigan and then Indiana. She will be in the Midwest for the next three months. Eric is busy working at Barnes & Noble and taking a summer school class.<br /><br />Yesterday I closed out our storage space that we have had since moving to Manhattan. We are in the process of downsizing. We have things that we have not seen in five years and figure the money we were spending on storage can go to a better cause. In between trips to Yonkers to bring our "stuff" home I met with Jon Tyson who is our pastor--pastor of Origins Church of NYC. We have been attending Origins since April 22 of this year and it has been an amazing experience for us. Origins is just over a year old and meets in two locations in Manhattan. We attend the service on the Upper West Side that meets at the Triad Theater. The vision statement for Origins is "Living in the way of Jesus, in the context of the city, with a heart for the world." Jon is a native of Australia who studied for the ministry at Toccoa Falls (GA), was on staff at a church in Orlando, FL, but has had a passion for New York City and a heart for church planting. The story of how we got to Origins is long, but definitely of God, and we look forward to following our call to "live in the way of Jesus, in the context of the city, with a heart for the world."<br /><br />What motivated me to write this diary, and hopefully and intentionally be in more regular contact was reading through some of the things that were in our storage--copies of our "Wileys' Weekly Wrap-up" and "Every Nation Updates." The call that God placed on our lives to come to Manhattan has not changed in the five years that we have been here. While it is true that the church we hoped to plant did not come about, God did not remove the burden for this city from our heart. This past Sunday as Jon began a new series on "Christ and Culture," he mentioned that only .05% of the population of Manhattan are believers--that's less than the percentage in Japan! Our plans have changed considerably, but our call hasn't changed, nor has the God who called us!<br /><br />Charlotte is still working on the Upper East Side for a dermatologist. The work is challenging and opportunities to share Christ are more in actions and attitudes than in words. Most recently she is ministering to the office manager who just lost her mother and has been bitter toward God for over 20 years. Gary is a department manager at Barnes & Noble on the Upper West Side. Recently one of the booksellers experienced an irregular heartbeat and while waiting for EMS asked Gary to pray for him. It seemed somewhat surreal praying for him right beside the information desk.<br /><br />God is giving opportunities to connect and minister through the church family at Origins. We have been intentional in meeting with people after worship--seeking to create a culture in which Christ is exalted and people find their truest expression in Him. That calls for us to be fully present--to be shapers of culture. People in our circle of influence are in all walks of life and are learning to take seriously the call to represent Christ to Manhattan and beyond.<br /><br />Just recently Charlotte and I were talking about why we are still living in Manhattan. I mentioned that there are few places as challenging to be a follower of Christ as Manhattan--a lot of raw life--up close and personal (especially in the subway)--people constantly in your face, but at the same time, nothing more rewarding than living for Christ here. We believe we have found the place where God wants us to live, grow and minister--touching lives and creating a God-honoring culture that will make a difference in our world and for eternity.<br /><br />We would love to interact with you about the challenge and privilege of creating a culture where Christ is exalted and people find their truest expression in Him.<br /><br />Until next time,<br /><br />Gary and CharlotteGaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14396940661571690988noreply@blogger.com4