On Paul's Belay . . .
For many years I’ve been signing off on my letters with the word’s “On God’s Belay”. At a recent retreat one man misread it and asked me, “What’s ‘On God’s Belly’ mean? We both had a great laugh.
“Belay” is a climbing term that means safety and describes a safety system made up of rope, a solid anchor point and a skilled person who keeps a climber from falling. When I sign my letters with “On God’s Belay” it is a form of blessing. It reminds the reader that God has them on God’s rope and holds them tightly and safely.
The word “goodbye” comes from “God be with ye”. “On God’s Belay” is my way of saying “God be with ye”. Sometime in the future maybe we’ll all be saying “Ogbe” to one another when we mean “On God’s Belay.” You heard it hear first!
Speaking of climbing, I’m delighted to announce a new program offering of TYFI in adventure education. Check out our website for the full details. Adventure education is an excellent way to do Christian community building, cross-generational ministry, team building and mutual discovery. Most importantly, it is a holistic, body & soul way of being church together in nature and through group activity.
You are all on God’s Belay,
Paul |
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Don was a AAA Adult
Every time Don slugged me in the arm I knew I belonged. When I was 16, I went to church under duress, except for choir practice. I went to choir because Don would slug me in the arm and say, “Hey Paul, how you doing?” We would then hang out together and sing in the bass section. Don was an adult member who also worked in the open pit mines of northern Minnesota. A slug in the arm was his expression of Christian love, miner style.
Don was a AAA adult. He was AUTHENTIC, AVAILABLE AND AFFIRMING. He was the real deal. He walked the talk. His lips and his hips went in the same direction. Don wasn’t perfect (that would be inauthentic) but his life flowed out of Christ’s forgiveness of his flaws. He spent time with me and he affirmed me for things I could never see in myself.
TYFI celebrates people like Don through our motto; Helping people live a vibrant faith that is…authentic, available and affirming.” Through the power of the Holy Spirit we try and help create AAA ADULTS; that is, they are authentic in the faith, available to the young, and affirming of the gifts of others. From the transformed character of AAA adults arises church revitalization. “Adult renewal” is a synonym for church revitalization. And AAA adults are the key to effective children, youth and family ministry. As we do daily devotions, study Scripture, live in Christian community, and serve our neighbor the Holy Spirit transforms us, and those around us.
Who have been the AAA adults in your life? To whom are you a AAA adult? |
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