Jose Zayas

My first video blog from the very cool FLIP video recorder...

Yep...the blog now goes to a higher level.  Thanks to the new "toy" I can let you SEE and HEAR what's happening from around the world...and the thing weighs a pound and fits in my pocket.

Gotta love the geeks that make this possible....

SO...CLICK PLAY ON THE VIDEO (to state the obvious)....

My first video blog from the incredible video recorder... from Jose Zayas on Vimeo.

Delirious?

I'm tired.

Two weeks of non-stop travel and preaching across the Highlands of Scotland is about to end.

I'm at London's Heathrow airport--one step closer to home.

I've got a feeling this is just one of many trips to Scotland.  The Lord has knit my hearts with pastors and leaders in Thurso, Wick, Lochinver, Inverness and more.

I pray God send me back to help reach more people with the Gospel...and soon!

The icing on the cake was time spent with one of my favorite bands, Delirious?  After 15 years, they've announced the end of the band this November.

They ended the Highlands Luis Palau Festival Saturday night.  We ended up chatting for a few minutes and to my surprise....we were on the same flight Sunday morning.

Call it a unique Father's Day gift!!  We hung out at the airport and talked about what they're planning to do after the band breaks up.

One of the cool realities is that most of them don't know what's in store.  They just know that God's impressed them to step out into new adventures.

Ironic that a band named "Delirious?" would make that crazy move.  They're ending while still on top of their game.

But it's not ironic.  Following Jesus is all about.....well.....following.  The message we spread to thousands of people across Scotland is that following Jesus IS the best way to live.

He forgives.  Fills.  Guides.  Protects.  Leads. And so much more.....

What a relief!  I don't have to figure things out.  Neither do you.  God knows where I need to be.  He knows how to get me there.  And only God can make anything worthwhile happen anyway.

So I am delirious (at least in the minds of many who have to yet to embrace the way of Jesus)!

I had no idea I'd be in Scotland until late January of THIS year.  Usually I've got things planned well in advance, but I had a two week window without events....EXACTLY at the same time the events were being planned in the Highlands.

Having been to these towns, I can see God's hand at work in all of the details.

So in a sense I'm not delirious!  I simply believe in an amazing God who does amazing things.  And I want to be in the middle of what He's up to....wherever that takes me (somewhere a bit warmer and less windy would be nice!)

Here's a picture of me and the band....at the Inverness Airport before leaving this beautiful part of the world....

My Church of Scotland, turned Mormon, turned Buddha-Rubbing Cabbie...

What's the spiritual landscape like in the Highlands of Scotland?

My cab ride this morning will give you a glimpse at the eclectic mix of thought and the wide open door for God's people here.

It stared this way:

"So what are you doing here in Inverness?" asked the cabbie.

"I'm here for a music festival this weekend?" I replied.

"What kind of festival?  The Luis Palau one? Who is that guy?  Is he an evangelist?"

That opened a 30 minute discussion about God and Scotland with my new friend Donnie (the very nice cabbie who took me on the 10 minute cab ride and was happy to talk for 20 extra minutes about God).

Donnie grew up in the Church of Scotland, like most here in the region.  But it had no meaning for him whatsoever.

So when the Mormon missionaries came to their door, Donnie and his family were happy to listen.

They all eventually converted to the Mormon faith.  Donnie was in his teens.  That meant no caffeine, no alcohol, and a few other rules my Scottish friend had a tough time keeping up with.

So after marriage and a few children, Donnie abandoned Mormonism for his own brand of faith...a mix of love people, be nice, don't get in trouble theology.

So when a friend from work bought Donnie a Buddha for his car, he was delighted.  "When the Buddha got into my car, my luck changed.  I don't know about the whole Buddhism thing, but the Buddha has brought me luck."

That's the state of affairs here in Scotland, and much of the Western world.  Most have abandoned traditional faith for their own brand of religion.  Find out what works and hold on to that.

As Donnie put it, "Jose, we're not really religious here in Scotland.  Only old people go to church.  Although there are a few 'happy clappies' that seem to have a good time."

"Happy Clappies"---used to describe Baptists and Pentecostals who like to smile and clap to songs.  Wish you could have heard Donnie say the phrase with his thick Scottish accent!

Donnie's goal.  To make it to America and visit a black gospel church.  Not surprising, since like many, Donnie's approach to spirituality is about finding a path that fits "for him."

I ended our time with the question, "So Donnie, will you join me at the festival this weekend?  Since you're so open to new ideas, Luis might have something to say that could help you figure things out."

"NO...I won't be there....but if the music is good, I'm sure you'll have a good crowd of young people to try and convert."

________________

Pray for Donnie.  And pray for the churches in Scotland.  This IS a great time to preach the Gospel.  Since so few understand the true message of Jesus, but are open to spiritual thought, there's a great chance to get a fair hearing.

And that's what we need to realize.  People ARE open to talking about faith.  If we'll bring up the subject and honestly listen, there chance to share what we believe will emerge...and quickly.

The Gospel IS the power of God to save anyone, anywhere.  We just need to open our eyes to see the opportunities, and open our mouths to share about the real, loving, saving, Jesus.

Enjoying the cab rides,

jose

What God can do in just six weeks...

I'm impressed.

Six weeks ago I met two guys, Kenny and Geoff, at a restaurant in Wick (a small town on the northern tip of Scotland.)

A couple of things immediately struck me. 

1. DL Moody, on of my heroes, preached in Wick in the 1800's. (a clear reason for me to come back!)

2. This restaurant had the best "sticky toffee pudding" in the universe (if you're not from the UK...you just won't understand)

3. Kenny and Geoff have a love for their town and want to see everyone reached with the Gospel.

With little time and no long history of doing these kinds of outreach events, they decided to host an evangelistic dinner for their community.

They're crazy to have taken it on.  Both are already involved in their churches, run ministries, have full time jobs, and families.

But God honors people with faith and hearts to reach others with the Gospel.

So I spoke at Wick High School because of their boldness to get me in.

And I spoke at the evangelistic dinner with some 50 guest (they only had 4 tickets sold as of a week ago).

It was one of the most enjoyable evenings of Gospel ministry.  Serving with people who love Jesus, work hard, believe that God can do the impossible....what more can you ask for (another serving of sticky toffee pudding?!).

I pray God enables me to come back and do more with the churches in Wick someday.  In six short weeks, God pulled off amazing things.

What might He do with a little more time to plan?

Thanks Kenny and Geoff (and your families that endured your extra time away).  You're the real heroes....

jose

 

A new day in Thurso...

I love being part of something fresh, something new.

Last night at a local hotel, Christians from the Thurso area invited their friends to a meal event....a dinner with a guest speaker (yours truly).

With only a few months to prepare and NO history of doing this kind of outreach, my new friends in Thurso succeeded in every way possible.

Close to 50 people filled the dinner hall, more than half with no church connection. To give some perspective, the local Baptist church has about 60 people worship on a Sunday morning...and they are one of the larger congregations.

So for 50 to join on a TUESDAY NIGHT for something Christian is a pretty big deal!

Christians boldly invited friends to come along for a meal with a Christian speaker.

So in between dinner and dessert I got up and explained the Gospel message, hopefully in a way a non-church goer can understand.

In the end, 9 people responded on cards that they want to take steps closer in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

The idea of meal events isn't new...but it is in Thurso.  What has me more excited than what happened last night (and anytime people respond in faith to the Gospel, it's worth rejoicing) is the new possibilities of outreach for this region.

Northern Scotland isn't the American "Bible Belt."  Faith is seen as a personal matter here.  It isn't a part of natural conversation, even amongst friends.

So for the believers to invite their friends and neighbors along to hear an evangelist is a big deal.

I thank God for their boldness and faith.  Time will tell all that God began at that little hotel last night.  I pray that the fruit of that dinner will be seen for years to come in transformed lives, bolder Christians, and fresh attempts at spreading the message of the Gospel across the community.

Now...I'm off to Lochinver for a mini-festival all day.  I'll be in Wick on Thursday, Golspie on Friday, and back in Thurso for a mini-festival on Saturday.

Thanks for praying.....

jose

Preaching the "same old thing"...

Just arrived in London and boarding a flight for Scotland in a few minutes.

I've spent the flight over thinking about and praying over the messages I'll share these next two weeks.

Scotland is a place with rich Christian heritage.  Yet thriving churches are few and far between.

How can this be?!

I suggest one factor is a movement away from "the same old thing."

The Gospel message is OLD.  2000 years old.  It's not complicated (yet is rich and deep in its implications).

It's news.  News of sin.  News of forgiveness through the cross of Jesus.  News of rescue.  News of transformed life and transformed communities.

While my illustrations change all the time and subject topics come and go....I pray that I never move away from preaching the simple, straightforward, message of Jesus.

When people "move on" to other aspects of the faith, we begin to lose our center. 

When churches move on to other issues, and the Gospel takes second place, it's just a matter of time before walking with God is replaced by ritual and religion.

Please pray for me.  Pray that the ancient message of salvation through the finished work of Jesus Christ is clearly shared every day to every audience I address.

Pray that God will help me stay "out of the way" as I call people to find life in the Savior.

I'm praying that the "same old thing"---the Gospel, will have a dramatic effect not only on individuals, but on towns and cities.

Pray for an awakening to the Gospel in the HIghlands of Scotland (and wherever you live as well!!).

OK.  Calling my flight.  Gotta go.....

jose

When your son prays for you...

It's been too long since the last blog (sorry)!

Been busy traveling, preaching, and in between honor time with family.

Which is why I need to thank God for my son, Jonah.

He drew a picture in his church class this Sunday.  When Carmen asked him what it was....here's Jonah's reply:

"IT'S ME....PRAYING FOR DADDY....THAT HE'LL HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO GO TO SCOTLAND AND AFRICA."

We're pretty up front with our little ones.  They know that times are tough economically.  We don't share details and we make sure they feel safe and secure....but we want them to learn to pray at all times....good times and tough times.

So to think that my boy is praying for me.....wow.....I am blessed.  And I know God will answer little Jonah's prayers!!

I love you J-man!

Where will we be 150 years from now?

In a box, six feet under ground (nice morbid blog start, huh?!).

As a church...as a movement of people in America, and Europe....where will THE CHURCH be in it's influence 150 years from now?

I'm flying back from two weeks in Scotland.  Been all over the Highlands.  Beautiful landscape.  Hospitable people.  Small and scattered church community (not to oversimplify).

You can't spend any time in America and then go to Scotland without quickly picking up on the religious landscape

The US enjoys a greater sense of influence by the Protestant Church (not sure if enjoys if the right word, and I'm not sure if the influence is all that influential these days...but there is a difference).

How long will it last?

What will American cities look like 150 years from now?

Will there be huge "formerly mega-church" campuses that now serve as community centers and nightclubs (it's a reality all over the UK)?

Will there be 50 older Christians worshiping God and wondering how they're going to keep the lights on in church buildings meant to seat 1,500 (another reality in the UK)?

Part of the question is irrelevant.  God loves His church.  He alone sets the course of human events.  A growing or fading church isn't something we have total control over.  We can do our part...but barring God's intervention no church in any society has hope.

Church is God's idea.

But without prayer, without intentional spreading of the Gospel, without a focused community of believers...the influence of the church in society will quickly fade (aka....we need to wake up AND stay awake to what God's doing!)

One example that's embedded in my soul (as I sip a very nice free latte in the KLM airline lounge...with yummy thin waffle cookies, I might add)

I visited David Robertson, pastor of St. Peter's Church in Dundee, Scotland for lunch.  It's probably the most famous church in all of Scotland, started by Robert Murray McCheyne in the early 1880's.

By the time McCheyne died prematurely at age 29 (in 1843), the 1,500 seat auditorium was finished and another church of a slightly smaller size was planted down the road (only about 3 blocks away!).

Church influence was at a high.  The Gospel was being proclaimed regularly and powerfully.

150 years later, both buildings were empty and were bought by Muslim real estate developers.

There is a ray of hope, though (there always is with God, you know).

A few years ago, the band of faithful believers at St. Peter's (just 150 of them) bought back the original church and are in the middle of a one million dollar renovation to make it a center of hope for Dundee.

They believe God wants to reclaim their city with the Gospel.  And they're going for it!!

Thankfully the other church building is still for sale.  With a slumped economy, few have the cash to redevelop old church buildings.

Who knows...maybe St. Peter's will "replant" another community of Christians into that building again...150 years later?

This trip has reminded me afresh that every generation has to rise up and embrace, live for, and share the Good News of Jesus relentlessly.

If not, the next generation will only grow hardened, ignorant, or simply alienated from the Gospel and it's effects.

And 150 years flies by fast.

Today, pray for a move of God in Scotland (and America, for that matter).  And choose to live in a way that propel His movement forward.....

jose

 

World's Smallest Street, DL Moody, and a prayer for salvation in Scotland...

It was a Guinness day in Scotland (think Guinness Book of World Records, not beer!)

I had lunch with a few church leaders in Wick, Scotland.  We ate at Mackay's Hotel, made famous for it's location on the smallest street in the world, Ebenezer Place (6 foot 9 inches...the size of the front door!)

 

During that meeting I found out that DL MOODY (one of my evangelist heroes of the 1800's) preached in Wick!!  He's named on a plaque of "noteable guest" to visit, including President Grant.

And in meeting with pastors and doing a "launch" service for the Christians one thing became clear.

We need to pray for salvation across Scotland (and all of the UK for that matter).  I spent the day with heroes...men who are giving their lives for the Gospel and seeing little result.  Met with two different pastor's who've served their churches for more than 15 years.  Both have 50-60 people attend.  Yet their hearts cry out for God to sweep people into His church.

Here's a picture with me and Pastor Stuart.  He's just one of the faithful men praying for and serving in Thurso.  Pray for him, and every Christian in Thurso, Wick and the other towns and villages in the county.

Pray that God would move in power across Northern Scotland and save many!

Pray for the festivals we'll be holding their and other towns this June.

Off to Lochinver and Inverness for the next few days.  Appreciate your prayers....

jose

Join me at the top....

The top of Scotland, that is!

I'm off to the UK, one of my favorite places to preach and visit.  Love the people.  Love the culture.  Love the tea (which is to Britain what Starbucks is to Seattle).

Please pray for me as I'll be way up north in the Highlands of Scotland...in Thurso, Wick, Lochinver, and Inverness.  I'll be speaking to Christians and meeting with leaders in prep for an evangelistic mission this June.

Then, before coming home I'll be in Dundee and Edinburgh meeting with leaders about potential ministry in the near future.

Yep.  I've pretty much got the greatest job in the world!

Cheers!

jose