The Nation of Texas

I recently spent a week in Texas. To be completely honest Texas seems to be quite a strange place. Although I grew up in the "bible belt," (Southeastern states- Tx to VA) the cultural version of christianity there took me off guard. Maybe it is because I have been overseas, or maybe it is legitimately insane there- I don't know.

What I mean by cultural christianity is that where I was (Houston) everyone was a professing Christian. I have never seen so many christian bookstores, bumper stickers, restaurants, and even christian gyms (I honestly have no idea what a christian gym is but there was a big one called "New Life Fitness"). I even heard of a christian breast implant company. They would take the fat from a woman's butt and implant it into her breasts (they called it organic). Why? In order to help women become the beautiful woman christ wants them to be. Personally I think it is a complete reversal of the way God created it and I get pretty mad thinking about it. This is the neighborhood of the popular author Joel Osteen.

What I saw saddened me greatly because there really was no difference between the Church and the world in Houston (aside from our stupid t-shirts and bumper stickers). However in the midst of that I was also able to spend time with some of the most encouraging and faithful believers.

Taft. It is in the middle of nowhere. Remember the passage where the disciples hear about Christ and say "really? Bethlehem? that po-dunk down? what the heck happens there?" Thats kind of how people would see Taft. It is 3 hours south west of Houston (a safe distance from the poisonous Kool-Aid of Houston's deformed version of Christianity), and about an hour from Corpus. I drove down Saturday afternoon just in time for a home cooked country meal. The food was great, the tea was sweet, and the conversation amazing. Not only was it encouraging, but we laughed nearly to tears for about 4 hours.

I drove down to meet with some supporters and speak at a supporting church. I stayed at the pastor's house and was able to see a snapshot of his heart for the Lord, and the church. Over 20 years ago there was a tragic decline in most of the churches view of scripture in Taft. So the Lord lead this man to start a church in his living room. He had no training, no experience, he was a farmer (like the prophet Amos) but he was faithful to follow the leading of the Lord (like the prophet Amos). They have had about 50-100 members for the last 20+ years, but usually about 35-50 attend. They don't really care about a show, they simply love Jesus and his word. It was amazing.

I was given the opportunity to speak on Sunday morning. I made some Chai for everyone and put it next to the traditional coffee and breakfast pastries. Although still good and very chai tasting i went a little heavy on the cloves and it had a good kick on the back end. Not sure if they will ever want to drink chai again, but it was fun watching everyone's face as they took the first sip :).

Honestly I felt like I was a part of their church family as soon as I got there. They welcomed me and my girlfriend with open arms and we had one of the most encouraging and fun weekends possible. It is brother's and sisters like them whose company motivates me to go back harder, give more, serve more, and remain faithful. Thanks Country Bible.


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