I really like this article by ESPN writer Michael Smith about the character of Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith. It talks about how we should talk about them based on their character and accomplishments. Here’s a quote:
On Jan. 15, the nation celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We could honor his dream by celebrating Dungy’s and Smith’s achievements not because of the color of their skin, but the content of their character.
There’s a lot of talk about hoping for a day when black coaches in the Super Bowl won’t be a big deal, when we won’t find it necessary to refer to a coach as a “black coach” (or any person by their race, for that matter).
What’s wrong with that day being today? Dungy and Smith have made history, and we happily acknowledge it. As for our practice of categorizing NFL head coaches, let’s make that history, too.
When Dungy was the coach in Tampa, he made a difference in the community. In fact, he still does contribute to the Tampa Bay community, even though he isn’t the coach of the Bucs. Pretty much all of Florida is rooting for him. He is a class guy. A great example for fathers. And, he’s a good coach.
Whichever team wins this year’s SuperBowl has a good coach. They both deserve to win.
Related story: Super Bowl coaches Dungy, Smith known for Christian testimony
Youth Ministry training in Latin America is about to explode. I’m no prophet, but the things that are happening are incredible. In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been blogging more and more about things that we’re up to ministry-wise. There’s a reason for that…we’re busy! I believe that God is doing something in Mexico and that youth ministry training is going to blow up in the next year.
Last night, I had a conversation with a pastor in Ojo de Agua, a town about an hour away from here, and he wants us to do a youth ministry workshop at his church on February 24-25. I also have a new student from that area of town, from a different church. The things that are happening at PIB Satélite are amazing. We have a great group of students at the seminary who are excited about youth ministry and training others as well.
It’s not just what we’re doing, either. When we were in Ecuador in October, we learned that there are many good things happening throughout Latin America. God is working in Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Argentina, Guatemala, and many other places.
I’m working on an idea for chapel next week, so I was looking up “Mosaic making software.” I came across AndreaMosaic, a freeware program that allows you to make a mosaic out of your photos. It’s super cool, and here’s the mosaic I made out of some of our most recent photos.
Click the picture to enlarge.
One of my students is the middle school pastor of his church. In January, he told me that his group has doubled in growth since he began taking classes in youth ministry. They have gone from 30 students to 60 in a little more than a year. He has continually told me how much of an impact the classes have made on his ministry.
Not only is the youth group growing, but they are also doing a lot of great things. A group of students recently started a mission church. They do everything to lead the mission in another part of town. This kind of stuff makes it easier to get up in the morning and go to work. If you want to see more, check out the flickr set.
I spent all weekend at a leadership retreat for the youth ministry at First Baptist Church of Satelite. We had a great time talking about leadership, doing different team building activities, and sharing the vision for what these young people can become as the leadership team.
By the end of the weekend, it seemed like they really understood that their position is more to help minister to their peers than anything else. Sure, they have different activities to plan and things to do, but more than anything, they will be the spiritual leaders this year. It was exciting to see them understand that and really commit to seek God during this year.
