[photopress:idl0507_annette.jpg,thumb,alignleft]Jim met Annette while waiting for the show to start at the U2 concert in Seattle a few months ago. They were both seated in the “nose bleed – really cheap seats” section of the Key Arena and struck up a conversation. She asked Jim what he did, which often leads to an interview. Her story highlights the role Bono plays in people’s lives, why people choose to opt out of Christianity and how to talk about differences without becoming mean-spirited. Annette graciously agreed to this interview following the concert. Annette lives in Oregon, is married and is currently in training to become a massage therapist.

Where did you meet Jim?
I met Jim at the April 26th U2 show at the Key Arena in Seattle.

What did it feel like to meet Bono in person?
I may seem silly to some people but Bono is a very important figure in my life because I admire all the work that he does in the world. Particularly for his work in DATA. He’s a rock star that uses his influence and assets for immense good. I’ve always felt that if we all chose one thing that we cared about and used whatever time or influence we had to make a difference, that the world could be exactly what we want it to be. Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” I believe in that. Bono personifies it, so to meet him felt HUGE – that I had experienced greatness. It gave me renewed hope in the beliefs that I contribute time and money to. Read the rest of this entry »

By Jim Henderson

[photopress:jim_sign_looking_lost_person.jpg,thumb,alignright]I was recently in Nashville with Off The Map. As many of you know, part of our presentation involves interviewing non Christians (a.k.a. “The” Lost). Our motive is to ascertain how we’re coming across in our attempt to convert them. I had a very edutaining experience I want to tell you about.

That Bible Belt is Tight
Three months before we headed to Nashville I put the word out to several of my contacts in Nashville so we could find 3 lost people to interview. For one reason or another they were not able to find any lost people who were willing to talk with me about their lostness. Hmmm, I knew this was the Bible belt but I’d underestimated just how tightly that belt was cinched. Read the rest of this entry »

by Jim Henderson

Where is Off The Map headed? For those of you who follow Off The Map I thought it might be interesting to provide a feel for what we think the road ahead might hold for us. It has been an exciting first five years we anticipate even more from the God who likes us.

We Exist!

Somewhere along the line Off The Map turned 5 – Yea for us!!

Seeing several failed projects in my rear view mirror from taking the “I can change the world in a year” approach, I determined, when starting Off The Map, to keep a softer, more moderate foot on the gas pedal. Read the rest of this entry »