Author: Wick

Okay, so most of ya’ll know I’m a nerd these days. Something happened in me after college, and I’ve been reading books like they’re going out of style ever since.

Wish that would’ve happened to me before or during college.

Anyways, in the midst of reading something currently, and thought I would put it out there as a recommendation. It’s called “What is the What”, by David Eggars.

It’s a true story of a “Lost Boy” (not Eggars, but an escaped refugee from Sudan), but because much of it happened when he was very young, there are a few details he had to fill in creatively. Because of this, it had to be billed as a “Novel”.

It’s his story of how he survived (barely) the conflict in Sudan. If you’re anything like me, you’ve heard of Darfur, and perhaps a few stories of what’s going on, and that “it’s bad over there”. But to actually hear a personal story of a boy who lived to tell about it, and the way he’s able to word things…..has been very helpful.

It’s also his story of how he came to the USA. Christian organizations who help refugees like this, most of us only get to hear about them from their point of view. (i.e. how many souls they’ve saved, how many refugees they’ve rescued, etc.) To hear his experience of coming to America, and what happens to him and many others once they arrive is definitely a message churches caught up in Justice should be listening to.

I won’t give too much more away, although I’d love to post more on where the title came from. It’s definitely a rich read. But the larger your heart is, the more difficult some of the pages might be to turn.

So while we were in Michigan, I came upon my very first TIM HORTONS shop. For my fellow citizens of the United States, Tim Hortons is a very popular donut/bakery/coffee/breakfast stuffs place in Canada. They’re everywhere.

I’ve seen their logo surrounding hockey rinks on TV all over the place. I’ve had my Canadian friends tell me how incredible they are. So when I found out Lansing, Michigan actually had a few of ’em, I knew I would have to try it out. But I had to make sure I did my part for the visit. So I called.

The manager told me my best chance to get a hot donut was to come at 6am. So a few days ago, while in Michigan, I got up a couple minutes earlier than usual, and skipped the shower…..and drove out to Tim Hortons in Holt, Michigan. I smile now, as I remember the conversation that followed:

Mrs. Horton: Good morning, how can I help you?

Me: Good morning, this is my first Tim Hortons’ experience, so I wanna make it good, do you have any fresh donuts?

Mrs. Horton: Oh, all of our donuts are fresh!!!

Me: Oh, really? (genuinely excited at this point) Well, which ones are the warmest still?

Mrs. Horton: Well, none of them are warm, they’ve been made for a while now. Really early this morning. But they have a shelf life of over 8 hours!

Me: Um…so you don’t have ANY hot donuts?

Mrs. Horton: Sorry, no….but I can put one in the microwave for you?

🙂 And she did. And yeah, it was better than a cold donut. But seriously Canadians….I’m not sure what all the fuss was about. I was even told they rival the great Krispie Kreme. I now stand on the other side of this experience and say…..nope. Krispie Kreme tastes better, AND they know what I mean when I ask for a fresh donut. (they even advertise freshness with a light)

I’m sure there are spiritual applications to this….but I’ll let you make them on your own. 🙂

(To Mr. Hortons’ credit, he doesn’t advertise fresh donuts, he advertises fresh coffee. Unfortunately, even fresh gas station coffee doesn’t mean it tastes good.)

So all this week, the Free Methodist Bible Quizzing National Tournament has been happening in Spring Arbor, MI.

That’s why God may not be listening to you, He’s pretty busy up here. (comedic sarcasm)

Just a brief overview: Teens study a section of scriptures like crazy all year long, having local quiz meets throughout the year. Quizzing consists of 2 or 3 teams of 2 or 3 sitting on little sensitive pads that electronically announce who was the first (through 4th, in order) person to stand up. If they stand up during the question, they must finish that question (and then answer it). If they stand up after the question, they must answer it. 15 questions per round. If a single person answers 5 questions correctly, they’ve “quizzed out”, and can no longer help their team. Etc.

I tried quizzing when I was in High School. Apparently, I wasn’t cut out for it. Or perhaps, a lack of dedication on my part. Or there weren’t enough girls involved. Or something.

But in this small arena are so many reasons to be excited, and at the same time, illustrations/fodder for many of us to be aware. Many students here might not be the best quizzers, and yet they grasp the love of Jesus Christ very well. Other students may know the verses word for word, and have the “fastest jump”, and yet might not have a clue as to what it truly means to follow Christ. Most, however, like us, are probably somewhere in the middle.

I’m proud of our team. Not cause we’ll win all the trophies. But because they’re involving themselves (whatever the reason they begin) in the study and participation in the scriptures.

No matter what you believe, and whether or not you’re a fan of the quizzing world….you gotta admit…it’s a pretty decent thing for a teen to be involved in. I recommend it. Next year we’re studying the book of Luke….get on it. 🙂