WHY

It blows my mind that any of you would be interested enough in what I’m doing to want to know more about my life. It has been a privilege serving Christ over the past few years, and in doing so becoming a part of the larger body as a whole. My sole desire is that my work resonates beyond the temporary realm of this world, purging through today and into the eternal. Of course there is only one way for this to happen, that is for it to glorify God and his kingdom. It is my prayer that it has, and that it will.

For all of my Christian brothers and sisters reading this, thank you. Thank you for letting me serve with you, along side of you, and in many instances, because of you. Without your support I wouldn’t be here. It is from the lives of many of you that God guides me and teaches me, bringing me into a new level of maturity and depth as I attempt to emulate the beauty and power of those around me who love Christ so well.

And friends, for all of you who are now reading my blog who haven’t chosen a life made possible through Christ. Let me thank you for looking at my site, and in doing so devoting your time and energy to something that in many ways must seem strange, foreign, and perhaps even foolish. I admit that by the worlds standards much of my life seems very foolish. I have chosen in many ways to live outside of the normal patterns around us, and in truth I wish that I could do this to a fuller extent. The only way I can explain my actions to you is to reveal some of the questions that led me here.

You see, I wasn’t always a Christian.

There was something deep inside me, a part of me knowing that I was not the center of the world, no, rather a small part of something bigger. God grabbed hold of me and I began to see how it was I fit in this story of his. But still I had questions. I wondered how it is that God loves (loves us- you and me) and yet there is so much evil all around? How does God expect me to measure up to perfection (Him)? How can I live a life in this world that is dedicated to Christ, yet continue to be me, not getting lost in a religion and its rules? It took years of my life to transition from being a Christian to being a Christian- a Christ follower. It is in many regards the questions, some like those above, many arising new each day, that have brought me closer to God and given me peace in the fullness of who He is. While I am sure many of you have many questions and doubts of your own, I would encourage you to consider the following truth:

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. –basically we aren’t perfect and God is. Sin (separation from God) and brokenness are all around us. No one can live a life perfect enough to be blameless before God.

The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. — The sin that all of us commit leads to death, permanent separation from God. Think of pure light, in it you will find no darkness. Because of the sheer nature of light it is impossible for darkness to coexist.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only son of God. — This is the most amazing and liberating message of all times. I can’t elaborate enough in just a few sentences how deep, beautiful, freeing and grace-filled this is. If any of you would like to discuss this please e-mail me, nothing would make me happier (even if it is an e-mail to challenge it or question it)! There was not a greater act of love in all of history than Jesus Christ unjustly dying upon that cross for your and my sins. Seriously.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. — Herein lies the reason for my actions. As a Christian I believe my time on earth is valuable, I can live in God’s kingdom here and now. When Christ was asked what are the greatest commandments he responded “Love God and Love People.” (paraphrased) That is what I try to do, admittedly I am not perfect in doing so, but there I find the freedom of grace and mercy through Christ!

(Romans 3:23,Romans 6:23, John 3:16-18, Colossians 3:1-2, Matthew 22:37-39)

WHO

So I find myself where I am today. Attempting to discern God’s will for my life. I am here not lacking a story of my own, again, mine is a story that is within His greater story. My story has entailed God directing me away from a degree in business (I received my Associates Degree in Business Management) and into the nonprofit world. In fact, after several years of missions work in Mexico, Argentina, and Kenya, I switched my degree to nonprofit management. In the fall of 2008 I finished bachelors degree in the Nonprofit Leadership and Management degree program at ASU walking Magna Cum Lade with a certificate in American Humanics.

Following my degree program I spent 4 months interning with Food for the Hungry, a world wide christian relief and development organization. The first two months were spent working with the folks and cause “Branded” which focused on abolishing underaged sextrafficing in phoenix (learn more at brandedphx.com or streetlightphx.com). The second two months were spent in Rwanda working on facilitating the early stages of a 15 year church partnership (watch this video to learn more about the project , or see pictures and read about my trip here).

Since returning from Rwanda I have worked full time as the Executive Director/Servant for Love Walks, a nonprofit organization I started in 2006. God continues to lead our organization towards reaching out to young adults in Phoenix, leading them toward becoming Lifelong lovers of God and People. You can learn more about Love Walks by visiting lovewalks.org, or by clicking here.

I have been blessed over the past year to become and active part of the Praxis Church Community. Prevoius to that I spent 9 years at Highlands Church, and was part of  “The Element,” a college/young adults ministry at Highlands.

I have some amazing people in my life, both friends and family. I continue to do my best to learn from them as well as others who have lived this life so well before me. I enjoy reading, movies and good conversation. I love playing basketball, hiking, and even managed to run a marathon in 2007. I also love taking photographs and have pursued this as a career alongside the ministry work I do. To see some of my portfolio vist christophermaddoxphotography.com

So now you know a little more about me. Again, if you made it to the end of this I am both shocked and grateful. I pray that God will bless you in the same faithful and joyful manner in which he has me, and that this site has served its ultimate purpose, not in raising support for me, not in communicating what is happening in my life; but giving the rightful glory to God for all that I am blessed enough to be a part of. Thank you and God Bless!