Origins (Blog Post #3)

Origins - Create. Activate. Equip. – July 23-24th, 2010 – Downtown LA

The Origins Project Conference was something I looked forward to ALL month. If it’s anything to do with Eric Bryant and the team at Mosaic I’m in! I loved that it was a “friendly” event and not just about hype. Each speaker genuinely fit into the three categories of “Create” “Activate” and “Equip.” Each set built on the next which built on the next, and in between there was cool effects like music, rap, or spoken word. Since it was Origins first conference, I can’t wait to see what kind of creative minds come up with for next year.

Highlighting Create

Erwin McManus debuted “Crave: The Documentary.” Set in Toronto, Canada this short film took the risk of interviewing those from Barista’s to the owner of the Canuck’s. The highlight of the film for me was a man wearing all black with white hair who said he believed in Jesus, but did not go to church. He said he would if there were more people like Erwin who have the look of passion in their eyes. I can only assume it was Jesus’ love that he felt and I think I almost saw Erwin tear up in that moment! That’s what made an impression on me. Am I living the message?

“Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness.” – Luke 11:34

Highlighting Activate

Walter Crontreras was part of the panel with activists. He mentioned the prophet Ezekiel and in particular Chapter 3 where he literally went in “bitterness of soul.” This was the part where I broke. I believe every cause God places on our hearts is directly from Him and from a burden He blesses us with. If it were about us and selfishness we wouldn’t continue to activate in our families, local communities, and around the world. I remember it like it was yesterday when God “called” me to the 20/30-somethings. He used 2 Timothy 1:5-10 to tell me not to be ashamed.

“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” – 2 Timothy 1:8-9a

Highlighting Lunch

Brad Lomenick is part corporate part catalyst. He is an innovator, thinker, creator, and equipper. It was such a pleasure to meet him in person (finally) and we had interesting debate around the table on “leadership.”

Highlighting Equip

Can I just say that I love Dan Kimball? His heart for people (and in particular 20-somethings) is AMAZING. When he asked for 12 volunteers I jumped at the chance and wasn’t surprised that I was the first on stage. To be a part of the body of Christ is amazing and we need people like him and others around us to equip us properly for the task so we can continue to carry out the #1 commandment: love God and love others well.

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:29-31

Highlighting Mini-Breakouts

April Diaz is my hero. She gets stuff done and accomplishes so much. I had the pleasure of dialoging with her in a mini-breakout session in the Ultra “hip” lounge at the Nokia Center in downtown, LA. I loved hearing her take on creating an atmosphere where ALL AGES, not just adults or children can come together and worship together.

Highlighting New Friends

Loved meeting old and new friends @decart @juliekate @jessegiglio @jwatdot
@charltestlee @ericbryant @StefanJunaeus @swodeck @ImpelMinistry @JasonInLiberty @joanpball @mafeinberg @dankimball @erwinmcmanus @bradlomenick @aprilldiaz @DaveGibbons @amenabee