Author: Believers Church

October 10, 2018 Believers Church

When I was a boy, names like Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, and Dan Marino were hard to avoid. Kids like me pretended to be guys like them at recess. They could run & catch & throw a football like no one else on the planet, which made 1987 a memorable year in my childhood, not to mention the entire world of sports. These illustrious men, along with many of their athletically gifted contemporaries suddenly refused to play the game they were all so tailor made & handsomely paid to play. After appearing for the first two games of the season, 85% of the athletes in the National Football League went on strike, refusing to compete any longer. To their surprise, they were met with rigidly strong opposition from team ownership that would rival the most rugged linebackers in the league. One online article states, “The players had no idea just how determined the owners were to break their solidarity”.

On Sept. 10, the Chicago Tribune reported that the team owners voted unanimously to push through a player strike by signing “anyone willing to wear a uniform”. In response to the strike, they hired a ragtag group of bartenders, firefighters, and insurance salesmen to take the field in place of those who refused to do their job. The Washington Redskins hired a quarterback on work-furlough from prison. The defending champion N.Y. Giants found Mike Busch bagging groceries for $4 an hour, and hired him to replace M.V.P. Phil Simms. One way or another, willing men were found, rosters were filled up, and the game went on. Dallas Cowboys president Tex Schramm supposedly made the remark, “You guys are cattle and we’re the ranchers,” at a bargaining session that September. “And ranchers can always get more cattle”.

BARELY WORTH WATCHING…

These replacement players were hardly professionals. Sources report that “Four or five of them got together and bought a used car for 500 bucks so they had transportation. The hardest thing they had to do was find a coat and tie to wear on an away game”. Another article describes how, while playing in New York, “Cowboys’ receiver Cornell Burbage reached into the stands during the game, grabbed a package and placed it under the bench. It was a box of laundry Burbage’s sister had washed for him. He couldn’t afford to have his clothes cleaned at the hotel”. Mocked & scorned by the superstars they replaced and by the country that watched them, these men would quickly come to be labelled and forever remembered as “scabs”. Television ratings dropped, and for good reason. Instead of watching All-Pro wide receiver Jerry Rice, we had to watch a guy named Carl Monroe. Instead of Dan Marino, it was a water aerobics teacher from Texas named Kyle Mackey. I don’t remember any of my friends ever pretending to be Kyle Mackey at recess.

GOOD WHILE IT LASTED…

What turned out to be a momentous disappointment to thousands of NFL fans from coast to coast proved to be the thrill of a lifetime for the scabs. If only for a moment, nameless truck-drivers & bouncers were able to touch the NFL dream. And these men weren’t just “lucky” either. This was much more than some “good fortune”. These men, as unprepared & amateur as they were, had been sought out…chosen for one reason or another, to play on the same field, under the same lights, wearing the same colors, as the league’s biggest names. They didn’t win a lottery; they were offered a position. And they took it. And the only reason these guys ever got the opportunity to run with the ball is because someone else refused to stay on the field. These men played with the understanding that none of them deserved to be there, and that every game could be their last. The strike could end at any time, and if they were going to score any points or make any tackles, they needed to do it while they still had the chance to get it done.

In the end, the NFL strike of 1987 only lasted for a few weeks. The stand-off came to a close, the professionals returned to the field, and nearly all of the replacements were cut from their respective teams and sent back home. Three short games didn’t leave them with much time to make their mark in the NFL history books, but they did it. Maybe not individually, like the Dan Marino’s and the Walter Payton’s do, but collectively, as a team. They were “The Scabs”. And they haven’t been forgotten.

CHANCE OF A LIFETIME…

Jesus says that we are the “poor & the maimed, the lame & the blind” (Lk.14:21). God says He’s chosen the “foolish, weak, & despised” (I Cor.1:27-28). You & I were found in the streets & lanes of the city and given a last-minute offer to attend The Great Supper. We’re nothing more than a ragtag collection of factory workers, teachers, & retailers that were found in apartments, dorms, bars, & parking lots. We’ve been drafted into the biggest contest this world has ever known. And the only reason we were brought in from the “highways & the hedges” to play this game at all is because the first-round draft picks declined their invitation. It’s very likely that somebody else was supposed to be doing for Christ what you’ve been given the opportunity to do, but they just didn’t want to do it anymore.

I wonder how many of us hold positions in the church that were once filled by somebody else who vacated that position abruptly, out of self-centeredness or spite? Blinded by pride & distracted by worldly enticements, they forgot what a privilege it was to do what they do, and they walked off the field. But the Kingdom of God, much like the National Football League, won’t be cancelled just because someone isn’t willing to participate. The team roster is going to be filled no matter what. That’s why you were sought out. There was a vacancy, and you got the call; you’ve been made a once-in-a-lifetime offer. Now are you willing to wear the uniform or not?

It was reported that, “Most of the NFL’s scab rosters (in 1987) were stocked with ordinary dudes from all walks of life who were delighted to jump at the opportunity to play NFL football, even if only nominally and even if just for a fleeting moment”. That should be how we feel as Christians! We’ve been drafted into the service of Christ the King, contending for the glory of our Team Owner! We compete for an eternal prize, not one that fades away like the Vince Lombardi Trophy. We’re on the same field as Paul & Peter, and that should mean something to us! We’re playing under the same lights as Daniel & David, and no one should have to tell you what an honor that is! You’re wearing the same team colors as Jonathan & Joshua & Jacob, and if you aren’t jumping at the opportunity to serve the Lord, “even if only nominally, and even if just for a fleeting moment”, then you’re playing this game for wrong reasons. If you find yourself beginning to feel entitled, and you start entertaining thoughts of going on strike, please remember, it’s not beyond the Team Owner to find someone else with more passion than you have, and let them play in your stead. He’s done it before…

Ranchers can always get more cattle you know.

FINISH THE GAME…

The Washington Redskins were the team that would go on to win Super Bowl XXII that season, thanks in part to their replacement players (or “Scab-skins” as they were called). They pointed their team toward a championship year by winning all three games they were allowed to play. They weren’t professional by any means, but they took their call seriously and got the job done. In March of this year (2018; thirty years after their Super Bowl victory), Redskins team president Bruce Allen announced that the replacement players, the scabs, would all receive Super Bowl rings of their own for the small, but very significant role they played, in their team’s historic victory. Nobody would ever have thought it possible, but those “ordinary dudes from all walks of life” have now become official Super Bowl champions. And this, of course, would include Tony Robinson…

…the quarterback that was hired on work-furlough from prison.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you sometimes feel a bit vulnerable out here on the mission field; under-qualified & unprepared. Nobody needs to remind me that I’m not a professional. No one needs to tell me that someone else could do it better than I am. I’m just a scab. We all made it here on a fluke. But so what? Isn’t it thrilling? Let’s enjoy it while it lasts…even if just for a fleeting moment! Never again will you get an opportunity like this. Never. This is our shot. Let’s endure the mockery and play hard…as hard as we can. Don’t stop until this game is over.

We might not be much fun to watch, but we’re doing what we love; and we might not be too good at what we do, but at least we’re on the field. Nobody will ever know your name, but the world will always remember who we are.

We’re the Replacements. We are the Scabs.

October 4, 2018 Believers Church

Recommended Audio Sermons for October

For the month of October we are featuring two sermons from a series in the book of James taught by Pastor Justin Thomson of JFBelievers Church in Duluth, MN. Pastor Justin has a wide variety of sermons on their church’s website.

Pastor Justin shows us how James makes his case for Christian living that is one of faith evidenced by works. Feel free to either download the files to your device or listen to the stream.

 

James by Pastor Justin Thomson

 

Faith that Damns: (download)
James 2:14-19

 

James by Pastor Justin Thomson

 

Works that Save: (download)
James 2:20-26

For More…

Visit www.jfbduluth.com to check out more sermons.

September 28, 2018 Believers Church

What Was

A lot has happened this summer for BDR. We were able to do some pretty fun remote broadcasts and outreaches alongside the coffeehouse and WOTS.  One of the more notable was the Vintage Baseball game that is held at Phelan Park.  We have been able to develop a good relationship with the different teams and it has been cool to be a part of this event for the last two years.  The teams are all local (within a couple states) and they all come out to Menomonie to play this tournament.  We were able to get a ton of interviews and interaction with the players and attendees.  I think Ben Minder had the most fun!  We also attended a few of the Menomonie Library’s Music over Menomins and were able to experiment with different broadcasting styles as far as set up is concerned.  We learned a lot and were able to simplify the tech side of things quite a bit.

Vintage Baseball tournament

 

Music Over Menomin

This fall we’ve been involved with Street Level’s Epic Garden Parties which is a big shift from the last few years – just in the size and paradigm of the events.  The Street Level members have been taking on these parties – with the goal of getting to know and engage with students through each one.  Our role as a station varies week to week as far as participation and it has been fun to see the effects of a more simple set up all the way around.

Street Level’s Garden Party

What’s Coming

We will be doing a remote broadcast at Stout next week and our hopes are to be outside with the coffeehouse and WOTS to get student polls.  The best case scenario would be great weather and tons of traffic.  Your prayers and support for this are much appreciated.

Please pray for us as we continue to reach out to the students.  We want to do what is best for God’s kingdom and JFBelievers church!

September 25, 2018 Believers Church

Home Again

Britt and I returned to Cebu August 30 ready to hit it hard again! We appreciated the opportunity to return for the Ministry Retreat and Church Camp-Out! As always it is great to hear what God is doing in Menomonie, Duluth, and River Falls. Our trip back included spending 13 hours in the Chicago Airport but we did get some work done…a conference poster designed, lesson prep and various emails taken care of 🙂

Our first Monday back we caught up with the UV students for the start of intramural week. This was a great opportunity to spend some time with them and meet some of their friends. Before things actually got started for the day we were able to hang out with them in one of the Architecture classrooms.

Street Level

SLM Movie Night Announcement
SLM Movie Night Announcement

Since being back, we have continued setting up the bi-fold outside of a campus we are targeting. Rain or shine, we get out at least once a week with the intent of getting into conversations with students. On the days when its raining or we second guess going for one reason or another, we are reminded the students that attended the study would not have come unless they met us standing outside of their university! The month will end with a Live Street Level Radio Broadcast at Elicon House to promote the new BS Series and an upcoming movie night. We will pop some popcorn and watch “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” on the Roofdeck at Teofel Hostel.

 

 

Science Curriculum

When we returned I continued Science Curriculum at Southern Bethany and started lessons at the Nazarene School.

Students at Southern Bethany
Students at Southern Bethany volunteering for a science experiment

Lessons with students at Southern Bethany will finish at the end of September and I am looking forward to starting at a new school the first week of October! Mid-October I will be prepping materials to leave at a few new schools that talk about the curriculum and offering to meet with administrators to further discuss an opportunity to teach the lessons at their school.  As I continue teaching at various schools I look forward to seeing how God will use this and how it could connect to other Shofar Mission ministries.

Please pray for the following:

  1. The SLM One-Day Conference on November 30. That students would attend, a guest speaker, and preparation.
  2. SLM Office Space. That we would continue looking and seeking God and where He wants the location to be.
  3. That we would continue meeting students to promote the Bible Study, Word On the Street, and Street Level Radio Station. Also, for the current students attending that they would continue to seek God amid the family pressures.
  4. Science Curriculum. Starting at a new school October 3 and visiting potential schools mid-October.

As we continue the mission, each day I am reminded not only that time is short, but God can and will intentionally put people in our path that He wants us to meet. We often comment that today’s plans become tomorrows to do’s and nothing ever goes as planned, but God is always faithful to remind us of His timing.

–Laura

 

September 19, 2018 Believers Church
We’ve now made the transition from Summer to school, which has meant a lot of changes, as well as some renewed excitement on our part to see what God is going to do this semester. We’ve restarted Street Level, and have seen a number of new faces around. Most are Freshman who are new to college life and are discovering all the new opportunities, relationships, and interests vying for this their time and commitment. It’s been refreshing to see them around, and we are praying that some get plugged in and can find what God has for them here at school. This year. we are are encouraging “involvement” in the Street Level, which means taking up regular participation in a ministry like WOTS.
In addition to the weekly meetings and doing some outreach tables on campus, we are also planning to partner with Street Level UW-Stout to engineer a few outreaches on the UWRF campus. These will likely take the form of food giveaways via the Mobile Coffeehouse. Our hope is that these outreaches will be fun way to meet new students as well as offer opportunity to serve with with the greater Street Level family.
New to our weekly schedule, we have nailed down official regular “open study hours”, which are every Thursday evening, 5pm-9pm. During these hours, we are running the Street Level place much like a “coffeehouse”, with the espresso bar open and music on, the goal is to make the space conducive to study, projects, or discussion. There have been several students and wanderers-by who have visited over the past few weeks.
Our Sunday evening gathering continues, and we continue our chapter-per-week pace through the New Testament letters. Joining the studies and discussions have been a few new faces – also due to school restarting. We are consistently encouraging people from Street Level to consider and pursue involvement in the local church. For many, their “church” is back home, and, for a variety of reasons, fail to seek out a Biblical fellowship dynamic while they are away to college. This is an unfortunate pattern that we see being set all too often for students that consider themselves Christians.
Please pray that we are, with discernment, providing the right teaching, personal challenge and friendship to the new students that have been joining us this semester, to the end that they can participate in all that God has for them.

October Calendar

  • Sundays: 5pm / JFBelievers Bible Study,  6pm / Meal
  • Tuesdays: 6:30pm / Meal, 7:00pm / Street Level Meeting
  • Thursdays: 5:00pm – 9:00pm / Open for Coffee and Study
  • October 26-27: All Street Level Retreat

Online 

 

September 16, 2018 Believers Church

  

The Students are Back

Over the past month, college students completed their annual migration  back to Menomonie for the start of the UW-Stout fall semester.

Last week on Monday, Street Level met for our first Dinner+Bible Study! It was an exciting night – we met many new students for the first time, and reconnected with returning students from last year. The food was great; dinner is an amazing time of conversation and fellowship. The bible study afterwards started our fall series in which we will be looking at the lives of Jacob and Ruth…

Busy in the Backyard

Street Level had also spent parts of the summer gearing up for the UW-Stout fall semester by planning a series of EGP’s: Epic. Garden. Party.(s). The goal was to transform our Music on the Hill event from a 1-day blowout into multiple lower-key hang-outs throughout the months of September & October.

We’re two weeks into our schedule, and, as advertised, the first two EGP’s have been, well, epic! (and garden-y..) We decked out the circus tent in the backyard with lights, signs, plants, antiques, free food, ping pong, bean-bag toss, “Rock Band”, one dining room, two living rooms, etc…  Burning Dog Radio supplies the music, and the Blind Munchies goes mobile from the front driveway!

Word on the Street – 75 Issues

This past week’s time we celebrated the 75th issue (if you can believe that!) of Word on the Street (WOTS)  Magazine. There was poetry reading, nachos, and some live music by Ben Noble. The vibe was great: a group of friends hanging out together and celebrating God’s work – and inviting new people into the fun.