::World Cup Prayer - Day 1 (South Africa)::

Since I didn't start on time (I'm a slacker), we are going to cover two countries today. So what better place to focus then the host country of the 2010 World Cup...

The Republic of South Africa

FYI: South Africa isthe first African country to host a World Cup...pretty cool.

Relevant Magazine p

osted a gut wrenching article a couple of days ago that outlined the ugly side of the World Cup: Human Trafficking. It is easy to become focused on the fantastic matches or be distracted by the glitz and glamour (...or very unglamorous fat dudes with face paint) and then miss the other things that go on with an event like this one.

Here are a few of the heart-breaking "highlights" of the article:

• In 2005 the International Labour Organization estimated that human trafficking had profits of $31.6 BILLION...and it's only growing!

• South Africa has been a documented source, transit, and destination for the trafficking of men, women, and children...many of the people end up in South African brothels.

• Officials have said that these brothels "weren't here a year ago"...meaning that business has spiked because of the World Cup visitors and business coming to town.

• Laws and prosecution against the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are incredibly weak.

...a few thoughts for prayers...

Pray that the Gospel would explode in South Africa and that people from around the world would hear and respond to it.

Pray for the men, women, and children that are devastated by human trafficking every day. Pray that the church would step up and help the helpless. Pray for ways that you can get involved in the fight.

Praise God would ending Apartheid in South Africa and moving the country down a path of racial reconciliation and healing.

Pray for the 15% of South Africans who claim no religion at all. The majority of the country claims to be Christian but many combine it with tribal religions. Pray that the true Gospel of Jesus Christ would take root.

What did I miss?

What are you praying for?

::World Cup Prayer - Day 1 (USA)::

Today is the beginning of the journey and I am excited to dive in and see how God will use this little adventure to glorify His name and challenge me along the way. Is anyone else out there going to be joining me?

I will be utilizing resources from World Soccer Journeys and the Joshua Project as I post prayers and thoughts about each of the countries in the World Cup. Check out both of these sites and you stand in awe at what God is already doing around the world.

The first country up is...drum roll...

The United States of America

Where else do we start except our own backyard?

Do we pray for our neighbors? Do we pray for our families?

What about the widows or the orphans in your city?

...a little background...

Fifty-one percent of Americans are Protestant and 26 percent are Catholic or other Christian. The largest population of Jews outside Israel lives in the US.

Buddhist Americans and Muslim Americans are almost equal in number.

In this land of religious freedom and religious diversity, pray that followers of Jesus Christ will share His love so effectively that their fellow Americans of all faiths will be drawn to Him.

...a few ideas for prayers...

Pray that the Gospel of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection would take root in the hearts of Americans.

Pray for the President, Congress, and other government leaders

Pray for Christians in our country; that they would not be lulled by comfort and live passionately for Jesus Christ alone.

What did I miss?

What are you praying for to happen in the United States?

::Pray for the World::

It has been WAY too long since I have blogged and I am hoping to change that over the next few weeks. My struggle has been not knowing what to say...do I write about recipes & cooking, talk about adventures around the Dore household, or expand on what God is doing in my life. Every time that I thought I knew what to write about...I procrastinated and changed my mind. Not any more.

God has been pressing on my heart regarding my prayer life. Honestly, prayer is a very weak area of my journey with God; and that is because I place so many other things as more important. I realize this about myself and have decided to take a few intentional steps and this blog is going to be one of them. How is that you ask...you shall see...

In case you missed it, the World Cup has started and this is the biggest sporting event in the world. People around the world from the U.S. to Spain to North Korea are tuning in to watch their teams play for their country. That's 32 countries passionately cheering on their teams...

What would it look like if they were praising the Creator? How different would the world look if they were worshipping Jesus Christ?

That's what this journey is about and I hope that you will join me on it. I will be praying for each country that is represented in the World Cup.

We are starting a day late so tomorrow with focus on the United States and South Africa.

I pray that you will join me on this adventure. It's gonna be fun.

::Compassion::

I don't blog over here very often; I guess I really don't know what to say on here. I have no problem blogging on the Trinity Chapel Students blog...but I never know what to write about, talk about, etc.

This blog has been difficult to write. I wanted to write it but I didn't want to sound prideful, congratulate myself, or make you say "way to go Brent and Julie"... so please know that this is not my intention. My intention is that the name of Christ would be made known to the world. And my hope is that through this blog and this adventure that Julie and I have begun...that the name of Christ would be glorified and that the hurt and oppressed in the world would be encouraged, loves, and supported.

Have you ever heard of Compassion International?

...If you have ever been to a Christian concert or conference; there is a good chance that you have heard of them.

Compassion International is an international ministry that stands in the gap and works to love, encourage, and share the good news of Christ with children in some of the most difficult and poverty-stricken areas of the world. Their passion is to see children loved and brought out of poverty because Christians around the world sponsor a child for $39 a month. They were founded in 1952 and today support over a million children in 25 countries...WOW!

Well, I have known about Compassion for a very long time. I grew up going to all the concerts, camps, and conferences and saw their tables but I never truly understood the importance of what they were doing. My family even supported a child when I was in High School for awhile...but it was just something we did; there was never any thought or passion behind it. So, I went off to college and never really thought about it. I was consumed with studies (...well, sorta), church, BYX, and much more but never considered the fact that Christ has made it very clear that we as followers of Christ are to love the orphans, widows, and the oppressed in the world.

How could I have missed it? It's pretty clear...

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this:to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. - James 1.27

In the past few months, my friend Todd Engstrom has really challenged me in regards to Christ's call on believers to love the orphans in the world. I saw very clearly that Julie and I needed to do something...but we can't support adopting a child right now? What can we do?

Enter Compassion International. This is where we can start. This is what we can do. So, we started supporting a child named Naole from Ethiopia. It has already been an incredible blessing and we have only been doing it for 3 weeks or so. We are honored to be a part of his life...I already want to go visit him.

$39 a month to change a child's life...that's well worth it. That's 7 less Starbuck's drinks a month...that's 1 less dinner out...that's not very much.

However, I still never realized the true impact that this program has until I watched this video from the recent Catalyst conference. (...I almost started crying in the DTS library...seriously)

Mark had been sponsoring Jimmy Wambua for 19 years....and this is the 1st time that they had met. Because of Mark's support, Jimmy is not only alive but he is studying at Moody Bible Institute and is planning on being a pastor...he also sponsors a child in Haiti on his own. It is an incredible story.

(Jimmy starts sharing his story at the 3:45 mark in the video)

Will you sponsor a child?

You won't regret it.

::New TCS Blog::

My life is slowly becoming consumed with social networking and blogs.  You can now also find me on twitter as @brentdore.

The Student Ministry at TCBC now has a new blog at www.trinitychapelstudents.wordpress.com.  It is going to have lots of articles, media, and resources in the coming months.  Check it out.

That's all for now.  See you soon.

Brent

::Theology and Students::

It blows my mind to think that I have been working with TCS (Trinity Chapel Students) for close to a year now.  I am in the midst of evaluating the past year and there will be a review blog posted in the future but suffice it to say that I have been amazed at what God has done in my life, in this ministry, and in the lives of the students.

Tonight's Life*Group caused me to really reflect on how far this aspect of our ministry has come from where we started.  It was only last semester that the students wanted to get rid of our small groups and just "hang out"... they have really grown.  We have been working through some key doctrine issues with them {Trinity, Sovereignty, Grace, Mercy} and tonight we discussed the Righteousness of God.  Their thoughts, observations from scripture, and questions blew me away...it is truly incredible to see the faithfulness of God at work.

There will be more to come over the next few weeks on lessons learned and mistakes made but I just want to say tonight that we worship a very big God.  We worship an incredibly righteous, holy, and gracious God and it blows my mind.  I constantly underestimate Him...and He constantly reminds me that I am missing it.  That's all for now.  See you out there.

B

::My Journey in Belize::

Belize is a one of a kind place.  Every time that I go there, I learn something new about God and about myself.  I was in Belize from March 14th to the 21st and it was incredible.  This trip was unlike any other trip that I have been on to Belize.

The biggest difference was that I was not planning on going this year.  Julie and I just bought a new house (...updates on this coming soon) and I thought that this was a good time to sit out the trip.  But God had other plans.  Following Ben Connelly's car wreck, there was a spot available and Julie encouraged me to go to Belize.  So, after talking to Julie, Ben and Ted I jumped in on the trip.  I was unsure and had no idea what my purpose was going to be on the trip but I felt like I needed to be on this trip.  

When we landed in Belize, I quickly realized why I was on this trip.  Richard Smith, our host at My Refuge Christian Ministries, told Matt Hudson and me that there were 15 youth workers coming to a youth worker training session that I thought was canceled.  So, I started developing a training session for youth workers in Belize that I was going to present in 48 hours.  

Meeting the youth workers was an incredible experience.  Their passion and desire to see the young people in Belize come to know Christ in powerful ways was incredible.  Their commitment to the country blew me away.  It was an honor and a privilege to hear their stories of God's glory and life-changing power in Belize.  I will never forget about their joy, and excitement about reaching the youth of Belize.

We are developing a partnership for years to come with the youth workers.  There will be future training, and encouragement as we work to equip people to minister to youth.  Honestly, I feel like I learned more from them than they learn from me.  It is a joy to know that the Body of Christ is growing everywhere.

This year's trip to Belize was all about seeing God's sovereignty and plan.  I saw how God has been preparing me for this year on the previous trips.  I saw how God has been slowly developing a passionate heart for Belize that exploded on this trip.   It has been an incredible experience.

Belize has dramatically changed my life and I look forward to future trips to Belize.  I can not wait to go back soon.  And, Julie is going to be joining me next year...very exciting.

That's all I have for now.  Be back soon.

B

::I'm Back - Take 2::

So, I have been inspired.  I have been inspired to get back into this whole blog thing.  What inspired me?  I am not really sure but I feel like this is something that I need to do.

I have no idea how consistent I am going to be about updating this thing, but I am hoping that it will be fairly often.  You can also follow me on twitter (www.twitter.com/brentdore) if you really want to know what is going on with me.

That is all for now, but I am going to post my thoughts on my trip to Belize later this week.  I had the unique privilege of going on my 3rd mission trip to Belize last week and it was incredible.  They even had me teach a youth worker training class...I know, ironic.  Anyways, check back for that soon.

B

...I'm Alive...I Promise

So....I made a comment on my last blog post (...in May...) that I was "back".  Well, I lied. This has been an intense, crazy, stressful, refreshing, and amazing summer and somewhere in that craziness, I forgot to blog.  A good friend once said that blogging was like working out, once you fall out of practice and routine...it gets incredibly difficult to get back into it.  But I am going to try.

First....I GOT MARRIED THIS SUMMER!!!  I have had the priv

elage to be married to my best friend Julie for over 2 weeks.  I can not wait to see what God has in store for us in the future.  I am the luckiest guy in the world to get to walk alongside this amazing woman for the rest of my life.

...I will add some more wedding and honeymoon pictures in the future

P.S  I highly recommend the Hotel Villa Rolandi for a honeymoon...IT WAS INCREDIBLE!!!

Ok, I am going to head to bed.  But I am going to try and get back to this now...hopefully.  

...I have posted a few times this summer as a contributer on the Katy Budget Books Blog....check it out.

...done and done

Well, I have been away from the blog-o-sphere for awhile...my apologies to my vast readership.  

The past few weeks have been crazy.  I got a new job and finished up my first year at seminary...so my blog had to take a back seat.  But, now I am back and can now officially say that I am done with my first year of seminary.  So in honor of this monumental occasion, I am going to give my observations on seminary...

• Seminary is not a requirement for ministry...you can be used immensely without ever going to seminary.  People who say otherwise are arrogant, a seminary recruiter, or just dumb. Seminary is a useful tool for equipping a person for ministry...NOT A REQUIREMENT.
• It is physically impossible to read everything that is assigned....that might be a slight exaggeration
• It pays off to get to know professors...I know I should have learned this in undergrad, oops.  It was amazing to hear some of the professors stories and experiences.  If anyone knows Dr. Horrell, ask him about his time in Brazil...it will blow your mind.
• Have a life outside of seminary.  Don't let seminary become your life...I had to learn this from experience.  I learned more when I enjoyed the other parts of my life.
• Be involved in ministry during seminary.  Studying theology is great.  But understanding how that knowledge of theology actually plays out in life is even better.
• Take Horrell for Trinitarianism
• Ask lots of questions.  It is easy to take everything being taught as "gospel"...ask questions and engage.  

Seminary has been a great experience overall.  I just wanted to give a few of my observations.

Take what you want and leave the rest.

I am back readers...check back often for new stuff.

BD

• 
  

...nerves and excitement

Well, I teach today for the first time at The Gathering which is the sunday morning event for the student ministry that I work with at Trinity Chapel.  I am so excited about this opportunity and what God has in store for Julie and I in the future.  But I am also a little nervous because this is such a huge step and a brand new adventure.  But I know that God is there and I know that this is going to be a wild, fun, and exciting ride.

Pray that I continually seek Christ during this adventure and that I never lose sight of Him amongst the business.  Pray that this ministry can be a place where true community happens and that lives are changed by the Gospel.  Pray that God will do His thing...because thats all I can ever ask for.

...amazing grace

My favorite hymn of all time is Amazing Grace and I may have to admit that it could be my favorite song.  This wasn't the grace until recently, as I have been diving in and trying to understand what exactly grace entails. (see previous blog on grace)  And every time I do, I leave saying, "thats amazing".  That old song has been sung for a very long time and I think for most of us it has lost its meaning, but I pray that we slow down and hear the words.  I pray that we hear the passion in the words "Amazing Grace".  Thats my challenge to all of us...hear the words and fall in love with the free gift of grace.

Amazing Grace (How sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ'd!

Thro' many dangers, toils and snare,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall profess, within the vail,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be for ever mine.

...mans guide to mystery (follow-up)

Yesterday, I wrote my take on the Top 5 mystery authors for men and posted it on this blog and on the Katy Budget Books blog.  The author that toped my list was Harlan Coben...and this is where it gets funny.  My mom owns a bookstore and guess who stopped by today to sign copies of his latest book for stock at the store...Harlan Coben.  My mom printed off a copy of my blog entry, showed it to him and he signed it and said that "this is the best blog ever".  So now I have a celebrity following.  I thought that was pretty funny considering I just randomly wrote it yesterday.  

BD 

...a man's guide to mysteries

This post can also be found at the Katy Budget Books blog where I am a new contributer.

Several guys have asked me, what's a good book that will keep me entertained throughout?  They usually go on to say that they don't like to read or get bored easily because its never is as good as 24 or Gladiator.  This pains me because there are some amazing books out there that men of all ages will absolutely love....and ladies, they would make great gifts as well...and you might like them too.  These authors are just the tip of the iceberg and I will add to this list regularly.  Read on and enjoy.

A Man’s Guide to Mysteries

 1. Harlan Coben (stand alones)

…Tell No One, Just One Look, The Woods

 The current King of suspense…bar none.  Coben has already claims the top 2 spots on my list because he is just that good.  I would argue that he is among the best to ever master this genre.  His books beautifully weave epic suspense, brilliant humor, dry sarcasm, and fun into a wild ride.  If you have never read Coben…I only have one question…why not?  His absolute best is Tell No One…check it out and I promise that you will be amazed.

 2. Harlan Coben (Myron Bolitar Series)

…Drop Shot, Fade Away, Back Spin

 Really anything that Harlan Coben writes is gold and the Myron Bolitar series is no exception.  This is where Coben started and there are some genuine gems.  The main character, Myron Bolitar, is an arrogant sports agent who winds up in some very interesting (…to say the least) situations.  The books are funny, great for guys (…honestly, Coben transcends all gender gaps), and keep you guessing the entire time.

 3. Vince Flynn (Mitch Rapp Series)

…Transfer of Power, Separation of Power, The Third Option

 This is the author that ignited the spark and made me love to read again after I rebelled against my mom (…yeah, I was a wild child and rebelled by saying that I hated to read…yeah, I’m a dork) in junior high.  Flynn’s run of masterpieces are built around the character of Mitch Rapp.  Rapp is a CIA assassin that must protect America by taking the war on terrorism right to the terrorists and it makes for an exciting thrill ride.

Plus, he is the creative consultant for the tv show, 24...maybe you have heard of it.  And I say this with the most respect to Jack Bauer but Mitch Rapp would kick the crap out of him.

 4. Brad Thor (Scott Harvath Series)

…Lions of Lucerne, Path of the Assasin, Blowback

 Cast from a similar mold as Vince Flynn, Thor builds his books around Secret Service agent Scott Harvath.  Harvath has killed his share of terrotists…just with his own unique flair.  Plus, the author’s name is Thor…that guarantees that it is going to be great for guys.

 5. Old School John Grisham

…The Firm, A Time to Kill, Pelican Brief  and The Partner

 Let me first say that I really am not a big fan of Grisham’s newer stuff.  Its good but nowhere near where it was when he first defined the genre of legal thriller.  Basically, he “jumped the shark” with some of his random recent stuff and hasn’t been able to recapture the magic of The Firm, A Time to Kill, The Partner, or The Pelican Brief.  I highly recommend Grisham and I promise that he will keep you engaged and thinking until the very last page.  His new stuff is good but his old stuff is phenomenal.

Thats my thoughts...check back soon for more recommendations.

BD

...going green

Even though the concept of "going green" has now become nothing more than one more sales pitch for corporate America...I am on board.  I have been thinking about it for awhile but I am here to announce that...I am "going green".  I am not really sure what this will look like yet but I know that the first thing that I am going to do is set up the apartment that Julie and I are going to be living in with an energy provider that uses all renewable energy like Green Mountain Energy.  This will be a process...I drive a truck for example...but I am going to take steps such as walking to work from the new apartment.

I decided this because of Earth Day...I felt it was time.

More details to come...

Does anyone have good ideas about how to go "green"?  I would welcome your thoughts. 

...fresh fruit batidos

It has been a few days since I last posted.  It has been nuts between new jobs and seminary and I just have not had the time to sit down and write a good post.  But have no fear...I'm back.  And I am back with one of my all-time favorite recipes.

I have a confession to make...I am an INTENSE sweet tooth.  It doesn't matter if its cookies, cakes, pudding, ice cream, or fruit...if its a dessert, I will eat it.  It is so bad that when I went on a cruise this summer, I would order 2 desserts for dinner. Hmmm...this may explain why I am out of shape?  Maybe I should explore that sometime.

But now I want to pass on one of my favorite dessert recipes and it is even [relatively] healthy. It is a recipe from Bobby Flay called Fresh Fruit Batidos.  It is the perfect summer time dessert as it combines fresh, sweet mangos and ice cream to make a very smooth and fun dessert that everyone will enjoy.  I have cooked this desert for a plethora of people and I have never had a single person not like it...and that includes Ryan Jackson who doesn't eat fruit.  So check it out...it literally takes 3 minutes and it will blow your mind.

Here it the recipe: (or you can go to the recipe on foodnetwork.com)

6 ounces mango sorbet 
3 ounces vanilla ice cream 
1/2 cup chopped fresh mango, plus mango slices, for garnish 
5/8 cup cold milk 
1 to 2 tablespoons honey, or more to taste 
Mint sprigs, for garnish

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a 10-ounce glass and serve immediately. Garnish with a mango slice and mint sprig, if desired.

So...there it a fantastic recipe for you to all check out.  I absolutely love it.

BD

...blogs, blogs, and more blogs

To all of my faithful readers...all 3 of you...

I am joining another blog as a contributer in the next few weeks.  Katy Budget Books has asked me to become a contributer on their new blog endeavor and I am very stoked about it.  I will be reviewing books (...mostly in the mystery, suspense, and religious sections) and giving my recommendations.  You should check it out for helpful reviews and advice from many people who have a passion for books and can always recommend just the right book for the moment.

 

Katy Budget Books is a 25 year old independent bookstore located in Katy, TX.  It boasts a huge selection of new and used books and there has never been a book that I wanted that they were not able to help me locate.  It is the perfect place for everyone who prefers to talk to a person who loves to read...rather than someone in a corporate chain who has never heard of Tom Clancy, Nora Roberts or Dr. Seuss...

Check out the new blog or Katy Budget Book's main site...I am confident that you will enjoy the experience...

BD

...a brand new adventure

Well...it has been a few days since I last posted anything.  But you are all in luck because this is a pretty important one today.  I have some big news....drumroll please...seriously, this is earth shattering news...

I am very excited to announce that I have accepted the position of Director of Student Ministries at my church, Trinity Chapel Bible Church.  This is an opportunity that I never expected but one that Julie and I both feel is where God is leading us.  The past year has been crazy as I began working at Trinity as the college intern, began seminary, graduated TCU, got engaged and this is just the next step.

It has been crazy to see God work in the midst of everything in the past few weeks.  The idea was first presented to me around Spring Break and I had a lot of questions but God grabbed a hold of me and really opened my eyes to what He was doing and where He was taking Julie and I.  I could not be more excited to get involved with the students at Trinity Chapel, to encourage the leaders who are working with the students, and just see God work in the lives of students.

Please pray for Julie and I as we make this transition, pray that God would prepare us and allow us to have an impact on these students.  Just pray that God's name would be known.  

I never would have seen this coming, but now I wouldn't have it any other way...isn't it crazy how God works?

BD

...1001 things and a maddening world

Why is it that there always seems to be something that has to get done?  Why is that when your plate already seems like it can't possibly be added too...it gets added to?  Why is it that when there are a 1000 things going on...there has to be a 1001 and a 1002...etc.?

It appears that I failed to capitalize on the very "easy" beginning of the semester and instead pushed everything back so that everything has to get done in a very condensed amount of time...yes, I am an idiot.

When will I learn?  Hopefully soon...perhaps...maybe not...

Lord, help me to stay focused on you in the midst of a maddening world.  I pray that I don't sacrifice moments of intimacy with you in order to get the 1003rd thing done.  It is so easy to prioritize but so often my priorities get out of whack because I fail to place you as primary. Humble me Lord, and allow me to rest and trust in you alone.

...a new game

I read an article once about a couple who were married for many years and they would go out into nature, on a walk, etc and they would play a game.  The game that they played has really stirred my affections for God and caused me to slow down and see Him at work all around me.

First, take a look at Romans 1:19-20, "They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them.  For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature.  So they have no excuse for not knowing God".

...This is where the game begins.  This is where the conversation starts.  The game is seeing the nature of God and how He is working continuously in the world around us.  The husband in the article would see a falcon and then ask his wife how the falcon reflected God's nature and she would reply "God's freedom because the falcon can not be contained".

...or the wife would see a line of worker ants and her husband would comment on God's faithfulness because just as the ants faithfully seek out food and supplies, so does God faithfully seek out, provide for, and redeem his chosen people.

Julie and I find ourselves playing this game as we drive through the flat Texas plains and are amazed at a sunset, and we both see the beauty of God.  Or maybe we see a perfectly clear sky where stars go on for miles and stand amazed and the unchangingness of God.  I found myself walking around TCU and slowing down long enough to actually see God's creation.  I write this not to make myself sound holy.  I continually fail to give God the glory that he deserves and I have missed seeing his characteristics in nature more times than I would ever care to remember.

I write this instead to encourage all of us to slow down, take a breath, and see the world as what it is...God's beautiful creation.  Sure, there are a lot of things that are messed up...but thats our fault, its not the way that God intended for it to happen.  But if you slow down, you can see God's amazing fingerprints everywhere.  Can you see them?  Look closely...what do you see?

Well, thats all I have for now.  I implore you to slow down.  It is worth it.  Thats my take.

-BD