That Narrow Road

As of lately, my eyes are opening rather widely to the things of Western culture that go against the nature of the Kingdom of God. Perhaps this is the Father's way of preparing my heart to a new culture, one that does things differently than the way I may be familiar with. 

Yesterday, Jose and I were discussing some of the changes that may occur in our worldview, both theoretically and practically, as we set off to Central Eurasia. But he said something that is still ringing in my ear 24 hours later: "Here in America, we do the things we do because we think it's the best way to do them." You're probably going, well obviously...why wouldn't we? And you're right. We shouldn't do anything one way when there could be a better way, right? This reminds me of the many encounters we had as newly weds when one spouse does something by tradition that the other thinks is rather odd. In fact, story time. 

*leans back, clasps hands together* About a week ago, we decided to have a spaghetti night. We happened to have some friends over (not for dinner), so I was busy entertaining them while Jose kindly cooked dinner. Next thing I know, dinner is ready! I look to my wonderful husband as he is digging in and ask, "how is it?" He quickly replies, "ehh." He goes onto explain to me that there wasn't enough sauce to mix in with the pasta. I'm all like, "uhm, excuse me, did you mix them altogether at once?" "Well of course I did, I always do!" Needless to say, he and I cook and mix pasta and sauce very differently. Why? Because we both (very strongly) believe that the way we do it individually is the best way. 

I'm not going to sit here and point out all of the American practices that are "unbiblical" because that discussion would be aimless. Rather, I place in your hands the challenge to look at your culture through a Kingdom lens. [What do I mean by that?] Take overall principles found it the Word, like community, trust, faith, obedience, and apply them to your life. 

While I'm not going to nitpick at American culture, I will take a moment and be transparent about what this looks like for me:
Almost weekly I am faced with the question, whether it be from a fellow student or a professor, "So what are you going to do when you graduate?" Sadly, it was worse when I was a freshman, before I even found my footing! The most frustrating thing about this question is that those who ask it are either expecting a grandiose response or one to compare their own plans up against. "Kingdom culture," as I will take the liberty of calling it, says one of two things with pure confidence, "The Father hasn't directed me yet, so I am waiting on Him" or "Point A, until He leads me otherwise." These are the principles of trust and obedience. Unfortunately, saying this with confidence becomes an issue when these answers (especially the first one) are looked down upon based on their insufficiency. 

American culture teaches security and planning, so of course this goes against the grain! But friends, I dare you to recognize that the Father has not called us to coincide with culture. His ways are higher, which means they beg of us more than we may feel like we have to give. But it's out of our lives laid down and our resistance against the continuity of comfortable living that we find true joy, true fulfillment, and ultimate Kingdom success. It's time that we put to rest the constant comparison game and measure ourselves according to His call on our lives. *cue motivational music*

Why adventure?

"Isn't what you're doing hard work? Why is it 'The Lopez Adventures?'" I've been asked that once or twice here in the last few weeks, and I haven't really found that the question deserves an answer. To me, it's so painfully obvious that I shouldn't have to respond. But my wife tells me constantly that I'm a little too extreme sometimes, so I thought I'd take a stab here: life is supposed to be an adventure. Ever since I was a kid, climbing trees and exploring the woods behind my aunt's house, I've always had a sense of adventure. My first overseas experience had me begging for more. My second had me addicted. I don't know where we get this idea that just because we "pick up our crosses daily" that we do so with awful perspectives. I love that I have been called to do what we're going to do. Isn't the hard work an adventure in itself? I've sometimes struggled with the thought that others might think because I find it exciting, it's just a vacation. What we want to do is far more than a vacation... It's hard work, tiring, frustrating, overwhelming.... I don't want to be naive. I do, however, want to approach this journey with an attitude of excitement. We're going to do work, don't worry. If you choose to partner with us, you can rest assured that you won't be throwing your money away on a grand vacation. Instead, you'll be investing into an adventure that is sure to change not only my life, but yours as well... Not to mention the people of Central Eurasia. This may be called The Lopez Adventures, but you're invited to participate in this adventure as well. Come with us, learn with us, be with us. I know this seemed more like a rant, maybe it was... But I wanted to express this thought: this is an adventure and we're inviting you to be a part of it. Thank you for reading my post, I promise my next one will be much more engaging. :-)

Drawing the Line

It was a Youth Rally in South Texas. Students piled into Grace Fellowship with all expectation to be changed. I was one of those students, and I wanted more than anything to find my calling. Throughout the next 2 days, I heard a few messages, but it wasn't until the last one that I made a decision to involve myself in something missional. Speed the Light. I heard the needs and my heart and spirit were moved with compassion. Finally, something I could do with my young, newly saved self that would impact the lost around the world. "How much should I give, Lord?" That number is gone from my memory, but I remember being filled with the desire to sell all that I could to give to workers who had already given all they had to answer the call. I sold my Ipod Nano (remember those?!), some fancy pairs of shoes, my camera, and did whatever little babysitting jobs I could find. Some may say that it was all hype or that I was chasing after something insignificant, but to that I have a reply: Hype fades away. I was changed. I walked different. The way I viewed material things was forever different. The measure of trust I placed in the Father to provide grew tremendously.

I could try to point to one moment in time where I was "called," but I would be leaving out all of the many times I have been asked by the Holy Spirit to obey. See, our callings are a compilation of the many times we have humbled ourselves to listen to the still small Voice. Burning bush encounters are appreciated, but not required. I will pause my story with this note: If you're waiting for your own burning bush encounter, you could be waiting in vain. Is there a need? Are you able to fill it? Then step up and do so.

I don't believe that it's the first question many struggle with. The need is always easy to see, to perceive. Look through your Facebook feed now, and you'll see the many posts from Christians with a lot to say about the tragedies happening globally. But how many of them are posting pictures, stories, prayers of their action towards change? You see, it's the second question that stings. Why? Because it deals with ability, capacity, equipping. Well, at least that's the question that stung for me. To be called to a foreign country was a "higher calling." To me, it was always something that only those who were brave, bold, and strong enough could do. Silly, right? I always wanted to be the one on the other side of Speed the Light; I wanted to be the one getting the vehicle, the sound system... but me? I'll pray, I'll give. I'll go if He lets me.

Jose's and my calling began to truly blend together at the understanding that there were people who have zero access to the Gospel. It was this injustice that gave us a binding burden. Not only was it the knowledge of their inaccessibility that gripped me, but the understanding that no one had reached them yet. There's where I drew the line. No more. "Lord, send me. I have to go." It was World Prayer at SAGU. An hour had gone by, everyone was leaving, but I couldn't get up. I couldn't stop weeping. After this encounter, when I found the strength to stand up, I walked out changed, yet again. I knew then that I would do whatever it takes to reach them. Whoever "them" was. From then on, it wouldn't be me, my ability, capacity, or equipment; it would be Him. He is able, He is capable.

And here... we... go!

There are people going to a Hell they do not even know exists. Let me set the stage. January 21, 2010, just before midnight. I was coming off a fast and wanted to devote the last couple of hours solely to seeking direction in my life. I had met Tasha a few days earlier, and since then my mind was going nonstop with the questions any single guy asks God: "is this the one?" Cause when you're young and single, that's almost all that occupies your mind. But that night, there was something different going on. I didn't know what it was, but inside of my heart I knew something was about to change-- my life was going to be different. Call it anticipation, call it fear, excitement... destiny? I eventually uttered those all important words to God, those 7 words that many have said to be careful praying: "what do you want me to do?" I say many, because to me these words have been the most impacting words I have uttered to God, outside of accepting Him to begin with. His response was so fresh, so real, so... cutting. Cut me to the heart, to the very core of who I am. He responded so gently, but so firm. Whispering into my heart a phrase that has been tattooed to my soul, God revolutionized the way I saw my future, the way I saw my life, and the way I saw the world. He said, "There are people going to a Hell they do not even know exists." At this I wept. I cried like a baby. In this dark, small, dirty, smelly utility closet-turned prayer room on the first floor of my dorm, I found Him. I felt God more real that day than ever before. It was here, in this brokenness, that He asked me the followup question. I've learned that with God, He's going to shake me to the core and then ask for a followup, and this time proved no different. When He asked me, "what are you going to do about it?" I knew the only response I could give. What more could I say, but "I'll go, Lord. I'll go."

This is just the beginning of my journey. 4 years later I'm married and now, officially, itinerating to go overseas. There's much more to this story. I will attempt to not bore you with the small stuff. We hope this blog will help you get to know us, will encourage you in your own walk, and give you an inside look at the day to day craziness of what we are attempting to do. Sincerely and from the deepest recesses of our heart: welcome to our journey.