Here’s another blog from an intern here at the G42 Leadership Academy.  Cheryl’s only been here about a month, but she’s getting it!  She is jumping into her dreams while she is here, you can read more about them at http://cherylpenner.wordpress.com.

The topic of the past week has been “What’s God’s Point?”

1)   God has a point

2)   He is self-existent

3)   He is motivated by LOVE

4)   He is pre-existent (not created)

5)   His is LOVE

6)   Human beings are the only thing that look like Him

Our homework this week has been to address the question of EVIL.  If all these things are true, which we can find biblical basis for all of them… what is EVIL and more importantly… DID GOD CREATE EVIL?  (I will be doing a follow up blog on this- it’s something that has brought up sooo many questions about truth and I am glad to be searching through things even if I’m not sure I’ll come up with definite solutions)

We were studying Genesis 1 a little bit… talking about how when God created he faced three things: EMPTYNESS – DARKNESS – CHAOS ~ out of these things he brought FULLNESS – LIGHT – ORDER.

This movement from a thing of death to a thing of life speaks volumes to our purpose and calling as children of God, followers of Him.  Andrew Shearman related this concept using the example of “lust of the flesh”.  Lust is a hunger, a perceived need that we try to fill, he mentions how inevitable failure is to that need when we try to legalistically ignore it.  So often Christians are perceived as abstainers, people who shut themselves off to things because of religious beliefs.   I know people have looked at me and thought, “naïve” “boring” and really let them think what they will, but I like Andrew’s way of putting it, that we are called to indulgence, not to abstainance.  We conquer sin by living a FULL life, a life full of purpose and full of the Spirit.  (which I know is easier said than understood, but I think the goal is to realize that it’s not simple, but it is attainable).   I think of my life and I realize that I am NOT an indulgent person… here in Spain, everyday having the time (generally), the freedom and the intentional community to be indulgent in Him has made my heart just totally agree with this notion.

Indulge in this:

The #1 Reason I am On the Planet is to BE loved.

It sounds kinda cliché and even maybe a little bit fluffy to me actually… but think about it.  God does not need us to love Him, He does not need us to bring Him glory, He IS glory and He IS love.  Think to how God walked through the garden with Adam in the cool of the day… think of how He provided for every need and made everything so good.  Adam was lonely, God provided, Adam didn’t need to plead and beg either, it just happened while he was asleep.  It’s love, it’s goodness and I think as I’ve been resting in that, I’ve felt a huge weight off my shoulders.  When I mess up and fail God which I do often and really just felt like a total failure spiritually which has happened a lot in the last year… His love is still why I am here.  I’m trying to think how many times I have been told that and why I am seeming only to really be resting in it now after an 24 year journey.   Well… I’m glad I’m here.

“““““

I feel like I should take this free time I have this lovely Saturday evening to explain a little about what I’m doing here.  Basically Monday to Thursday are classes during the day.  Different speakers will come in each week basically equipping us to go out and do whatever ministry the Lord has placed on our heart.  Thursday afternoons are supposed to include a practicum component basically where each of us (21 of us in total, 11 in the Villa and 10 at San Sabastien house) starts a ministry, or finds one to hook into and continue developing.  It looks like I am working on a few different options.  One is spending some time at a hospital with a few other girls who feel called to work with children.   Another is working with a girl here from Brazil who wants to start a little youth group for young teens in the area, mostly from South America.  And one that I have found is starting something with the social services office here.  They have a program called Banco de Tiempo (time bank) which is very community development oriented and considering I did my social work practicum in community development I think might be a good place for me to use my skills.  The other thing that excites me about this program is the ability to practice spanish )!!!  as well as the fact that there is no church in Mijas and G42 is on its way to starting one for the community, but obviously in order to do so they/we will need to get to know the community.  If we can get involved in this time bank thing, I think it would be an excellent way of meeting people.  Thats the schoolish aspect of it… the rest is living as a community.  11 people in one house, from outside the house I would think it impossible… we’ve got a married couple, 6 girls and 2 guys in our house.  I love it!  We eat together, clean together and well we’re just together a lot of the time and of course there is always someone from San Sabastein house over too.  When I felt super sick last night… Steph was right there in my room so I didn’t even have to get out of bed to ask for prayer!  (by the way please pray for my health to be guarded, I’m uninsured here since I didn’t plan on being here this long).  It’s different being in community like this, but so far it has been really smooth.  I am in the more relaxed house, it is generally quieter which is really a relief considering my trouble sleeping.    I feel like I’m starting to ramble, so that’s all for now, thanks for listening!

This is the wackiest picture I could find of Cheryl. She’s the one with the ax.

Church, Community, Spain, g42 | 1 Comment »

I began a series on the “Elements of Leadership” today at the G42 Leadership Academy.  I always start the series with “Overcoming Fears-Facing Your Giants.”  Before we can step into our inheritance, we need to look past the fears–the giants–and stand on the promises that God has given us.  Either He is God, and has given us our passions and callings for a reason, or He’s not God, and was lying to us.  What can we do, but charge forward against our giants, shouting all the way, “How Dare You [fears] Defy the Living God!”

But some good questions were raised… what about protecting a family?  What about failure?  What about money?  All good points that we addressed.

On the top of Malaga Peak, Mijas, Spain.

We’re having a great time meeting the new interns, getting to know them even closer.  We went for a hike to the top of the mountain–”Malaga Peak”–and got to see a beautiful clear sky.  Sierra Nevada mountains to the Northeast, covered in snow and in prime ski season, and Moroccan Rif mountains to the South.  Both within a half-day’s journey.

Tomorrow we dive into “Vision,” and begin to construct our plans for the future.  The interns will begin the first steps to their future ministries, whatever they may be.

Leadership, Spain, g42 | 1 Comment »

Here’s another blog I’d like to highlight from one of our interns.  It gives a great synopsis of what is going on here at the Leadership Academy.  I have to say, we break the mold and any expectations that most people have of this place!  Shanda Dodd is one of our “second termers” here in Mijas and she is doing exactly what we hope for every intern: Shanda is making a plan and a team to put into reality God’s dream and calling for her life. She is developing a bed & breakfast/hostel/cafe to minister to tourists, short term missions teams, missionaries in need of rest & rejuvenation, and missionary kids who are looking for a fun summer camp.

Shanda is currently looking for ministry sponsors and financial supporters for this vision.  If you would like to donate to her, please go to www.g42leadershipacademy.org/donate and annotate your donation for “Shanda Dodd Ministry Fund” or “Arise Bed and Breakfast.”  Your donations for G42 ministry projects like this are tax-deductible…

So here’s Shanda’s Latest Blog:

So what happens here at G42? What do we do with our time here in Mijas?

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Two-thousand and nine has probably been one of the most challenging years for the Hearn family, but we can absolutely say it’s been the best. It is a liberating thing, to be in the center of God’s will. Rebecca and I often lie in bed at night and review how busy and draining our days have been. Then we tell each other how we wouldn’t change it for the world.

A year ago, we were in the process of selling about three-quarters of everything we owned, and stuffing the rest into a container for the trip over the Atlantic. We had no idea where we would be living in a months’ time, hardly knew any Spanish, didn’t have enough financial support raised to live from, and had one person signed up for the school–but knew that what we were about to pioneer was our calling and passion. We also knew it was going to be an amazing test for our family. We had no idea.

Jump ahead 11 months: We live in a beautiful Spanish village, have friends in the community, know Spanish enough to talk to the locals on the street (but still need to learn more!), our kids are in Spanish school and flourishing, and we have had 8 graduates and admitted over 20 interns for the Winter 2010 term!

I am directing the G42 Leadership Academy (www.g42leadershipacademy.org) here in Mijas, in the very southern tip of Spain. I split my time teaching, leading, and doing the back office work for the Academy. Just recently, I led a team of interns to Barcelona to do some work for an inner-city ministry called “El Lokal.” They have a great concept of “church”-they are a youth center/school/church that is reaching out to the youth of this city. El Lokal is just one of the examples of ministries we are networking with to provide opportunities for our trainees to serve, learn, and lead.

Rebecca is thriving. She has started teaching English to neighborhood kids, so besides earning a little bit of money for Christmas, it allows her to befriend parents in the neighborhood. She also has really developed her passion for encouragement and is a huge blessing the families of this town. She is also spending time with the girl interns: their meetings are a mix of discussing “What is God saying to you?” plus knitting, chatting, and shedding a few tears watching “Little Women.” She loves it.

The kids are also doing great—the girls are in the top of their classes in the local Spanish

school, really enjoy school and have a lot of friends. Both of them are well on their way to being fluent, and correct us all the time.  Gabriella is quite appalled at our accent!  They bring a very different atmosphere to the center, and they love being with the interns and bring a lot of excitement. Benjamin is—finally!—beginning to talk and is always bringing joy to us and the staff and interns at the Leadership Academy.

We can’t thank you enough for your support and encouragement this past year. Your help with our vision to train and disciple leaders has enabled us to pioneer something we believe is earth-changing. We are developing adults who have strong passions and callings into leaders who are ready to “Say Amen and Make a Plan” and then go to some rough places to establish churches, ministries, and businesses to have a positive impact on the world. Already our graduates have started a home church, are leading and discipling teams of young adults (and replicating themselves!) on world-wide missions trips, and are building a ministry to prostitutes in the Costa del Sol. We are expecting some exciting new ventures this next year from our current interns, not only in church planting and ministries, but practical businesses like a honey farm, a bed and breakfast, and a church-café.  Spend a few days here and you can’t help but get excited about the future.  We are just grateful to be a part.

We are excited to see what 2010 will bring! Thank you for your support and please keep in touch,

Dave, Rebecca, Emma, Gabriella, and Benjamin Hearn

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Seth Barnes, director of Adventures in Missions, is a gifted writer as well as a strategic thinker. He’s spent the last four days here in Spain, working with me on the 2010 plan for the G42 Leadership Academy, sharing with the interns some of his experience with building ministries, and been an all-around encouragement to us here.

Here is what he wrote about his time here. Like I said, he is a gifted writer and does this place better justice than I can through a blog. Here is what he wrote at his blog.

Here at the leadership training center in Mijas, Spain overlooking the Mediterranean, tearing ourselves away from the spectacular view, we start the day with prayer. And Andrew Shearman, the man whose dream this is prays greatness over us.

“Oh Lord, we ask that we will not slip silently into the mists of life. We choose to trust you in the storms of life that will prove your mastery.”

Andrew’s got poetry in his soul that seems to spill out effortlessly when he prays. And the students here follow along in his wake. One of them finds an echo of the prayer quoting the words of Sir Francis Drake, “Losing sight of shore we might see the stars.”

Later, moving from poet to professor, Andrew gives an overview of Drake, “He set out to bring the kingdom of God to the nations of the world, an adventurer seeking to bring order into chaos.” We talk about Drake for a moment before the day’s classes begin.

Some of the teaching here is formal, but much of it feels more like the kind of wonderful conversation that a close family might have around a kitchen table. And after a day of this, tonight we’ve got a pachanga planned. This seems to be as much a part of the curriculum as the teaching - it’s a knock-down, drag-out Latin party. Andrew says, “God is a pachanga God. He’s an extremist.” And I reflect that we American Christians do seem to need help loosing up. Presumably a pachanga will move us further down the road from our puritanical roots. Zach will be making a huge plate of Spanish paella. Music will be playing. Rumor has it that a flamenco dancer will show up to teach us how to dance.

As I look around at the beauty of the place, the atmosphere of possibility, the energy that pulses in the students, I can’t help thinking to myself, “You know, we’ve made a good start.” It’s like La Abri, but with more fun injected into the mix. It’s a place people dream of and a place where dreams are birthed. I’ve sent my two oldest kids on the World Race, and I want them to come here as well.

Andrew is teaching on covenants today and introduces it by saying, “This teaching will change your life forever. God has never dealt with man in any other way than covenantally. The spirit of covenant-making which is so important to my life will transform you.”

The students are taking notes now, but will be applying it in their lives in the future as they leave the safety here and, like Drake, go far from the shore. Stephanie is starting a ministry among the prostitutes who walk the seashore a few miles from here. Matt dreams of a wilderness adventure school. Shanda wants to see Christ capture the hearts of Europe as he once did. Others want to go to the edge of the horizon where Morocco lies.

Dreaming seems to come easy here. After our time together, Andrew gives a benediction: “”You’re the apex of his genius. Think about that when you’re tempted to think small and stay safe by the shore. We need more people who will give up everything to serve the living God.”

Perhaps you are one of them. If your dreamer inside needs to be unlocked, this is a place that will do it.

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I know, I haven’t blogged in about a million years.  But I was spurred to at least re-post this blog by Nicholas Hindes, an intern at the Leadership Academy that is due to graduate this month.  Nicholas is just one of the interns who have had their life dramatically changed–wrecked–by the amazing and inspirational teaching here.  He originally planned to be here for 6 weeks, but then decided to quit his job and signed up for the whole deal: he is giving his life to help others and his new passion is to help eradicate genocide through education and humanitarian support of oppressed people groups.  He is leading a team to India next January.   Here’s one of his blogs, you can check him out at alsoknownasrick.wordpress.com

Prior to working at the soup kitchen tonight, something us guys at G42 do once a week, I was engaged in a conversation with a volunteer that I had not previously met. She had questions about G42, religious belief, ministry and missions, etc…the typical stuff. It made my blood curl a bit when one of the ladies who I know, said to this volunteer that I (Nick) was a person who was trying to solve all of the worlds problems. I was struck in the face by a phrase that was part mockery, part condescension. This was also in response to her asking why I am part of missionary work. I had to think for a second and then responded with the fact I believe God gives us big dreams to accomplish because He knows we are fully capable of completing them. He wants us to be practical, but beyond that He wants us to be dangerous which these dreams are hefty. I also said that I don’t think He can be limited to what we cannot see; I believe He is the God who is faithful, who when we say we will do something that He will met us where we are.

It leaves me asking the question, why do we feel like God is a pygmy? I feel like if we label God as a small dreamer and part-time fulfiller of dreams, we belittle Him. Why are we so hard pressed to see solutions to the problems the world faces? I mean God knows the answer and I also know that He wants to see them accomplished and everyone full of the Spirit. We are being killed daily in small thinking, puny dreaming, and miniature beliefs…in short spiritual pygmies. We need to move forward, as well as thinking large and dangerously. I don’t want to ever put a limit on what God can or cannot do.

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Here’s a blog from Jeff Goins that I enjoyed today.  This is exactly what I mean by living a “Warrior-Shepherd” ethos.  Thanks Jeff! //Dave

I’ve learned something as I’ve been preparing for this upcoming man hike in the White Mountains these past few weeks: the Church needs violent men. Not abusive men or frustrated men. But violent men, nonetheless.

There is this odd verse in Matthew where Jesus says, “The kingdom of God has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.” (11:12)

Some of you may have been disturbed by the “war images” evoked by the blog I wrote yesterday. And to be honest, so was I. I thought Jesus was a guy with a goatee in shepherd’s clothing, telling us to turn the other cheek, adopt pacifism, and become vegans. But when I listened to the entire Gospel of Mark the other day while hiking up and down the hills around my apartment complex, I realized something: the kingdom of God does suffer violence.

I was struck by how much Jesus seemed to talk about a new spiritual and political force called “the kingdom” that was coming into the world. I was awed by how the demons always recognized him and responded to his presence, begging him to not torture them. I was puzzled by how he was often trying to keep his presence a secret, as if he wasn’t on a mission to just heal and feed people, but rather to launch a coup against the forces of darkness.

Towards the end of the Gospel, you realize that Jesus’ primary objective on earth wasn’t to do miracles or assemble a Bible study group or any of the other good things that he did. Rather, it was to die. Every time he says, “The kingdom of God is at hand,” he is, essentially, declaring war against the powers of Hell. And the triumphal turning-point is the Cross. Paul explains this in Colossians: “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” (2:15)

Just as the Lord promised victory to the Hebrews if they would simply enter the Promised Land and fight, he has guaranteed spiritual triumph for us wherever we set our feet, only if violent men will resolve to ”take it by force.”

Again, when I say, “The Church needs violent men,” I’m not advocating for just war or the tolerance of men who hit their wives and children (definitely not that). What I am saying is that we need Christians, men in particular, who will recognize the current spiritual struggle. We need more men like Jesus — rugged men who make demons cringe in fear, who aren’t glory-hounds or egotists, and who are not content to be merely “nice guys.”

Frankly, women tend to recognize spiritual realities better than men. They’re better at prayer and spiritual disciplines, often more in tune with what God is saying in a given place at a certain time. They’re more willing to serve and sacrifice for others. For the most part, Christian women aren’t the problem; the men are. The Church needs men who aren’t glued to their TVs and computers, who aren’t neglecting God or their families for sports or academia, but men who realize that they ”do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12)

That’s the kind of man Christianity needs; I called it a “violent man.” What do you call it?

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I know… finally a new blog.  And in fact, this one is from Emma.  Trust me, she wrote the entire thing herself and even asked me the interview questions at the end.  I will be in touch soon… Until then, here’s Emma! //Dave

Spain!G42!

Hey Americans! This is Emma the daughter of David Hearn. Spain is beautiful, Its looks old but beautiful old. There is so small sidewalks,(They look cool but if there’s a fat lady there when your trying to go past, You have GOT to go on the road) and Its  A little bit hard when there’s a car and your trying to walk on the sidewalk. Anyway, I’ts old fashioned and its beautiful. I’m a good singer so when you’re here if your lucky, Ill make a song for you. And I own a candy shop at the place for students like………. Lolipops  for 10 cents and candy bars for 50 cents, Sodas for 50 cents, Resses cups for 10 cents, packs of gum for 50 cents, Etc,etc  sometimes we have a party like 1 time we had a surprise party for 2!  One person thought  It was a surprise for the other person and that person thought It was a surprise for That person. So It was a surprise for both of them! And of the starting of the class we have a special dinner and for the graduation we have a special dinner. The students take turns cooking, and cleaning, For a whole week. Oh and I have a massage and spa thing I do. Its awesome here Its like boarding school but better It has dorms and you stay all day and all night. Some nights we have game night where we play games. I have 1 sister and 1 brother ( I think you will think my brother is cute) And sometimes we have movie nights where we watch movies. There is all kinds of events! And we have a library where you can get books and keep them for as long as you want (but you have to return them before you leave) (By the way your house is like a beautiful princess house I am so jealous of it) And you do bible classes of course. And we are also looking for a few more students. And you have a grocery store so close to  you Its like a 10 sec drive. And you can get tattoos (My sister does that). There is a beach here and a wonderful view some days you can see Africa from the view. And you can have a trip around the town on a donkey for 10 euros Have a trip around the town on a cart that the donkey pulls for 15 euros Or a longer trip around the town on a bigger cart that’s been pulled by a horse for 20 euros. Hope you like it, Oh I’m not done. Well, My house is close to yours its like a 40 sec drive. This is my interview with Dave……………

What is g42?
G42 is a network of people, Who want to plant churches and ministries who want to spread  the kingdom of god around the world. And develop leaders passionate leaders to spread the message.

What are we doing?
Of course we are doing G42 academy, but also we are growing our networks with ministries of our graduates.

What is coming up on G42?
Our next term starts October sixth. We are also accepting applications for our January term.

How many students are their going to be on October 6th?
On October 6th we have 6 students. But we’re hoping for more.

Ok! I’m done! Hope you come soon!
Emma

Family, Kids, g42 | 4 Comments »

Wha?!?

I don’t usually go around spouting Eleanor Roosevelt quotes, but this one is a good one:

‘Do one thing every day that scares you”

Today we sold some things at the flea market in nearby Fuengirola.

For us to reserve a place in the large market, I had to drop off the van yesterday afternoon and then go back early this morning (6:00 am) to set up.  Well, the bus wasn’t running that early so I had to go down the mountain on my bicycle…

I bombed down that mountain, switchbacks and all!  Thank goodness there was hardly any traffic.  I had to use my trusty Petzl headlight to see, since the light on my bike didn’t work.  It was nuts–talk about adrenaline!

But I made it safely and we made some spending money by selling some of our old furniture and clothes…

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A blog from Bec…

So we have had a busy few months with some ups and downs, pretty much the life of any family!

Ben seriously burnt his feet, but now four weeks later, he can do everything he did before, but he will not go without socks and shoes, the new skin is still very tender and crumbs and debris on the floor seem to hurt.  But he is wonderful and brings joy wherever he goes.

Em has been going through a rough patch. For some reason whenever she would wear trousers or shorts she would just be so uncomfortable to the point of sheer frustration.  Her toes touching would be so uncomfortable, that she would be in tears asking us why God was doing this and not helping.  It is such an oddity to Dave and I, so we have been praying and really just asking God for wisdom.   We have also had to change our parenting, it’s sort of humbling when you have to re-evaluate because what you are doing is not working.  But we have seen that in Emma, that her drive to be ‘perfect’ and to please was too overwhelming, she would feel guilty to the point of condemnation and feel worthless.  This is no way to live.  So we have talked with her about the truth of  who God says she is, the truth that we all mess up daily but we walk in forgiveness and that God see’s us as perfect through Christ.  I think she is getting it, and I have seen a big difference the past few weeks.  I think the ‘toe’ thing bought all this to light.  Better a month or so of oddities, than a life of never feeling good enough. She is amazing, she is beyond smart and constantly writes songs, poems, and has a new business venture weekly.  We have stamped on Satan and his lies and she is starting to realize the truth of who she is.

Gabriella is still our artistic one, the irony being that she has become the “easy child!”….she never stops asking questions, and cannot be fobbed off with nonsense.  She is still my right hand when it comes  to Ben.  She bought her first chapter book this week and read it….so it was a big proud moment for her.

The school is doing really well.  We have nine interns this semester, five of them graduate in a month, and so have had to “make a plan and say “amen” … our married couple are going to go and plant a church in Georgia, one is starting a college campus community, another is going to start a ministry to teenage girls and show real relationships and godly lifestyles. We have others going to teach in Eastern Europe with a desire to bring life and light to the atrocity of genocide,……This is a group that will enact change and refuse to let the status quo take control.  The momentum is growing and we continue to be amazed at the caliber of young adults wanting to come to the leadership academy.

The visiting teachers, Ted Hanson,  John Marsden, and Hermann Haan….have made the interns heads spin and spirits soar.  It is fantastic, anointed, academic, it is about seeing the offices of “pastor” “teacher” “prophet”…..it is about letting them see it all and watching as a switch in them is turned on.

We have had a few visitors too, who seem not to notice the plumbing issues ( still can’t flush toilet paper!) etc etc, but they see ‘church’, they see a bunch of people, just having fun and living life to the full and living to encourage each other and to worship God.

If you want to visit you are more than welcome!

But back to my title…it’s the little things…..  We walk to to the town square on a regular basis, and there always seem to be boys about Bens age on  cool scooter/motorbikes.  Ben just points and looks longingly.  It is so heart-wrenching.  The scooters in the stores are about $60 and up….so we decided to go to the flea market and before we left I ask the Lord for the exact same scooter Ben sees in the square………..(see below!)

So after years of being told that “God cares”  I am finally beginning to believe that He truly does…He cares about the big and the small.  I am finally believing that He does want us to be blessed and happy…..( That is my next blog….”destiny, happiness, and guilt”).  Whether it’s healing feet, touching body parts or finding plastic toys, God is a big God  who desires to show love in so many ways.

So that is to catch you all up a bit, and hopefully you are getting the blogs we post on facebook, and our adventures in missions page.  If not let us know.  Thanks for everything!  LIFE IS GREAT :o)

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