July 2014 Newsletter

Recovering Vocation
Robert Bellah’s landmark book, Habits of the Heart, helped many people name the thing that was (and still is) eating away at the cohesiveness of our culture—“expressive individualism.” Elsewhere, Bellah argued that Americans had created a culture that elevated individual choice and expression to such a level that there was no longer any shared life, no commanding truths or values that tied us together. As Bellah wrote, “. . . we are moving to an ever greater validation of the sacredness of the individual person, [but] our capacity to imagine a social fabric that would hold individuals together is vanishing. . . . The sacredness of the individual is not balanced by any sense of the whole or concern for the common good.” But near the end of Habits, the author proposes one measure that would go a long way toward reweaving the unraveling culture: To make a real difference . . . [there would have to be] a reappropriation of the idea of vocation or calling, a return in a new way to the idea of work as a contribution to the good of all and not merely as a means to one’s own advancement. Every good endeavor, even the simplest ones, pursued in response to God’s calling, can matter forever.

But if we are to “reappropriate” an older idea, we must look at that idea’s origin. In this case, the source of the idea of work as vocation is the Christian Scriptures. The Bible teems with wisdom, resources, and hope for anyone who is learning to work, looking for work, trying to work, or going to work. And when we say that the Christian Scriptures “give us hope” for work, we at once acknowledge both how deeply frustrating and difficult work can be and how profound the spiritual hope must be if we are going to face the challenge of pursuing vocation in this world.

Everyone imagines accomplishing things, and everyone finds him or herself largely incapable of producing them. Everyone wants to be successful rather than forgotten, and everyone wants to make a difference in life. But that is beyond the control of any of us. If this life is all there is, then everything will eventually burn up in the death of the sun and no one will even be around to remember anything that has ever happened. Everyone will be forgotten, nothing we do will make any difference, and all good endeavors, even the best, will come to naught.

Unless there is God. If the God of the Bible exists, and there is a True Reality beneath and behind this one, and this life is not the only life, then every good endeavor, even the simplest ones, pursued in response to God’s calling, can matter forever. That is what the Christian faith promises. “In the Lord, your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

-Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church

Meet the Students

Meet Spencer Brown, a junior Chinese major at the University of Pittsburgh. I first met Spencer during the freshmen orientation week at Pitt when I noticed he was wearing a Darth Vader shirt, and we struck up a conversation. We have grown closer the past two years, especially during two Dominican Republic trips. Read more about him…

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? I'm mostly kind of bad at favorites, but I love Star Wars everything. Disney movies are also my thing, especially Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but I also love Pan's Labyrinth and Clue (because Time Curry). My favorite book is Dune by Frank Herbert. My favorite band is this Icelandic post-rock group Sigur Rós, but I'd be remiss if I didn't also give shout-outs to Kimya Dawson, Simon and Garfunkel, and Beethoven.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? During orientation week my freshman year I happened to stumble across some Cornerstone folks playing four square and handing out ice cream. I ended up going to Freshman Bible Study, but couldn't make it to an actual Wednesday night Cornerstone gathering until spring semester of my sophomore year because of schedule conflicts, but I've been in a great discipleship group with Cody Latimer and Jeff Schallick since freshman year. I joined the Cornerstone leadership team spring semester freshman year on the Freshman Ministry Team, and continued on Service Team sophomore year.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? So, before college I didn't have the strongest foundation in Christianity, and had never experienced a Christian community with my peers. I actually spent about a year of high school wishing I had the discipline to be Tibetan Buddhist. Cornerstone was--and is--a place where I found Christian community. Being surrounded by people who were passionate about their faith put me in an environment where I could grow and develop my own faith and find passion for Christ. It was also a place I felt safe, like I could really be me and finally find self-confidence. Cornerstone is what made Pitt home for me, and it's where I met my best friends.

Financial Update

June was a good month for us, and we are at 84% of where we need to be for the month. We thank you for all of your continued love and support. We are always in awe how God has used everyone to help support this ministry. We honestly could not do it without God working through you. If you are interested in supporting this ministry, I would love to meet with you. Please contact me using the information on the navigation bar or email me at amoore@ccojubilee.org.

Moore News

We just got back from our annual vacation to Colorado. It was great, but we are very exhausted. Most of the time was spent either playing baseball with the boys, or journeying from one place to the next. Our highlights include shopping, catching a Rockies game in Denver (Coors’ field is really nice, but it’s no PNC), wondering around Estes Park, and hanging out with Emily’s Dad and two sisters, Leslie and Polly. We even got to meet up briefly with my coworker and good friend Chris Ansell and his wife Sarah as they celebrated their anniversary in Colorado. Colorado was a wonderful time as always! By the way, if you are ever in Greely, CO, be sure to check out Red’s Dogs and Donuts. Their donuts are the best I’ve ever had!

Now it’s time to get back to “normal” life. I start my annual summer training soon, and before we know it the students will be back. The summer if flying by so incredibly fast.

I hope you are having a relaxing summer as well! May god bless all of you and your summer!

In Christ,
Andy Moore

June 2014 Newsletter

Finding Your Identity
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” –John 1:12

Who am I? This is the question that freshmen college students often ask themselves. Everything they once identified themselves with (friends, family, town, etc.) are now gone, and they are no longer sure who they are and what they believe. Their identity has been shattered.

After this shocking realization, students go on a path of self-discovery to decipher who they are. They look to others to identify them. They look toward their schooling to identify them. They look toward anything that would make them feel worth. Whatever gives me value, that’s where I identify: friends, family, school, work, alcohol, sex…the list goes on. Where does my value lie? Who am I?

Friends, family, school, those are not identifiers. Those are characteristics that help make you who you are, but they do not define you. Christ defines you. Who am I? You are one who is made in the image of God and is deeply loved. You are a child of God, and no one can take that from you. When Christ looks at you, he says, “Mine.” Christ defines you. He is your identifier. You are his.

Summertime
Summer break is here, and the church seems much more quiet…much more empty. My work load, has become much lighter and I can feel myself relaxing a bit more. But, there is still quite a bit to do.

During the summer, as you may remember, we have our weekly meeting called Common Ground. Common Ground is a large group fellowship where various students from Pittsburgh campuses merge for a summer ministry sponsored by the CCO. Like every year we meet at the park, eat, and play various games. Last year we did a video series by Tim Keller, and this year we are doing a bible study through the book of Philippians. It should be a great time.

Elsewhere, In Ocean City, New Jersey, we have five students involved in the Ocean City Beach Project (OCBP). OCBP is a summer-long community living opportunity for Christian college students to develop further as campus leaders. The Project provides the opportunity for students to grow personally in faith and to develop a deeper vision for life. The students going are Danny Churchill, Shelby Scott, Katie Smith, Kayla Bloodgood, and Lindsey Ericson. Please be in prayer for them.

Meet the Students

Meet Keito Hoshitsuki, a first year Pharmacy Student at Pitt. I met Keito at the first freshmen bible study of his freshmen year, and have had the honor of discipling him. He is a great man of God. Listen to what he has to say…

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? Favorite movie: Top Gun; Favorite book: The Giver; Favorite band/music: I don't really have one. I listen to everything from classical to pop.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? I came to cornerstone fall of my freshman year and I've been involved since then. I did leadership for a year on Freshmen Ministry Team, went to Jubilee, and got baptized with 4 other Cornerstone students during my sophomore year. I also became a member of Bellefield Presbyterian Church.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? The biggest thing Cornerstone has done for me is give me a new purpose for my education and daily actions. Through the weekly messages, individual mentorship from staff, and fellowship with other students, my faith life has grown and developed, and I now see how my vocation and my faith are not separate things. I have matured so much in the last 3 years and want Christ to be the focus in everything I do. This change happened in me because of Cornerstone.

Financial Update

We received full donations for the month! Praise God for these gifts and for the givers! We know that God is faithful, and always will be. We are very thankful for the support given to us as well as our wonderful supporters! This past month’s giving has been a real blessing, and we are asking for something BIG from everyone for this month: we are asking that you tithe (give 10%) of one of your paychecks this month to help support our ministry. Don’t worry, we won’t be asking this every month. If you are interested in supporting this ministry, I would love to meet with you. Remember that any gift is a good gift. Please contact me using the information on the front of this newsletter or email me at amoore@ccojubilee.org.

Moore News

Well, baseball season is officially over. I enjoyed every single second of being a coach, but I am a bit relieved that it is done. Benjamin had an outstanding first year. His team, the Mariners, unfortunately lost in the semi-finals in a real heart breaker. His final batting average was .770, and he was especially good defensively. Joshua also had a great season on the Grasshoppers, learning all the ends and outs of baseball in his league. He is a natural hitter, and is starting to get the defensive parts down. Both he and Ben will be in the same league next year, which will make things easier on us. I have started to teach Asher how to play baseball, and he seems to really enjoy it as well.

Emily is probably more relieved than anyone that baseball season is over. Coordinating schedules, including mine, is quite a tough job to handle. I’m sure this will open up quite a bit of free time for both of us. I know she could use a bit of a break. Now, we are preparing for our annual visit to Colorado. Out with one task, and in with another.

I hope that this letter finds you well, and that you are enjoying your summer. May God bless you all.

In Christ,
Andy Moore

May 2014 Newsletter

God is Faithful
“I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.” –Psalm 40:10

The school year has come to an end. A few weeks ago, seniors completed their work and received their degree as friends and families watched. Some were the first to graduate in their family. Some continued the Pitt legacy. All move on to their future. It’s cliché to say, but it seems like the year just started, and I find myself asking were the time went.

The year has been a great one professionally. We were able to able to get on campus a lot, Cornerstone has been wonderful, and we got a new pastor! Personally we have seen a few difficult times: our truck was stolen (this is probably news to a lot reading this), and I broke my foot. In the good times, and the bad, I will speak of God’s faithfulness and salvation. I cannot conceal it.

God’s faithfulness continues to amaze me, and he shows me it in new ways. When doubt creeps in, God is faithful. When hope seems bleak, God is faithful. When the pain is heavy, God is faithful. He has shown me this through family, friends, students, coworkers, a new pastor, situations, and his own word. I cannot conceal it. God is faithful.

Take time to reflect on this. Let it marinate. If you are in dire circumstances, this simple phrase can help you make it through: God is faithful. Don’t conceal it.

Habitat for Humanity
Next year, I have the honor of taking over as the advisor for the Pitt chapter of Habitat for Humanity. As some of you may have known, I have been working pretty heavily with Habitat this year and was being groomed by the current advisor, and fellow CCO staff worker, Jonny Cagwin. I can’t wait to get started and deepen relationships that I have started, as well as form new ones. Habitat has been a great way to meet students, and get out on campus.

So, what does this mean for my job currently? Not much. I will still be working at the church, and doing a lot of the usual things I do. There will be a few changes: I will be stepping down from helping with Freshmen Ministry Team, and no longer (as of now) will I be leading a Spring Break trip to the Dominican Republic. Instead, I will be going to a Habitat worksite somewhere in the U.S. This is truly a unique opportunity for me, and I am truly excited about getting my hands dirty with students and all the possibilities this position offers.

Meet the Students

Meet Katie Moose, a (now) junior business major at Pitt. I got to know Katie a bit better on the Dominican Republic spring break trip where we discussed our mutual love of dinosaurs. Read more about her:

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? Favorite Movies: How to Steal a Million, anything directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Favorite Books: anything by C.S. Lewis. Favorite Bands: City and Colour, Run River North, Ben Howard.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? My freshman year I wasn't really involved in Cornerstone as much as I wish I had been. Towards the end of second semester I started going more frequently and decided when I came back in the fall I would get more involved. I ended up in a D-group with Megan Schug and Mary Brooke Umhau and found myself going to Cornerstone events as often as I could. I got talked into applying for leadership and now am a small group leader and the business manager for Cornerstone next year! I have met some of my best friends at Cornerstone this year, as well as roommates and mentors.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? I think that Cornerstone has been instrumental to my faith during my time at Pitt. I went to a Christian school for K-12th grade and my faith and relationship with Christ was always important, but I didn't have that fire inside of me to know more and seek to put Christ first in my life. In coming to Cornerstone and being surrounded by so many people who have that passion for Christ, I have seen a huge change in my own life and my relationship with my Savior. The desire to know more, seek God first, and keep the fire thriving is something that I have gained during my time at Pitt through Cornerstone, and I can't wait to see what lies in store for the rest of my time here!

Financial Update

Praise God for his gifts! We are at 80% for the financial goal that we have set. We know that God is faithful, and always will be. We are very thankful for the support given to us as well as our wonderful supporters! If you are interested in supporting this ministry, I would love to meet with you. We are looking for supporters to give an extra 10% on top of their usual gifts, or make a one-time donation. Remember, any gift is a good gift. Please contact me using the information on the navigation bar or email me at amoore@ccojubilee.org.

Moore News

Our house has basically been consumed with Baseball. Benjamin and Joshua have a few games a week in their respective leagues. When they are not playing they are practicing in our backyard (or trying to sneak baseball time in the house without Emily noticing). When they aren’t practicing, they are watching the Pirates. When they aren’t consumed by Baseball, they are doing homework, reading a book, or watching (or playing) Star Wars. Basically, in a nut shell, they are reliving my childhood…Except they are much more gifted than I ever was.

For being the “slow time of year,” Emily has been running around and trying to keep on top of things. It has been challenging, but fun. Emily has been great at managing the boys’ schedules, as well as being a “baseball mom.” Now if we can just figure out what to do when the boys’ games are scheduled at the same time.

We hope that this Newsletter finds you well and that you are seeing God in every part of your life.

In Christ,
Andy Moore

April 2014 Newsletter

Defeating the Unconquerable
"In 1916, Sam Born was given the keys to the city of San Francisco. It was an elaborate ceremony, full of pomp and celebration, and one often reserved for foreign dignitaries or national heroes. Born's lasting legacy, however, was the invention of a machine that mechanically inserted the sticks into lollipops.

One of the things we celebrate this Easter season is that a very different person, for a very different reason, was given a very different set of keys. In Revelation, John records a vision he has of Jesus Christ, who says, 'Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.' In reverent awe, John goes on to record that 'These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.' (Rev 1:17-18, 3:7, ESV).

Christ's resurrection is more than just the happy epilogue to the dark events of Good Friday. It is, rather, the means by which Jesus Christ openly triumphed over what is, for us, an unconquerable foe. His resurrection is the pledge and promise of what will one day be true for all of his people. He has opened even the grave itself, and 'what he opens no one can shut'.

Had Christ remained in the grave, our faith would be futile and sin and death would remain the final word (1 Corinthians 15:17). Yet they are not.

Christ's resurrection means that we cannot speak of Jesus in the past tense only, but must recognize that he is living and leading and guiding and protecting his people right now. Only the One who has authority over life and death and who sits at the right hand of the Father can be the One to lead us safely and securely through our days."

-Rev. Josh Brown, Pastor of Bellefield Presbyterian Church

Dominican Republic Student Testimony

Meet Ben Clifton, a junior Jazz studies and math education major at Pitt. I have known Ben since his high school days, and it has been a pleasure watching him grow in Christ. Fun fact: Ben is a professional musician (he is on Spotify), yet he is very humble about it. Read about his experience in the DR:

During spring break this semester I went with a group of college students from Bellefield Presbyterian Church to the Dominican Republic. I became aware of this trip from one of the CCO leaders in the Cornerstone Christian Fellowship that I am part of. Our group traveled to the city of Hato Mayor alongside college students from Penn State and Waynesburg University where we partnered with a local organization called Meeting God in Missions. During the week we travelled to various villages around the Hato Mayor area engaging in sports ministry (we happened to have to NFL players on the trip conveniently), medical clinics, VBS, prayer walks through evangelism, and hair washing.

On the first day of the trip I went on a construction project to a town called Village 50. This experience for me was very eye-opening to the reality of extreme poverty. One of the moments that I remember most clearly was when we passed out food to the kids and we didn't have enough for everybody. I was deeply saddened by the sight and I returned to the main compound where we were staying at, very mad and confused. Part of my anger was from my frustration of what I had seen. Another part of my anger was because of events that occurred in my life before the trip. In fact I almost didn't go on the trip. About a week before I was set to depart for the DR I was informed that my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer and as I returned to the compound after the first day this was also in the back of my mind. I prayed to God that night voicing my anger and frustration. In my quiet time I kept thinking the same words over and over again: "Be Still and Know that I am God." That was a powerful experience for me and something really hit me that night. I think often in our lives we tend to put God in a box. I personally tend to lose sight of God and or don't see him when times get tough. Most often I think that God doesn't understand what I'm going through or that he doesn't care. But that night I realized that even though my grandfather has cancer and the people in Village 50 are in extreme poverty, God is still in control even when I didn't think I was making much of a difference in the world. Isn't that such an awesome truth to know that God is in control? I would argue that it makes life bearable sometimes.

Another highlight of the trip was the talks that I heard throughout the week by various Christian speakers. The main theme of the trip was the idea of putting our identity in Christ. This is something that I forget so often. As a student it is easy to put my identity in my academic work and how I compare to everyone else around me. It is also easy to put my identity in pride or the guilt and sin that I carry. However, if we are with Christ our identity should be solely with him. Nothing else matters. Even though schoolwork is important, one bad test grade doesn't determine my identity through self-worth. Speaking for myself, I fell into putting my identity into things that I shouldn't. Since this trip I really feel like God is in the process of bringing me back to him.

Financial Update

March was a bit of a dip for us. We rest on the fact that God has always has provided and always will. We are very thankful for the support given to us as well as our wonderful supporters! If you are interested in supporting this ministry, I would love to meet with you. Please contact me using the information the information on navigation bar or email me at amoore@ccojubilee.org.

Moore News

I should probably start off by saying that I have injured myself again. Big surprise, right? I have broken my foot - a stress fracture to be precise. That sad part is that I actually injured it in January. I was chasing a student around that hallway of Bellefield, and felt a sharp pain in my foot. I didn’t really think anything of it, so I let it go. The pain did not, unfortunately, go away. After three months of stubbornness, and finally having Emily convince me that I should see a doctor, I finally went. I was diagnosed with a stress fracture, and after an MRI, have thankfully seen that there are no torn tendons, which means no surgery. This is my first experience on crutches, believe it or not, so I am getting used to them. It is like a work out every time I walk. So, be in prayer for healing for my foot.

The boys are ready for summer and much time outside after a long, cold winter. Benjamin and Joshua are starting their first season of organized sports: baseball. We are early in the season, but they seem to be enjoying their time spent learning about technique and teamwork. Asher enjoys coming along beside them and cheering them on with me and Emily.

We thank you all for your love and support, and pray that God blesses you richly!

In Christ,
Andy Moore

Dan Allender - Shame

At Jubilee this year, Dan Allender gave one of the best talks I have ever heard on "the fall" and "shame." Be sure to watch. It will be worth your time.

(Vimeo link - click here)


Jubilee 2014 Main Session - Dan Allender from CCO Campus Ministry on Vimeo.

March 2014 Newsletter

Cattle Truck Confessions
They quickly load us into the cattle trucks. It is time for us to leave the village we were currently working at and head back to the Meeting God in Missions Compound. The Village was unlike anything I had ever seen. It was spread out, mountainous, and jungle-like. It was quite a different experience for quite a different trip.

The truck takes, off leaving a trail of dust behind it. Some stand, but I choose to sit. I think back at the week and reflect and smile. The week was rough, but I love it here. And then it strikes me, and the sadness sets in: this might be my last trip for a while.

Suddenly, the skies open up and the rain hits. Not a drizzle, but a pour. The rain pelts us in the face, and it hurts. I stand up, letting the beads smack and abuse me – and I love every single minute of it. This week has smacked and abused me – and I have loved every single minute of it. Was it my experiences that made the trip? No. It was the student’s experiences.

When I was a kid, I loved receiving presents as a kid at Christmas. My face would light up as I violently tore open package after package. Now, as a parent, I take delight in giving gifts. I take delight in watching my kids’ excitement as they receive a new gift. That is the way I feel about this trip. My delight comes not from my own experiences, but through the experiences of my students. Yes, I am sad because of the realization that this experience may not happen again for a while, but I take solace in the experiences and memories God has given each and every student.

Dominican Republic Student Testimonies

Spencer Brown (left), Cody Latimer (middle), and Jeff Schallick (right) are students who are repeat Dominican Republic visitors. They decided, in their discipleship group, to write up their collective testimonies about their experience.

All: When it comes to sharing testimonies from the Dominican Republic, really no one story could accurately describe what everyone got out of this trip. For each student, what was learned on the trip was as diverse and unique as each person was on the trip. We each had our own story, so instead of sharing just one story we opted to share three.

Cody: For me, returning to the Dominican Republic presented an opportunity to see the different ways that God is moving all over the world. Whether it be in the daily on-goings of students here taking classes at Pitt, or in the lives of Dominicans living in the middle of a sugarcane field with hopes and dreams just as big as yours, it was encouraging to see that God is present in all things. It's often hard to grasp God's sovereignty, and my week spent in the Dominican Republic really reminded me that He has a plan for all of His people - one that’s too big and too perfect for us to even begin to comprehend.

Spencer: Last year when I came back from the Dominican Republic, I guess you could say I had a small existential crisis. I had this overwhelming sense of insignificance as I returned to the tedium of classes, feeling as though I had no meaningful impact now that I had returned to my life. I wasn’t alone in my feelings; some of my friends shared them. As the trip wound to a close this year, I felt a similar helplessness: a helplessness to break the systems of governmental corruption, of corporate abuse and enslavement, and of all the forces working against justice in the Dominican Republic. But God was working even in this seemingly desolate place of impotence. In this feeling of weakness, He revealed to me the need for representation of all professions, all walks of life, and all kinds of people in the Body of Christ. We need Christians equipped to fight in Washington, in board rooms, before national leaders, and inside corporations; equipped to fight for the manifestation of Christ’s Love in all these spheres. It’s something I’ve always heard in church and read in the Bible—that the Body of Christ has many members—but I’d never fully understood the beautiful truth that is until now. Work glorifying to God is not confined to mission trips, abroad; it includes every career path; it extends into education as people collect the equipment they need ignite change from within; it intertwines with every aspect of our lives as we go about our days and interact with the world and people around us. God needs instruments everywhere. The Body of Christ needs every organ and digit to function. You can always make a difference where you are now. Insignificance doesn’t exist.

Jeff: Going back to the DR for me was a mixture of excitement and anxiety. As much as I tried not to have expectations, I couldn’t help but think of playing with the kids again. The problem with that was I wasn’t allowing myself to be open to where God wanted to send me. Though I realized how selfish I was being and how I didn’t have it together for this mission trip, God was still able to use me that week. He revealed to me His love in new and creative ways that I never expected. This year I got to see how beautiful the people of the Dominican Republic are and how, like the kids, they have such a deep rooted joy in knowing Christ despite the brokenness all around them. I know a lot of people struggle with seeing the poverty and depravity in the DR, but the unexplainable joy these people have kept me from ever taking in their circumstances. It may seem like they’re missing so much, but in reality I’ve discovered they have everything. I realize now I do these trips not to do more for people or do more for God, but to simply give more of my heart to God. Only then does the work I’m doing have an impact and it’s only then we can begin to make things change.

All: Though we may all have different experiences, God is present in all of them. And that’s the beauty of it; God is amazingly personal and intimate. I believe it was by no mistake we all had unique takeaways. God knew what we all needed from this trip, and what we all learned will stay with us forever. We have all been changed and our change continues to this day.

Financial Update

This past month was much better for us than January, and we are so thankful for your giving and God’s providence. He always has provided and always will. He has taught us that many times over. We are very thankful for the support given to us as well as our wonderful supporters! If you are interested in supporting this ministry, I would love to meet with you. Please contact me using the information on on navigation bar or email me at amoore@ccojubilee.org.

Moore News

As you may have read in my last newsletter, my family and I just spent a week in Disney World. I had the preconceived notion that it would be quite chaotic and stressful. What I experienced was quite the contrary: it was chaotic and wonderful, going from ride to ride, and from character to character. The entire family had a blast. It was a wonderful time to spend with my entire family. And the best part? Getting the Lego Millennium Falcon set and being able to build it with the boys at home. It created some awesome family time. If you are interested a reading an article I just wrote about my trip to Disney, and some theological thoughts about it, click and check it out: http://thepittstop220.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-theology-of-disney.html.

It seems that Emily survived the week alone with the boys while I was gone to the Dominican Republic, and that minimal damage was done. They did give me a huge surprise by meeting me at the airport. It is always great to hear the excitement in their voice when they first see me. They (including Emily) are all doing well.

We thank you all so much for taking the time to read this newsletter and for your constant support. May God Bless you!

In Christ,
Andy Moore

The Theology of Disney

As you may have read in my last newsletter, my family and I just spent a week in Disney World. What a wonderful time it was! From riding the Star Wars ride, Star Tours, five times to exploring the different worlds of EPCOT to feasting on the wonderful food the park had to offer. Despite the thrills and organized chaos that come with a Disney vacation, it was a wonderful time to spend with my entire family. Would I go again? In a heartbeat. It was that good of a time.

There was one thing that stuck out with me in the trip in particular. Throughout the small city that is Walt Disney World, there are various quotes from Walt Disney himself. One reads “I don’t want the public to see the world they live in while they’re in the Park. I want them to feel they’re in another world.” I casually read this sentence, not paying it any mind as I hustled to our next ride. But there was something about this quote that kept impaling my brain. It just would not leave me alone. Finally I started to mull the questions, “Why do people need an escape from reality?” and “Why should they escape to Disney World?”

Disney World might be the closest thing that we can get to a Utopia on Earth. Think about it. The parks are immaculately clean. You are constantly entertained…even waiting in line can be entertaining. The workers (called Cast Members) are care free and happy, even if it is synthesized. And most importantly, the parks are rid of a perceived notion of evil. When you go there, you escape the atrocities that are the rest of the world. It may be the closest thing we have to a utopia on this earth. So, is this escape truly why people flock there and are willing to shell out money for a temporary euphoria?

Being a minister, I have a tendency to look at the world through a biblical perspective. In the creation account in Genesis 1, we see God’s perfect order creating a world that is without evil or blemish. It is a world that is perfect for the pinnacle of God’s creation: mankind. “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31a, emphasis mine). God made a world that was perfect for us, and this world is what man was meant and wired for. It was very good. It was shalom, or peace as it was intended to be: full and complete.

In Genesis 3, we see the quick and decisive fall of mankind that cursed everything that was once good. Man, who was created perfectly human and was already told by God they were “very good,” was told by another being they could be better...that we didn’t need God, for we could be our own God. Lies we still believe today. The serpent said, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of [the fruit] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4b-5). How was it possible for people who were created perfectly human to become even greater? It was not, but that did not stop us from believing the lie. And so the fruit was picked, and the rest is sad, sad history. The world is now corrupt and evil.

So why is there a need to escape this reality? If we were indeed made to live in that shalom, if we were created for a world that was perfect for us, then it is no wonder that we are crawling and fighting to get back to a world that we were wired for. This is why people, I believe, are so eager to get to Disney World; they are pining for a world that they were meant for. Disney World is a generic Eden, where you forget that the world is harsh and cold. (This is not a knock on Disney World. I would gladly go again.) We are yearning for a world that is free of tears, death, mourning, and pain. Disney tries to offer that. The only thing is that at some point you have to pack up and leave, and eventually you are left with the “Disney Down.”

C.S. Lewis says it much more eloquently in his book Mere Christianity. He says, “The Christian says, 'Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire: well, there is such a thing as sex. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.'”

If this was the end of the story, it would be a sad world that we live in. Jesus Christ, in his glory and compassion, saw that we were broken people attempting to work our way back to perfection, but failing miserably. In his love, he reached to us, by taking those imperfections and impurities and making us realize that we are in desperate need of God, and that our attempts at self-salvation have also failed. And he cleansed us. He declared us righteous. If we believe that Jesus Christ is the true savior of the world, then we are part of his story. What is that story? God is making all things new. He is restoring the broken, and making them whole again. We now get to participate in this epic narrative. God is restoring shalom. So when we yearn for a world that is free of tears, death, mourning, and pain, we must remember that redemption and restoration are God’s desires, also. As it says in Revelation 21:4-5, "He (Jesus) will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he (Jesus) who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'" Amen.