the personal blog of Steve Sjogren

I have been working to launch teams of windshield washers. It has been a while since I last connected with strangers in this particular serving style. Found some very cool squeegees – they have metal handles and expand long enough that you can wash both sides of a large windshield at once. Got them at WalMart for about $5 per item. Went into WalMart to get equipped for both restroom cleaning and windshield washing. Ended up spending around $125 for a LOT of great serving equipment. It pays to go to a place like WalMart – it is easy to find the cool stuff needed and at a great price!

Missouri Is Happening

I just got back from a trip to Missouri – I was in Springfield and Columbia. The kingdom is alive and well in both places. People are excited about extending the kingdom in big ways. I am thrilled to be included in what the Father is doing these days. I grew up in Kansas – in the Wichita area. I was inclined to think that the people who live in Missouri – and who follow Missouri sports teams especially – were a little off kilter. Such categorical thinking goes with the territory of growing about anywhere I guess.

Today God is on the move in a big way in good ‘ol Missouri. It is exciting to meet people who have been persevering in serving, praying and connecting with their community. I mentioned during one talk that I have planted several churches and, “who knows, maybe I will end up here in Missouri one day.” Four people came up to me after I finished talking to further inquire about my church planting plans. I was making a comment in passing, but it certainly was encouraging to hear the hearts of a number of people who are looking for cool spiritual things to happen in the Show Me State.

When inclement weather hits it is surprisingly not the time to draw back and wait for the climate to change. We have an amazing open door before us when bad weather strikes. On bad weather days those we serve actually are far more impressed by our stick-tuitiveness than when we go out to serve on good weather days.
I just got back from serving people on the north side of Philly in a spring NorEaster storm. We had planned to go out today for some time so when bad weather hit we merely stuck to our original plan. It seemed like everyone we came in contact with was more in tune with our serving because of the horrid conditions. Some actually said, “You are out in this weather? You are either really committed or you are a little crazy.” The right answer is we are both a little nuts and we are super committed.
It is exciting to run into challenging conditions. When that hits – and it will sooner or later – don’t step around it. This might well be an amazing opportunity to stand out.

When we serve people it is important that we have a clear idea what we want to actually say to those we serve. If we hope to make an impact upon those we serve we need to say something to the point – something we can convey much with just a few words.
Consider saying the following:
“We are out today serving the community to show God’s love in a practical way.”
The name of the game here is you are trying to be helpful, encouraging and upbuilding. Your face and your words are going to stick with people as much as the power of your serving.
Don’t try to convey too much. As you step out to serve you will be empowered by God with the right, the balanced thing to say.

How are you doing with your heart? Specifically, how are you doing in the realm of outreach and your attitude toward others?
After doing outreach for many years now I can attest to the vital importance of having a heart that is ignited toward others. It is human nature that our hearts have a tendency to grow cold toward others. There is something about the mere passing of time that requires that we “re up” in our commitment to others. We need to honestly ask how we feel about others on a regular basis.
For my part I notice that it is incredibly refreshing to go out and about in my larger community for the express reason of looking into the eyes of others. It is rather easy to connect with people when we take the time to just pick up on their pain and struggle.
I encourage you – take some time to watch people sometime soon. You will be renewed in your passion for others.