01/29/07 UPDATE
Yesterday was a very eventful end to a very busy week. We worked like dogs trying to get the house ready for a small group meeting on Sunday night. It probably wasn't the best idea to do it that quickly, but I have been doggedly determined to get something going, even if it was a small something.
Yesterday morning we went to Grace Fellowship Church (I preached there in November). The pastor and I had talked about how they could help. He invited me to come and invite people to help out. He preached and then I spoke for about 5 minutes. I invited people to help in one of three ways - 1) be on the prayer team 2) be a "missionary" to come and help us for 6 months, a year, whatever God led them to do 3) put me in contact with people they knew who lived in our target area. We had several good leads in all of those areas. 2 people asked to be on the prayer team - and one of them was going to have his fellowship group pray for us. Several couples inquired about helping us get started by being part of the launch team. I was encouraged because they mentioned a focus on reaching unchurched people of various walks of life. Several offered their services - technical advice, oil changes for our car, etc. There were also several who gave me names of their kids or friends who might be interested. I was really excited.
It was also a bit strange though. We went to lunch with Mitch and Rebekah (the pastor and his wife) and talked about the leads. On the way home, I told Jacqueline that I felt like a thief. It was really odd. I believe God is going to bless both us and Grace Fellowship through this. I also am committed to doing the same thing for someone else after we get going.
Last night we had our first small group meeting. It was definitely a "small" group meeting. I really only expected two other couples besides us. We were joined by Jeff and Kelly Cunningham. They are the couple I met in the Bible study I led shortly after arriving. We had a good time and they "signed the dotted line" to commit to helping us. It was also good for both of us to spend some time hanging out.
We are hoping to see this meeting grow in the coming weeks. This week the invitations were sent out late because I didn't know if we'd be ready or not. We have to plan a few weeks out to allow people to get it in their schedules (everybody is so busy up here). I currently have about 30 adults on my prospect list (not all 30 realize they are prospects yet, but they'll figure it out eventually:))
Continue to pray for God to draw and call people to be a part of the launch team. I'll be following up the leads from Sunday, so pray that God will speak clearly to me and to these people about the desires and roles He has for them. I also have meetings with people every day this week who are prospects or supporters. Pray for God's leadership in our meetings.
I will be preaching at Heartland Community Church on Feb. 11th, so pray for my preparation.
Finally, my goal for February is to design some type of outreach focused Bible study for unchurched people. I'm not really sure how to do that (what's the best way), so pray for guidance and that God will connect us with those who He is already working on.
Thanks for the prayers - they move heaven and earth.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
01/22/07 UPDATE
Well all of our stuff is now inside - we are just trying to get it unpacked. I hope to be able to stand upright again in a few days.
Sunday was interesting. we got 7" of snow on Saturday night, so many churches cancelled their services. Ours was one, so I was able to take some ibuprofen and let them kick in before i had to go out and shovel the snow out of the walk. I decided to make it "purposeful," so I waited until i saw some of my neighbors outside in hopes of meeting them. Finally, the guy next door fired up his snow blower, so I went out to tackle the chore. It worked like a charm - I guess everyone was waiting on teh first person to take the plunge. When you looked down the street, almost every house had someone out shoveling.
I was also able to meet all of our immediate neighbors. The people to our right go to an sbc church here in Omaha. In fact, it was the first one i preached at. They were really friendly and let the boys use their sled and the hill in their backyard - our yard is basically flat. I think they all conspire to make the new people fat. One neighbor brought us a cake last night and this morning another guy showed up with a hot, fresh now box of Krispy Kreme donuts. DUDE, THIS IS MY KIND OF PLACE!
Please pray for us this week as we prepare to have our first Gathering. It will probably be a bit slow since I haven't invited everyone early, but I hope we will have several people show up. We are going to spend the first 2-3 weeks getting to know each other and then begin preparing to see if everyone wants to be part of the new start.
Also, I will be speaking for 5-10 minutes at a local church on Sunday to invite people to join up with us. Please pray for God to call people to the work. I also have to line up several follow up meeting with people this week. Pray that God will be at work in these too.
Thanks for praying!
Well all of our stuff is now inside - we are just trying to get it unpacked. I hope to be able to stand upright again in a few days.
Sunday was interesting. we got 7" of snow on Saturday night, so many churches cancelled their services. Ours was one, so I was able to take some ibuprofen and let them kick in before i had to go out and shovel the snow out of the walk. I decided to make it "purposeful," so I waited until i saw some of my neighbors outside in hopes of meeting them. Finally, the guy next door fired up his snow blower, so I went out to tackle the chore. It worked like a charm - I guess everyone was waiting on teh first person to take the plunge. When you looked down the street, almost every house had someone out shoveling.
I was also able to meet all of our immediate neighbors. The people to our right go to an sbc church here in Omaha. In fact, it was the first one i preached at. They were really friendly and let the boys use their sled and the hill in their backyard - our yard is basically flat. I think they all conspire to make the new people fat. One neighbor brought us a cake last night and this morning another guy showed up with a hot, fresh now box of Krispy Kreme donuts. DUDE, THIS IS MY KIND OF PLACE!
Please pray for us this week as we prepare to have our first Gathering. It will probably be a bit slow since I haven't invited everyone early, but I hope we will have several people show up. We are going to spend the first 2-3 weeks getting to know each other and then begin preparing to see if everyone wants to be part of the new start.
Also, I will be speaking for 5-10 minutes at a local church on Sunday to invite people to join up with us. Please pray for God to call people to the work. I also have to line up several follow up meeting with people this week. Pray that God will be at work in these too.
Thanks for praying!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
01/15/07 UPDATE
Sorry the post is late. J hasn't allowed me to put down a paint brush to do anything else lately. She slipped out to the store, so I have a minute:) We've almost finished the painting and hope to move on Saturday. This will be a big relief. It looks like we'll meet our target of having "The Gathering" (our small group time) on January 28th.
One exciting development last week was a phone call from the pastor of a new church in town (Grace Fellowship - I preached there in Nov?). They really want to help us with our start. The funny thing is that they plan to build there church in basically the same place we are targeting. He has already talked to a few people to see if they are interested in helping us and at least one of them is. We are meeting Thursday to see how they may be able to help further.
I'm also slowly meeting our neighbors. So far, I've met Mark our neighbor in the back right. He's a golf pro at a local course (I was praying for a hunting and/or fishing guide, but that will work:)) He has a wife who teaches 2nd grade and two little girls.
There's also Donna. She has three granddaughters who stay with her a lot.
Yesterday I met Alex. He also has a daughter.
It sounds like there's nothing but girls here (till we moved in), but Donna told us they were hoping girls would move in because there weren't that many. I've seen, but haven't met our next door neighbors and they have three kids. Our back door neighbors have 3 boys and one across the street has 2 boys.
I tell you all these details so that you can pray for these people. Ask God to draw them and open their hearts to Him.
Thanks for your prayers. Continue to pray for contacts with believers who are well connected with lost people and with unbelievers.
Sorry the post is late. J hasn't allowed me to put down a paint brush to do anything else lately. She slipped out to the store, so I have a minute:) We've almost finished the painting and hope to move on Saturday. This will be a big relief. It looks like we'll meet our target of having "The Gathering" (our small group time) on January 28th.
One exciting development last week was a phone call from the pastor of a new church in town (Grace Fellowship - I preached there in Nov?). They really want to help us with our start. The funny thing is that they plan to build there church in basically the same place we are targeting. He has already talked to a few people to see if they are interested in helping us and at least one of them is. We are meeting Thursday to see how they may be able to help further.
I'm also slowly meeting our neighbors. So far, I've met Mark our neighbor in the back right. He's a golf pro at a local course (I was praying for a hunting and/or fishing guide, but that will work:)) He has a wife who teaches 2nd grade and two little girls.
There's also Donna. She has three granddaughters who stay with her a lot.
Yesterday I met Alex. He also has a daughter.
It sounds like there's nothing but girls here (till we moved in), but Donna told us they were hoping girls would move in because there weren't that many. I've seen, but haven't met our next door neighbors and they have three kids. Our back door neighbors have 3 boys and one across the street has 2 boys.
I tell you all these details so that you can pray for these people. Ask God to draw them and open their hearts to Him.
Thanks for your prayers. Continue to pray for contacts with believers who are well connected with lost people and with unbelievers.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
1/8/07 UPDATE
Last week was really eventful. We closed on the house without any issues. It was incredibly easy - I just filled out an online app, met with an officer once, and it was done!
Two other significant things took place:
One, we went for the final walkthrough of the house. I found some things the previous owners left behind that showed they were active Mormons. This had a big impact on me for a couple of reasons. One, they were doing essentially the same things we're hoping to do. I have to be conscious of that as I meet people, so that we aren't lumped in with them. We have to make sure they understand a difference. That may seem like a clear distinction to you, but it isn't to most unbelievers (and to an alarming number of believers too!).
This may be a little "wierd" for some of you, but I had a sense of wanting to pray through the house before we moved in. As we talked about it later, J had the same sense. I've never done that before, but I just had a sense that we needed to this time - maybe because it is essentially our church for now, our center of ministry, whatever. Once we made this discovery, I really wanted to do that - since it was being used as a center for false teaching, I really want to see it established as a Kingdom outpost. Please pray for us in this regard - especially for our neighbors, that we will be able to communicate clearly the truth of Jesus and that God will reveal the truth to them. Pray that Satan will not be able to use this "confusion" to harm the work.
This all served to underline the fact that this is all spiritual warfare. This is the "wierd" part for some of you, but we really are engaged in a spiritual battle, there are lives and souls at stake, and you play a vital part. Please join me in pleading for the souls of people here in Omaha and against the work of Satan.
The other significant event took place at closing. I had not met our actual loan officer before. The day before our "interview" he fell off a ladder and ended up in ICU, so someone filled in for him. We met for the first time at closing and he asked a lot of questions about the church and how things were going. I didn't even know for sure that he knew what we were doing. As things progressed we talked further and he asked me to keep him posted on the progress. I asked if he was going to church anywhere and he replied that he was, but that they had been discussing a change and that's why he wanted to know more about what we were doing. Again, just another instance of how God randomly draws people together.
Please continue to pray for us in that regard. Ask God to raise up people - believers who are well connected with lost people and lost people who God is dealing with. We've been seeing answers to these prayers, so please keep it up.
As for everything else, we are busy painting and preparing to move in. We're hoping to have our first small group on the 28th.
Thanks for you prayers!
Last week was really eventful. We closed on the house without any issues. It was incredibly easy - I just filled out an online app, met with an officer once, and it was done!
Two other significant things took place:
One, we went for the final walkthrough of the house. I found some things the previous owners left behind that showed they were active Mormons. This had a big impact on me for a couple of reasons. One, they were doing essentially the same things we're hoping to do. I have to be conscious of that as I meet people, so that we aren't lumped in with them. We have to make sure they understand a difference. That may seem like a clear distinction to you, but it isn't to most unbelievers (and to an alarming number of believers too!).
This may be a little "wierd" for some of you, but I had a sense of wanting to pray through the house before we moved in. As we talked about it later, J had the same sense. I've never done that before, but I just had a sense that we needed to this time - maybe because it is essentially our church for now, our center of ministry, whatever. Once we made this discovery, I really wanted to do that - since it was being used as a center for false teaching, I really want to see it established as a Kingdom outpost. Please pray for us in this regard - especially for our neighbors, that we will be able to communicate clearly the truth of Jesus and that God will reveal the truth to them. Pray that Satan will not be able to use this "confusion" to harm the work.
This all served to underline the fact that this is all spiritual warfare. This is the "wierd" part for some of you, but we really are engaged in a spiritual battle, there are lives and souls at stake, and you play a vital part. Please join me in pleading for the souls of people here in Omaha and against the work of Satan.
The other significant event took place at closing. I had not met our actual loan officer before. The day before our "interview" he fell off a ladder and ended up in ICU, so someone filled in for him. We met for the first time at closing and he asked a lot of questions about the church and how things were going. I didn't even know for sure that he knew what we were doing. As things progressed we talked further and he asked me to keep him posted on the progress. I asked if he was going to church anywhere and he replied that he was, but that they had been discussing a change and that's why he wanted to know more about what we were doing. Again, just another instance of how God randomly draws people together.
Please continue to pray for us in that regard. Ask God to raise up people - believers who are well connected with lost people and lost people who God is dealing with. We've been seeing answers to these prayers, so please keep it up.
As for everything else, we are busy painting and preparing to move in. We're hoping to have our first small group on the 28th.
Thanks for you prayers!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
01/01/07 UPDATE
Well, you can tell by the picture what the highlight of this week was! We weren't supposed to get snow, but we got about 3 1/2". The boys were excited to get to see it and use their sledding stuff and snow equipment. It started snowing Sunday morning and really started about 15 minutes before church started. J came in to get the boys and was all excited to get them to see it. They came running back inside all excited and L had a present for me - he brought me a handful of it so I could see it too. They've been sledding, throwing snow balls, making snow angels, the whole bit.
This past week has been both encouraging and productive - although in an odd way. I haven't been "working" as much as I would like. Since Christmas, I've found that it seems like I'm one of the only people in O trying to work! A lot of what I might have hoped to get done, didn't.
However, my biggest concern has been meeting people (especially lost people). To that end, I've been working to build relationships with people here. One was with a guy named Spencer. He works at our bank and helped us open our accounts. We hit it off because he's a huge college football fan, so we were talking about that. Since then, I've been intentionally going to that branch and going inside to make conversation, etc. I really felt like it was a waste of time though, because he told me he lived across the river in Iowa (that would put him on the complete other side of Omaha than we're targeting). On Tuesday, I went in to get some of the stuff straight in preparation for closing and mentioned that we were buying a house. He asked where and I told him 168th St. He said, "Cool, I live at 144th St." (That would be 2 miles away, which is just around the block out here) When I said I thought he lived in council bluffs, he said, "Yeah I did but we just moved a couple of weeks ago." I got his phone number and he told me to call him "when I was having a big party or something." Hmmm, I think my last "big party" was about 15 years ago, but we'll figure something out. At this point, the Darth Vader theme shoud be playing in the background with the Millenium Falcon being pulled to the Death Star by a tractor beam (some of you may have to rent Star Wars to figure this one out - or just ask Mike Dunn if you're in St. Joe). I had a seminary professor use that as an illustration for the Holy Spirit drawing people to God.
Another interesting contact was on Friday. I went to a local lake/park to work on my sermon. My neighbor Brad said he goes there often to fish. I hadn't seen him for several weeks because he and his wife have seperated. We haven't talked since that happened and I've been looking for an opportunity. He teaches school, so I knew he was on vacation and kept watching for his vehicle. I happened to see it, so I put my coat on and took a walk in the rain. I "bumped into him" eventually and we got to talk for a pretty good while. He shared with me some of what was going on and we talked about getting together sometime to fish and I was able to invite him to church.
If you will notice, I asked you to pray for "fruitful contacts" last week. I think these would classify as answers.
Sunday went well, too. I preached at the church where we've been attending. I got some really good feedback, so i think it went well. I even kept it in the 30 minute range! That was really important since the movies start very shortly after church. It was funny to preach in a movie theater - they project the power point on the "big screen." From the front, it looks just like everybody's watching a movie while you're trying to talk to them. Some even had sodas and coffee (no popcorn though - but you can buy it on the way out). We had invited several people to come, but the snow kept most of them away. We did have one couple show up though.
After church we went to lunch with a huge group of people from the church, which was fun. Then we got a call on Monday to hang out with some friends for New Year's so that was cool. Anyway, it was a pretty eventful week considering I didn't feel like I got anything "done."
The big deal for this week is closing on the house. We're trying to get it set for Thursday afternoon since we had someone volunteer to keep the kids. If so, then Friday will start the painting. I am NOT looking forward to that process! Please pray that the closing will go well and we will get all the work done quickly. I'm hoping to have our first "Gathering" (small group) by the end of the month.
Also, keep praying for fruitful contacts. Lost people. Leaders for the work who are well connected with lost people. Opportunities to share the Good News.
Thanks for the prayers. You got it - they move heaven and earth.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
12/25/06 UPDATE
Sorry, we're a day late. For some reason, I was preoccupied with other things yesterday.
I hope everybody's Christmas went well. Ours was a little different, but all in all it went pretty well. We got to talk with some friends that we haven't heard from in a while, which was nice. The boys were loaded down with stuff as usual. It's always funny to me how we pick stuff we think they'll be wild about and then they end up liking some random item best. For example, yesterday they got tons of "fun" things that were all wrapped up. We had decided to buy them some plastic sleds (the little disk things and another one that's torpedo shaped) and snow gear (boots, gloves, snow bibs, coats). We layed all of this stuff out on the back of the couch since it was big and utilitarian and we thought they'd just blow by it. (For the record, we have received no measurable snowfall yet, despite all the other areas around us getting bombed. They are saying possibly this weekend.) Anyway, L immediately grabbed his snow boots and gloves and put them on. He hardly took them off all day and had to put the boots in his room last night. Go figure!
There are several things you can pray about this week:
1 - I'm preaching at Heartland Community Church on Sunday.
2 - We're trying to get all the final details finished up before closing on the house.
3 - Pray for fruitful contacts - leaders who are well connected with lost people and lost people.
thanks for praying!
Sorry, we're a day late. For some reason, I was preoccupied with other things yesterday.
I hope everybody's Christmas went well. Ours was a little different, but all in all it went pretty well. We got to talk with some friends that we haven't heard from in a while, which was nice. The boys were loaded down with stuff as usual. It's always funny to me how we pick stuff we think they'll be wild about and then they end up liking some random item best. For example, yesterday they got tons of "fun" things that were all wrapped up. We had decided to buy them some plastic sleds (the little disk things and another one that's torpedo shaped) and snow gear (boots, gloves, snow bibs, coats). We layed all of this stuff out on the back of the couch since it was big and utilitarian and we thought they'd just blow by it. (For the record, we have received no measurable snowfall yet, despite all the other areas around us getting bombed. They are saying possibly this weekend.) Anyway, L immediately grabbed his snow boots and gloves and put them on. He hardly took them off all day and had to put the boots in his room last night. Go figure!
There are several things you can pray about this week:
1 - I'm preaching at Heartland Community Church on Sunday.
2 - We're trying to get all the final details finished up before closing on the house.
3 - Pray for fruitful contacts - leaders who are well connected with lost people and lost people.
thanks for praying!
Monday, December 18, 2006
12/18/06 UPDATE
Last week was a significant milestone. J and I celebrated 10 years of marriage. What did we do to celebrate? Well. . . we bought Quizno's and went to a park so the boys could go play on the stuff and we could have a few minutes alone to talk. I know, a meager attempt, but it was the best we could pull off under the circumstances. Where's a Geoghagan girl when you need one:)
We had lunch on Wednesday with a couple who've been involved in several church plants. They are a retired couple who really are amazing. They are involved in tons of stuff - an inner city ministry, on "staff" at their church, meeting with a variety of church plants and planters. Most of all, they are very in touch with ministry in the context of today. It was encouraging to see a couple who are older than we are, put aside their preferences and desires to serve others. As I've visited "younger" churches in the area, I've been amazed at the number of older people present. They often seem very involved and working. Most acknowledge that there is a sacrifice involved - it might not be there "style". i'm not trying to stereotype a certain group of individuals - that's not my intent. I've been challenged by their example because i know it is difficult to set aside your preferences to pursue what is best for the kingdom of God. My prayer is that I'll be open to change as my "methods" and "preferences" are no longer the most effective.
We had a good weekend. Friday night, Heartland Church (where we've been going) had a get together and took a bus to look at Christmas lights, There's one subdivision here where everyone pays people to put up elaborate decorations. it was cool and the boys had a great time. We learned moderation is a good idea for 5 year olds and hot chocolate! We also hung out with some friends after church yesterday. It's really cool when we hang with them because our kids get along great, so we can talk the whole time with minimal interruptions.
For prayers, the main concern I've been having is for meeting people. Pray that God will connect us with people. Mainly lost people who God has been preparing to hear the gospel. Also, for Believers who are well connected with unbelievers. Not finding a good way to do this has been the most frustrating aspect of our time here so far.
Thanks for your prayers. They move heaven and earth.
Last week was a significant milestone. J and I celebrated 10 years of marriage. What did we do to celebrate? Well. . . we bought Quizno's and went to a park so the boys could go play on the stuff and we could have a few minutes alone to talk. I know, a meager attempt, but it was the best we could pull off under the circumstances. Where's a Geoghagan girl when you need one:)
We had lunch on Wednesday with a couple who've been involved in several church plants. They are a retired couple who really are amazing. They are involved in tons of stuff - an inner city ministry, on "staff" at their church, meeting with a variety of church plants and planters. Most of all, they are very in touch with ministry in the context of today. It was encouraging to see a couple who are older than we are, put aside their preferences and desires to serve others. As I've visited "younger" churches in the area, I've been amazed at the number of older people present. They often seem very involved and working. Most acknowledge that there is a sacrifice involved - it might not be there "style". i'm not trying to stereotype a certain group of individuals - that's not my intent. I've been challenged by their example because i know it is difficult to set aside your preferences to pursue what is best for the kingdom of God. My prayer is that I'll be open to change as my "methods" and "preferences" are no longer the most effective.
We had a good weekend. Friday night, Heartland Church (where we've been going) had a get together and took a bus to look at Christmas lights, There's one subdivision here where everyone pays people to put up elaborate decorations. it was cool and the boys had a great time. We learned moderation is a good idea for 5 year olds and hot chocolate! We also hung out with some friends after church yesterday. It's really cool when we hang with them because our kids get along great, so we can talk the whole time with minimal interruptions.
For prayers, the main concern I've been having is for meeting people. Pray that God will connect us with people. Mainly lost people who God has been preparing to hear the gospel. Also, for Believers who are well connected with unbelievers. Not finding a good way to do this has been the most frustrating aspect of our time here so far.
Thanks for your prayers. They move heaven and earth.
Monday, December 11, 2006
12/11/06 UPDATE
LOTTIE GETS HER'S TOO!
Well, this is an update to last week's praise. We received another check for $150 - so now the kids get their Christmas and Lottie gets her money too. I hope the last post wasn't misconstued as a plea for more money - that wasn't the intent. It was just significant to me that God provided the boys exactly what they would have had. Anyway, I won't belabor the point, but THANKS!
This last week involved a whole lot of office work for me. I keep getting pushed to plan, plan, plan - which I hate to do. I've been going through a church planting manual and it contained a helpful tidbit for me in this regard. They encouraged an extremely detailed plan for 3 years into the future. That seemed excessive to me, but the rationale made sense. Once you go public with the church, you will be slammed trying to stay on top of things. There will be no time for planning at that point. So, one prayer request is that God will help me focus my thoughts, hear His desires for His church, and be able to articulate all of these things. Oh yeah, and pray that I won't get too frustrated with the process.
My plan is to take the cold months to plan and continue networking. In the spring, we will really start to ramp things up and then kick them into high gear in the summer.
One goal I've got for now is to develop community with those who have expressed an interest in helping. To that end, we had Jeff, Kelly, and Jocelyn over for dinner Saturday night. it was fun. We haven't really been doing much entertaining due to our present living arrangements so it was fun to do it again. It felt like getting ready for small group. it was nice to have a couple over as "friends." Most of our encounters have been more business related. We find ourselves in the situation of trying to break into other people's social networks and such and this is tough. Think about it - you've got your set of friends, so when you have time to do something, you usually call those people. you don't really think, or work to, include others who may not be "in" yet. It's hard to stress too much the importance of intentionally developing friendships with people for the sake of sharing your hope in Christ. I personally believe that building relational bridges with lost people is the most important and effective thing you can do as an ambassador for Christ. Ok, enough preaching.
One last request. We are having the first real struggle since we got up here. In the big picture, it's not that big of a deal, but it does bother both of us. We're entering the Christmas season and don't have any family around. Normally, that wouldn't be that big of a deal because their are friends, church family, etc. to fill in the place. But, we don't really have any of those three options at the moment, so we do feel a bit lonely. Nobody's ready to jump off a building or anything, but we would appreciate your prayers.
LOTTIE GETS HER'S TOO!
Well, this is an update to last week's praise. We received another check for $150 - so now the kids get their Christmas and Lottie gets her money too. I hope the last post wasn't misconstued as a plea for more money - that wasn't the intent. It was just significant to me that God provided the boys exactly what they would have had. Anyway, I won't belabor the point, but THANKS!
This last week involved a whole lot of office work for me. I keep getting pushed to plan, plan, plan - which I hate to do. I've been going through a church planting manual and it contained a helpful tidbit for me in this regard. They encouraged an extremely detailed plan for 3 years into the future. That seemed excessive to me, but the rationale made sense. Once you go public with the church, you will be slammed trying to stay on top of things. There will be no time for planning at that point. So, one prayer request is that God will help me focus my thoughts, hear His desires for His church, and be able to articulate all of these things. Oh yeah, and pray that I won't get too frustrated with the process.
My plan is to take the cold months to plan and continue networking. In the spring, we will really start to ramp things up and then kick them into high gear in the summer.
One goal I've got for now is to develop community with those who have expressed an interest in helping. To that end, we had Jeff, Kelly, and Jocelyn over for dinner Saturday night. it was fun. We haven't really been doing much entertaining due to our present living arrangements so it was fun to do it again. It felt like getting ready for small group. it was nice to have a couple over as "friends." Most of our encounters have been more business related. We find ourselves in the situation of trying to break into other people's social networks and such and this is tough. Think about it - you've got your set of friends, so when you have time to do something, you usually call those people. you don't really think, or work to, include others who may not be "in" yet. It's hard to stress too much the importance of intentionally developing friendships with people for the sake of sharing your hope in Christ. I personally believe that building relational bridges with lost people is the most important and effective thing you can do as an ambassador for Christ. Ok, enough preaching.
One last request. We are having the first real struggle since we got up here. In the big picture, it's not that big of a deal, but it does bother both of us. We're entering the Christmas season and don't have any family around. Normally, that wouldn't be that big of a deal because their are friends, church family, etc. to fill in the place. But, we don't really have any of those three options at the moment, so we do feel a bit lonely. Nobody's ready to jump off a building or anything, but we would appreciate your prayers.
Friday, December 08, 2006
WEIRD AND FUNNY
WEIRD
I went to get tags for the Jeep today. In the office there were three windows. I was at one and heard the guy next to me say he just moved up from Florida. I said where and he told me Tampa. I said, I just moved up from the Panhandle myself. To which the guy in the third booth said, I just moved up from Tampa too.
FUNNY
Conversation between Jackson and I:
J - "Dad, have you decided where the church will be yet?
(great, now I've got pressure from the kids too:))
L - (I wasn't exactly sure what he meant, so I asked) "Do you mean where in Omaha it will be located or the specific building we'll be meeting in?"
J - Have you decided where the church will be. (Thanks, that helped)
L - Well, do you know where we looked at the house? It will be around that area somewhere. If you mean what building will we meet in, it will probably be in a school. We'll meet in the cafeteria or some other big room.
J - But I don't like green beans.
L - WHAT????
J - I don't like green beans, so I'd prefer not to have them.
L - We'll just be meeting in the cafeteria, it doesn't mean we have to eat there.
J - OOOOHHHHH, WHEW!!! (As he wipes his hand across his forehead).
WEIRD
I went to get tags for the Jeep today. In the office there were three windows. I was at one and heard the guy next to me say he just moved up from Florida. I said where and he told me Tampa. I said, I just moved up from the Panhandle myself. To which the guy in the third booth said, I just moved up from Tampa too.
FUNNY
Conversation between Jackson and I:
J - "Dad, have you decided where the church will be yet?
(great, now I've got pressure from the kids too:))
L - (I wasn't exactly sure what he meant, so I asked) "Do you mean where in Omaha it will be located or the specific building we'll be meeting in?"
J - Have you decided where the church will be. (Thanks, that helped)
L - Well, do you know where we looked at the house? It will be around that area somewhere. If you mean what building will we meet in, it will probably be in a school. We'll meet in the cafeteria or some other big room.
J - But I don't like green beans.
L - WHAT????
J - I don't like green beans, so I'd prefer not to have them.
L - We'll just be meeting in the cafeteria, it doesn't mean we have to eat there.
J - OOOOHHHHH, WHEW!!! (As he wipes his hand across his forehead).
Monday, December 04, 2006
12/04/06 UPDATE
Last week was a really good one. We did several things that were really cool. God also answered several prayer requests.
First, things are rolling along smoothly with the house. We had the inspection which turned up no big problems. We're approved for the mortgage - HA! I find it scary how much money banks are willing to "give" you.
Second, we got a "treat" on Wednesday. Some friends gave us tickets to a college basketball game. See the post below for a laugh.
Third, we had a really good meeting with a family interested in the church plant. He likes to fish and loves college basketball, so he should make the cut! They are a great couple - we'll see how God orchestrates things in the future. We told some friends who attempted a church plant that we had 3 or 4 couples who were seriously interested. They said "Well, you've made it farther than we did." We've still got a long way to go though.
Fourth, we had not just one, but two opportunities to do things without the boys! WOOHOO! That's the first time since we moved up here. The church had a parents night out on Friday. They rented a big fitness center/gym with a pool, etc. and the kids had a blast. Then on Saturday, we had the ministers/wives associational Christmas party. Another "its a small world" moment for those of you from G'ville and St. Joe - I was talking to one of the pastor's here. He moved up from Louisville, KY about 18 months ago. He had been the educational associate at Bill Cook's church.
Fifth, I had one of those answers to prayer where you think God is really trying to make a point. (The following details are included just because they made the answer very clear to me, not to imply any need, etc.) We've been discussing finances a lot lately because of the pending house purchase. As we were talking last week, J said "Oh, we won't be getting a Christmas bonus this year." The pertinent point being that the bonus we used to get from the church is what we used to buy Christmas - we didn't "save up" for it. We'd usually get $300 and give $150 to Lottie Moon and spend $150 on our family Christmas presents. When she said that, I realized I hadn't thought of that either and I voiced a prayer to God, something along the lines of "God, would you provide for that in another way." I've been learning to just say a quick prayer to God when something crosses my mind, rather than trying to remember it for later and pray more extensively about it. i usually forget and don't pray about it at all. so, in this case, I shot up a quick request. Almost as soon as I prayed it (almost out of reflex), I then thought about what I'd said. My thought was, "Yeah, right. Like anyone's going to think about that." Well, a few days later, i got an email that said a check was in the mail that was for the kid's Christmas. The amount? $150. I was rebuked (and encouraged). I've been thinking that I hadn't been sharing enough answers to your prayers with you, so I wanted to in this case.
Yesterday we had a very different church experience. We went to a traditional church. Not First Baptist, etc. I mean REALLY traditional. Like 300 A.D. i have a friend who is Eastern Orthodox. He invited me to church Sunday because his son was getting "churched." I had to ask what that was, because the only "churching" I had heard of involved kicking somebody out and his son is only 5 weeks old! Apparently, they have a tradition that mother and child are welcomed back into the church after 40 days. There is a small ceremony where they are presented to the church and committed in prayer to Jesus. It was a really different experience. The entire service is a liturgy that was put together by John Chrysostom (sp?) a famous preacher in the late 300's. They were kind enough to translate it into English, unlike the Greek Orthodox. It was a very different environment. My friend seemed touched that we had come. That was the main reason we went - building the relationship.
Also, pray for our neighbors. I have been looking for an opportunity to share the gospel with them. It seems that they are going through a time that might make them very receptive.
PRAISES
House
God hears and answers prayers - even if we don't think He will.
More good contacts for the core and to share the gospel.
PRAYERS
We need MORE good contacts for the core and to share the Gospel.
God to call people to the work.
God to lead people to salvation.
Wisdom as we plan, prepare, explore, etc.
Pray for things to go smoothly with the house and Juanita's transition up here.
Last week was a really good one. We did several things that were really cool. God also answered several prayer requests.
First, things are rolling along smoothly with the house. We had the inspection which turned up no big problems. We're approved for the mortgage - HA! I find it scary how much money banks are willing to "give" you.
Second, we got a "treat" on Wednesday. Some friends gave us tickets to a college basketball game. See the post below for a laugh.
Third, we had a really good meeting with a family interested in the church plant. He likes to fish and loves college basketball, so he should make the cut! They are a great couple - we'll see how God orchestrates things in the future. We told some friends who attempted a church plant that we had 3 or 4 couples who were seriously interested. They said "Well, you've made it farther than we did." We've still got a long way to go though.
Fourth, we had not just one, but two opportunities to do things without the boys! WOOHOO! That's the first time since we moved up here. The church had a parents night out on Friday. They rented a big fitness center/gym with a pool, etc. and the kids had a blast. Then on Saturday, we had the ministers/wives associational Christmas party. Another "its a small world" moment for those of you from G'ville and St. Joe - I was talking to one of the pastor's here. He moved up from Louisville, KY about 18 months ago. He had been the educational associate at Bill Cook's church.
Fifth, I had one of those answers to prayer where you think God is really trying to make a point. (The following details are included just because they made the answer very clear to me, not to imply any need, etc.) We've been discussing finances a lot lately because of the pending house purchase. As we were talking last week, J said "Oh, we won't be getting a Christmas bonus this year." The pertinent point being that the bonus we used to get from the church is what we used to buy Christmas - we didn't "save up" for it. We'd usually get $300 and give $150 to Lottie Moon and spend $150 on our family Christmas presents. When she said that, I realized I hadn't thought of that either and I voiced a prayer to God, something along the lines of "God, would you provide for that in another way." I've been learning to just say a quick prayer to God when something crosses my mind, rather than trying to remember it for later and pray more extensively about it. i usually forget and don't pray about it at all. so, in this case, I shot up a quick request. Almost as soon as I prayed it (almost out of reflex), I then thought about what I'd said. My thought was, "Yeah, right. Like anyone's going to think about that." Well, a few days later, i got an email that said a check was in the mail that was for the kid's Christmas. The amount? $150. I was rebuked (and encouraged). I've been thinking that I hadn't been sharing enough answers to your prayers with you, so I wanted to in this case.
Yesterday we had a very different church experience. We went to a traditional church. Not First Baptist, etc. I mean REALLY traditional. Like 300 A.D. i have a friend who is Eastern Orthodox. He invited me to church Sunday because his son was getting "churched." I had to ask what that was, because the only "churching" I had heard of involved kicking somebody out and his son is only 5 weeks old! Apparently, they have a tradition that mother and child are welcomed back into the church after 40 days. There is a small ceremony where they are presented to the church and committed in prayer to Jesus. It was a really different experience. The entire service is a liturgy that was put together by John Chrysostom (sp?) a famous preacher in the late 300's. They were kind enough to translate it into English, unlike the Greek Orthodox. It was a very different environment. My friend seemed touched that we had come. That was the main reason we went - building the relationship.
Also, pray for our neighbors. I have been looking for an opportunity to share the gospel with them. It seems that they are going through a time that might make them very receptive.
PRAISES
House
God hears and answers prayers - even if we don't think He will.
More good contacts for the core and to share the gospel.
PRAYERS
We need MORE good contacts for the core and to share the Gospel.
God to call people to the work.
God to lead people to salvation.
Wisdom as we plan, prepare, explore, etc.
Pray for things to go smoothly with the house and Juanita's transition up here.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
HA!
Yesterday, some friends called to tell us that they had extra tickets to the Creighton University basketball game. We all loaded up last night to take the boys to the game. We had a blast at the game and then left to walk back to the van. In case you haven't noticed the weather out here, it has gotten cold. It was 17 when we left the game with a pretty steady wind of 10-20 mph. Here we are walking across the parking lot to the van. The open parking lot had nothing to break the wind and it was hitting us right in the face. It was rather cold.
We were all bundled up with our coats and toboggans. J'line was carrying L and he had his head buried in her coat. I was holding J and A's hands as we walked. We hadn't gotten far when the yelling started. J is screaming "AHHHHH, my brain is freezing! My face hurts!" over and over. On the other hand, A is screaming "I'm cold. I'm cold. I wish we had never moved up here in the first place! I wish we had never left Florida!"
Sigh. I'm sure it was a funny picture.
Yesterday, some friends called to tell us that they had extra tickets to the Creighton University basketball game. We all loaded up last night to take the boys to the game. We had a blast at the game and then left to walk back to the van. In case you haven't noticed the weather out here, it has gotten cold. It was 17 when we left the game with a pretty steady wind of 10-20 mph. Here we are walking across the parking lot to the van. The open parking lot had nothing to break the wind and it was hitting us right in the face. It was rather cold.
We were all bundled up with our coats and toboggans. J'line was carrying L and he had his head buried in her coat. I was holding J and A's hands as we walked. We hadn't gotten far when the yelling started. J is screaming "AHHHHH, my brain is freezing! My face hurts!" over and over. On the other hand, A is screaming "I'm cold. I'm cold. I wish we had never moved up here in the first place! I wish we had never left Florida!"
Sigh. I'm sure it was a funny picture.
Monday, November 27, 2006
11/27/2006 UPDATE
We had a whirlwind week last week. My parents, my sister, and my two neices were here. We also had a prayer team from Goobertown, Arkansas (I'm not being mean, that was the name of their community). We went to serve Thanksgiving dinner at a mission downtown on Thursday night. J had her traditional Black Friday shopping trip. AND we got a contract on a house.
Despite being overloaded (which I think is just a foretaste of what the summer will be like), the week went great. My family got to see O (and decide that it was too cold). We got to see my two neices - one for the first time ever and the other for the first time in a couple of years.
The prayer team from Arkansas was great. I have the target area narrowed down to 7 square mile blocks. They prayed through all of the neighborhoods. We had a couple of contacts surface - at church, one family found out where we were focusing and asked us to pray for their daughter and husband who live there but don't go to church. Another lady from our association was helping and said she has extended family in the area who don't go to church. They did a great job of laying a prayer foundation for the area. Many of them will be coming back in June and September to follow up with other ministries in the area (Block parties, Backyard Bible clubs, etc.) It is humbling to see people give up time and money to help in the ministry God has called you to. Thanks to them and all of you who are helping as well.
One prayer that was answered is that we found a house. It has been difficult finding something because most of the neighborhoods are new, so you can't find an older house that is cheaper or a fixer-upper. We finally found a house that is 13 years old, is right in the target area, is in a neighborhood that is crawling with children, has plenty of room for an office for me, and has a basement that is almost completely finished (mainly needs a bathroom) for my mother in law to move up. We are set to close on Jan 5, so pray for us as we jump through all the hoops. (The address is 16820 L Cir, Omaha, NE 68135 if you want to look it up on Google, Tommy. Check out all the houses around.)
Also, on Thursday, we'll be meeting with a family who read our story in the associational newsletter and called to express an interest in helping. Pray for God's leadership.
PRAISES:
We've had several contacts from churches and people interested in helping.
We've been given several contacts in the area.
The house.
The prayer team's work.
PRAYERS:
That the closing on the house will go through if this is where God wants us to set up an outpost.
Pray for various contacts we've had, specifically for opportunities to share the Gospel and God to draw them to salvation:
Valerie, Brad and Mandy, Kent and Kim, Shawn and Sara, Lindsey.
God to give a clear calling to those who are supposed to help.
God to raise up a core group.
We had a whirlwind week last week. My parents, my sister, and my two neices were here. We also had a prayer team from Goobertown, Arkansas (I'm not being mean, that was the name of their community). We went to serve Thanksgiving dinner at a mission downtown on Thursday night. J had her traditional Black Friday shopping trip. AND we got a contract on a house.
Despite being overloaded (which I think is just a foretaste of what the summer will be like), the week went great. My family got to see O (and decide that it was too cold). We got to see my two neices - one for the first time ever and the other for the first time in a couple of years.
The prayer team from Arkansas was great. I have the target area narrowed down to 7 square mile blocks. They prayed through all of the neighborhoods. We had a couple of contacts surface - at church, one family found out where we were focusing and asked us to pray for their daughter and husband who live there but don't go to church. Another lady from our association was helping and said she has extended family in the area who don't go to church. They did a great job of laying a prayer foundation for the area. Many of them will be coming back in June and September to follow up with other ministries in the area (Block parties, Backyard Bible clubs, etc.) It is humbling to see people give up time and money to help in the ministry God has called you to. Thanks to them and all of you who are helping as well.
One prayer that was answered is that we found a house. It has been difficult finding something because most of the neighborhoods are new, so you can't find an older house that is cheaper or a fixer-upper. We finally found a house that is 13 years old, is right in the target area, is in a neighborhood that is crawling with children, has plenty of room for an office for me, and has a basement that is almost completely finished (mainly needs a bathroom) for my mother in law to move up. We are set to close on Jan 5, so pray for us as we jump through all the hoops. (The address is 16820 L Cir, Omaha, NE 68135 if you want to look it up on Google, Tommy. Check out all the houses around.)
Also, on Thursday, we'll be meeting with a family who read our story in the associational newsletter and called to express an interest in helping. Pray for God's leadership.
PRAISES:
We've had several contacts from churches and people interested in helping.
We've been given several contacts in the area.
The house.
The prayer team's work.
PRAYERS:
That the closing on the house will go through if this is where God wants us to set up an outpost.
Pray for various contacts we've had, specifically for opportunities to share the Gospel and God to draw them to salvation:
Valerie, Brad and Mandy, Kent and Kim, Shawn and Sara, Lindsey.
God to give a clear calling to those who are supposed to help.
God to raise up a core group.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
11/20/06 UPDATE
This week the update will be brief. Things are really busy around here.
A group of 13 people showed up from the Jonesboro, Arkansas area to prayerwalk. We were at the target area yesterday and will be going back out today. They are laying some very important groundwork which will be followed up by surveying and ministry teams in the spring and summer.
We put a bid on a house yesterday. It seems to fit all the criteria. Pray that things will work out if this is the one we are to purchase. Pray also that God will give us that neighborhood.
Also pray for valerie. She's J's trainer at the gym and they are having some good spiritual conversations.
Also pray that the remainder of the week with my family will be enjoyable. We've been having a great time so far, even though I have been busy. They'll be flying home on Friday.
Thanks for the prayers - they move heaven and earth.
This week the update will be brief. Things are really busy around here.
A group of 13 people showed up from the Jonesboro, Arkansas area to prayerwalk. We were at the target area yesterday and will be going back out today. They are laying some very important groundwork which will be followed up by surveying and ministry teams in the spring and summer.
We put a bid on a house yesterday. It seems to fit all the criteria. Pray that things will work out if this is the one we are to purchase. Pray also that God will give us that neighborhood.
Also pray for valerie. She's J's trainer at the gym and they are having some good spiritual conversations.
Also pray that the remainder of the week with my family will be enjoyable. We've been having a great time so far, even though I have been busy. They'll be flying home on Friday.
Thanks for the prayers - they move heaven and earth.
Monday, November 13, 2006
11/12/06 UPDATE
Whew! What a day! I guess I've been getting used to going to church with no responsibilities. I got up and went to Grace Fellowship Church yesterday about 8:30, preached at 9 and 11, went to lunch with the pastor, then went to look at houses. When we got back home (for the first time since I left at 8:30), i was sitting in the recliner while J got dinner ready and fell dead asleep. The boys are screaming and running through the house (literally) and i didn't even budge. I was only out for a few minutes, but when I got up they were all at the table eating supper. It was fairly amusing. I know it may not sound that exhausting to you, but there's something about preaching that just takes it out of you. I know it sounds really weird, but its true, so remember that and pray for your pastor. I know I often don't want to say anything about it because you feel silly telling people who do manual labor all week that you're bushed because of 30 minutes talking. It's more than talking though, it is engaging in a spiritual battle and I think almost every pastor feels that way. As another tidbit of insight, Monday are usually a "hangover" day, so it may not be the best time to drop a bomb on your pastor. Just a little free insight. Thank me later:) I don't know how the pastor of Grace Fellowship does it. He leads worship AND preaches for two services. yikes.
Most of my week was taken up by preparing to preach and preparing for the prayer walking team that will come up on Saturday through Wednesday. For those who aren't familiar, prayer walking is where groups of 2 or 3 people walk through a neighborhood and pray for the people who live there as they walk. They are praying for many of the same things that you are, persons of peace, people to be part of the church, God to open their eyes to their need for salvation/draw people to himself, etc. It is really a neat practice - as you walk, you see things that will spur a thought to pray about, for example, you see a park and are led to pray for all the children who will play there, their parents, etc. We'll give out guides that will include suggestions for prayer, Scriptures, etc. This week I'll be finishing up those brochures and maps of the area.
Yesterday, we looked at a house that is on the south of the "target area." It is on a hill and overlooks the area. It was amazing, because there was nothing visible but house after house. In the middle of it all is one white steeple. This steeple is found on a beautiful, new, red brick building that looks just like any church down south. The problem is, the sign out from says The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To make it even more sad, their only competition in the area is maybe 7 churches, most of which are not evangelical and small. I don't want to paint the situation in Omaha as too bleak, because there is a significant Christian presence, but most of it is from megachurches or churches that aren't in this area. Where we are focusing is brand new development and there is little of anything besides houses - businesses, churches or anything.
Keep praying for us - there is a great work to be done and we aren't sufficient to get it done ourselves. It is God's work and you participate by lifting us up in prayer. Although there aren't a lot of "concrete" answers at the moment, God is working. I keep hearing of people who are interested in what's going on and deciding how (or if) to participate. For example, last week the secretary at the association asked if a man had called me. He had called the office to get my contact information and said he and his wife "weren't sure what they were going to do." Yesterday, we had a lady get our number because her daughter and her fiance were looking for a church to get involved in. Jeff and Kelly Cunningham (the young couple from the community group I led) drove up to hear me preach. There are many leads of a variety of levels of interest. Pray that God will draw together those he wants involved in this mission and let them know of that "calling." Also, pray that we will have wisdom in making decisions, pulling together the team, etc.
Thursday my parents, sister and neices arrive for a week. The boys are really excited to see them. The prayer team will be here the same time, so pray that I'll have the energy and time for both of them.
Whew! What a day! I guess I've been getting used to going to church with no responsibilities. I got up and went to Grace Fellowship Church yesterday about 8:30, preached at 9 and 11, went to lunch with the pastor, then went to look at houses. When we got back home (for the first time since I left at 8:30), i was sitting in the recliner while J got dinner ready and fell dead asleep. The boys are screaming and running through the house (literally) and i didn't even budge. I was only out for a few minutes, but when I got up they were all at the table eating supper. It was fairly amusing. I know it may not sound that exhausting to you, but there's something about preaching that just takes it out of you. I know it sounds really weird, but its true, so remember that and pray for your pastor. I know I often don't want to say anything about it because you feel silly telling people who do manual labor all week that you're bushed because of 30 minutes talking. It's more than talking though, it is engaging in a spiritual battle and I think almost every pastor feels that way. As another tidbit of insight, Monday are usually a "hangover" day, so it may not be the best time to drop a bomb on your pastor. Just a little free insight. Thank me later:) I don't know how the pastor of Grace Fellowship does it. He leads worship AND preaches for two services. yikes.
Most of my week was taken up by preparing to preach and preparing for the prayer walking team that will come up on Saturday through Wednesday. For those who aren't familiar, prayer walking is where groups of 2 or 3 people walk through a neighborhood and pray for the people who live there as they walk. They are praying for many of the same things that you are, persons of peace, people to be part of the church, God to open their eyes to their need for salvation/draw people to himself, etc. It is really a neat practice - as you walk, you see things that will spur a thought to pray about, for example, you see a park and are led to pray for all the children who will play there, their parents, etc. We'll give out guides that will include suggestions for prayer, Scriptures, etc. This week I'll be finishing up those brochures and maps of the area.
Yesterday, we looked at a house that is on the south of the "target area." It is on a hill and overlooks the area. It was amazing, because there was nothing visible but house after house. In the middle of it all is one white steeple. This steeple is found on a beautiful, new, red brick building that looks just like any church down south. The problem is, the sign out from says The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To make it even more sad, their only competition in the area is maybe 7 churches, most of which are not evangelical and small. I don't want to paint the situation in Omaha as too bleak, because there is a significant Christian presence, but most of it is from megachurches or churches that aren't in this area. Where we are focusing is brand new development and there is little of anything besides houses - businesses, churches or anything.
Keep praying for us - there is a great work to be done and we aren't sufficient to get it done ourselves. It is God's work and you participate by lifting us up in prayer. Although there aren't a lot of "concrete" answers at the moment, God is working. I keep hearing of people who are interested in what's going on and deciding how (or if) to participate. For example, last week the secretary at the association asked if a man had called me. He had called the office to get my contact information and said he and his wife "weren't sure what they were going to do." Yesterday, we had a lady get our number because her daughter and her fiance were looking for a church to get involved in. Jeff and Kelly Cunningham (the young couple from the community group I led) drove up to hear me preach. There are many leads of a variety of levels of interest. Pray that God will draw together those he wants involved in this mission and let them know of that "calling." Also, pray that we will have wisdom in making decisions, pulling together the team, etc.
Thursday my parents, sister and neices arrive for a week. The boys are really excited to see them. The prayer team will be here the same time, so pray that I'll have the energy and time for both of them.
Monday, November 06, 2006
UPDATE 11/06/06
Remember the pretty tree from last week? Well, now its in about a dozen 30 gallon bags and 4 garbage cans. i can barely bend over with a sore back . . . oh yeah, and this morning? you can't even tell we raked. This is the third time we've raked this year. People up here maintain their yards the way most people maintain their living room floors. Funny how quickly your perspective changes!
Work-wise, I spent last week working on the proposal and preparing for the prayer-walking team that arrives on the 18th. I really want to have a specific idea of what is located in each neighborhood. The more specifics I can give the pray-ers the better they can pray. Since the area is growing so quickly, you can't find any updated maps, so I'm having to "fix" them. It's a lot of work, but I believe it will be well worth it. Time spent in prayer is far more effective than time spent doing anything else. It multiplies effort in other ways and at other times.
On Friday I took a diversion. Several pastors were going pheasant hunting. As a precaution, deacons weren't allowed :) I've never been before, so I borrowed a gun and went too. It was fun even though I didn't get anything. We saw some pretty country, had fun watching the dog work, had some great fellowship, and got a pretty good workout. It was easy to see that these pastors are good pastors because they haven't had the time to practice shooting!
Saturday I took the boys to church to work on pinewood derby race cars. They had a blast getting them ready. I kind of enjoyed it myself.
Sunday we went to Heartland and then the boys and J went home. L was sick. I went to Grace Fellowship - another church in town. I'll be preaching there on Sunday at 9 and 11 so please pray for me. It will be fun to be "back in the saddle" again.
Things are largely in an "incubation" stage here. We're continuing to pursue leads and wait for God to open doors. Pray especially for several contacts that we've made and are continuing to build relationships with. Pray especially for God to open a door for the gospel and that I will proclaim it boldly and clearly as I should. We are really looking for a chance to get to know our neighbors better. We've spent a lot of time hanging out at the fence and are trying to find some other things to do.
Also, pray for us as we look for a house. I don't think there are really any "deals" out there when buying a house or a car, so just pray that we'll make the right choice. The bigger issue for me is that we will find a productive location for the work of the gospel and establishing the church. All the "options" are side issues to me (but not so much for J!). Pray that we'll find the right spot (with options that make J happy and will be fruitful and productive for the work).
Thanks for praying! It moves heaven and earth!
Remember the pretty tree from last week? Well, now its in about a dozen 30 gallon bags and 4 garbage cans. i can barely bend over with a sore back . . . oh yeah, and this morning? you can't even tell we raked. This is the third time we've raked this year. People up here maintain their yards the way most people maintain their living room floors. Funny how quickly your perspective changes!
Work-wise, I spent last week working on the proposal and preparing for the prayer-walking team that arrives on the 18th. I really want to have a specific idea of what is located in each neighborhood. The more specifics I can give the pray-ers the better they can pray. Since the area is growing so quickly, you can't find any updated maps, so I'm having to "fix" them. It's a lot of work, but I believe it will be well worth it. Time spent in prayer is far more effective than time spent doing anything else. It multiplies effort in other ways and at other times.
On Friday I took a diversion. Several pastors were going pheasant hunting. As a precaution, deacons weren't allowed :) I've never been before, so I borrowed a gun and went too. It was fun even though I didn't get anything. We saw some pretty country, had fun watching the dog work, had some great fellowship, and got a pretty good workout. It was easy to see that these pastors are good pastors because they haven't had the time to practice shooting!
Saturday I took the boys to church to work on pinewood derby race cars. They had a blast getting them ready. I kind of enjoyed it myself.
Sunday we went to Heartland and then the boys and J went home. L was sick. I went to Grace Fellowship - another church in town. I'll be preaching there on Sunday at 9 and 11 so please pray for me. It will be fun to be "back in the saddle" again.
Things are largely in an "incubation" stage here. We're continuing to pursue leads and wait for God to open doors. Pray especially for several contacts that we've made and are continuing to build relationships with. Pray especially for God to open a door for the gospel and that I will proclaim it boldly and clearly as I should. We are really looking for a chance to get to know our neighbors better. We've spent a lot of time hanging out at the fence and are trying to find some other things to do.
Also, pray for us as we look for a house. I don't think there are really any "deals" out there when buying a house or a car, so just pray that we'll make the right choice. The bigger issue for me is that we will find a productive location for the work of the gospel and establishing the church. All the "options" are side issues to me (but not so much for J!). Pray that we'll find the right spot (with options that make J happy and will be fruitful and productive for the work).
Thanks for praying! It moves heaven and earth!
Monday, October 30, 2006
10/30/06 UPDATE
I included a picture of our house - so you could see where we live, but also so you could get a taste of fall up here. It's been beautiful. We live in a community called Maple Village and the maples have been gorgeous. It should be much less tonight though. There's a front moving through with 30 mile an hour winds - it got up to 70 today, but dropped considerably at 2 and will be 28 tonight. yeeha!
Last week was largely one of paperwork and praying. I've been working on a proposal for the church plant and have spent a lot of time on it and trying to hear from God about it. I made a few other contacts too. One was a leader in a local church who has some interest in helping us out. They started in uh, well, um - well they split from a large church here. They are focusing on moving into the same area we are targeting in the future. It will be several years before they do, but they have a good lead on land, etc. Anyway, we're just exploring things and seeing if there's some way we can work together. The pastor actually called this afternoon to ask if I could preach for him on Nov. 12th, so you can pray for that.
The biggest item that J and I have discussed is our need to meet people - particularly lost people. We've been meeting a lot of church people, but it's harder building relationships with lost people (particularly when we don't live in the area). I've been working on getting a Bible study started at one of the coffee shops where I hang out. The big problem is figuring out how to "fill" it. I mentioned it to one of the ladies who works there and last week she asked if I had decided when I was going to do it. I'm not sure if she was interested or not, but it helped spur me to try to get something going. I think I will at least post a sign in the store and see if anybody shows. Pray for God to pull on people to show up, even if they aren't sure why.
Another thing we're trying is joining a fitness club. We want to do it for the fitness benefits, but it is also productive for meeting people (i hope). When I stopped today to give them my sign up stuff, the lot was packed - its a huge place. Pray for my time there, that God will provide fruitful contacts.
Also pray for wisdom as I seek ways to meet people and penetrate the community. One big item is that we can find a place to live in the community. So far, J'line's house searching is not really panning out. Pray that we'll find the right place - smack dab in the middle of a bunch of lost people that God's working on:)
This week I have a ton of paperwork stuff - go figure, i don't even have a church and I have paperwork! I'm finalizing the proposal, pulling together plans for a prayerwalking team due here on Nov. 17, getting a newsletter finalized, and lining up someone to help with logo design and a website. Whew! I'm thinking it won't all get done.
Thanks for praying. It moves heaven and earth!
Monday, October 23, 2006
10/23/06 UPDATE
Well, at least I'm discovering a rhythm now. It goes like this. . . catch your breath on Monday and Tuesday and then begin a mad downhill dash from Wednesday to Sunday. Weekends are especially busy. One of the "nuggets" I got a few weeks ago was to fill every breakfast, lunch, etc. with an appointment to build relationships with people. Well, we're finding that many of those contacts are taking place on the weekends when other people have time, so our weekends are really busy.
Friday, I went with the boys on a field trip to the Strategic Air Command museum. They were doing a special presentation on space travel. There was a really interesting video on the Columbia and then the boys got to build paper rockets and fire them off in a hangar. I was able to hang out with a couple we've been getting to know (Brent and Michelle Myers - they have three boys the same age as ours). On the way there, J and I talked about another lady involved in the home school network whose husband is "not in the same place she is spiritually." We wanted to get an opportunity to know her and her husband. When the groups split up, J wasn't able to get in her group, but at lunch, the lady came over and asked her to get together next week. It's really weird how God works things.
Saturday, we went to dinner with another couple (Jeff, Kelly, and Jocelyn Cunningham) that have expressed an interest in helping start the church. He is an officer in the Air Force and they are a really cool young couple (they're like 25 or 26). We had a great time and they said they'd be interested in participating in a Bible study and praying about helping us out. I really wish people would start "signing the dotted line" and committing, but this was an encouragement. It's the most concrete committment we've had yet.
Sunday, we went to Heartland (the movie theater church). Afterwards, we had dinner and hung out with another couple with kids (Art and Valerie Calderon). The boys have really hit it off with their kids. We all had a blast, but didn't get home until about 8:00 because we left their house at 6 and had to stop to buy winter coats, gloves, etc. for the boys. We saw our first snow on Saturday - nothing stuck and it wasn't serious, but it sure is early for snow! Our poor kids can't even figure out how to put on a pair of gloves!
This week I'll be working on our "proposal" to present to several churches - that's my major task. Pray that I will have some productive "thinking time" and put together a good, God-driven, coherent, visionary, and exciting proposal. Continue to pray for a partnership to develop with Westside, as well as others. We'll talk with them more once I get the proposal together. They've been very interested though, so I'm encouraged.
Also, as usual, I've got several decisions to make. One is that the small group I've been leading wants to continue to meet (and have me lead). I'm not sure what to do because I have limited time and need to invest all of my energy toward the church. The Cunningham's are a part of the group and one other family mentioned they would like to help in theory, but that the proposed site is too far away. That's the only interest from the group, but I'm not sure if more might be cultivated if we continued. It's just another dicey decision to make.
Well, at least I'm discovering a rhythm now. It goes like this. . . catch your breath on Monday and Tuesday and then begin a mad downhill dash from Wednesday to Sunday. Weekends are especially busy. One of the "nuggets" I got a few weeks ago was to fill every breakfast, lunch, etc. with an appointment to build relationships with people. Well, we're finding that many of those contacts are taking place on the weekends when other people have time, so our weekends are really busy.
Friday, I went with the boys on a field trip to the Strategic Air Command museum. They were doing a special presentation on space travel. There was a really interesting video on the Columbia and then the boys got to build paper rockets and fire them off in a hangar. I was able to hang out with a couple we've been getting to know (Brent and Michelle Myers - they have three boys the same age as ours). On the way there, J and I talked about another lady involved in the home school network whose husband is "not in the same place she is spiritually." We wanted to get an opportunity to know her and her husband. When the groups split up, J wasn't able to get in her group, but at lunch, the lady came over and asked her to get together next week. It's really weird how God works things.
Saturday, we went to dinner with another couple (Jeff, Kelly, and Jocelyn Cunningham) that have expressed an interest in helping start the church. He is an officer in the Air Force and they are a really cool young couple (they're like 25 or 26). We had a great time and they said they'd be interested in participating in a Bible study and praying about helping us out. I really wish people would start "signing the dotted line" and committing, but this was an encouragement. It's the most concrete committment we've had yet.
Sunday, we went to Heartland (the movie theater church). Afterwards, we had dinner and hung out with another couple with kids (Art and Valerie Calderon). The boys have really hit it off with their kids. We all had a blast, but didn't get home until about 8:00 because we left their house at 6 and had to stop to buy winter coats, gloves, etc. for the boys. We saw our first snow on Saturday - nothing stuck and it wasn't serious, but it sure is early for snow! Our poor kids can't even figure out how to put on a pair of gloves!
This week I'll be working on our "proposal" to present to several churches - that's my major task. Pray that I will have some productive "thinking time" and put together a good, God-driven, coherent, visionary, and exciting proposal. Continue to pray for a partnership to develop with Westside, as well as others. We'll talk with them more once I get the proposal together. They've been very interested though, so I'm encouraged.
Also, as usual, I've got several decisions to make. One is that the small group I've been leading wants to continue to meet (and have me lead). I'm not sure what to do because I have limited time and need to invest all of my energy toward the church. The Cunningham's are a part of the group and one other family mentioned they would like to help in theory, but that the proposed site is too far away. That's the only interest from the group, but I'm not sure if more might be cultivated if we continued. It's just another dicey decision to make.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
WOOHOO!
Well, I had my meeting today with the pastor of Westside. He was very encouraging and said that they want to help us out. He's thinking through some different ideas on how that can take place. I also have homework - I've got to put together a prospectus for the church (think business proposal). That will help them decide if they want to help and how they do. It's also one of those things I really HATE doing. It's so much easier to keep it in the lala land between my ears.
That was a big praise - you guys are doing a great job. Now I just need for you to pray that I can get a big, black SUV (JUST KIDDING!!! - well, about the SUV part). You are really helping. Your prayers are making a difference. Please keep it up.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
10/16/06 UPDATE (ON 10/17!)
Trusting God is hard work! I would say church planting is hard work (which it is) but you can probably relate better in other ways. As I mentioned last week, we are faced with the harsh reality that we can make this work on our own, it has to be God's work. We can be trite and say that's always the case, but in reality, we can usually do something on our own. When things get tough, we just do what seems best to us and we have some way to alleviate the tension of the moment. Well, last week I found myself about to blow a gasket from stress (and I'm generally not a worrier). However, I emailed Curt (the pastor at Westside) on Monday about meeting and prayed every morning for God to bring about productive contacts. Each day passed and neither of those things took place. I found myself ready to run down the street screaming because there was nothing I could do.
Jacqueline took the boys to a gym time that they've arranged for the home schooling moms up here on Friday. When she came back, she said, "I've got news for you!" A lady had approached her at the gym time to find out what we were doing with church planting. She and her husband have started meeting in a "house church" that some missionaries to Afghanistan had started. They were uncomfortable not having the corporate part of worship, so they were still attending a mega-church in town. She had accepted Christ and been baptized at Westside when she was young, but was attending Trinity now (an inter-denominational mega-church in town). Anyway, the missionary couple started the group, but don't really plan to lead it and they aren't really sure they want to just have a house church. We're supposed to talk with them more about what they're doing and what we're doing. There may be some way to do both together . . . we'll see. Just pray for God's leading. J will be meeting with this group of ladies tonight (10/17)
Friday night, we went to see a couple (Brent and Michelle) who are in J's homeschooling network. They have three boys the same ages as ours - weird. We had a great time hanging out with them. They are a great couple and the boys got along great together. That was a blessing because J had been lamenting his lack of friends that morning.
While we were at their house, I got a call from Curt's (Westside pastor) secretary who apologized for not calling me back, she had misplaced the message. She set up lunch for us on Wednesday (10/18), so you can pray for that meeting tomorrow.
We were supposed to have dinner on Saturday with a couple who has expressed interest in helping (possibly). They are in the small group I'm leading on Thursday nights. However, L and A were ummmm, unable to keep anything down on Saturday, so we had to postpone it (maybe this saturday).
On the church attendance front, I got my time in this weekend. I went with Brent and Michelle to their church's Saturday night service. it was really good (and challenging). It seems like everywhere I go, the pastor preaches something that really whacks me in the nose. On Sunday, we went to Heartland Community Church (the movie theater church).
Sorry the post is late this week, I was out playing golf yesterday with a local pastor. I really needed the stress relief, so it was good. This morning, I went hiking/praying at a state park. People keep asking me what my strategy is for pulling together a core group. Most have planted a church before and say, "I had a few people to go with me, I can't imagine going somewhere that I don't know anyone." It's funny how it wasn't really a big deal for me (at the time). I tell them, I have no clue! Today, however, I decided on my strategy. I'm going to pray them out of the ground! (Actually WE are going to pray them out of the ground). I figure if God can send Peter to Cornelius, Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch, knit dry bones together, etc., this should not be a big deal. Besides, He's the one building His church.
PRAISES:
My brain didn't ooze out of my ear last week! - seriously, God sustained me.
The contacts that were made.
We had a great time with Brent and Michelle and family.
The sickness didn't last long.
PRAYER:
My meeting with Curt tomorrow. Pray that he'll feel led to help us out.
Wisdom for our meeting with people who have expressed an interest.
Opportunities to share the gospel with lost people.
The house search.
Wisdom. Lots and lots of wisdom.
Trusting God is hard work! I would say church planting is hard work (which it is) but you can probably relate better in other ways. As I mentioned last week, we are faced with the harsh reality that we can make this work on our own, it has to be God's work. We can be trite and say that's always the case, but in reality, we can usually do something on our own. When things get tough, we just do what seems best to us and we have some way to alleviate the tension of the moment. Well, last week I found myself about to blow a gasket from stress (and I'm generally not a worrier). However, I emailed Curt (the pastor at Westside) on Monday about meeting and prayed every morning for God to bring about productive contacts. Each day passed and neither of those things took place. I found myself ready to run down the street screaming because there was nothing I could do.
Jacqueline took the boys to a gym time that they've arranged for the home schooling moms up here on Friday. When she came back, she said, "I've got news for you!" A lady had approached her at the gym time to find out what we were doing with church planting. She and her husband have started meeting in a "house church" that some missionaries to Afghanistan had started. They were uncomfortable not having the corporate part of worship, so they were still attending a mega-church in town. She had accepted Christ and been baptized at Westside when she was young, but was attending Trinity now (an inter-denominational mega-church in town). Anyway, the missionary couple started the group, but don't really plan to lead it and they aren't really sure they want to just have a house church. We're supposed to talk with them more about what they're doing and what we're doing. There may be some way to do both together . . . we'll see. Just pray for God's leading. J will be meeting with this group of ladies tonight (10/17)
Friday night, we went to see a couple (Brent and Michelle) who are in J's homeschooling network. They have three boys the same ages as ours - weird. We had a great time hanging out with them. They are a great couple and the boys got along great together. That was a blessing because J had been lamenting his lack of friends that morning.
While we were at their house, I got a call from Curt's (Westside pastor) secretary who apologized for not calling me back, she had misplaced the message. She set up lunch for us on Wednesday (10/18), so you can pray for that meeting tomorrow.
We were supposed to have dinner on Saturday with a couple who has expressed interest in helping (possibly). They are in the small group I'm leading on Thursday nights. However, L and A were ummmm, unable to keep anything down on Saturday, so we had to postpone it (maybe this saturday).
On the church attendance front, I got my time in this weekend. I went with Brent and Michelle to their church's Saturday night service. it was really good (and challenging). It seems like everywhere I go, the pastor preaches something that really whacks me in the nose. On Sunday, we went to Heartland Community Church (the movie theater church).
Sorry the post is late this week, I was out playing golf yesterday with a local pastor. I really needed the stress relief, so it was good. This morning, I went hiking/praying at a state park. People keep asking me what my strategy is for pulling together a core group. Most have planted a church before and say, "I had a few people to go with me, I can't imagine going somewhere that I don't know anyone." It's funny how it wasn't really a big deal for me (at the time). I tell them, I have no clue! Today, however, I decided on my strategy. I'm going to pray them out of the ground! (Actually WE are going to pray them out of the ground). I figure if God can send Peter to Cornelius, Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch, knit dry bones together, etc., this should not be a big deal. Besides, He's the one building His church.
PRAISES:
My brain didn't ooze out of my ear last week! - seriously, God sustained me.
The contacts that were made.
We had a great time with Brent and Michelle and family.
The sickness didn't last long.
PRAYER:
My meeting with Curt tomorrow. Pray that he'll feel led to help us out.
Wisdom for our meeting with people who have expressed an interest.
Opportunities to share the gospel with lost people.
The house search.
Wisdom. Lots and lots of wisdom.
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