The Inseparable Bond of Technology & Mission

I was honored when the Lausanne World Pulse recently asked me to write an article for them about how technology is impacting the mission of The Church. My opening paragraph says:

In a recent conference about technology in church ministry, Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church (Lake Forest, CA) said, "Every time there is an advance in technology, The Kingdom advances." Technology has a huge impact on our mission-- not the 'what' of our mission, but the 'how'. 

Click here to download a free PDF of the article!

I'm Shocked! Again...

In April, 2009 I was asked by a client to update their database software.  I was surprised to learn they were running on such an old operating system that it could not be updated!  I gave them the minimum specs of what they needed, which they passed on to their 'computer support guy'.

Now, twelve months later (March, 2010), I am on-site to update their database. Their computer guy finally got them a free Windows 7 computer with, unfortunately, all the usual junkware on it (stuff that gets included on Compaq consumer models).  I was surprised to see, however, that he didn't update the system for them!  There were 42 updates to be installed!

In addition, Office 2007 is unlicensed.  He told them to just ignore the license key entry window when they start up.  Even though charity licensing is only about $70!

I am shocked at what so many are willing to live with when it comes to computer support.  And, considering that those we are honored to serve have the most important mission on earth-- the spreading of The Gospel, I'm glad we provide such a high-quality level of support.  Nonetheless, I am-- once again-- shocked.

Mac Office 2008 Critical Update Released Today-- CAUTION!!

Today Microsoft released a critical update for Mac Office 2008.  If you run the Web Services Edition (Version 13.0.3-- click the Entourage menu option and About Entourage to find out), DO NOT RUN THE UPDATE!

Because it was critical, I ran it, then spent the next few hours bonding with my friends in Microsoft's India support facility as we reset things back to where they were before I ran the install.  They will test it (don't you think they shoulda done that before releasing it?) and let me know tomorrow what they find.

In the meantime: STOP!

Discouragement

Yesterday was probably the most discouraging day I can remember.  It had its victories and accomplishments-- and a couple of great conversations, but a couple of issues were so overpowering that I truly felt like I wanted to quit-- my job, my family, everything!

Coincidence?
Just the day before our pastor spoke about how one of Satan's schemes is getting us to the point of wanting to quit and how to deal with it.  I sat there thinking, "I've never wanted to quit... that must be as low a feeling as there is.  I'm glad I've never felt that!"  Little did I know what I would deal with the next day!

I was so overwhelmed with the feeling that I didn't want to spend time or talk with anyone.  I kept to myself.  I took myself out for a meager dinner-- alone.  I came home and read, then went to bed at 8.

Today I hope to keep in mind whose team I'm on (the Lord's) and get over it.  I work for him, live for him, and love for him.  And really, he has blessed me so big!  That feeling was way out of line!

The Bible says "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the ...spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph 6:12, NIV)  When things seem that overpowering, recognize they may not be from your own thoughts or feelings... they may be from unseen dark spiritual forces.

For those who deal with that level of discouragement, now I get it.  I'm so sorry you deal with that.  God loves you; he loves me.  He has great things in store for us!  And even though there are situations in our lives we wish were different, he cares.  The key, I think, is to remember that, and to press on.