Category Youthmark Stuff

Risky Breakfast in Bellevue

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

(UPDATED Thursday afternoon): I just returned from a breakfast in Bellevue.  Food was great; fellowship was great (sat with some good ministry friends) and the subject was pretty risky for this group!

Bellevue Christian hosted this Pastors/Ministry Breakfast and asked the founder (Craig) from XXXChurch to come and share about the ministry.  XXXchurch.com exists to help people who have, will have or deal with people who have a problem with internet pornography.  Which, according to statistics, almost every person reading this post has consumed it (intentionally or unintentionally) in some way or another (this is certainly not a accusation that you are dealing with a problem, however it is a plea for all of us to deal with THE PROBLEM).  

X3 is the accountability software they produced/distribute (free) at www.xxxchurch.com.  It is available in both mac and pc.  I was very impressed with the presentation and thankful that Craig and others are speaking honestly about an area that has really influenced (read: HURT) millions of lives/families.

Interesting story, a few years ago xxxchurch was asked to provide a cd of their software to all the participants at a large national conference.  They handed out 9000 copies of this software to pastors/leaders.  They had installed a tracking mechanism simply to count how many people registered out of the 9000.  83.  Craig said that hundreds of pastors/leaders had thanked them for the software, said things like, “this is sooo needed in our church,” etc. etc.  Hmmm?  Only 83/9000 used it.  

What is the problem? Well, the problem is that a Pastor, Leader, Youth Pastor, etc. might think that having the program means that others will believe they HAVE a problem.  Will pride be the reason a person doesn’t seek accountability?  Quick side note: This issue is not just a “male” issue either.  Experts predict that 40% of pornography is viewed by/purchased by females.

Here’s how it works: You have the software (download for free here) and you then ask two accountability partners to receive the report, via email, of any questionable web sites visited by the registered computer.  The two accountability friends would then be responsible to contact the person who may have surfed in dangerous waters.  So the problem (pride): If a person loads the software onto his/her computer it may be assumed that he/she has a problem rather than just assuming they want to live a pure life.  

Quick Facts (provided by xxxchurch):

·         53% of Christian men consume pornography

·         57% of pastors call pornography the most sexually damaging issue for their congregations

·         69% of pastors started looking at porn out of curiosity

·         World wide porn industry is: $57 billion; feeding the population of Sudan for a year: $15 billion.

·         Porn revenue is larger than all combined revenues of all professional football, baseball and basketball franchises

·         Worldwide visitors to pornographic web sites: 72 million annually

·         90% of 8-16 year olds have viewed porn online (most while doing homework)

·         Experts believe that a porn addiction may be harder to break than a heroin addiction

So… here’s the risk:  Will you do it? I am going to.  My wife and another best friend will soon be asked (by x3 software) to be my accountability, NOT because I have a problem, but because I want to strive for holiness in all aspects of my life.  Anyone else going to risk?

Grace,
Brian

Rose Hill

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

I have another Youth Group Winter Retreat coming up soon.  I have enjoyed being able to speak for different groups over the last few months.  I welcome the opportunity to speak at these camps for several reasons:

  • Consistent time in the Scriptures preparing for different messages (especially with the varying themes) is always a plus!
  • Relating with youth from a variety of backgrounds (region, socioeconomics, race, etc.) keeps me up to speed with the youth culture and helps with all other avenues of Youthmark.
  • Getting away with adults who love teens.  Youth Leaders (especially the volunteers) are my heroes!  This group is under-appreciated and I look at these camps as an opportunity to celebrate them.  This is also helpful to get to hear their heart so I can speak to some of those areas in future Projects as well.
  • Some of the camps/retreats give me the opportunity to do some new and/or fun things:  Some camps have had bungee jumping, climbing/repelling, street luge, skiing (snow and water, but never at the same camp, ha), boating, and much more!  
  • Stealing ideas for future camps and retreats… technology, games, skits, and more; show me good stuff and I’ll take it (and sometimes give the credit to others! Ha.)
  • I am often invited to bring my family; we take advantage of this from time to time; I do look forward to camps in the future when I bring just one of my kids  as well.  That dedicated time with just Halle, Audrey or Will will be a lot of fun.  And, Lord willing, I look forward to sometime doing a camp with just me and Elisabeth again too (thanks to great Family loving on our kids).

So, pray for Rose Hill Presbyterian Church as we get to do a retreat together soon! 

Grace,
Brian

Calance

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

imagesSince blog is a made up word, I figured I could make up my own word as well (for the computer illiterate, “blog” is a combo of web and log).  So, “Calance” is my attempt at finding Calender Balance over the next few months.

 

On the agenda:

  • A few speaking opportunities, local and out of state
  • continued consulting (which may mean another few trips)
  • planning, writing and all the details/teaching for the 2009 Spring Retreats
  • Several scouting trips for the 2009 summer missions
  • Writing for several projects, including the 2010 Mission Prep Workbook (the follow-up to move)
  • Scouting and Meetings for the 2010 mission season
  • and a few other “not yet on the radar” things.

images-11It may not seem like a lot, but I am trying to figure out the right (and write) “windows of time” to get each of these done.  The scout trips will take 2-3 days each and are ideal to do mid-week when Pastors in the receiving towns are available.  Balance that with a few weekend speaking gigs, and then you try to make time to do the other things w/o interfering too much with family and you then come up with the term “Calance.”

Pray for my calendar balance, I seek to honor the Lord, my family and my work.  I am thankful for the time God has designed for me and gives to me to steward!

Grace,
Brian

A Smattering Of Fun/Work

Brian Aaby 2 Comments

What day is it?  

For some reason the days leading in and following Christmas always seem to throw my internal calendar into a thick haze.  I think it is that Christmas and New Years feel like a weekend day no-matter-what.  Then throw in an actual weekend and then you’re really messed up.  On top of that, as a Youth Pastor, we would throw in the occasional all day event or overnighter and I’d be thrown off even more.  

This year, though not a Youth Pastor, was no different.  In many ways I felt like I got a lot done for Youthmark (especially in the last days before Christmas), but in other ways I feel like I now need to hit it hard because of the lack of productivity lately.  

It was a great Holiday Season, really a smattering (in a good way) of family, friends, work and ministry.  Though each felt a little short changed and rushed, as I look back, the amount of time with each was a created a nicely put together puzzle.

A few of the highlights:

Ministry: Able to share at Calvary Chapel South on a Sunday morning, speak at Highlands Community Church Winter Camp and then, today, speak at a parent meeting back at Calvary Chapel South.  Oh, and I had a great Reunion with my old Lifeboat guys as well!

Family: Too many, bound to miss some, but having E’s folks in town is always nice; the Aaby extended family Christmas went really well; our immediate family loved doing Advent Sundays together and of course Christmas morning is the highlight of the time with them.

Work: Though ministry and work can sometimes be confused, I will say completing the Youthmark Mission Venture Leaders Guide was a huge highlight, especially getting them out on time, before Christmas!

Friends: Of course taking 4th place last night at the hearts tourney was pretty sweet, but it was equally as cool hanging out with the friends there.  On top of that we were able to spend time with many out-of-town folk who were back home for the Holidays.  I learned Farkle (or Farkel depending on who you ask).

Though there are more highlights, I need to leave for church, busy/fun day ahead, continuing the smattering for the next couple days as I have set aside times for friends, work, games, ministry and family!

Grace,

Brian

Brrrrrringing In the New Year!

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

I returned from my 4 day (5 message) retreat with Highlands Community Church.  It was a wonderful camp with about 100 others at the historic Mt. Baker Chalet.  It is a 4-Story A-Frame lodge about 1/4 mile from the Mt. Baker Ski Area. 

 

One of the views from the lodge

One of the views from the lodge

It was COLD, but the Highlands group was very warm!  From the time we arrived on Monday to the time we left yesterday, I believe it stopped snowing for about one 8-hour stretch.  My 4-Runner was buried up to the windows with some three feet on top of it as well, it was quite the sight.  Inside the lodge we bonded well and old relationships improved and new ones were established!  God was at work!

 

The theme of the camp, “Face to Face Friendships” was a perfect one to use 1 Thessalonians as our key text.  I love how Paul names and displays his love for that church.  It was so nice to get away to a place where ipods, hand held gaming, texting, calling and the like were not allowed.  It put us all into a place where we relied upon Face to Face contact.  None of these things (the above mentioned devices) are  necessarily BAD, but they sometimes can distract and/or replace face to face encounters.

It was a great way to start the year, I greatly missed my family, but am blessed to have a wife and three kids who support me the way they do! 

Happy and Holy New Year!

Grace,

Brian

Camp Speaking

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

I am in the midst of studying for an upcoming camp speaking opportunity.  Highlands Community Church of Renton has asked me to speak for the Sr. High Winter Camp.  This will take place at a retreat facility which sits about 1000 feet away from the ski lifts at Mt. Baker.  

 

The Mt. Baker Chalet in the summer

The Mt. Baker Chalet in the summer

The lodge is a 4 Story self contained retreat facility complete with a dining area which doubles as the speaking area, a couple of floors of dorm style cabin rooms and a game area.  Should be a lot of fun getting to know the 100 high school students and staff in this setting.

 

 

The theme of the camp is “Face To Face Friendships.”  This is a theme their youth pastor, Wes, came up with and when he asked me to speak and explained his hopes I instantly became excited and started praying for God to lead me to the right text.  Beyond the speaking theme, I love that  the students are bringing no ipods, cell phones, or electronic gaming devices–all the things which can prevent face-to-face friendships.  This will greatly enhance  the spiritual side of things and the direction I believe the Lord has taken me…

The Fire and View (where I'll speak)

The Fire and View (where I'll speak)

 

 

I have loved my study on 1 Thessalonians.  I love the way Paul loved this church and shared his love for them.  This letter is encouraging, bold, authentic and gets quickly to the point.  I think it has all the makings of “face to face.”  So, pray for this camp, the hearts of the students/staff who will be attending and for God to use the messages and cabin times to speak to the students about His desire for face time.

Grace,

Brian

Great Trip to SoCal

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

I just returned from a quick trip down south.  Some of the highlights:

 

Concentrated Work Time

Concentrated Work Time

Both Flights: The quiet time on the two hour flights affords me completely uninterrupted times to get work done (and the opportunity for pleasure reading at take-off and landing when, “portable electronic devices must be in the ‘off’ position”).

 

Monday coffee and Wednesday Lunch with an old friend from college; able to catch up, but also talk through some potential ministry projects.images-11

Monday Lunch with one of my old roommates from college… we have walked different paths, but it was excellent to get together and share our stories, I pray I have the opportunity to stay in touch with him.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: great times at the SoCal office making progress on a couple projects.

Tuesday: Project planning/dreaming at the office… I even got to do a “press check” at the printers. Plus I completed my outline for the camp I am speaking at in a couple weeks.

images2I enjoyed times with my in-laws each of these days; great meals together in the evenings (Outback one night and a great stew the second night by my Mom-In-Law).images-21

It is very nice to be back home with my family now as I push to get the Youth Leaders Notebook done and sent out.

For those in Western WA, enjoy the Snow!

Grace,
Brian

One Sentence Random Snip-its From My Life

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

Thought I’d try something new and possibly fun with the blog today.  Since text messaging is the rave and seeing as how some of my posts (okay, almost all of the) the 162 characters allowed in text messages, I thought I’d update you on some things about my life with one sentence updates (and some visual enhancements).  Enjoy.

  • To save cash, I’ve been drinking only drip coffees with Sugar Free Hazelnut (instead of lattes and such).
  • Whenever our daughters do anything funny they ask, “Are you going to blog that?”
  • My fantasy basketball team is 7-5 for the season, tied for 5th place (out of 12).
  • This is my 158th post on this blog, I’ve had over 10,000 visits from folk like you.
  • I’m looking forward to a Lifeboat reunion this Sunday with my class of 2008 LB guys.
  • My current favorite at home beverage is Cherry Coke Zero
  • A few new things entering the Youthmark radar screen have me prayerful/expectant/excited.
  • I think that Facebook is ultimately going to be a great personal evangelism conduit as it has put me back in touch with many of my old friends who knew me before I trusted Christ.
  • My immediate at home “to do” list: assemble a bookshelf, fix all three toilets (they all need new inside stuff) and put away Christmas boxes for the next few weeks.
  • I’m reading John Grisham’s book, “The Appeal” for enjoyment reading.
  • Halle lost another tooth this week.
  • My last phone call with Barry St. Clair (mentor) was our best phone convo yet.
  • Excited to share at the main services at Calvary Chapel South this Sunday (they are doing a YMV).
  • Reading 1 John again for my own personal study; great stuff.

Hope you enjoyed the Snip-its.  I’ll try this again sometime.

Grace,
Brian