My Jump into the Marine Corps

Coming to Mexico City nearly two and a half years ago I had no idea what to expect. But Idid have one clear objective upon arrival: Help lead an effort to start Christ-centered movements on more than 400 university campuses.

At the time, I felt that was a “big” dream, and one that would involve a lot of people and resources and a whole lot of faith. But God had something a little larger in mind. He wasn’t just asking us to seclude ourselves to the safe confines of the college campus but to join in on a kingdom process already long underway – the transformation of His supercity.

I won’t ever forget that heart-pounding moment when the Lord spoke His will so clearly. We would launch movements on every college campus, but we must also focus our attention on the pressing needs of the whole city.

Fortunately for us, this really wasn’t so much of a pioneering effort as it was one of collaboration. Without much ado, God opened up doors that would connect us with the rest of His body well at work within the city, and other believers from outside that would aide the venture. And in a short time, miracles happened as literally thousands of laborers worked together to raise up a network of over 50 campus movements and numerous other initiatives that encompassed everything from assisting the poor and caring for street children to engaging business executives and high-ranking government officials.

Then something quite unexpected happened in my own heart. As we began to come against the injustice of our city, my already existent passion for justice deepened, and old dream, long since buried, resurfaced. After prayer and contemplation and a period of seeking wise counsel, this passion for justice would lead me to apply to become an officer in the United States Marine Corps, initiating again a journey I started in high school when I spent two years applying to the US Naval Academy.

The fact that I have exceeded the age limit to become an officer has expedited the process, and the Marines have asked me to join the next officer class in January 2009. So, as of December 31, 2008, I will transition from my role as Codirector of Mexico Focus and will serve as Chief Visionary Officer, continuing to serve in a high-level advisory role in the citywide transformation process. This transition will require me to leave full-time staff with Campus Crusade, but I will remain on as affiliate staff and work alongside our Military Ministry. Craig Johring, my gifted coleader, will remain as the Director of Mexico Focus, overseeing an all-star team of nearly 30 full-time staff and hundreds of volunteers.

I'll continue to blog on all things movement-related with more of my personal journey into the Corps (assuming I make it past Officer Candidate School). So many of you have brought me a lot of encouragement from your messages, support and prayers. I'll continue to need them now!