Messengers in New York

Cycling through Chicago

Three weeks ago I set out to find employment as a bicycle messenger. Some of you may remember my short career at the Bike Depot in Louisville, KY as a messenger. However, I spoke with Karen about this possibility in Chicago and she responded, "At this point, you can pedal until your heart's content." Those words were immediately emblazoned in my mind (Although Karen does question the authenticity of her statement).
As of April 28, I began my employment as a bicycle messenger with Standard Courier. My first day was a harrowing experience. Chicago welcomed me with brutal wind, rain, and cold temperatures. At the end of the day, I was soaked, freezing, shivering, and sore. But it was grand.
Since then, my hands and seat have adjusted to the posture of a cyclist. In the beginning, every morning was agonizing when I mounted up for the first pedal stroke. At first I was riding an old Panasonic, but have since changed to riding my KHS. Changing bikes was a total transformation for riding; it's smoother, faster, and much more comfortable. But at the end of my third week, I am thankful for the rest and relaxation of the weekends. The physical demands of the job have been relatively easy to adjust to. Don't misunderstand me though. When I get home, I'm worthless.
Riding through the city is an adventure! Surviving the obstacles of traffic, potholes, cabs, BUSES, and masses of people create many intense challenges. Chicago is very friendly toward bikers. Buses and people seem to create the biggest challenges for me. Squirming through the throngs of people at crosswalks can be difficult but dodging merging buses is scary yet at the same time thrilling. At this point, I'm not going into great detail about such experiences for my loved one's piece of mind.
I have made deliveries to some interesting places, mostly to law firms, marketing agencies, banks, and notably to Oprah's company, Harpo. I wasn't hypnotized, but I did notice several Oprah shrines and people begging for alms in the name of Oprah.













Here are a couple of other pictures from my day.




Chicago is a beautiful city. While this job is short term, I'm thankful for this opportunity to ride my bike all day, everyday. I look forward to serving as a pastor, but for now I will keep on peddling.

Praying for the Lost

Listen to Augustine's words about his mother's prayers and his journey to salvation (Book III):

My mother, your faithful servant, was weeping for me to you, weeping more than mothers weep for the bodily deaths of their sons. For she, by that faith and spirit which she had from you, saw the death in which I lay, and you, Lord, heard her prayer. . . . For nearly nine years after this I wallowed in the mud of the pit and in the darkness of falsehood, often trying to rise and then being plunged back again all the more violently. Yet all thsi time that chaste widow, holy and sober (such as you love), though she had now more hope to cheer her, never slackened in her weeping and her lamentations, never ceased in all hours of her prayer to weep to you about me, and her prayers entered into your presence, and yet you still allowed me to roll over and over in that darkness.

We have many friends and family members that do not know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us be diligent in praying for them to know Christ as well as taking every opportunity to share the Gospel with them.

Running the Race

In December I suggested to my parents that they run the Derby half-marathon in Louisville, Kentucky. To my surprise, the suggestion was met with a slight optimism rather than an immediate dismissal. Little more was said after this initial conversation. Then my father, who is the editor of the Times Leader newspaper, committed to the race IN PRINT. Just so you understand, he not only committed himself but also committed his wife to the race. When I brought up the race as a possibility, he didn't say yes or no, simply nodded his head in contemplation. The next thing my mother reads in his editorial is that THEY are going to run 13.1 miles. I can't tell you how interesting it was to hear the conversation between mom and dad after the paper was out. Dad just laughed and laughed.

Needless to say, what seemed like a whimsical decision was the beginning of tenacious training. Up to this point in their middle ages, mom has always been a speed walker, and dad was a golfer. However, they began training and never looked back despite cold weather, physical pain, and old age. Mom and Dad were determined to finish the race. Mom even said the only way she was stopping for dad is if he dropped dead with a heart attack.

Race day came and everyone was confident, plus nervous, cold, as well as extreme confusion as to why in the world they were about to run 13.1 miles. Originally, I had planned to run the full marathon, but decided instead to run the half so I could see mom and dad finish their first half-marathon. I can't tell you how excited and joyful I was to see them turning the final corner at 7th and Market. Mom came to the finished in 2:38. I ran with mom during the last 100 yards or so of her race. I yelled encouragements to her that she had finished! She said, "I'm going to throw up when I cross the finish line." Although mom may have felt like throwing up, she crossed the finish line with no problems. Dad finished in 2:50. I was waiting for him in the same place and encouraged him in the same way telling him he had finished about 100 yards before the finish line. He was quick to say "I haven't finished yet." There was still enough stamina to carry him across the finish line.

The best thing about mom and dad running the half-marathon was listening to them tell others why they were running the race. Throughout their training and after the race, they continually said they did it because they love me and their daughter-in-law. Its true that Karen and I asked them to run with us. Throughout my life my parents told me how much they loved me and now into my adult life, they continue to tell Karen & I they love us and will do anything for us. I never imagined that would entail running 13.1 miles, but I'm sure they never did either.

India video

This is one of my favorite videos from my India trip. These children are part of the Mercy Home at RIMI's Bible school in Warangal.

Check This Out

I want to welcome my sister, Cindy, back to the blogosphere. She is not the only one to enter into the blogosphere recently. When Cindy decided to put some new posts on her blog, she also suggested to the cousins that we get together for a cousin blog. We have a great family, and I am thankful for each one of them.

In the US

Traveling through India was a fantastic opportunity. I landed in the southern state of Kerla and traveled to Salem, Warangal, Raipur, and ended in Nagpur. Everyone I encountered was kind to me. The food was extraordinary, and yes, there were cows roaming freely.
I went with Saji Lukos and Earnest Mall. The reason we went was to encourage leaders and pastors working to advance God's Kingdom. We visited some Bible schools and churches to meet with pastors and missionaries. They expressed their needs as well as informed us what was happening through their work. Overall, I was amazed at how religious Indians are. The majority of people are either Muslim or Hindu, and many people are very willing to engage conversation about God.
In Hinduism, the lowest and most despised part of the body are the feet. The lowest class of people in the caste system represent feet in their spiritual view. Braham priests represent the head; business men represent the belly; the lowest class represent the feet. A former brahman told me he would roll down the steps of a Hindu temple and crawl on his knees to the alter in order not to disgrace these gods. Then with joy, he told me, "but the Bible says, 'how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.'"

God is enough

RIMI

The church Karen and I joined has brought several answered prayers. The most life impacting change that has come from Uptown is an opportunity for me to join a missions organization, Reaching Indian Ministries International.

RIMI is a church planting, missions organization. Spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the number one priority of RIMI. However, my involvement with RIMI does not include a permanent move to India. The strategy of RIMI is to train Indians in leadership development and church planting strategies. There are 24 Bible Training Schools in various states, but the main training ground is in Nagpur, a 32 acre seminary, Mission India Theological Seminary. Through these facilities there are currenly over 1,200 missionaries and 4,000 house churches. RIMI also provides aide to the impoverished children throughout India with Mercy Homes.

Saji Lukos founded this missions organization 15 years ago because of the burden he felt for his homeland. God has given him a great vision and blessed him in many ways as he has followed the call to fulfill such a great task of taking the Gospel where there is no witness and strengthening those in need of suport. I am thankful to serve with this man and take part in what God is doing through him and this organization.

As a minister associate with RIMI, I have the opportunity to speak at churches and missions conferences to share what is going on through RIMI and describe how people can get involved. I even have the opportunity to go to India in two weeks. I will cover a lot of land during my two week trip beginning in Kerala on the southwest side of India and working my way to Nagpur in Central India.

Living in Chicago has not been as easy as I would have liked, but God continues to bless. I thank God for the way that He continues to provide grace in my life. Joining a missions organization and traveling to India was definitely not in my game plan or Karen's game plan. At the same time, we praise God for the way that He provides for us. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. I look forward to talking to many of you and sharing what God is doing in our lives.

When can I run?

Before winter set in, our dog Bosworth was in the best shape of his life. Once this bitter winter iced over Chicago, Bosworth has been one sad pup.

Avant What?

On Monday afternoon I took advantage of a sunny day in the punishing Chicago winter and made my way to the Art Institute of Chicago to take advantage of their Free February days. I enjoyed my brush with art walking through various exhibits such as American, Modern, Contemporary, European of various years, and Impressionism.
As I looked at various pieces reflecting on the work, the historical period of the time of composition, and the overall meaning, I was sure of myself as cultured.
Then I came to Sunday on la Grande Jatte. When I looked at the painting, I didn't think about the strokes, the lighting, themes, or any type meaning. Rather what came to my mind was, "hey, I've seen this before, almost like I've been in this exact spot before. It was in that movie . . . oh yeah, Ferris Beullar's Day Off."
I laughed out loud, then left.

Football Season's End

Last night's game concluded my favorite sport's season - football. At the same time, Karen feels no remorse for this season's magnanimous ending. Her excitement for the last game has been hilarious. I've enjoyed Karen's jokes for the past two weeks about the Super Bowl. She aimed her jokes in conversation to Bosworth telling our dog, "we're going to watch the 'Stupid Bowl.'" I laughed everytime she started her routine.

Even so, Karen watched the it with me and cheered throughout the game. However, we were cheering for opposite teams. I cheered for history to happen - the Patriots,19-0, the Perfect Season. She riled against New England and their controversies from Spygate to restraining orders. Moreso, she cheered for the young Manning to emerge as a great quarterback and lead his team to victory.

Football season is officially over, and sports goes into a slight hibernation for me. Karen, on the other hand couldn't care less about the season's end. But there's more excitement for next season. Prior to this season, I loved to simply watch the game. Now I love watching football with my wife. I must say that's been a typical discovery; I love to spend time with Karen (even if that means no football!). I'm thankful God has blessed me with such an amazing woman.

Uptown Baptist Church

Karen & I are thrilled about our new church. After moving to Chicago from such an awesome church in Louisville where we enjoyed a phenomenal Sunday School group, it has been tough looking for a church. We visited several churches in the city and found Uptown Baptist Church. Both of us are excited about our new church family. It is a vibrant church with diversity that we have longed to be a part of. Pastor Michael Allen says it's practicing for heaven ("every tongue, tribe, & nation") Check out the website uptownbaptistchurch.org
And just recently, the pastor's sermons have been added onto the website. Listen and grow in God's blessings.

The Votes are in

I noticed there were several odd things happening in my life that seemed too far fetched to be true. One item I did not include was my parents RUNNING three miles in 35 minutes. We're not just talking about a New Year's resolution either; they are committed to the Derby half-marathon in Louisville, KY. I am exuberant about my parents running this race. Karen and I are going to run the marathon so it is truly a family event. Thankfully, we inherited a treadmill from our previous living situation (thank you Hershael & Tanya!!!). If we didn't have it, there is no way we would be training for a marathon in Chicago. Although I love winter, it is unbelievably cold.

As for my parents, last week they were in Nicaragua. They travel every year to the National Newspaper Association meeting that is held in various cities, but this year was slated to be in Nicaragua due to the current NNA president's choice. Mom & Dad had a great time, but I don't believe they have any plans for a future vacation in Nicaragua. Jen, thank you for your vote, but it was true.

Hands down I thought it would be a landslide vote for Karen and football. Those of you that know Karen know her feelings on football, and they are not kind ("Football is the root of all sin and evil." Said slightly in jest.) This year was very different on Saturdays and Sundays during football season. Not only did Karen often encourage me to turn on a football game, she would sit down with me and watch the games. These kind acts over the course of weeks shows how wonderful my wife is. Not only did she encourage me to watch the games but she sat down with me engrossed in the many SEC overtime games as well as watching flamboyant, prima donna NFL players. I am thankful for her giving to me in so many little, loving ways. Thus, John Mark T., you guessed well, but wrong.

That means I did not meet Steve Martin. Great job Shelly! I have enjoyed Steve Martin since I was little. The past few years I have enjoyed reading his books. Born Standing Up, his latest release was superb, but my favorite is The Pleasures of My Company. I laughed out loud throughout this book. While Martin's humor has always had a philosophical bent to it, even today his writes from an existensial framework. His humor isn't for everyone, such as my sister and brother-in-law. Neither one of them cracked a smile after reading "Renegade Cows" from Cruel Shoes. I would love to spend time with Steve Martin, which is true but the reality hasn't happened yet.
Thanks for playing.

Please Comment

1. I met Steve Martin
2. Karen, my wife, cheers during football games.
3. Chip and Karen Hutcheson, my parents, are in Nicaragua.

Of the three statements, which one do you believe is false?

Mmm Butter

And it's going green.

I Have the Power!

There was no greater toy in childhood than Masters of the Universe. Who could trump He-Man? G.I. Joe, Thundercats, and Transformers had nothing compared to the Master. Those same words and thoughts were the parental controversy that I was somewhat unaware of playing with my action figures. In my mind He-Man was the best, but in conservative minds, He-Man was competing with God's sovereignty.
I realize my previous post about the Golden Compass was similar to the same arguments opponents voiced about He-Man, Harry Potter, and now the Golden Compass. Parents have been encouraged to flee from fictional stories that run opposed to God and His salvation. Magic, Witches, protectors of the universe, jedi force (oh wait, Star Wars gets a pass from Christians since it only promotes Pantheism) To set the record straight, I loved He-Man; I enjoyed Harry Potter; I looked forward to seeing Golden Compass. When I discovered the worldview behind this movie was antitheistic, to the point that a child kills the god-character in the final book, I was disappointed. It is imperative that Christians engage movies like the Golden Compass but that does not mean removing ourselves from the discussion by stating our moral objections. Every storyline has a gospel. Our point of engagement is finding out what makes the story in view a "happy" ending. How can we relate that happy ending to reality and forming a worldview? What makes the wrong worldview a disappointing, happy ending? If we are serious about talking to people that do not have a relationship with the Creator of the Universe, then let's engage people through every means possible. Sometimes we see "bad" movies, hang out in bars, and be friends with people totally different than ourselves. Why? In order to give them the true, fairy tale, the real magic - the grace of Jesus Christ.
I remember my mother telling me He-Man was only a toy, just something to play with. I never asked Mom if He-Man would forgive my sins, never crossed my mind. She did tell me about a man who really is Master of the Universe, and one day His kingdom will crush Snake Mountain totally and finally with one, fatal stomp.

The Golden Compass Misdirection

I was excited to see the new release, The Golden Compass. However, after reading about the worldview behind the author's writing, I seriously doubt that I will give any money to this movie. Check it out here and here

Check Out Pastor Coop

Paul Cooper and I attended Southern Seminary together. I can't say enough good things about Paul. Mainly, he is a great preacher, wonderful friend, and godly man. Although, I don't get to hear him preach enough, I'm still waiting for the podcast from his church. Check out his new blog site here since he has moved from Muncie, IN as the Baptist Collegiate Minister to pastoring in Marshall, IL.

Rap Video

I just watched this on Hershael York's blog, and I thought it was worthwhile to post Jim Scott Orrick rapping on my blog. Enjoy! What's your weltenshuang?