Info > News > Winter/Spring 2006

Greetings and welcome!

Thanks for your continued interest in what I do. If you would like to review my previous ‘news’ and activities, please click on the Archive menu at the right. For current information and developments, keep reading:

Here's what's NEWS:

1. IN REVIEW: 2005 was yet another combination of amazing opportunities that enabled me to travel to 28 cities in Asia(4 trips), Europe(5 countries), North America (Canada & 11 States), the Caribbean and Australia and New Zealand(5 trips). In the Grace of God, I ministered in 30 churches, 31 seminars and national conferences and 15 colleges or universities (including Azusa Pacific, Biola, & Simpson Universities in California, Palm Beach Atlantic in Florida, North Central in Minneapolis, and again at The King's College in the Empire State Building, New York City). Youth With A Mission has presented me with opportunities to invest in young adults for many years, and 2005 was no exception with DTS and School of Frontier Missions and School of Performing Arts opportunities, as well as Campus Crusade training events in New York City.

My 'Most Services in a Weekend': six(!) for City Harvest in Singapore, where my 4 trips there enabled me to invest in the congregation of over 20,000, plus their 2000 cell group leaders, young adults ministry, pastoral care givers and Bible College students. Some of my events were broadcast via the net to over 30 countries! As a result, new doors have opened for me, including my two visits in 2005 to Jakarta Praise Christian Centre in Indonesia's vast capital city. Closer to home I was privileged to 'christen' the first evening service in the new facilities for mega-church Idlewild Baptist in Tampa Florida-in addition to a training seminar. I very much enjoyed being a keynote at 3 national women's conferences in Australia, and two in New Zealand -- thank you Ladies for extending this privilege to me! In 2005 it was so cool to share the platform with (and learn much from) ministry friends and colleagues such as Cal Thomas, Darlene Tzech, Christine Caine, Nancy Alcorn, Paul & Maree DeJong, Ashley & Jane Evans , Bobby Houston, Ted Haggard and Tony Compolo. Especially exciting for me was teaching at the Christian Medical and Dental Association National Conference , and also returning to Honolulu as one of the keynotes for the Hawaiian Islands Ministries Conference.

  • Coolest Church Name of 2005: "Scum of the Earth", where I ministered in downtown Denver!
  • Really Good Quote for 2005: "God doesn't forgive us because we're 'sorry' for our sins. He forgives us because of Christ" --Oswald Chambers, 'My Utmost for His Highest'.

While I didn't get back to the recording studio in 2005, I was thrilled to speak for Parachute Music as one of the keynotes at their annual 'NOISE Festival' held in Auckland New Zealand. Having been signed with Parachute Music, and serving in past Parachute Music Festivals, it is a real treat to return and serve those in the creative arts in this 'behind the scenes' event--and as always, it's a great personal perk to catch up with my mates!

2. AND NOW for 2006: Another year of opportunities is scheduled, and Lord willing, will be realized. If you'd like to review a PARTIAL listing of upcoming events for 2006, visit the 'Speaking/places sy speaks' page. Meanwhile:

  • Thanks to the tireless efforts of Christine and Joel, I can say that MY TEACHING SERIES--all 12 hours of "Lessons Learned Volumns 1 and 2" is available on DVD, as is my re-filmed story 'One of The Boys'-Remix Version. Visit www.regenbooks.org for ordering details. Additional messages may be forthcoming too.
  • MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES includes my participation as a co-host for the new TV show: 'Pure Passion' to begin taping in Nashville in this first quarter. The syndicated show will appear on two satellite networks internationally. Hosted by David Kyle Foster, the 30 minute program will address sexual redemption themes. More info will be forthcoming. Additionally I have been asked to appear as a weekly guest spot on a two hour nationally broadcast prime time secular radio show in New Zealand--details to follow soon.
  • PERSONALLY: My wife and I celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary in 2006 ... and our daughter turns 21!!! Speaking of our daughter, she has written her first novel, and is working as an oral surgeon's assistant...go girl!
  • FINALLY: As I begin my 26th year of full time ministry, I want to especially thank so many who have remembered my family and I in your thoughts and PRAYERS! I do not take health, safety, favor and opportunity for granted--I believe your prayers have helped protect and pave the way-- THANK YOU!!! I must also thank the many people who have included me in their events, churches and organizations, and who have worked so hard, often behind the scenes to plan and organize the many events in which I participate!

All these items mentioned are not about me and all my busy running around. It's all about GOD working in and through people. That's really all that matters...not the travel or the various events, but the whole point such efforts reflect: God drawing people to Himself. Will you draw nearer to Him in 2006? That's my need--and my prayer for you too!

The world went through much hardship and heartbreak in 2005...I have no doubt that more challenging times await us. I've learned in my years of pastoral care--and my own personal difficulties, that trusting God's character can seem more challenging than the difficulties themselves. I pray your confidence in God will not fail (even if it wavers a bit from time to time)! Never quit!

Very gratefully,
Sy
SO DO YOU EVER GET TIRED OF THE TRAVEL?

I love 'why' I go places, perhaps more than the travel itself, although I still do love travel. I grew up in a family that valued travel and foreign cultures & world history. When I was a little boy, I didn't know what I wanted to do in life, but I loved airplanes... which is a good thing since I basically commute to work in them, logging an average of at least 100,000 miles annually for about 15 years of my 20 years of full time ministry. This translates to about 4 to 5... sometimes 6 continents per year. It's been a great education. My wife and daughter have also traveled a lot with me over the years. It makes you flexible. Fortunately, my wife grew up in a military family that relocated every 3 years making her an understanding partner in our unusual lifestyle. An added bonus, is that many of the places I travel to, I've been to before. I have friendships established with great people and that makes me feel much more at home. I've also met some fantastic cabin crew, many whom I see from time to time so even getting there can be a much nicer experience.