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Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Kayser Family Update - December 2010
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Monday, July 12, 2010
Kayser Family Update - June 2010
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Friday, April 30, 2010
A Day in the Life of . . .
As many of you may already know, I recently got out of the Army. I am currently on staff with The Navigators ministry organization here at Fort Bragg, NC, which simply means we are full time missionaries to Soldiers. In addition, I am attending Seminary online in pursuit of the chaplaincy. So, you ask, what in the world does a missionary to Soldiers at Fort Bragg do? Great question, I'm glad you asked.
Let me begin with a brief explanation of The Navigators organization. It is discipleship ministry whose overall mission is to know Christ and make Him known. Within the Navigators there are several different ministries such as the Collegiate ministry, Metro ministry, Church Discipleship Ministry, 20s Mission, NavMissions (overseas ministry), and the one that I am a part of, the Military ministry. There are over 4,000 Navigator staff of 64 different nationalities serving in over 100 countries. This ministry is not new; it was founded over 75 years ago with a man named Dawson Trotman who began discipling men in the Navy. If you would like to read more about the history of The Navigators, click here.
The Army Navigators recently adopted a new vision or mission statement - Matthew 28:18-20. I know, I know, we are not at all creative, but we felt like we could not say it any better. So, with that in mind, my priority during the week is to focus on helping Soldiers become disciples of Jesus. I regularly meet with between 8-15 Soldiers one-on-one during the week. The best time to catch them is typically during breakfast, lunch, or in the evenings at our house. So, I will plan my week around breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Not a bad gig, huh? Of these 8-15 Soldiers there are about 3-4 that I try to see at least 5 times a week at various events and one-on-one. Betts has her own little discipleship group - our 3 little girls (about to be 4) named Grace, Bella, and Chloe. She invests the majority of her time during the week to home schooling and discipling them.
On Monday, we have an in depth Bible study for the leaders called STS (Search the Scriptures), which is based on Acts 17:11. We take a chapter, topic, or character from the Bible and spend about 2-4 hours in personal in depth Bible study throughout the week before getting together on Monday to discuss. So, I get to see most of the leaders at STS.
On Tuesday night we have an outreach Bible study. Most of the leaders who attend STS lead a small group on Tuesday night. The focus on Tuesday is similar, we are trying to help others study the Bible for themselves and ultimately become more like Jesus. Both nights are a great time of fellowship and sharpening (Heb. 10:24-25). Tuesday afternoon I spend about 2 hours at the local PX mini-mall in evangelism. I invite Soldiers out to our Bible study and/or share the gospel with them. I get nervous before I begin every single time, but once I get going, it's actually a lot of fun. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite times of the week.
On either Wednesday night or Thursday night, Betts and I will have someone over to our home for dinner and fellowship. On the opposite night, if I am being a good hubby that week, I may try to take Betts out on a hot date.
For the last two years we have hosted fellowship dinners on Fridays. Between 15-25 people attended on average. We eat a big home-cooked meal prepared by my lovely wife, then someone would share a short devotional. After the devo we would enjoy some fellowship until around 10 p.m. These dinners were great on many levels. 1) There are many Soldiers who may be scared off by the title Bible Study, but they are more than willing to eat a big home-cooked meal at our house. So, they get a home-cooked meal and a little bit of Jesus at the same time. 2) All of the leaders get a chance to teach periodically (I have learned a while back that we learn best by teaching). 3) These dinners also gave us a chance to spend time together in a less formal environment and be an encouragement to one another. I could go on, but needless to say we have really enjoyed these dinners. They became part of our lives, which makes it very sad that we have recently decided to decentralize this fellowship. Several of the key leaders are now going to have folks in their small groups over to their houses on Fridays. Sad, but exciting as well.
Betts and I have recently declared Saturday a Sabbath because we need it. In just a few shorts weeks in full-time ministry, we have found that it is not even close to a 9-5. We could easily work 24/7 and never feel like our work is complete. So, in a tough Lordship decision, we decided to take it easy on Saturday. No work and no ministry. This probably takes more discipline than any other aspect of our ministry. It is hard to rest.
On Sunday, we try to make it to Chapel on post to support Fort Bragg's finest - the Chaplains. Fort Bragg is blessed to have some of the best Chaplain's in the military. While I was in the Army, my recent battalion chaplains were two of the finest men I have ever known - Chaplain Philip Kramer and Chaplain Michael Smith. God bless you both and thanks for your investment in me. Chapel is also a great place to meet Soldiers who may be curious about Jesus. Many of the folks from our ministry then get together afterwards at the Mall food court for some Sunday fellowship.
So, that's it in a nutshell, since you were wondering. If you have any questions about us, or you would like practical discipleship resources, please feel free to email me at ben.kayser@gmail.com. I've got several of resources that may be of help, whether you are a small group leader, or you are trying to witness to your neighbor.
I almost forgot, you may have been wondering how I fit seminary into this schedule. My current goal is to complete seminary during the week in order to free up the weekends a bit. So far, so good because it's all online. I am able to squeeze in the approximately 40 hours of seminary into the weekdays now. I wake up around 5 a.m., spend some time with Jesus in the Bible and then head on post to meet one of the guys for breakfast. I bring my laptop and all my books with me and stay on Fort Bragg the rest of the day since we live about 25 minutes away. In between meetings with guys, I squeeze in Seminary. Praise God for laptops, WiFi, and Starbucks!
Let me begin with a brief explanation of The Navigators organization. It is discipleship ministry whose overall mission is to know Christ and make Him known. Within the Navigators there are several different ministries such as the Collegiate ministry, Metro ministry, Church Discipleship Ministry, 20s Mission, NavMissions (overseas ministry), and the one that I am a part of, the Military ministry. There are over 4,000 Navigator staff of 64 different nationalities serving in over 100 countries. This ministry is not new; it was founded over 75 years ago with a man named Dawson Trotman who began discipling men in the Navy. If you would like to read more about the history of The Navigators, click here.
The Army Navigators recently adopted a new vision or mission statement - Matthew 28:18-20. I know, I know, we are not at all creative, but we felt like we could not say it any better. So, with that in mind, my priority during the week is to focus on helping Soldiers become disciples of Jesus. I regularly meet with between 8-15 Soldiers one-on-one during the week. The best time to catch them is typically during breakfast, lunch, or in the evenings at our house. So, I will plan my week around breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Not a bad gig, huh? Of these 8-15 Soldiers there are about 3-4 that I try to see at least 5 times a week at various events and one-on-one. Betts has her own little discipleship group - our 3 little girls (about to be 4) named Grace, Bella, and Chloe. She invests the majority of her time during the week to home schooling and discipling them.
On Monday, we have an in depth Bible study for the leaders called STS (Search the Scriptures), which is based on Acts 17:11. We take a chapter, topic, or character from the Bible and spend about 2-4 hours in personal in depth Bible study throughout the week before getting together on Monday to discuss. So, I get to see most of the leaders at STS.
On Tuesday night we have an outreach Bible study. Most of the leaders who attend STS lead a small group on Tuesday night. The focus on Tuesday is similar, we are trying to help others study the Bible for themselves and ultimately become more like Jesus. Both nights are a great time of fellowship and sharpening (Heb. 10:24-25). Tuesday afternoon I spend about 2 hours at the local PX mini-mall in evangelism. I invite Soldiers out to our Bible study and/or share the gospel with them. I get nervous before I begin every single time, but once I get going, it's actually a lot of fun. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite times of the week.
On either Wednesday night or Thursday night, Betts and I will have someone over to our home for dinner and fellowship. On the opposite night, if I am being a good hubby that week, I may try to take Betts out on a hot date.
For the last two years we have hosted fellowship dinners on Fridays. Between 15-25 people attended on average. We eat a big home-cooked meal prepared by my lovely wife, then someone would share a short devotional. After the devo we would enjoy some fellowship until around 10 p.m. These dinners were great on many levels. 1) There are many Soldiers who may be scared off by the title Bible Study, but they are more than willing to eat a big home-cooked meal at our house. So, they get a home-cooked meal and a little bit of Jesus at the same time. 2) All of the leaders get a chance to teach periodically (I have learned a while back that we learn best by teaching). 3) These dinners also gave us a chance to spend time together in a less formal environment and be an encouragement to one another. I could go on, but needless to say we have really enjoyed these dinners. They became part of our lives, which makes it very sad that we have recently decided to decentralize this fellowship. Several of the key leaders are now going to have folks in their small groups over to their houses on Fridays. Sad, but exciting as well.
Betts and I have recently declared Saturday a Sabbath because we need it. In just a few shorts weeks in full-time ministry, we have found that it is not even close to a 9-5. We could easily work 24/7 and never feel like our work is complete. So, in a tough Lordship decision, we decided to take it easy on Saturday. No work and no ministry. This probably takes more discipline than any other aspect of our ministry. It is hard to rest.
On Sunday, we try to make it to Chapel on post to support Fort Bragg's finest - the Chaplains. Fort Bragg is blessed to have some of the best Chaplain's in the military. While I was in the Army, my recent battalion chaplains were two of the finest men I have ever known - Chaplain Philip Kramer and Chaplain Michael Smith. God bless you both and thanks for your investment in me. Chapel is also a great place to meet Soldiers who may be curious about Jesus. Many of the folks from our ministry then get together afterwards at the Mall food court for some Sunday fellowship.
So, that's it in a nutshell, since you were wondering. If you have any questions about us, or you would like practical discipleship resources, please feel free to email me at ben.kayser@gmail.com. I've got several of resources that may be of help, whether you are a small group leader, or you are trying to witness to your neighbor.
I almost forgot, you may have been wondering how I fit seminary into this schedule. My current goal is to complete seminary during the week in order to free up the weekends a bit. So far, so good because it's all online. I am able to squeeze in the approximately 40 hours of seminary into the weekdays now. I wake up around 5 a.m., spend some time with Jesus in the Bible and then head on post to meet one of the guys for breakfast. I bring my laptop and all my books with me and stay on Fort Bragg the rest of the day since we live about 25 minutes away. In between meetings with guys, I squeeze in Seminary. Praise God for laptops, WiFi, and Starbucks!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
A New Commandment?
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35
There is nothing I'd rather be in life than a disciple of Jesus. While the title Christian may be similar in definition to disciple, it seems as though we have taken this title a little out of context. I have heard it said, and you may have too, that,"If we live in America we are Christians," or, "if I go to church I am a Christian." While neither being an American nor going to church are bad things, how far both are from being the ultimate definition of the title Christian, which actually means follower of Jesus. The word disciple is similar in the sense that it literally means a learner or a pupil. So, if my goal in life is to become a disciple of Jesus that means that my goal in life is to become a lifelong learner (or follower) of Jesus. But being a disciple doesn't just mean that I become a lifelong learner and forgot everyone else, quite the contrary. Our passion for others should increase...
As I was reading through John yesterday I came across a familar passage: John 13:34-35. It is interesting that "love one another" is not new at all (Lev. 19:18), but "as I have love you, so you must love one another" was totally new. Obviously the command to love others the way Jesus loved them was impossible to give in the Old Testament because Jesus had not yet given us His example (v.15). Jesus said the world will know that you are a disciple, not if you are an American, or if you go church (although both are good things), but your love others the way Jesus loved those 11 disciples. Isn't it interesting that Jesus was talking to the 11 at this point, not Judas (who had already taken off at this point - v.30), or the large group?
My Personal Application
How do I love others the way Jesus loved those 11 men?
1) With my time.
2) With my prayers (John 17).
3) With my talents.
Food for Thought
In the same sitting Jesus said the following:
"I have set for you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:15
"As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34
"Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing." John 14:12
"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13:17
There is nothing I'd rather be in life than a disciple of Jesus. While the title Christian may be similar in definition to disciple, it seems as though we have taken this title a little out of context. I have heard it said, and you may have too, that,"If we live in America we are Christians," or, "if I go to church I am a Christian." While neither being an American nor going to church are bad things, how far both are from being the ultimate definition of the title Christian, which actually means follower of Jesus. The word disciple is similar in the sense that it literally means a learner or a pupil. So, if my goal in life is to become a disciple of Jesus that means that my goal in life is to become a lifelong learner (or follower) of Jesus. But being a disciple doesn't just mean that I become a lifelong learner and forgot everyone else, quite the contrary. Our passion for others should increase...
As I was reading through John yesterday I came across a familar passage: John 13:34-35. It is interesting that "love one another" is not new at all (Lev. 19:18), but "as I have love you, so you must love one another" was totally new. Obviously the command to love others the way Jesus loved them was impossible to give in the Old Testament because Jesus had not yet given us His example (v.15). Jesus said the world will know that you are a disciple, not if you are an American, or if you go church (although both are good things), but your love others the way Jesus loved those 11 disciples. Isn't it interesting that Jesus was talking to the 11 at this point, not Judas (who had already taken off at this point - v.30), or the large group?
My Personal Application
How do I love others the way Jesus loved those 11 men?
1) With my time.
2) With my prayers (John 17).
3) With my talents.
Food for Thought
In the same sitting Jesus said the following:
"I have set for you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:15
"As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34
"Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing." John 14:12
"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13:17
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
All Expense Paid Missionary Trip to Haiti
CPT Jill Radunzel's recently deployed to Haiti with 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division as a Company Commander. CPT Joel Radunzel followed shortly after ensuring all the necessary logistics were "squared away" back here at Bragg. I recently read a message from Joel that said he enjoyed the Super Bowl under the Haitian sky with 700 other Paratroopers and that it was the best Super Bowl ever. Let his comments not be deceiving though, Troopers are still living off of 2 Meal's Ready to Eat (MRE's) a day and only recently got running water.
.
Amidst all of this, however, God never ceases to amaze. Jill was selected by her Battalion Commander to be the liaison to Samaritan's Purse, who, "for over 35 years have followed Christ's command by going to the aid of the world's poor, sick and suffering."(1) Her new Army job is to interface with this non-profit organization in order to provide any needed military assistance that would allow Samaritan's Purse to provide more effective relief. Samaritan's Purse serves the church worldwide to promote the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. If that isn't God's amazing hand working, I don't know what is. I daresay neither Joel nor Jill could have predicted this incredible all expense missionary trip just a few short years earlier when they were deciding how they wanted to serve Jesus -- choosing the Army as their mission field. It is amazing to see how God provided this opportunity through their decision.
.
Back at Fort Bragg, Betts and I have had the wonderful privilege to co-labor with the Radunzel's since November of 2007. At that time Joel, Jill and I had just returned from being deployed for 15 months. Joel and I started up a small group Bible study within the Navigator ministry. Two years later God has raised up many a follower of Jesus Christ through that group and both Joel and I are humbled to be a part of His might work. Joel, its been a blast brother. I would say hurry back, but I think you and Jill are right where God wants you. I'll flush the toilets in your house for you every once in a while. Our prayers are with you.
.
(1) Luke 10:30-37 and http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Who_We_Are/About_Us
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Co-Laboring for Christ
No kidding, I have literally watched 2 Timothy 2:2 happen through Matt. Several years ago, Matt asked one of his Lieutenant buddies to come out to Bible study with him. After a few years of investment in his life, Captain Leroy Adams is now making disciples out at Fort Sill, OK. However, before Leroy left Fort Bragg he began investing in Specialist Paul Hwang, who is now helping lead one of the small groups in our ministry. Coming full circle, Paul just brought out a few of the men he is helping grow in Christ to our fellowship dinner last week, which Matt helps lead.
Matt and Lauren have been laboring for Jesus Christ at Fort Bragg for several years. After a brief hiatus at Fort Benning for the Captain's Career Course, they are back, and hopefully here to stay for a while. Matt has been a Field Artillery Officer for the majority of his Army career, but is now pursing Civil Affairs. Lauren is a financial advisor and is currently 9 months pregnant ... any day now!
It has been a blessing to join arms with the Allens in furthering the Kingdom here at Fort Bragg. Matt and I have been spending a lot of time looking at Jesus' ministry to His disciples. If Jesus wants us to make disciples (Matt. 28:19), we would certainly do well to follow His example. We have also been blessed to spend a lot of time co-laboring. We typically see each other on Monday night for our leader Bible study, Tuesday night for an outreach Bible study, Friday night for the fellowship dinner, Saturday morning for a time of focused prayer with a few other laborers, and at least once a week for breakfast or lunch during the workday. Although this is a far cry from the amount of time the disciples spent with each other and with Jesus, we are making a concerted effort.
I want to publically thank Matt and Lauren for being our most trusted companions. In addition to their amazing friendship, we can always expect to get honest feedback from them of which we highly value (Prov. 27:6). A true brother and sister in Christ!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Here We Go . . .
I am typically an old fashioned pen and paper kind of guy, so this blog thing is totally new to me. However, after spending days, if not weeks handwriting and mailing letters I have finally conceded to the twenty-first century (you win!). This blog, therefore, is my feeble attempt to let the testimony of Jesus shine through the life of our family to the ends of the earth (Matt. 5:14-15; 28:19-20). My desire is that this post and all that follow are not so much a story about us as they are about Christ in us (2 Cor. 5:20).
The above picture is a recent "fellowship" dinner we had at our home (Heb. 10:24-25). We typically host these dinners every Friday, although there are sometimes things that keep us from being 100% consistent. I will say from the onset that we are the ones who have been blessed by this fellowship. When we started hosting them about 2 years ago, it was with some hesitation and complaint. To be quite honest (and as a confession) my initial thoughts were: "What about our free time on Friday? How much will is cost? Won't our house get messed up?" However, as it turns out, we've experienced Acts 20:35 in a very tangible way. Thank you to everyone who has blessed us over the last several years of fellowship in our home. Can't wait until next Friday!
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