Signs, signs, everywhere are signs

Nearly a month ago, I filled out a preliminary application with a mission organization that works in Spain. I also linked to the local ministry in Malaga when I blogged about it. The weeks went by and I never heard anything. I emailed them as well, and no response. As I was already predisposed to see signs in every breath of wind, I took it as a "closed door." (I really am tired of that cliche. Any suggestions on a more suitable metaphor?)

It was during this time of "stepping out" (another cliche) that I came upon another opportunity that seemed like a good fit. I won't tell you what it is until it is resolved, as I still have a week more to wait.

Apparently, when I linked to the Malaga Media Center, someone there followed the link and notified the home office here in the States, who have just contacted me asking for another application.

Did I mention that I am looking for signs?

U-Turn

So here's how it goes... You just have to start moving, then things begin to happen. Spain has to take a back seat for now as another opportunity appears on the horizon. I should know this time next week or so what the next chapter looks like. This "in-between-ness" is for the birds. Until then...

Signs

One of the oddities about making a life decision is that you suddenly find yourself looking for signs everywhere.

Someone at work misspelled "Spanish Translation" to read "Spainish Translation." Ah, ha! It's a sign. I'm on the right road. God is with me. Everything will fall into place.

Now, should I have turned left or a right back there?

Spain

So here I am, a new chapter before me.

I decided over the weekend that I want to give myself to Spain. What does this mean, "Give myself to Spain?" I guess it means that I want to devote my video and writing talents to helping people in Spain see Christ within their contemporary culture.

I had an idea about six months ago. I got really excited about it, then my enthusiasm waned a bit, as it often does. But it goes something like this. Years ago my dad gave me a copy of the Mars Hill Review. I immediately connected with its mission statement: "...to reveal Christ in the various texts of our contemporary culture." Mars Hill Graduate School makes this a priority as well. I think it is useful to quote them at length:

Text

Our vision is to train men and women to see Scripture through a perspective that keeps the primacy of story and mystery alive as it authoritatively forms the fundamental parameters of our life and worldview. We believe interpretation or hermeneutics is neither primarily a science, nor a skill, but a living art that molds us into maturity by the Word itself, the convicting work of the Spirit, and in dialogue with the community of faith both past and present.

Soul

Our vision is to train men and women to live lives worthy of the gospel. We believe this is possible through an ongoing process of humility that reveals our bias, transforms our heart, and enlivens our passion for the Author of Life. The outcome will be a transformation that involves a shift in perspective (faith), purpose (hope), and passion (love) evidenced in how one relates to enemies and friends, body and mind, and the world in which we are situated.

Culture

Our vision is to train men and women to engage culture. Every culture attempts to flee God and yet find life in its own gods. Every culture reflects both the glory of creation and the depravity of the fall. We believe a person or community can never receive a hearing, nor offer the gospel, unless it incarnates the gospel through joyful participation in a culture's glory and honest engagement in its darkness. We wish to develop lovers of language, story, drama, film, music, dance, architecture, and art in order to deepen our love of life and the God of all creativity. The result will be a greater desire to know the human heart, the word of God, and the coming and already present Kingdom of God.

I can't think of a better way of putting it.

So, my idea? It was to become sort of a Spanish YouTube missionary, for lack of a better definition. I planned to download as much of Spain's popular culture as possible and begin to try to understand where God was within the expressions of their art and music and films. I even got started on a website. But it's easy to get discouraged when going it alone. I did a lot of research, made lists, watched a lot of media, etc. I guess I needed a little more structure.

I'm not sure where all this will lead. I just know that I've got to go where I believe I'm being taken. This morning I filled out a preliminary application with Avant Ministries, who head the Malaga Media Center.

All right. It's out there. A left turn down another road. I hope you stick around for the ride. If you think about it, ask God to make clear which turns are best in the journey ahead.