jerrygibson's Xanga

Changes

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:38:20 GMT

Changes! It seems this is a staple to my life over the past 20 years. I've been thinking a lot about this because we are having many changes going on here at 3001 Van Buren. This summer we have been a bed and breakfast for many international friends. We have had as many as 7 students living with us. We have welcomed 2 new house mates. We have said good bye to another. We will be saying good bye to three more friends who will return home in the next 30 days and in those same 30 days, a new school year will begin!
In my organization we are looking at some personnel changes. top leadership is changing. the Stock market is going through some big swings, housing markets are strange changes and even my weight is changing. (this is a good thing). Of course Change is not bad, it is not always good, it just is. So we deal with it.
I read familiar words today to help me deal with it. "Only be strong and courageous!" Those words are an anchor when your going through change. So I will be strong in His promises and I will be courageous in His Presences. Let the changes begin!

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 16:25:38 GMT

We are just days away from our inaugural west coast christian conference for International students. Everything is ready. The plans have been made, invitations given, vans are fueled, deposits made, assignments disbursed and yet I get that feel.... Have I forgotten a detail? Is there something left undone? Prayer. No it's not the last thing on my list and it is not an overlooked item. It is that one thing that never seem to be enough of. I believe it was John Wesley who said it "I have so much to do today, I must spend another hour in prayer". It is the essential, most basic, and core piece to this whole process. The vine and the branches come to mind, and I once again realize that I have nothing of real value in and of myself that I can give to anyone apart from it coming out of God's grace in me. If it touches a heart, if it transforms a life, if it draws people to God it is only because God has, in his kindness, poured himself into me, like life giving sap that nurtures and grows the branches of a vine. In all of the business of the next week or so, I want to be reminded of His strength in me.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Fri, 11 May 2007 10:44:54 GMT

Wow, Summer is upon us and another school year will soon be over. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. As I look back over the school year I realized just how blessed I am to be part of Chi Alpha and get to hang out with such amazing Leaders and students. This past school year I had the honor and privilege to visit 25 campuses/leaders from Chi Alpha. Everyone was special for me. I have come to understand even more of the day to day challenges and rewards of student ministry. I am humbled in the light of the sacrifice of leaders and students who often labor 12 to 14 hours a day to attend classes, have one on one meetings for mentoring, lead small groups, participate and lead celebration meeting. All the time with a conviction,they do all of this for the love of the Lord. I am also humbled to all who invest in Gwen and I which allows us to be part of something so much bigger then anyone person could do.

Wichita State University ISF

Wed, 09 May 2007 10:47:28 GMT

This past weekend I got to hang out in Wichita, Kansas with the Chi Alpha group there! I had a great time meeting new friends for all over the world. On Saturday night, we had a Cinco de Mayo party with about 30 international students from 12 different nations. I got to share about the history of Cinco de Mayo, (which is not the Mexican independence day) and about how we all have a common desire for freedom. Jesus is my champion who has given me liberty and freedom to live a life of service, integrity and peace.
Art and Cindy along with Rob and Kim took really go care of me. And of course I learned something about Wichita State University. Outdoor Art. It is Second in the nation only to one other well know and private school. Can you tell me what school that is?

Tyler John Gibson

Wed, 02 May 2007 18:19:08 GMT

This week we have the joy of our son, Tyler hanging out with us here at 3001 Van Buren. Yesterday was his birthday. Twenty-three years old! Am I really that old? He is enjoying his work with Skywest Airlines and is based in Durango CO. Durango is a very cool town if you are into extreme outdoor sports. White Water, rock climbing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, hunting, kayaking and the list goes on. Tyler is a fun guy with an incredible sense of humor and a very inquisitive mind. He looks at the world around him and always has a fresh perspective. He is honest and open. I am just proud to be his father!

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 23:38:59 GMT

Tonight I'm praying for Family and friends of the victims of Virginia Tech. The pain and heartache that must fill the families hearts is beyond my comprehension as a parent of college age students.
I am also praying for the thousands of international students who are walking our campuses across the United States with a collective sense of guilt for the unspeakable crimes committed by this third culture kid. I say to you my international friends, we love you and trust you. I know your heart also grieves for the loss of these students and teachers. I know you are a warm and loving community who long to have real friendships with your american counterparts. I hope you can experience the warmth of acceptance and understanding of true american friendships from people who know the Truth who sets people free. Please assure your family back home there are people here who do love you and are ready to stand by you in this moment of grief.

Here in the Lone Star State

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 18:31:20 GMT

I have had a great time in the Panhandle of Texas! I arrived here in Amarillo on Saturday morning after a delay in Dallas. I went up to visit my Uncle and Aunt in Pampa TX. I had not visited with them in 5 years so it was great to catch up. In the afternoon, I drove down to Canyon TX and stayed with my long time friend, Pastor Terry Callis. We met each other at Northwest University 29 years ago, and ended up traveling in a four man quartet singing old school gospel songs. (we are talking serious old school) Terry is now a retired Army Chaplin, a weekend biker, and pastor of First Assmebly in Canyon TX.
I got to stay with them while I was visiting the XA group at West Texas A&M University. Mike, the Leader has done a fantastic work there and God is adding to their numbers. For an added bonus, Mike loaned me his M50 Susuki Boulavard motorcycle for the day on Monday, So Pastory Terry and I went for a ride. We had lunch at the Golden Light Cafe on Route 66. When then headed out to Palo Duro Canyon State Park for a great scenic ride!

Speaking at XA large group meeting, I had the priveledge of meeting an international student from the Sudan. He has one of the most interesting backgrounds I have ever heard of. He was orphaned in 1987 as a very young man, along with 20,000 other childern. They were moved to Ethiopia then later to Kenya and then back to Sudan. Now he is one of 4000 "lost boys of the Sudan" who is studying here in the United States. May God indeed give him and his "brothers" hope and a home.

Amarillo by Morning

Sat, 31 Mar 2007 07:48:12 GMT

Yesterday I was standing in line for a Starbucks decaf (btw, I have quite caffine and carbonation drinks) at the LAX airport and who do I see walking down the hall? Yes your arobic hero and mine, Richard Simmons. I was talking to Gwen on the phone so I excuse myself and speak to Richard, "Hello Richard".

As it turns out he was on my plane headed for Texas. As I walked past him (he was seated in First Class of Course) he asked me where I was going. I said "Amarillo by Moring:" He responded "sounds like a book." Obviously he does not listen to Country music.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 11:50:26 GMT

I'm headed out the door this morning to speak in Buenas Nuevas, a church I help remodel a number of years ago with the help of the good folks from Willamette Christian Center, Eugene OR. This is a dynamic group of people who really do love Jesus and each other. I'm excited to go back. This afternoon the Sam Houston XA group arrives for a week of activities on campuses throughout Mexico City and even two teams are going to Vera Cruz.In this coming week, we will see the power of relationships! I just learned of one person, who has connected with this team for the pass 3 years, called our leaders to find out if they were coming again. This person is now a young professional working but was so impacted by these american friends, he just wants to hang out. That is real salt and light!

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Sat, 10 Mar 2007 10:46:04 GMT

I am a slacker! I haven't posted for a month! Well I am currently in Mexico City and will be hosting a team from SHSU XA this next week! I have to say I'm so happy to be back in the City where I can enjoy the air not only though my lungs but with my eyes too! Gary Paschal is with me and we are visiting campuses and doing some training along with some coordination set up. All I can say, is God is good. the Tacos al Pastor are not bad either!