(e)mergent Voyageurs

Well, after five month- after three months of inner city community living and service, dedicated to missional and spiritual formation; after two months of service and missional community throughout Uganda- our 2007 Discipleship Training School (DTS) comes to a close this week. For those who want to read more about these months, check out the DTS blog here.

As we seek to bring a closure to our time as a community and help process the next stages of our individual and collective journeys, we are facing a few bumps in the road. While I cannot go into detail here, there have been complications that I deeply believe are an attack of the enemy on our group. While the specifics relate to two of the six students, the impact is obviously on the larger group.

Please stand with us in prayer and authority as we seek God’s best through these tough situations. As much as I see the enemy’s hand at work, even more I see the seeds of Kingdom potential. All of your prayers are greatly appreciated.

Previous Post – Revival In Greenland

This afternoon brought to a close our recent YWAM Western Canada Leadership Team meetings hosted here in Winnipeg. After hosting more than about 20 people in our house (it used to house an inner city gang, so it’s quite big), things are eerily quiet now. Well, “urban quiet” that is, the gently song of the sirens (police & ambulances) and screaming children still drift in, but that’s pretty typical.

While I won’t go into specifics, todays discussion was one that reflect an important growth in our district leadership/ministries. More and more we are finding that the structures of organization, tasks/jobs, policies, etc. are not effective or genuine for the nature of our interconnectedness as a ministry. Increasingly we are defining our structures and responding to challenges without escaping into the easy convenience of institution, but as a organic, relational community- a family.

We have not perfected this by any means, though I feel we are significantly unique in this respect compared to much of the international organization. We find ourselves stretched by the oft enormity of emotional and pastoral dynamics involved by taking this path. And yet, as we do so, the nature of our missional engagement in our communities and those communities we travel to continues to reflect fresh Spirit-led innovation and creativity, rooted in relationships above all else.

This is exciting to me, as we have worked for a long time to see this fruit. It is tentative and will need much nurturing, but I am very hopeful. In the same way, I wonder what would happen if other ministries and churches took this journey, even on regional and/or denominational levels. Our district covers a region from Vancouver Island to Winnipeg, with dozens of ministries centres throughout. If we can do it on that level, I believe it can be done in other contexts as well, large and small.

What have you see that reflects new ideas and approaches to leadership, community and ministry that are born out of relationality?

This weeks blogging will be quite different than normal as we are currently hosting the Youth With A Mission Western Canada Leadership Team (YWAM WCLT) meetings here in Winnipeg.  We began yesterday evening, but are currently jumping into the agenda this morning with some exciting emphasis.  More than half of our ministries in Western Canada are engaged with or to First Nations people and/or communities.  YWAM, especially in our district, seeks to engage culture mindful of the history of of Western Christianity destroying and even demonizing it, moving rather towards reconciliation, mutuality and respect.

Part of this has been acknowledging and practicing our missional engagement through the context of indigenous protocol, honouring the people we are meeting as the host peoples of this nation (and specifically in our regions).  Here in Winnipeg, some of the church/youth groups that work with us are often confused and concerned when they come to our office and spot tobacco on our supply shelf.  The reason we have this is to give to the elders we meet with on occassion in the city.  This is a simple aspect of protocol, with many others being very complex.  Note, protocol is not these acts themselves, but the worldview beneath and within them.

Obviously, as Christians we need to be informed and careful so not unwittingly support, promote or participate in compromising practices.  However, with very few exceptions, while unfamiliar to us, the vast majority of these protocols are cultural practices that in no way violate our Christian faith.  Further, there are so many wise Christians leaders within the First Nations community whose voices have been too long ignore my the (largely white) church.  The beauty of the results is worth the work.

However, alongside protocol, we also want to learn to enter into partnership with the First Nations people.  While we do ministry to and for them, we desperately need to do ministry with them, even learn from them.  Again, this is not to say that protocol is simply a ritual or ceremonial act that has to happen before the “real stuff” begins.  Protocol is an integrated worldview.  In order to build partnership, we need to get beyond this one dimensional view of protocol and be willing to humble ourselves to learn how to build genuine relationships.

As critical as this is for YWAM, it is equally critical for the Canadian (and North American) church.  I look forward to the coming discussion, though not with a degree of fear- not negatively, but out of reverent expectation.  I’ll keep you posted.

Do you have any questions about this issue?  Do you have any stories or experiences?  I’d really love to hear from you.

I recieved by Winter edition of Geez Magazine today and eagerly (though nervously) flipped through it. A few months ago I sat for an interview for this issue, which is provocatively entitled “Let’s get Evangelical”, focusing largely on our ministry as YWAM here in Winnipeg. The article, called “Where the evangelists are” by J Unrau, recounts the authors search for old school, door-to-door style Evangelicals in Winnipeg. His journey starts at local churches in the city, then turns to our ministry, finishing with an email dialogue with a Winnipeger serving with YWAM in Australia.

While tongue-in-cheek, the article is fair, if too brief, in its treatment of each ministry. It did get some details about YWAM wrong (for example, it confuseded to our Discipleship Training School (DTS), a 5 month spiritual and missional formation program, with our Mission Adventures program, which is more short term urban possibilities for teams. In one quote, he says of our ministry, “The main focus is on living in an urban community and being exposed to the problems prostitutes, refugees and poor youth face”. This frames our relationship to our community as primarily built on the negative challenges of the neighbourhood in a somewhat paternalistic stance. Rather, I would say we seek to live as a true neighbours, sharing as much as we can, the good and bad of life there. Outside of that, it was a fair portrayal.

In another article in this issue, entitled “An evangelical body, broken for you… into six convenient types”, Anna Bowen gives quick overiews of different expressions of Evangelicalism (as she sees them): Fundamentalist (or Conservative Evangelicals); Pentecostal Charismatics; Liberal Evangelicals; Emergent Church (or Vintage Church); Social Justice Folks; Christian Leftists (or Progressive Reconstructionists). Each group was flanked by a description and an image of an “Evangometer”, where the degree of Evangelicalism is measured. As you might guess, from he beginning of the list to the end, the degree decreases, with Fundamentalists reaching 100, Emergent settling at 50 ad Christian Leftists hitting 0 (which should disqualify them from the list, no?).

While Bowen affirms that these are generalized and over-lapping groups, the fact is that the a few paragraphs cannot represent the complexity of any of these groups. In some cases, I feel she missed the boat significantly. For example, here is what she wrote for the “Emergent Church (or Vintage Church)”:

The shift into what some would call the postmodern age has uprooted these Christians and sent them scrambling to find new ways to make their Christianity “relevant” (a key but sometimes nebulous term).

The issue for Emergent types is to assert Christianity in a time when binary ideas like heaven and hell, Christian and non-Christian, spirit and body, male and female are being challenged and seen as too dualistic. Emerging Christians value individual stories more than ascribing to one grand overarching and possibly oppressive “metanarrative.” This allows emergent church Christians to have a new openness to different ways of interpreting the Bible – everyone’s perspective is relevant and should be expressed.

As with so much post-structural and postmodern theory, the emergent gospel tends to come from the top down, drawing analysis from academic discourse surrounding postmodernity. Adherents tend to be internet savvy and have a heavy presence in the blogosphere, which could be deemed inaccessible.

I am not sure if it is the definition itself (which I find significantly off the central mark) or that it would be used as one of the groups (as I think it is too broad and complex to be in the grouping), but I found myself frustrated with the outcome of the article.

Along with my magazine came a subscription renewal notice. Geez Magazine is a creative, challenging and provocative publication that I have recommended to many people. That being said, I have found it, at times, needlessly antagonistic, unhelpfully critcal of America, shallow in its engagement with socio-historical material, and perhaps most disappointing, it sometimes seems to be written only for those who already agree with them. I do not mean to be harsh, as I think it is a great edition to world of publications. However, I will not be renewing my subscription, choosing to purchase on an issue by issue basis.

Anyone disagree and care to weigh in? Please let us know.

Emerging Church, Missional, YWAM, Geez Magazine

Just over three months ago, I share with you all my vision for creating a missional third space in our neighbourhood here in Winnipeg, “The Dusty Cover”. (See both posts Part 1 & Part 2) The Dusty Cover will be a small used bookstore designed to encourage community (i.e. comfy seating, free coffee, low prices, etc.). In addition to being a safe and welcoming public space, where relationship will be developed, the space will also be used to serve the community through various projects, like reading programs, the Urban Seminary (see Parts 1, 2 & 3), perhaps even (in time) a church plant.

Since August we have been collecting books, studying the used book market and feeling out the community. While we still need at least 3000 more books donated before we open our doors, we are off to a great start. However, in order for us to see this exciting venture take off and remain sustained, we are going to need to see a support system set up. Already, many people have stepped forward offering to serve as regular volunteers in the store, which is amazing. That is going to be one of the biggest challenges we face, so we are off to a great start.

In order to maintain the low cost of the products, the complimentary coffee, materials for the programs, etc., having a financial support team is also going to be essential. One of the strengths of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) is its decentralized organizational structure held together by a relational network of support and accountability. As a result, however, we do not have the financial backing of the larger organization that you might find in a denominational church plant or other similar project. All of our programs (as well as all of us as staff) must raise every dollar through the support of family and friends.

To that end, we are excited to introduce an initiative that will not only help launch The Dusty Cover successfully, but also sustain it through out its ministry- The 50/50 Campaign. Through it we are seeking to raise 50 individuals and/or groups to partner with us by committing to support this project for $50 a month for at least one year. These tax deductible donations will used to acquire and subsidize products, furniture, coffee, program materials, facility rental, community development, etc. Whether you are willing to personally get behind this as an individual (or family) or a church group or even a collection of friends pooling your money, we want to ask you to prayerfully consider being a part of the 50/50 team.

We will be tracking the progress at The Dusty Cover blog using the book chart (see below). For every time someone takes on one of the 50 slots, we will symbolize it by replacing a closed book with the open book logo. We know this is a big challenge, but we are confident God will bring the right people who want to get behind this. So, given it some thought and prayer, talk it over with some friends, and give us call. Help get the word out. Whether it is to hear more details, offer up some encouragement or to sign on, we’d love to hear from you.

Should you decide to join up, please make your cheque or money order payable to Youth With A Mission and include a separate note saying “YWAM Urban Ministries Book Project”.  Send cheques to our Donor Office (see below info). If you are interested in giving on a monthly basis you can send in post-dated cheques or use our pre-authorized payment method. If you are interested in receiving a pre-authorized payment agreement form please email or call our donor office with your name and address.

They send out income tax receipts to donors monthly or annually.

Donor Services
PO Box 57100
2480 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V5K 5G6
CANADA
Ph: 604.436.4433 Fx: 604.436.4466
Email: donorservices@shaw.ca

P.S. Money isn’t the only way you can help. We are still in need of many more books for the store, keep ‘em coming.

Emerging Church, Missional, Books, Third Space

This past week, Ellen, a member of our YWAM community returned to Winnipeg from a month long trip to Uganda. In addition to her desire to spend some time serving there, she went as a representative for our ministry to help set up contacts for our Discipleship Training School (DTS) outreach there. She was meant to travel with another staff member, but due to passport and visa challenges, she ended up going alone. She came back with some powerful and challenging stories.

I want to encourage you all to spend some time visiting her blog, where she has several posts written during and about her travels in that troubled, but beautiful country. You can scan through them at her blog, Fidgety Feet. However, I want to highlight a few posts. First, I want to feature her post entitled “Saddest Part is What Stops Being Sad After a While”. Here is an excerpt:

Everyone has a story.
Eventually the poor, the widows, the hungry aren’t enough to wrench your heart.
You need to loose limbs.
You need to have stepped on a land mine.
You need to be an orphan and suffering from AIDs, because there are so many orphans how will you stand out? Even in giving misquito nets to the orphans, they selected the most vunerable, needy orphans.
Living in an IDP [Internally Displaced People] camp isn’t enough, you need a sob story along with it.

This is risk of a faith that engages justice issue on a regular basis. You begin to grow callous to the suffering of humanity, and while we function at times with a necessary “triage” approach to meeting needs, we can too quickly dismiss “moderate” suffering in favour of “real” suffering. This is real challenge, both in our engagement with global issues, as well as those within our own communities, families and lives.

In another post entitled “What More, What Next, What is Left After This?”, Ellen shares:

The saddest statistic I heard the entire time I was in Gulu was 4. I heard numbers of orphans and widows reaching thousands. I heard amounts of displaced persons in percentagest of a million. I heard of the number of abducted children, of the years they spent in the rebel army. A decade in an IDP camp. The number of kilometeres walked.
What rips at my heart is 4.

Watching clothing distribution at an IDP camp with the ministry I was helping in Gulu I wondered what help we were by being there. We were just sitting around, just watching while others worked and distributed the donated clothing.
Why did these white people need to be here, making it seem like we were ‘do-gooders’, we hadn’t even donated these clothes.

Then a member of our group told me some information; he said a resident of the camp had told him they love it when visitors come to the camps during distribution time because they recieve 4 times as much.
Because unsupervised, the distributers often only give 1/4 of what they should be. Corruption within the NGO’s and ministries is a problem in the north. What hope is left if even the ministries and charities are taking advantage of these vunerable, oppressed people?

Here is a powerful and very real challenge- in the face of the global justice issues we seek to engage, we cannot blindly give money. Something more is needed, something that will personally invest our physical presence into the lives of the people we seek to love and serve. Ellen continues by affirming all the good that is happening, not wanting to paint a bleak picture or give anyone an excuse not to give. However, her honest requires us to look deeper at how we give, serve and relate to the people of the world, across the street and around the world.

Thanks Ellen.

Several years ago, while working on staff with YWAM in Vancouver, we came into the office one morning to discover emergency vehicles parked in the YWAM lot. We soon learned that over the previous night a kid on heroin ODed under the overhang in the back of our building. When the neighbour called 911 it was already too late. Shaken up, we went inside the office as the body was taken away.

Later that day we went into staff intercession where we were spending time praying for the recent events of the September 11th attacks. So many of us were moved by compassion for the people impacted by these tragedies (as we well should have been), some even crying through our time of passionate prayer. When we had finished, I returned to my office to work. I suddenly stopped at the realization that where I sat was only a few short feet from where the young man had died. With this realization came the unsettling question of why his death on our very property had stirred so little in me, especially compared the depth of feeling I had for the 9/11 victims.

Now, I want to clarify a few things before I go on. First, the staff of YWAM Vancouver were then and remain now committed to the people of their city and their neighbourhood. Second, I believe our time and passion in prayer for Sept. 11th was warranted and honouring to God. Third and finally, this post is about challenging towards something, not an attack on something else.

Over the last few years I have become increasingly involved on dealing with issues of global poverty and injustice- Northern Uganda (Invisible Children, Gulu Walk, DTS), Micah Challenge Canada, Make Poverty History, Join RED Campaign, etc. I believe in all of these things, will continue to be involved in them and continue to challenge others (yes, you!) to get involved as well. However, I have begun to wonder if they might make us susceptible to another all too common danger.

One of the most exciting shifts in larger Christian culture is an interest and engagement of justice issues that lie at the heart of the Gospel. However, as we seek to engage them, we can spend a great deal of time, energy and resources into large, but distant causes that, while they deeply touch and inspire us, keep us at a “safe” distance. The reality is that, should ever get close and personal with these issues, we would be exposed to the complex and messy realities of these issues (see my post “Demystifying Poverty”). This doesn’t reduce our need to be committed to them, but not out of some romantic sense of deservedness (as this is a huge part of the marketing machine for good causes).

I believe that for every degree of commitment we have to these important issues of global and systemic justice, we must put equal- nah, greater investment into these realities in our own community. Here’s the challenge- if we really want to engage these realities, we will only go so far with overly programmed approached, such as short-term missions or larger scale charity. These approaches are good, even essential, but will not truly bring real change. Rather, it will require very personal connection with the lives of the people impacted by these realities, as well as bringing change to our own lifestyles.

Therefore, my challenge to all of us, including myself, is that we work to make poverty history here. Does this mean I think local poverty is more important than AIDS in Africa or debt reduction in the global south? Not at all. However, there are two things we need to keep in mind (ok, there are more than two, but I’ll name two here): First, the way we live our lives, individually and together, in the Western world is deeply connected to the realities of global injustice. Many of the assumptions behind the (North) American Dream fail to acknowledge the costs our prosperity and even “freedom” exact on other, both within our borders and around the world. Second, until we can engage with these issues free of the romantic, paternalistic ignorances that play a (well intentioned) role in our involvement in justice issues, we will bring true and lasting change, either in society or in our hearts.

So, how do we do it? How do we start together to make poverty history here?

Over the last year, many of you have gone beyond being just readers and become friends. Several of you have even humbled us by supporting us financially in our time of struggle. As I try to be more personal with my posts, I thought it would be good to post a ministry update for you to read. Enjoy!

Dear Family & Friends,

Greetings our beautiful inner city neighbourhood. We trust this find you well, as you are all in our thoughts and prayers daily. As usual, life has been blazing ahead of us, keeping us on our toes. Since you last heard from us, we have been going through a trying season. God has been faithful throughout, so we are confident that He can use all things for His purposes. We hope this letter will give you a sense of how where we are at and how you can pray for us. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the read!

Invisible Children of Northern Uganda

Recently, God has been calling us as a YWAM team to respond to the terrible realities of northern Uganda. Caught in a 20 year civil war with a rebel army, thousands of children are being abducted and forced to be child soldiers by this cultic militia, with the government troops only marginally better. Further, due to instability, more than a million Ugandans have been forced to live in “refugee” camps within their own borders, with thousands dying daily from disease, violence, etc. While there is not space here to go into more detail, needless to say we were moved to respond to this hidden tragedy.

Most of our team were inspired by the documentary “Invisible Children”, where three regular guys chronicled their powerful discvoery of these children. In response, two of our staff created the Gulu Prayer Project which called people around the world to join in non-stop 336 hours of prayer (2 weeks) for Uganda. As a result, we saw people from more than a half dozen nations join us in this endeavour of prayer and advocacy. While the event is over, many are still praying daily and are asking for another organized event, which we plan to run again this Fall. Further, three of our staff will be heading to northern Uganda in October to serve the people, as well as make contacts for hosting future missions teams.

A Season of Growth

While we were disappointed at postponing this years DTS, it has given us the freedom to dig deeper into God’s calling for us as a missional community. Our staff have each been taking time to engage in building relationships and serving with ministries and programs in the inner city. Whether it is working with inner city kids, reaching out to prostitutes or counseling drug addicts in the city core, our team has been stepping out of their comfort zone to be the missional community we’re called to be to our neighbours and city. We’re driven daily to go deeper. Please pray for our team.

YWAM Western Canada Leadership Team

We also recently returned from YWAM Western Canada Leadership Team (WCLT) meetings in Calgary, where we have both been serving to provide spiritual and operational leadership to the mission in our region. YWAM Canada is seeing an increasing growth in vision and unity, which is exciting. Our deepest desire is to see more and more Christians mobilized, trained and released into service for God’s Kingdom. We will continue to serve on this important leadership team, so please pray that God will provide the resources and wisdom to serve God and the mission as best we can. We will be attending again in October in Kelowna, where Jamie will be making a presentation on missions in an emerging culture, as there is increasing interest from within the organization.

Discpleship Training School 2007

We are also continuing to prepare for the January 2007 Discipleship Training School (DTS). Our student interest is much stronger this year, with people applying from all over the world. We are excited to see this group come together for training, then released to serve in Thailand (and possibly Uganda) later next Spring. The DTS is the 5 month entry level program into YWAM. This school is a praxis based spiritual formation program that allows students to engage Kingdom concepts beyond just ideas and theories. Many people, like us, have found their life vocation during this revolutionary program. If you know anyone who might be interested in participating in this dynamic school, please contact us.

Prayer for an Urban Hero

When we established our ministry here in Winnipeg, Pastor Harry Lehotsky (who I feature in the introduction of my book “Looking Forward“) was crucial in making it happen. In addition to providing our first home/office as newly married YWAM directors, he later generously made our current house available to us. His friendship, support and example have continued to be an inspiration to us both as he lives and serves in our neighbourhood. Recently, we learned that Harry had been diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. Doctors have given him 6 weeks to 9 months to live with little hope of viable treatment. We are grieved, so call all of you to pray for this man of God, his family, ministry and community.

Challenges and Needs

In addition to all the exciting things happening throughout this season, we have also faced several discouraging challenges of our own. Since our miscarriage last year, we have been unable to get pregnant again, therefore have been trying to save up for the possibility of adoption, slowly putting money aside. However, with our financial support waning, we were not sure if it would be possible.

It was at this time that Immigration Canada informed us that Kim was required to apply for her Permanent Residency ASAP, which came with a significant set of expenses. Of course, when it rains it pours- within 3 days of this news, we were hit with several other major, unexpected expenses. We have also seen a significant drop in our committed monthly support. Needless to say, we have been very discouraged as these mounting expenses loom over us daily. Please pray that God will provide for our needs in this time. (See below for more details)

In the end, we are both confident and humbled by the love and grace of God, and the support and encouragement of friends and family like you. Despite all the challenges, we know that, as we walk in obedience to Him in being ministers of the Gospel, He will continue to provide everything we need. Thank you all for continuing to be a part of our mission in prayer, support and love. Please drop us a note, a call or even drop in for a visit. Our door is always open!

In His Peace,

Jamie & Kim Arpin-Ricci

Financial Crisis Info

As you know, in order for us to continue to serve God in the ministry He has called us into, we depend on His provision through the generous financial support of people like you. By partnering with us in this way, you help touch the lives of countless people all over the world. We are daily humbled by your willingness to serve God and us in this way.

Recently, we have faced some significant financial challenges. As our committed monthly support has slowly waned over the last year, we have also been hit with several unexpected expenses. Immigration Canada informed us recently that Kim was required to apply for her Permanent Residency ASAP, which comes with a hefty price tag. Additionally, within 3 days of this news, we were hit with several other major expenses (i.e. two fairly new, major appliances died on the same day). We find ourselves facing in the next 2 months nearly $5000 above our regular expenses.

Also, as Kim & I have been asked to step into greater levels of regional leadership, our monthly expenses have also increased. As a pioneering centre, YWAM is only able to partial subsidize some of these expenses at this time. Therefore, combined with the above mentioned challenges and our current support status, we spent time praying about how we should respond to this crisis. Here is how we see the challenge at this point:

Committed Monthly Support – In order to continue to serve God in the roles He has called us to, we need to see our committed monthly support increase. So many of you have faithfully supported our ministry for years. Many have given out of what little you have. Our desire is not to see those who are already giving sacraficially to be stretched further, but to broaden our support team to include others. We would like you all to prayerfully consider what part God would have you play in this area, whether it be through financial giving or advocating on our behalf to others. Above all, your prayers are needed.

One Time Response – With the unexpected financial crisis that have emerged this year, we also need to raise a significant amount to pay for immediate expenses, such as Kim’s immigration expenses. Additionally, as we long to begin a family together, we have felt increasingly led to pursue international adoption. While we still pray that we will become pregnant, we are also aware of the millions of children around the world who are without the benefit of a loving family. Lord willing, we would like to begin this process as soon as Kim’s status in Canada is secure and our financial situation stable.

If you would like to receive a tax receipt (Canadians only), you can send your support through YWAM Donor Services. Please make your cheque or money order payable to Youth With A Mission and include a separate note with our name on it. Do not put put our name anywhere on the cheque. Send cheques to our Donor Office (see below info). If you are interested in giving on a monthly basis you can send in post-dated cheques or use our pre-authorized payment method. If you are interested in receiving a pre-authorized payment agreement form please email or call our donor office with your name and address. They send out income tax receipts to donors monthly or annually. For those outside of Canada, you can make direct donations from our website, www.arpin-ricci.blog.com using the “Make Donation” PayPal link on the right sidebar. (Contact Donor Services @ PO Box 57100, 2480 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V5K 5G6, CANADA, Ph: 604.436.4433 Fx: 604.436.4466 Email: donorservices@shaw.ca).

If you have any questions, please do not hestitate to contact us. We are completely open to answer any of your questions or concerns regarding fundraising and missions support. Thank you so much for taking the time to prayerfully consider our needs.