Jesse Santoyo

What a week. It’s definitely been one for the books and one I would have never expected. I came to Buzz with expectations and they were pretty much surpassed. For one, the staff and community of volunteers at NCC were amazing. There are a few things that stuck out from the conference. Though it was great to see the innovation going on in ministries all over the country, it was reassuring to hear the true purpose behind what we do.

Mark Batterson shared his insight on the 10 spy rules. From the 10 rules, 3 of them really stood out for me. 1. KNOW YOUR MISSION(protocol and objective) 2. Be aware of your environment(culture,community, target) 3. Don’t look back(I think that’s pretty straight forward.

On Thursday Tim Stevens spoke, he resembled and reminded me of Moby. He seems to be a very chill dude. He spoke On the  Buzz, what is it? and what causes it. The buzz intertwines beliefs, language and impact. It creates a world changing vicious circle. I love how he emphasized on pop culture and its never ending influence in our worlds. God is alive and well in culture. We have many choices in regards to pop culture, we can ignore it, separate ourselves from it, condemn it, embrace it or leverage it. Tim said we are Cross Cultural Missionaries. All pun intended. Its awesome to know Culture is the bridge that connects all humanity to God. The coolest thing shared was when he said, “Christ became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood”.

Craig Groeschel did it for me. I am new to this world of blogging, world changing churches and innovative minds for Christ. I Guess I had different expectations from Craig. Then when he did share, I was like DANG!!!. Spear in the heart!!! He gave his insight to innovative leadership..”talk about the basics…sheeesh. How can i forget the basic elements. He said when we have limited resources but add Increasing PASSION the result is exponential innovation. 4 qualities of innovative leaders, 1.they heal the sick (do things no one is doing to reach those no one is reaching) 2. Break the rules 3.Offend pharisees..lol!! that was so good but so true. The pharisees raised Hell cause Jesus broke the sabbath, yet they found it just to plot Jesus’ murder…craziness! 4.Redefine Success. (less of me, more of him. Making it more about Jesus.

It was great. I am so enthused and fired up. I am glad i came to buzz. Not to mention of course i had a great time with my Boss Travis. I got to finally meet the new addition to the team, Paul. Paul’s a cool kat. He looks like a wrestler and sounds like Tim Allen. Washington DC is a cool city, gotta give it props. Its got some major pull and history. I couldn’t believe it, but I actually got to chill with the senators. Yeah we sat back had some coffee and smoked some cigars….Just kidding. But seriously we got to sit in and see our “hard working senators”. John Kerry,  Sen. Kennedy, Hilary Clinton, Sen .Obama and  few other cotton haired fellers. We also walked over to the house of representatives..MADNESS!!!!!!!!!. I couldn’t figure what was going on, but I’m sure they’re working for their paycheck. Sen. Durbin shared his discontent about the immigration legalization not having enough votes. The outcome of this and what it meant for many families. It was amazing being there, but must admit was a little moved inside considering I am the product of immigrant ancestors. Over all it was an honor and a privilege to sit in and watch our country at work. How cool was that. I wish Reina and Diego were with me. I can’t wait to get home and squeeze both of them, and reassure them God is orchestrating our every move. It’s already Friday (Fry-dee) and going home tonight. Chilln out here at Ebenezer cafe having an Italian soda, not too far from Capital Hill. God’s sense of humor keeps me livin’

peace

-fuser+  life pointe church