Humbled.

*This post was intended to be posted yesterday, Sunday, January 12th 2014*

First, I'd like to take this time to ask you to pray for each-and-every person that was affected by the massive earthquake that devastated Haiti, four years ago today. It's hard to believe that it's already been four years. I thank God for leading me to that beautiful nation for the first time in 2011 and for six months in 2012.

"Humbled."

I titled this post humbled as a result of the Sunday night revival tonight at my church. And to be completely honest, it's not because of the pastor nor the sermon that was preached. It's because of a twenty-something young man, Jeremiah. 

Let me tell you a little about Jeremiah.

Jeremiah is as normal as all of us, just differently-abled; he was diagnosed with Down-syndrome at birth.  We have hit it off since the first day I met him; like his father and brother, he is a die-hard UNC Tarheel fan.  When he makes eye contact with you, he gives you the absolute biggest grin and his signature thumbs up. His family diligently serves the church and are no doubt genuine lovers and followers of Christ.  They are a musically talented family, using that blessing as a method to outreach and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

So, what humbled me tonight?

The fact that Jeremiah can't really carry on a "normal" conversation, his words are slurred and nearly 100% undistinguishable; however, on this Sunday night, during praise and worship, Jeremiah sang aloud, audible and distinguishable, nearly every single word to every single worship song, all while lifting his hands up unto to the Lord.  Wow.  How amazing is that?  Talk about the Holy Spirit moving in my friend Jeremiah!  Praise the Lord.

To whomever comes across this blog post, I encourage you to 1) pray for Jeremiah and the amazing heart that he has for the Lord and 2) that each and every one of us can "take" something from this post....a little humility, revelation, conviction, whatever it might be.  I know sometimes during praise and worship, my mind is in 1,000,000 other places, not giving God the attention that He deserves....but not Jeremiah.  Not tonight.  He sang his heart out unto the Lord and left me with a memory that I will truly cherish.

In Loving Memory of Grandma; Lector Mae (Bailey) Piper

I love this photo of my grandmother, Lector. This beautiful Wednesday morning, my lovely wife Nikki and I attended her funeral in Creedmoor, NC. I heard individuals share hilarious memories of my grandma, knowing that she was smiling down at us from Heaven. Although we heard stories that made us laugh, the stories that truly resonated with me this morning, were those told by an elderly cousin of mine, whom preached the ceremony, stating how he could recall as far back as 60 years ago, my grandma diligently serving in the church and community for the Lord. The pastor spoke of how Mrs. Lector Mae (Bailey) Piper was always willing to serve the Kingdom, and how even to this day she would run into him, asking "Are you still a'preaching?" 

Throughout the service at the church, I felt my grandmothers presence; I knew that she was watching and listening to every word. I was able to speak at the gravesite for the final ceremony. I shared with family members and friends how, growing up, Grandma Piper was constantly talking about the Lord...but as a rebellious child and adolescent, it went through one ear and out the other.. But that didn't stop her from praying for each and every one of us; how I know that those prayers have helped me become the man that I am today; that after hearing countless testimonies of how my grandmother was a genuine follower of Christ, a true servant, I truly realized that her faith in Christ truly reflected through her life....that Christ came to this Earth to serve the people and my Grandmother did the same for us.

I closed the ceremony with these verses:

"I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."

2 Timothy 1: 3-5

Grandma, thank you for the prayers. Thank you for never giving up on me.

Happy 1st Birthday, Liljana!!

Today is a monumental day for my family; my sweet, beautiful niece Liljana, turns one!!!  

Happy Birthday, Lili!!!

Liljana and my nephew, Elijah!

Daddy and Lili!

Having some fun in Croatia!

It's hard to believe that this precious little girl was born a year ago today.  I pray that as she continues to grow up, she will maintain her purity and innocence, not becoming polluted by the perverse ways of our world; that she will become a Christ-following young woman; a voice and light for her generation.

De-Socialnetworking

If I were to ask this blog's visitors to identify the three logos pictured above, I assume that the majority of you would be able to do so with ease.  The Three Amigos of social media/networking: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Now, if I were to ask how much time each and every one of you spend (or should I say waste) each day on these social media outlets, what would you say?  Now, now...I am just as guilty (if not more) than you are.  I can honestly admit that I spend at a minimum of an hour-and-a-half of my "free" time, browsing these media sources....solely via my iPhone.  That's not even counting time that I occasionally spend visiting Facebook and Twitter on my laptop.  So, let's do the math.  I will assume that I spend two hours each day using these "big three"; 2 hours x 7 days = 14 hours a week.  I waste at LEAST 14 hours a week on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Let's take it even further: 14 hours per week x 52 weeks = 728 hours per year

Wow.

I waste an estimated 728 hours a year posting comments, hashtags, pictures, videos, and simply boredom-browsing.  I can easily think of many ways to better utilize those 728 hours a year.  I'm not sure about you, but for me, this is a huge:

My pastor discussed this social media/networking epidemic in last Sunday night's sermon.  I recall thinking and justifying to myself, "I don't spend THAT much time on it; I really DO make good use of my free time; I've gotten BETTER about it, right?".  Well, ladies and gents, the numbers don't lie.  I've been an avid social media/networking user since the day that I discovered Myspace in middle school.  But, it is time for the ridiculous amount of time that I waste on social media to drastically decrease.  The first steps that I had taken prior to the Sunday night sermon as well as this number-crunching, was to delete the Facebook and Twitter apps off of my iPhone.  Although I had seen improvements this week, I simply started making up for those deleted apps by spending MORE time on Instagram; counterproductive, eh?  Well, that leaves me with one option: delete Instagram.

My prayer is that God will provide me with the wisdom to be a better steward of my time here on Earth; to not waste 728 hours a year....out of sheer boredom.  I also pray that for anybody that just so happens to come across my blog and this post; that you too will realize how much time is wasted on these social medial outlets....and for productive methods of utilizing the hours you will gain by NOT posting that oh-so-incredible image of this mornings breakfast!  #desocialnetworking

 …This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Ephesians 5: 14-17

Passion and Purpose

In my spare time, I enjoy watching and taking notes on sermons from my home church by Pastor Chuck Milian (Crossroads Fellowship in Raleigh, NC) and from Louie Giglio (Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA).  As some of you know, I work full time in an office setting.  The majority of my work day is spent completing mundane clerical-type tasks.  God has been stirring up my heart lately, leading me to question why in the world I spending eight hours a day in an office, with little-to-no human interaction.  I might have two or three guys come in, for a combination of perhaps twenty minutes out of an eight hour work day.  Don't get me wrong, I am extremely thankful that God has blessed me with a full time position.  He was definitely looking out for me.

I hadn't watched a sermon by Louie Giglio since my six month mission trip in Haiti last year.  I decided to head over to the Passion City Church website to catch up on the latest sermon series.....and boy, am I glad that God led me to do so.  Louie's sermon preached an April 7, 2013, entitled "Whatever", was the first of his series "Passion+Purpose".  I was unsure what to expect, considering the simple title of this sermon.  To put it simply, this is a truly life-changing sermon.  God knew the questions that had been stirring inside of my heart, and He answered them through this message, and other messages in this series; "Passion+Purpose".

I'll try to cover the basis of this sermon, in a nutshell.  He states that many of us have questions such as, "Can I KNOW, WHY I am here? How do I know that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing? Can my life really count...for the stuff that matters most? What does GOD want me to do?"

Louie describes how each-and-every human being on this Earth have been wired with specific passions...things that truly speak to you and make you feel alive.  He states that we all might not share the same passion, we all share the same PURPOSE, as mentioned in Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

"We all have unique opportunities, given by God.  God's not looking for people to simply exist.  God wants you to live, feeling ALIVE! Maybe doing that thing that you told somebody you wanted to do, but they laughed so hard that you haven't told anybody since...THIS may be the passion that God has put inside of you...There is something that moves you.  Don't look for the "Top 5 Careers", or cities with the best jobs...God has wired ME to do something.  I have a purpose in life that is GREATER than this thing I am passionate about.  That I came from God, am sustained by God, and will return to God."

Now I sit here wondering to myself, "If I found out that I had six months left on this Earth....what would I be doing differently? Would I regret not actively pursuing the true passions that God has instilled in me? Would I abandon the mundane job that I have and don't truly enjoy? Etc..." The fact of the matter is, you and I are not promised another day, week, month, year or even breath.  Several days have passed since I first started this post....I came across this video, of a teenager who was diagnosed with an incurable type of cancer and given six months to a year to live.  I thank God for leading me to this video...inspirational is an understatement.  After viewing the sermons last week by Louie Giglio and upon watching this video...I've realized that I have to dig into the Word and truly seek Christ's wisdom and direction...We never know what day will be our last.  So now I ask you....Are you pursuing a passion that God has instilled in you?  Are you honoring God in the job, sport, hobby, etc. that you're participating in? Do you wake up each morning, feeling refreshed and excited to begin your work or school day?  Or do you dread the thirty minute commute to work, the monotonous 8-hour workday, the hassling boss, and the gossiping co-workers...just so you can earn enough wages to make ends meet and have the bills paid?  There are ways to utilize the passions that God has blessed each and every one of us with....and still earn a living sufficient enough to provide our daily necessities as well as support our families.  Is our non-renewable and priceless life energy worth the wages that you are receiving?

"You don't have to find out that you're dying, to start living."

                                             -Zach Sobiech

The Youth of Today

As many of you know, one of my greatest passions is ministering and reaching out to youth and students, of all ages.  Throughout the past several years, God has truly stirred inside my heart the urge to help youth with the many mountains that they face in our world and culture today.  Unfortunately, I have not spoken to a congregation of youth since around September 2012; Pastor Jim Shelton invited me to speak with around 50-60 high school students at the Crossroads Fellowship Millbrook Campus, and around 40 or so high school students at the CRF Wake Forest Campus the following weekend.

Due to my class schedule at Liberty last semester in combination with my backslidden ways, my passion to reach out to the youth and students was slowly snuffed out--thanks, Satan!  However, let me mention that Dr. Brown's Youth Ministry 201 course was by far my favorite college course that I have taken, to date! Doc. Brown...you are the man...and your TA's are pretty sweet, too!  Well, family and friends, God has re-ignited the spark and flame inside my heart and soul to, at the best of my God-given ability, reach out to the youth of today.....The Lord knows something has to change with this upcoming generation.  My prayer is that He will be able to use my testimony, downfalls, triumphs, trials and temptations, etc. to bring glory to His kingdom and to make a genuine impact in the lives of the youth and students in our world.

"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.  But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." Matthew 18: 5-6

You might be wondering, "What changed all of a sudden? How has this spark been re-ignited? What do you plan to do?"  Let me explain...  My girlfriend, Nikki, turned 21 on April 12th.  I purchased a Busch Gardens Fun Card for her and I, which includes unlimited entry to the amusement park until mid-September.  Nikki and I decided to take advantage of a sunny and moderately warm Saturday last weekend, by trekking to Williamsburg, VA to get tossed, turned, and flipped by rollercoasters.  The majority of the park attendees were middle school and high school aged youth.  I was a Freshman in high school the last time that I had visitied Busch Gardens.  The thoughts of "Was I REALLY like that when I was their age? Was my mouth THAT filthy? Was I THAT loud, rude, and obnoxious?" came to my mind numerous times throughout the day.  My reality check had been served.  The sad and somewhat frustrating realization that I did in fact behave very similarly to many of these teens, truly shook me on that fun-filled Saturday afternoon.  I do not have children of my own...but whenever God does bless me with a little Jordan or two, I want him/her to be a role-model to their God-forsaken, MTV and Jersey-shore influenced peers.  I continuously thought of my nearly three-year-old nephew Eli and six-month-old niece, Liljana...."I don't want them to end up like these kids."

As briefly mentioned in the final sentence of the previous paragraph, I truly believe that the music, television shows, magazines, and media in general, have an unsurpassed influence on today's youth.  I can recall a couple of television shows that I watched as a pre-teen and teenager; MTV's Spring Break, Laguna Beach, The Real World and Road Rules, music videos, etc.  What are common denominators amongst each of them?  Sex, alcohol and drug abuse, materialism, cliques, arrogance, adultery, lust, the list goes on....These characteristics are constantly being poured into the lives of countless children and youth via the "Digital Age" in which we currently inhabit.  What does that mean, exactly? Easier access to an abundance of media sources that these students, children, sons, and daughters simply do NOT need uncontrolled and unfiltered access to.  Stop and think: Do you REALLY want your child to be influenced by "role models" that our culture depicts via countless media sources? 

"Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to than man through whom they come!" Matthew 18:7

Sunday afternoon, Nikki and I watched a Netflix documentary, based on children whom have had incredibly horrid experiences with bullying, name-calling, etc.  That documentary nearly brought tears to my eyes....for several reasons.  One of those being that the documentary interviewed several parents that had lost a child to suicide, as a result of constant bullying at school.  The other reason being personal conviction for the fact that I can recall being one of those bullies in elementary school.  Constantly "picking" on the smaller children, or those that looked more "nerdy".  "Wow", I thought to myself, "How did my bullying and name-calling affect my peers?"

I am not sure exactly how God plans on using me to reach out and positively influence our youth of today, whom have an overwhelming need for guidance and direction.  I am only a unmarried twenty-one-year-old guy with no kids....but I have faith that God can use me as a tool to positively influence and perhaps spark genuine change and conviction amongst this generation.  One thing that I DO know is the fact something has got to change.  Our youth has been strayed away from a path and pursuit of righteousness and morality.  These children are the future of our nation. 

Stay tuned as I seek God's will and provision for my life.  For now, I ask each and every read of this blog post to pray for me; for guidance, wisdom, and direction....and to maybe even share this post via the abundance of social networking outlets that we utilize today.

Jordan Piper

The Story of Fedlaine, "FiFi".

I haven't posted much on this blog since my arrival back in the States. Today was the start of my third week here at Liberty University, where I am studying youth ministry. It has been a great three weeks thus far. I am thankful that God led me to a university that can greatly contribute to my spiritual growth and knowledge of the Word of God. Haiti has been on my heart and mind a lot, especially throughout the past couple weeks. I greatly miss Nehemiah Vision Ministries and all of my friends in Haiti.

I'd like to share with you the unique story of a six-year-old girl named Fedlaine, better known as "FiFi".     

I met FiFi for the first time at Nehemiah Vision Ministries in the Summer of 2011. I was on a one week mission trip with my college ministry, Catalyst. At the time, I didn't know much about FiFi. I learned a little bit about her during that trip; that she was found in a ditch by Pastor Esperandieu Pierre, "Left for dead" as he states; after Pastor found her, she was placed in the NVM children's home in Chambrun; and finally that she was now living on the NVM compound and in the process of being adopted by the Shultz family (Jay, Amy, Anna, and their two sons). This family was committed to serve at NVM for at least a year--or until FiFi's adoption papers were finalized and was able to travel back to America with the Shultz's. I believe it was the third or fourth day that I was in Haiti in the  Summer of 2011, when an absolutely tragic accident occurred on the campus of Nehemiah Vision Ministries...one that will never be forgotten. Jay Shultz, the adopting father, was critically injured and paralyzed in a horrific accident involving a "Gator" ATV and a backhoe tractor. I barely knew Jay at the time, but remember that he appeared to have an unsurpassable work ethic and seemed like a genuinely nice guy. I honestly don't think I will ever forget this day, nor the mood on campus after this incident. "Don't drop me, intern."

As you can imagine, Jay's accident would bring forth another curveball into the adoption process (as if it weren't already a strenuous process) as well as the lives of the entire Shultz family. I remember thinking, "How would I feel if I had committed to a year (or longer) in Haiti, with my family, and then such a tragic event as this happen? What about the adoption? Who would take care of Fedlaine? Would my faith in Christ be affected?". The Shultz's ended up moving back to the States after the accident. Fedlaine remained on the NVM compound, under the care of  NVM Missions Team Coordinators, Aaron and Shelli Elliot. Aaron and Shelli completed their year at NVM in October, when Brandon and Katie Hutchens stepped in, under a year commitment. 

Brandon, FiFi, and Katie

You might be wondering why I am sharing FiFi's story with you. As you know, I was an intern at Nehemiah Vision Ministries this year for six months; from January 16, 2012 to July 17, 2012. I arrived on campus around mid-day and was introduced to everyone on the compound upon my arrival. I saw this little ball of energy in the form of a six-year-old girl, running and playing around the compound. I realized that it was FiFi. Her sister, Anna (Shultz) was there with her...spending a week or two with her and then heading back to the States. I talked with Anna throughout the time she was there, getting to know FiFi's story and status of her adoption, a little bit more. 

FiFi and Anna

Switching gears a little bit here. One of the hardest things for me to overcome was the fact that I was going to be spending six months away from my family. My oldest brother Jason had a son, Eli, two years ago. The birth of my first nephew was an absolute blessing to both my family and myself. My heart was changed forever. Prior to his birth, I had never been one to really "enjoy" the presence of children-to be quite honest. Eli was born when I was 19 years old....and he was the first baby I'd ever held in my entire life. Something changed inside of me, the instant I saw my nephew for the first time. I just couldn't spend enough time with my little man. The birth of Elijah Jack sparked something inside my heart that I'd never felt before. His birth would lead to me becoming involved with the youth ministry at my church, Crossroads Fellowship; to me having an absolute blast with the children in Haiti in the Summer of 2011; to me studying Youth Ministry at Liberty University. Needless to say, I was not looking forward to being away from Eli, as well as missing his second birthday in May.

Back to FiFi. Anna, FiFi, and I had an absolute blast playing card games and playing on the playground with the other children. I told Anna that I felt as though God was going to use FiFi to help ease my pain of being away from my nephew. I also told her that I would take care, watch, and play with FiFi as if she were my own family. I spent a lot of time with FiFi, playing card games, watching cartoons and "babysitting" her while Brandon and Katie went off to the market, playing tag and hide-and-seek on the playground (I can still hear her saying, "YOU IT"), swimming with her in the ocean and pool on our staff's occasional beach trips, walking her back from school every now and then, making her lunch, tossing her in the air, etc. I was deemed the title, "TonTon JoJo" by the American and Haitian NVM staff. Tonton means uncle, for those who don't know Creole! If I was in a bad mood for whatever reason or having a long day, Fifi, being a hilarious and energetic six year old, would always put a smile on my face. 

One of our many card games.

Basketball on the compound.

Jay Shultz visited NVM several times during my six month internship. I can honestly say that I have not met too many people in this world, with a heart like that man. He wouldn't let his paralysis and wheelchair stop him from visiting NVM, Haiti, and his daughter. To see how happy and good-spirited he was, despite his paralysis, was encouraging to say the least. I am very fortunate that I was able to meet and talk with Jay. It was awesome seeing how excited FiFi was every time he arrived on campus. I also met Jay's wife, Amy, during my internship. She is an amazing person as well. The adoption process is, unfortunately, still not completed. As I stated earlier, it is not an easy process to complete with the government of Haiti. The Shultz family is praying that FiFi will be in America before the end of 2012.

This is one of the most lengthy posts on this blog...so I thank you for taking the time to read it. I just felt as though God wanted me to share this on my blog, considering that FiFi was a huge part of my six month internship, as well as me deciding to study youth ministry. I am beyond thankful for the countless memories that FiFi and I shared; the countless laughs, sweat, games of TAG, basketball, and even her making faces at me when I wasn't looking (she thought that was hilarious). It was a blessing to spend this time with FiFi; time that I was away from my family and my nephew. I encourage everyone to please keep FiFi and the Shultz family in your prayers. Pray that FiFi's paperwork with the government will be completed and that she WILL be able to move to America this year; pray that she will have a smooth adjustment to an American lifestyle once she does arrive; pray for Jay Shultz and a full recovery from his accident; pray for Brandon and Katie Hutchens as they continue to take care of FiFi while the adoption process is still undergoing.

One of the hardest things for me was to leave my family, my nephew, for six months. What was one of the hardest, if not the hardest thing for me as I walked the NVM compound on the last day of my internship? Saying goodbye to FiFi. Fortunately, I know that she is in extremely good hands with Brandon, Katie, Papa Jim and Cheryl Warner, Aubree, Brooke, all the NVM staff, and is going to be living with a Christ-centered and loving family in the United States. It's been tough typing this blog post. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't fighting back tears.

Dressed up for Nathan Pierre's high school graduation