The Road to Bambam

Here's a touristy video documenting a trip to a very remote location in Indonesia. It's not the end of the world...but you can see it from there! Just a little glimpse at life out here near the edge...




Music by: Steve Wick/Resonance Audio

The Stakes Boys Jammin' 01

Playing a little music at a school fundraiser in Singapore...nothing too radical, except that it was our first gig together! There will be more of these to come...



Bass: Tyson Stakes
Percussion: Ryan Stakes
Guitar/vox: Ty Stakes
Mandolin: Zach Smith

God is in...Laminin

I just love how God embedded little clues like this into the fabric of creation, knowing that someday, because He is patient, we would be able to look this deeply into stuff and see His fingerprints all over again. Too cool!

God Was In the Storm

It rains a lot in Singapore. In fact, an umbrella is my new "never leave home without it" item. I was recently caught in the rain...twice...and in both events, I saw something of God and His grace.

The first storm found me without protection for 45 minutes in a true downpour. Even by Singaporean standards, it was an impressive deluge, and there I was without any protection. So I was soaked...not a square millimeter of my person...not a follicle escaped the penetrating rain. And then God showed up, and I reflected on the all-covering, all-cleansing, all-consuming grace of God that envelops me just like the rainstorm. When we expose ourselves to His grace, knowing that we need His forgiveness and cleansing, there is no nook or cranny that is not cleansed. Ahhhhh...the beauty and completeness of the cleansing grace of God for anyone who will ask Him to invade and cleanse their life.

The second rainstorm happened when I was walking to a restaurant with about 25 people, and we probably had 10 umbrellas among us. Needless to say, people got wet. Even with umbrellas, we all showed up at the restaurant looking a bit disheveled. Sometimes God's grace hits us at the worst time. Forgiveness can be a messy business; it might be humbling to ask for it, and certainly, the process of receiving it can make us look a little foolish. We strive to look like we've got it all together, and sometimes we can even manage to pull it off for a while. But, in our transparent moments, we know we need the rain to fall on us, and even though it makes us uncomfortable and we look out of sorts, the cleansing grace of God is the cure for what ails us.

And all of this without mentioning the thunder and lightning...it is a fearful thing to fall into the hand of the Living God...

Merry Christmas!

Don't you just love technology?!?! Here's a Christmas greeting, sent with love and joy from the Stakes family to you...Jesus is born...let's celebrate!!

Click here for greeting

Peace on earth, good will to men...

Ty, Paula, Tyson and Ryan

It was hard to leave...

This video was taken by Paula during our last Sunday at Careforce Church, Mt. Evelyn, Victoria, Australia. Leaving churches (and the corresponding "finding a new one later") is one of the hardest parts of moving.

It makes me ponder the whole "church-hopping" mentality. I guess the only way it can work is to be uninvolved and disconnected from everyone...then leaving would be easy!! But wait; being uninvolved and disconnected is anti-Biblical. OK, now I've gone to preachin'! Anyway, here's the video...enjoy!



Leader/Acoustic Guitar: Dave Atkins
Keys: Craig Smith
Elec. Guitar: Scott Bennetts
Drums: Chris Broomhead
Bass: Ty Stakes
Plus a cast of several...

"Let Your Name Be Praised" Video

My friend Nigel posted this video taken at Reunion Church during our last visit to the US. It's an original song called "Let Your Name Be Praised".



The crew is:

• Nigel Dennis on bass
• Roland Dennis on djembe
• Chuck Thompson on keys/shaker
• Steve Wick on acoustic guitar
• Chuck Anderson on electric guitar
• Val DeWeese on BGVs
• Ryan Stakes operated the camera

YITBOP...

Dared To Move

Greetings from Singapore! The Stakes family has taken up residence on its fourth continent (Asia), and of course, the Willing Mind Studio will experience a new incarnation as well. We are as blown away as you are when we consider the amazing journey God has taken us on this far...

Considering this new location, please permit me to muse for a moment: We were dared to move. Maybe "challenged" to move would be better, but I like "dared" because the Switchfoot lyric is bouncing around in my head, and because being "dared" implies risk, and I am feeling like we have taken a risky step.

Why does it feel risky? Here are some bullet points to ponder...

• Our concept of "cost of living" will be totally stretched here...will God provide?
• Our sons have a new school and new environment to adapt to...will God help them through?
• We don't have a car and will be on public transport to go anywhere we would like to go (for example, all shopping)...can we physically do it?
  
• We are surrounded by world religions in a new and very up-close-and-personal sort of way...will God give us faith to stand on the truth, and grace to show His love?
• Ministry will take us into some of the real hotbeds of resistance to the Gospel, which are also the places where it is growing the fastest...will God use us there, and make us able to be used?

I could go on, but these are bubbling on the top of my mind. So, what is the answer? Well, I have a deep sense that God will continue to be faithful. He dared us to move...and He always is true to Himself (even when we are faithless, He remains faithful for He can not deny Himself). The only guarantee we have is His character, and that is enough.

This is a faith-building time, and we're OK with that. We could use your prayers to carry us through it...

Oh yeah...the other quote that keeps coming to mind is, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." More on that later...maybe...

Stakes Ministry Update, June 2007

The winds of change are blowing...at gale force, I'd say! Click the link below to download a PDF of the Stakes' latest update/prayer letter...and please let us know what you think!

Download Stakes Update Letter June 2007 (618 kb)

"HCJB Oz Quick Tour" Video Blog

Welcome to the 21st century! Video blogging is so cool, and now I R One...a video blogger, that is! Enjoy!

YITBOP...Five Questions

YITBOP...it's not the latest craze on the world stage...you've probably never heard of it! Curious? Well, let's find out what YITBOP is by asking five questions...

"Who uses YITBOP?" - The protagonist of this humble blog is the originator and probable only user of YITBOP. You are probably reading this blog because you have asked me about it!

"What is YITBOP?" - Literally, it is an acronym, or a series of letters taken from the first letters of the words in a specific name or phrase. In this case, it is an acronym for the phrase "Yours In The Bond Of Peace". YITBOP is an open-source sign off...help yourself!

"When is YITBOP used?" - I use it as a sign-off to almost all of my e-mails, and also in other contexts such as notes, letters, etc.

"Where does YITBOP come from?" - It is from the Bible. Ephesians 4:3 says, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

"Why do you sign off with YITBOP?" - It is my personal reminder to think about the intent of my communication. Is what I have written in line with the explicit command to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace? Will what I write hurt, alienate, offend, or defame anyone? Would it be OK with me if this email or other correspondence were distributed outside of its intended audience? Would I be embarrassed, ashamed, or otherwise hurt if this were read by "the wrong person?" Ultimately, I have to ask if God is OK with what I've written. If He would be cool with it, then let's send it.

So, now you know. Feel free to YITBOP others...remember, it's an open-source sign off!

YITBOP,

Ty

Let Us Be (the Voice and Hands of Jesus)

Wow...free music on the internet!! Don't get me started...

This tune was inspired by HCJB Global's new byline "Let Us Be the Voice and Hands of Jesus". Click below to download the audio, download a PDF lead sheet, or take a look at me singing the tune on YouTube. Let me know what you think!

Let Us Be (the Voice and Hands of Jesus) Audio (5.2 megs)

Let Us Be (the Voice and Hands of Jesus) Lead Sheet (pdf)

Let Us Be (the Voice and Hands of Jesus) Video

Do you have a Willing Mind?

Someone asked me this question, "What is the most important characteristic for a missionary in the 21st century?" Well, that's a pretty challenging question...and like I would know the answer! But I did reply, and here's what I said...

I think the most important characteristic for a missionary in the 21st century is to have a willing mind. But that's a multi-faceted thing...it looks like this:

• A willing mind says to God, "Whatever you want is OK with me...wherever, whenever...I'm yours!"
• A willing mind is open to new things that God is doing, and new directions that He gives by His Spirit and His Word. A willing mind could very well stay the course in a certain ministry, or it might be led into something totally radical and new...but whatever the direction, it is willing to listen and follow.
• A willing mind is positive...it sees the world through the lens of the God who lacks nothing, is absolutely sovereign, can overcome any obstacle, can endure any suffering, and will not ever leave you stranded.
• A willing mind is creative, because God is creative. It is willing to engage its context and make the Gospel speak in that context.
• A willing mind is willing to let go...it knows it owns nothing and all is a gift. It lives with open hands.
• A willing mind has time and space in perspective. This life is short at its longest, and fragile at best. But, this life is the gestation period for eternity, and a willing mind lives in time and space knowing that our experience here is our cocoon for the eternal. A willing mind wants to makes the most of it!
• A willing mind knows the value of each individual...God is not willing that any individual should be lost, and a willing mind is totally engaged in making sure that everyone hears about Jesus!

So, do you have a willing mind?

Die With Your Boots On

My friend Ramiro says this all the time...do you know what he means? My interpretation: He wants to live his life to the very end (whenever that may occur) engaged in the work of the Kingdom. With trepidation, I say it, too...I want to die with my boots on. How 'bout you? Do you even have your boots on?

Here's a story of a guy who died with his boots on:

U.S. EVANGELIST DIES DURING 4TH CROSS-COUNTRY WALK

Evangelist Ted Stone, 72, died of undetermined causes Sunday, July 16, a month into his fourth “Walk Across America.” Stone served four years in prison in the 1970s as a result of drug addictions, but broke those addictions through “dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ.” He spent 29 years spreading the hope he found to others, during which time he completed three long-distance walks across the U.S., two measuring more than 3,500 miles and the third 1,700. Stone’s desire to reach drug addicts brought him many “sons in the ministry,” most of whom he found trapped by drugs. In an April interview with Baptist Press before beginning his fourth walk, Stone said, “We are in the business of changing the hearts of men and women. We represent Jesus here on the face of this earth, and broken people depend on us.”

I like this guy...he did it...he stayed the course...he kept his boots on all the way to the end. That is so encouraging! It can be done, and we can do it, too!

Hey, if you keep walking with Jesus in this life, it doesn't mean that your boots will stay clean. In fact, it is likely that you will get them filthy! But, in His grace, He polishes our boots. It also doesn't mean that your boots won't wear out. Sometimes you have to stop for some rest at the Cobbler's place and get re-soled (re-souled). Then you can get up and keep going. And you can make it to the end of the course just like Ted Stone.

If you are sitting around with your feet up, reclining in the spiritual "Lazy-Boy", your boots are calling out to you. You need to strap them on and hit the streets. The time for journeying is growing shorter every day...

Indonesia Earthquake Audio

Do you ever wonder how people keep walking when the roof just seems to be falling in on them?* In terms of large-scale disasters, Asia seems to have its disproportionate share, and so it continues. Click here to listen to this week's edition of "Asia Focus" and hear about what HCJB World Radio is doing on the ground in Indonesia's earthquake aftermath.

*BTW, to answer my own question, I do wonder...and I don't know how we do it sometimes, except to say that having someone walk with us in the name of Love can be a great help, and can open lots of doors...both physical and spiritual. YITBOP...

World Cup Schizophrenia

Most folks don't have to be subjected to this malady, but it is my lot in life.

Growing up in the USA, we didn't really know anything about "football" (or "soccer" to us westerners), but I was properly initiated to the beautiful game when I moved to Ecuador in 2000.

"Fútbol" is life in South America, as it is in many other parts of the world, and I guess I have to say that's where I contracted the malady of which I write. It came to a head in 2002 when Ecuador qualified for the first time for the World Cup...the first time in their history. Friends, it was pandemonium in Quito when Ecuador secured a berth in the "Copa"! It was impossible to not become infected!

If that were not enough, my case was complicated further this year. I now live in Australia, and I had the privilege to be here when my new host country qualified for the first time since 1974...32 years since they were included in the biggest sporting spectacle on earth! So, now the Aussies have an inkling of the passion that is "fútbol"...Rugby rocks...Cricket is a lot cooler than most non-British Empire folks think...Aussie Rules is frenetic...but now the Aussies feel the international passion that is the World Cup!

So, where does that leave me? My native country is in the World Cup (the USA)...my second home where I first felt the passion of the game is in the World Cup (Ecuador)...and my current home just pounded highly favored Japan in their first match 3:1.

I'm just a confused and excited World Cup schizophrenic.

Jugadh!

What is "jugadh"? No, it's nothing from a random text generator...it's a Hindi word, and according to my Indian friends, it's a little hard to explain. When it came up, they explained it to me in story form and here's what they said:

You remember when George Bush came to India? Before coming, he had told the government that a particular type of car would be needed for the visit, and the Indian government found the appropriate car for the motorcade. So, the President arrived, and off they went. Before too long, one of the requested cars broke down, and they limped into a service area. The mechanic there said, "Well, I can't fix it, but I can get you further down the road and perhaps you can get it fixed there." Ultimately, they struggled along to their destination.

That is "jugadh". So what does it mean? Well, I don't know if I have the whole essence of it figured out, but I think it means, "We can't fix all the problems, but we can make it work. We can't make things perfect, but we can get to our destination."

So, what does "jugadh" mean to you? Are you involved in a church or perhaps a mission organization? Are you in a club or maybe in a family? I think in any type of situation where human personalities impinge on one another, the concept of "jugadh" can come into play. I think we can all agree that we aren't perfect. I think we can agree that we don't have all the answers, and sometimes we would have to admit that we just don't know what to do next. Be assured that those around you feel the same deep down inside. So, we can "jugadh" if we are willing to humble ourselves* and say to one another, "We may not be able to make this situation perfect, but we can make it work. What do we gotta do to make this work?"

God is doing big things in the world, and we all have a role to play in His program. So, how can we make it work? It's not about us; it's about the destination...the goal...let's jugadh!

*P.S. God says He humbles people, and He asks us to humble ourselves. But He never says we should humble one another. Think about it...

In the garage with Dad...

God at work in the world...it's really a huge idea to get one's mind around. God is calling creation back to Himself; back into relationship. So, where do we fit into that work? How can we play a part in such a grand proposition? By grace...here's how I see it:

God is like a Dad out in the garage working on the family car. This is God at work in the world. I am like a little three-year-old toddler who wanders out into the garage where I encounter my loving Dad. "Hey Dad, whatcha doin'?" I ask. Genuinely glad to see me, he says, "Hi son! I'm working on the car. Would you like to help?" Wow! Of course I would, so He gathers me up in His arms and holds me where I can see the engine compartment. He has a screwdriver in His other hand and is making an adjustment. I say, "Dad, can I help do that?" "Sure!" He says. So He wraps my little hand around the screwdriver handle, and then envelops mine with His warm, strong hand, and we give the screw a turn. Cool...the engine sounds better, and I had something to do with it...at least that's how it seems to me from my three-year-old toddler point of view. I'm stoked! "Hey Dad, can I have a screwdriver to work with?" He patiently says, "Sure son...here you go." And He puts me down and cuts me loose with my new tool. So I head around to the front of the car and stick my screwdriver into the grill. I bang on the tires, and even make a scratch on the fender...man, that was stupid...and of course Dad notices all of this. He has to correct me on that scratch, but He loves me and forgives me. I come back to His side, and he scoops me up in those arms again, and begins to tell me what He is doing now...

So, why doesn't my Dad just tell me to go back to the house so He can get His work done more efficiently? It's simple...He wants to be with me, and He knows I need to be with Him. He gets me involved in what He is doing because it allows me to know Him better, and frankly He rubs off on me. I start to think like Him, and even smell like Him because He has been holding me close out there in the garage. You're right...He doesn't need my help, but God's work in the world is not about my ability to help God get His work done. He doesn't need my help. He just wants me to walk with Him and see Him do awesome things and be amazed. And sometimes, He even puts His hand around mine and lets me make a change...and life is good.

Just Play The Music....

Life is so unpredictable, with lots of twists and turns...like a great musical composition. I feel this almost every day, and it's a great metaphor for my experience of life.

God is my Composer and Conductor. He has written the music of my life and has the whole score in hand. As for me, I am a player in the orchestra; not a soloist, but just a guy with a part to play and a passion to play it. And my part is integral to the whole; others are affected by it, and the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

This opus is unlike any other...it is played unrehearsed. And not only that, but I only have the sheet of music that I am currently playing. When I get to the end of this sheet, the Conductor will give me the next one, and who knows what it will be? A sad passage? A requiem? A delicate and tender passage? A march? A romp through the woods? I don't know what to expect, but I know it will be good, and I know I must keep my attention on the Conductor. He will guide me through the changes. He hears all the parts, but I can only hear my section. Faster...slower...quieter... louder...He knows what is needed for the whole. My job is to just play the music I'm given...passionately and truly.

Pakistan Earthquake Update

"Disasters are God-given opportunities to be messengers of hope." I think that is a great perspective, don't you? Here at HCJB Australia, we have been following the earthquake relief effort in Pakistan, and if you click here, you can listen to our latest edition of "Asia Focus", which includes news from the region and also an interview with the HCJB World Radio Medical Team's lead physician in Pakistan. Incidentally, our purpose in producing "Asia Focus" is to provide our listeners in Asia with a positive view of what God and His people are doing in the region. The program is produced weekly, and airs three times per week on HCJB Australia shortwave releases.

Speaking a Second Language

Have you "given it a go?" That's Aussie-speak for trying or making an attempt. Have you tried to learn a second language? My musings on languange learning...

• Every language is learned by the children of every culture...so, the child-like make the best language learners.
• Children listen to language for many months before their first rudimentary attempts at speech...this illustrates the truth that the language must "come in" (be understood on some level) before it can "come out" (be spoken on some level). You must hear the language to speak it...spend time in the language...listen to it. You'll find a great example of this in the film, "The 13th Warrior".
  
• Speaking your first or "heart" language is like walking through a field of tall grass with well-worn paths that have been carved into the field since you were a small child. After your mid teens or so, the paths are set and that is how you "travel" from one place to another in communication. Learning a second language as an adult is like burning the field to the ground and starting over. None of the old paths work any more...you have to stumble through the rough grass and form new paths in your new language.
• "To learn a second language, you will have to make a million mistakes, so you might as well get started!" Don't be afraid to make mistakes and seem foolish. Without mistakes and foolishness, you will never successfully learn to speak the language. Remember child-likeness...
  
• Learning a new language is like packing a warehouse with boxes full of information. As you learn the language, you fill more and more boxes. Every time you speak the language, you go back to the warehouse and look through the ever increasing mountain of boxes to remember how to say this or that phrase or construction. The more you go to the warehouse, the easier it is to find what you're looking for, so make sure you speak the language...don't just study in solitude. That will not work.
• Finally, worship is like a second language; a "heart" language between us and God. It seems simple enough...we usually do it in our birth language...we know all the words...but is it that simple? I think not. To speak the language of worship, you must immerse yourself in it. You must spend time talking with God, singing to God, listening to God. If you are committed to the process, you will find that you'll grow in the language of worship. It takes time to speak fluently, but in the meantime, God is easy to please and loves to listen to the heartfelt babblings of His children as they speak and sing His praises.

Don't be afraid..."give it a go!"

Pakistan Earthquake Relief

Would you go to Pakistan to help with earthquake relief? Are you wondering what it might be like? You can listen here to a new edition of HCJB Australia's "World Radio" programme to find out more about the situation in Pakistan. In this show we also share some excerpts of interviews with HCJB World Radio physicians from Quito, Ecuador who, as I write this, have landed safely in Pakistan and are beginning two weeks of intense ministry to some of the most needy, hurting people on this planet. It will be hard work...gut-wrenching on all levels I imagine...but it's the path these folks have been given to walk in these days, and I am sure that God will be glorified...and that's what it's all about!

The Bigger Picture

Do you ever lose sight of what you're doing? You know...fall into the trap of thinking that you are insignificant, or that what you are doing just doesn't matter? I sometimes feel that way, and it's news stories like this one that help me see "the bigger picture".

One of the great benefits of being a follower of Jesus Christ is that we are given positions in "the big picture", with divine purpose and leadership, and we know that as we plow through the day-to-day, a higher purpose is being served. "The big picture" that God is painting is international...it is multicultural...it is relevant to each human being on earth...and it is eternal. And in a small way (or maybe even a big way!) each of us can have a part in it. That is the beauty of being accepted by God through the loving sacrifice of His Son...all are welcomed...all are useful...all are relevant...anyone can come. God says, "God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:8-10, NLT)

On my own merits, it is difficult to imagine, but it is true that I am a masterpiece...part of the big picture that God is painting in the world, doing the good things He planned for me long ago...before I was born...before He created. That's a BIG picture!

And now...New Zealand!

Do I ever stay home? It's strange...I don't travel that much normally, but the last month was CRAZY with travel! Thankfully I am home now, but as in my last post, you can click here to listen to another interview, which is an audio "look" at our recent trip to New Zealand. Enjoy!

The Aussie Outback Experience

Have you been to the Australian Outback? It is a unique place that many dream of visiting, but few ever see first hand. Well, by the awesome grace of God toward a stumble-bum like me, He has placed me in "Oz", and then I spent almost three weeks in the true outback. Learn more about my trip by clicking here and having a listen to an interview with Eric and Jean Skattebo of HCJB Australia's "International Friendship Programme". My lovely wife Paula was also in the studio for the interview...

Chao from Oz...

Who are these people?

Well, here you have it...I have labored long and hard to accomplish two tasks. Here you may have a good look at the Stakes family (L to R -- Ryan, Paula, Ty and Tyson) and it is posted in this blog. I won't bore you with the details, but suffice it to say that it was a learning experience to get it done!

As I look at my loved ones in this shot, I am reminded of something I feel all too keenly these days. After 17 days away from home on a work assignment, I miss my wife and boys like the sky misses the sun after a winter of night. I will see them in less than 48 hours...ahhhhhh...

Excuse me...I'm new here...

To blog...are you a blogger?...do you have a blog? It's such a strange word...blog...but as the bandwagon hurries by, I thought I might jump on! So, welcome to my "blog"...Willing Mind...

I ask myself, "Why have a blog?" Well, let's start it out as a place to update our friends on what's happening with us. If it evolves into something else over time, that's OK. If it morphs between posts, I guess that's all right, too!

To begin, let's play 6 questions...

Who are you? We are the Stakes (Ty, Paula, Tyson and Ryan), hailing from northwestern Indiana in the US, serving with HCJB World Radio in Melbourne, Australia. We lived in Quito, Ecuador for 4 years prior to moving to Oz. Ty (the blogger) is a radio producer/presenter for HCJB Australia. He produces a radio program called "Habitation", co-produces another called "Asia Focus", and dives into all sorts of other production work for HCJB Australia. I am on assignment in Kununurra, Western Australia right now, but when I get back to the office, I'll be working on a new "world music" radio program, which will be a gas!

What is HCJB World Radio? You can find out about HCJB at this link: www.hcjb.org

What is HCJB Australia? You know the drill: www.hcjb.org/australia

What it Habitation? Check it out here...click the "Habitation" link at: www.willingmind.org
If you have a fast connection, you can download the program and give it a listen...go for it!

What's a missionary? Literally, a missionary is a person sent out to represent another in a foreign land, like an ambassador. It's interesting that even diplomatic folks call their work in foreign lands "mission". I believe that all Christians are by definition missionaries, with Jesus as the represented foreign Dignitary (there is none more dignified) and Earth as the foreign land. Our homeland is a new heaven and a new earth to come. In this world, we are strangers, foreigners, missionaries. Now, some of us are sent out by our friends and loved ones to work for God vocationally...that is the kind of missionaries that we are.

Why are you in Australia? HCJB World Radio is broadcasting by shortwave radio to Asia (i.e., India/Pakistan, China, Indonesia, the proverbial eastern "10/40 window") from Australia. Our production studios are in Melbourne, so we are in Australia serving in that effort.

That's pretty good for a first post. I'll see if I can't get a few photos up here soon. Remember, I'm new at this...