What’s your favorite thing about 242?

The relationships. After graduating from college and returning home to Wichita, I realized that most of my high school friends were no longer here. Without the enriching friendships God has blessed me with through members of 242, I know I couldn’t have adjusted back to living in Wichita. In addition, He’s shown me that relationships centered in Christ just seem to have an added value, something I had limited experience in prior to attending 242.

What’s on your iPod right now?

I made up four playlists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John) from songs we sing at 242 on a regular basis. The Acts playlist is in the works. That’s basically all I listen to anymore...
 

What part of 242 has impacted you the most and why?

God has used each of the three retreats I’ve had the privilege of attending to shape my life in different ways. There’s just something special about a weekend in the woods away from our daily struggles that helps me refocus my priorities back on Christ. Whether it’s through the open discussions during cabin devotionals or packing the chapel in intimate worship, you experience the sincere warmth of the Holy Spirit enveloping us and bringing each of us closer to Him. While the fellowship and worship of the 242 Thursday services provide that weekly recharge, for me, the retreats have had the most fundamental impact on my walk with Christ.

What verse is God currently using in your life?

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

It’s incredible what He’ll show you when you fully submit and humbly embrace this concept.

The best 242 social event is...

Magnum Softball because I get to wear tight baseball pants and pretend that I still have athletic skills that admittedly have long left me. The camaraderie and Christian fellowship out there on the field keep me from getting depressed about letting another grounder go between my legs.

Funniest 242 moment?

Rooming with Jonathan Sala for the Fall ’07 Retreat. The kid kept us up all night with his dry humor and crazy impersonations that continually toed the line between comedic genius and pure stupidity. Ask Victor, Brendan, or anyone else from Cabin 2 that weekend, I know I have never laughed that hard continuously in my life. You’re awesome Jonathan!

Why is 242 different than other Christian groups?

I had always been kinda put off by other Christian groups growing up and even in college as I saw such hypocrisy in the way people behaved in and out of the group setting. I couldn’t get past that myself. But with 242, I’ve seen a real genuineness and a true desire by those who attend to love God while loving on one another. We’re blessed with Randy and his leadership style, one which seems to foster such an authentic environment. I just pray that this group never loses that passion as God continues to grow and expand this community.

If God had made you an animal, which one would you be and why?

Let’s go with a monarch butterfly. Not a very masculine choice…but over the last year of personal sabbatical, I think God has had me wrapped in this “Christ cocoon” so to speak. He’s been stripping me of the ugliness of this world and preparing me to take flight in the beautiful future He’s had planned for me since the beginning of time. So yeah, some sort of metamorphosis analogy there. Also, monarch butterflies are orange, and since I’m a diehard Denver Broncos fan, I gotta represent the colors.