SPECIAL REQUEST
I usually post requests for our family and ministry, however, I had a special request today. Ms. Edna Arnold is a lady in south Alabama who has been a part of our prayer team since the beginning. She went home to be with Jesus last week. Please remember her family in your prayers.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
2/26/07 UPDATE
We had a really good week this week. For those of you who have been praying for my midweek request about the church planting coach, I decided to go ahead and apply. I sought the counsel of several people, and all of them thought it was a sound decision. As I prayed and thought about it, I felt stronger about the decision, so I applied. I'm awaiting hearing the outcome.
One other thing I've been requesting prayer on was opportunities to share the Gospel. I've been working really hard to solicit the help of believers (more about that later, I think its essential) but I also realize how necessary it is to reach unchurched people. So this week, I've been praying fervently about it. I experimented with several ways to get out and bump into people, start conversations, etc. Well, it really didn't go well until Thursday. I went to Scooter's as normal and had a great discussion with a lady who works there. (If you want to read more about the whole story, you can check out my other blog, but I'll spare the gory details here). It was a great conversation where you know the person is hearing and processing what you're saying. Please pray for her as she wrestles with this - her name is Lisa.
I also had several good contacts with believers this week. As I said earlier, I think believers who are willing to set aside their preferences for the good of others is essential (and also hard to find). I went to check on a building where we can meet. As I talked to her, I found out they are members in an SBC church where they are finding it difficult to connect. They've helped start a church in Massachusetts before moving out here. She said that she thought we were in a good area because she knew of 4 couples off the top of her head who were searching for a church like we were describing. It was encouraging and may lead to some people to plug into the launch team.
We also met with two couples on Sunday night who have been talking about helping us. They are seriously considering it, but they are also struggling to make the decision. Its a big step for anybody to leave behind what they know (friends, family, church, etc.) to go across the country or the city. I shared with them that I don't want anybody doing it just "cause" - because they don't like their church, think it would be cool, or anything else. I want people involved because they are convinced God is calling them to be a part. Otherwise, when it gets hard (and it will), they'll bail out. I actually find people who wrestle with the decision more encouraging than those who say, "cool, let's do it" the first time they hear.
This week involves a lot of preparing for what is to come. I'm meeting with a guy who's helping me file all of the necessary paperwork to get the church "official." I'm also working to finish several of the things I've got to submit for my application to a church planting network. We're being assessed (again) in March, so i've got to finish several papers, surveys, etc. this week.
PRAISES:
We continually find places where God is working.
God is answering the prayers that are being made for the work.
PRAYERS:
Our assessment with Acts 29 (church planting network) and our application for coaching.
Clarity for those we've met as to whether God is calling them to be a part. Specifically, Kyle and Kim, Nick and Kelly, Bruce and Brenda, Al and Mary.
God to show people their need for salvation and opportunities to discuss it with them. Specifically, Lisa, Brad, Mandy, Duane and his wife.
Wisdom for the myriad of decisions that have to be made.
We had a really good week this week. For those of you who have been praying for my midweek request about the church planting coach, I decided to go ahead and apply. I sought the counsel of several people, and all of them thought it was a sound decision. As I prayed and thought about it, I felt stronger about the decision, so I applied. I'm awaiting hearing the outcome.
One other thing I've been requesting prayer on was opportunities to share the Gospel. I've been working really hard to solicit the help of believers (more about that later, I think its essential) but I also realize how necessary it is to reach unchurched people. So this week, I've been praying fervently about it. I experimented with several ways to get out and bump into people, start conversations, etc. Well, it really didn't go well until Thursday. I went to Scooter's as normal and had a great discussion with a lady who works there. (If you want to read more about the whole story, you can check out my other blog, but I'll spare the gory details here). It was a great conversation where you know the person is hearing and processing what you're saying. Please pray for her as she wrestles with this - her name is Lisa.
I also had several good contacts with believers this week. As I said earlier, I think believers who are willing to set aside their preferences for the good of others is essential (and also hard to find). I went to check on a building where we can meet. As I talked to her, I found out they are members in an SBC church where they are finding it difficult to connect. They've helped start a church in Massachusetts before moving out here. She said that she thought we were in a good area because she knew of 4 couples off the top of her head who were searching for a church like we were describing. It was encouraging and may lead to some people to plug into the launch team.
We also met with two couples on Sunday night who have been talking about helping us. They are seriously considering it, but they are also struggling to make the decision. Its a big step for anybody to leave behind what they know (friends, family, church, etc.) to go across the country or the city. I shared with them that I don't want anybody doing it just "cause" - because they don't like their church, think it would be cool, or anything else. I want people involved because they are convinced God is calling them to be a part. Otherwise, when it gets hard (and it will), they'll bail out. I actually find people who wrestle with the decision more encouraging than those who say, "cool, let's do it" the first time they hear.
This week involves a lot of preparing for what is to come. I'm meeting with a guy who's helping me file all of the necessary paperwork to get the church "official." I'm also working to finish several of the things I've got to submit for my application to a church planting network. We're being assessed (again) in March, so i've got to finish several papers, surveys, etc. this week.
PRAISES:
We continually find places where God is working.
God is answering the prayers that are being made for the work.
PRAYERS:
Our assessment with Acts 29 (church planting network) and our application for coaching.
Clarity for those we've met as to whether God is calling them to be a part. Specifically, Kyle and Kim, Nick and Kelly, Bruce and Brenda, Al and Mary.
God to show people their need for salvation and opportunities to discuss it with them. Specifically, Lisa, Brad, Mandy, Duane and his wife.
Wisdom for the myriad of decisions that have to be made.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
WISDOM
Greetings all! I have a special, mid-week request. I learned of a coaching network for church planters that is meeting in New York once a month, April-September. A friend participated in a coaching network by the same group and i saw dramatic results in him and his church's ministry. I am very interested in the opportunity for learning and assistance and think it would make a real difference. Since 80% of church plants fail, I can use all the help i can get. At our assessment, one of their recommendations was to get a church planting coach. I've tried locally with no success. Additionally, after completing this, it would open the opportunity to coach other planters in our area, which fits my vision of starting other churches in the area.
All of this makes it seem like a no-brainer to me, but the concern is over two issues. is this the best use of my time and limited resources? The use of time is probably the most difficult issue right now. I think it would help focus my work and planning now. In addition, it will lay the groundwork to free up time after the launch by helping me engage others in the work. The major challenge for resources is that it will require airfare to NYC six times and a monthly fee.
I am trying to make wise decisions in this time and I would appreciate your prayers to that end. I'm trying to solicit prayer and counsel for major decisions.
Thanks!
Greetings all! I have a special, mid-week request. I learned of a coaching network for church planters that is meeting in New York once a month, April-September. A friend participated in a coaching network by the same group and i saw dramatic results in him and his church's ministry. I am very interested in the opportunity for learning and assistance and think it would make a real difference. Since 80% of church plants fail, I can use all the help i can get. At our assessment, one of their recommendations was to get a church planting coach. I've tried locally with no success. Additionally, after completing this, it would open the opportunity to coach other planters in our area, which fits my vision of starting other churches in the area.
All of this makes it seem like a no-brainer to me, but the concern is over two issues. is this the best use of my time and limited resources? The use of time is probably the most difficult issue right now. I think it would help focus my work and planning now. In addition, it will lay the groundwork to free up time after the launch by helping me engage others in the work. The major challenge for resources is that it will require airfare to NYC six times and a monthly fee.
I am trying to make wise decisions in this time and I would appreciate your prayers to that end. I'm trying to solicit prayer and counsel for major decisions.
Thanks!
Monday, February 19, 2007
02/19/07 UPDATE
GOD IS GOOD!!! I make that statement totally seperate from anything related to church starting. rather, it was 40+ degrees and sunny yesterday!!! WOOHOO! I never thought 40 would feel so warm. I went for a long run just to enjoy the sun. I have heard many people say this has been the worst Jan and Feb in a long time. It hasn't really been that bad, but it sure is nice to have it warmer.
On other news, you know the housing market is in the tank right? Well, my mother-in-law has a new idea. She's been in the process of retiring, selling her house and moving out here with us. She decided to sell her house by doing nothing. No sign in the yard. No ad in the paper. Certainly no realtors involved. She got a call on Feb 7th from her neighbor about a lady interested in buying. Her neighbor mentioned Juanita's place. The lady (who's 81) looked at it, liked it and brought her son to look at it on the 9th. They closed last Friday (16th). Go figure. The week before she had started to pray for God to send the right person who could buy it and would enjoy it the same way she had. It looks like she'll be here around the end of April. Now we have to get that basement finished:)
I also finished my prospectus last week and emailed it to several people. If you have any interest, email me and I'll send you a copy (can't figure out how to post it here). Please pray that God will use it to show people the need for churches in Omaha and lead them to either help us or someone else in the work. I met with a pastor from Lincoln, NE that is starting a new church and has a vision for starting one church in each of Nebraska's 93 counties. Many of them are very rural and have NOTHING - not like they have a Lutheran or Methodist, but not a Baptist. i mean NOTHING. I have a vision for planting several churches in the Omaha area, so there is a huge need and several opportunities. Please pray for a movement of new churches in Nebraska.
Saturday, I thought I would take a day off and take the family to a fish and game expo. OK, I know it sounds like something I would want to do, not the family, but I think J enjoyed it more than I did. She and the boys watched guys tie flies, talked dog food, watched a seminar on dog training, and sampled several things they'd never tried (elk, duck, pheasant, etc.). The really cool part for me was that there were several people I have needed to talk with that I haven't been able to catch. I think I saw just about every one of them there and had several productive discussions.
One specific request I have is that you would pray for openings for the gospel. We have several people we've gotten to know and are trying to follow up on those. There are a lot of open doors. Much of evangelism in my book involves these repeated contacts, sharing, praying, until God opens their hearts. I am probably most productive with this approach, but we really need a quicker harvest. it has been difficult to meet people lately (they all bunker down with the cold), but I really need wisdom on how to meet them, opportunities to share Christ, and some to respond. Salvation is God's work, not the result of our efforts alone, but concerted prayer to open the hearts of unbelievers moves God to work. You have not because you ask not.
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Supporters for a church planting movement in Nebraska.
Open doors to share the Gospel - and fruit from it.
God to call those who are to be involved in the Launch Team.
Thanks for the prayers - they move heaven and earth!
GOD IS GOOD!!! I make that statement totally seperate from anything related to church starting. rather, it was 40+ degrees and sunny yesterday!!! WOOHOO! I never thought 40 would feel so warm. I went for a long run just to enjoy the sun. I have heard many people say this has been the worst Jan and Feb in a long time. It hasn't really been that bad, but it sure is nice to have it warmer.
On other news, you know the housing market is in the tank right? Well, my mother-in-law has a new idea. She's been in the process of retiring, selling her house and moving out here with us. She decided to sell her house by doing nothing. No sign in the yard. No ad in the paper. Certainly no realtors involved. She got a call on Feb 7th from her neighbor about a lady interested in buying. Her neighbor mentioned Juanita's place. The lady (who's 81) looked at it, liked it and brought her son to look at it on the 9th. They closed last Friday (16th). Go figure. The week before she had started to pray for God to send the right person who could buy it and would enjoy it the same way she had. It looks like she'll be here around the end of April. Now we have to get that basement finished:)
I also finished my prospectus last week and emailed it to several people. If you have any interest, email me and I'll send you a copy (can't figure out how to post it here). Please pray that God will use it to show people the need for churches in Omaha and lead them to either help us or someone else in the work. I met with a pastor from Lincoln, NE that is starting a new church and has a vision for starting one church in each of Nebraska's 93 counties. Many of them are very rural and have NOTHING - not like they have a Lutheran or Methodist, but not a Baptist. i mean NOTHING. I have a vision for planting several churches in the Omaha area, so there is a huge need and several opportunities. Please pray for a movement of new churches in Nebraska.
Saturday, I thought I would take a day off and take the family to a fish and game expo. OK, I know it sounds like something I would want to do, not the family, but I think J enjoyed it more than I did. She and the boys watched guys tie flies, talked dog food, watched a seminar on dog training, and sampled several things they'd never tried (elk, duck, pheasant, etc.). The really cool part for me was that there were several people I have needed to talk with that I haven't been able to catch. I think I saw just about every one of them there and had several productive discussions.
One specific request I have is that you would pray for openings for the gospel. We have several people we've gotten to know and are trying to follow up on those. There are a lot of open doors. Much of evangelism in my book involves these repeated contacts, sharing, praying, until God opens their hearts. I am probably most productive with this approach, but we really need a quicker harvest. it has been difficult to meet people lately (they all bunker down with the cold), but I really need wisdom on how to meet them, opportunities to share Christ, and some to respond. Salvation is God's work, not the result of our efforts alone, but concerted prayer to open the hearts of unbelievers moves God to work. You have not because you ask not.
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Supporters for a church planting movement in Nebraska.
Open doors to share the Gospel - and fruit from it.
God to call those who are to be involved in the Launch Team.
Thanks for the prayers - they move heaven and earth!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
For those of you who are interested, both of you, I've created a new blog for my random thoughts, things God is teaching me, encounters, experiences, or anything else I feel like writing about. This blog will remain focused on updates to the progress of the church start, the other will allow me to share other stuff. That way, I can talk about stuff without offending the majority of you:)
http://leecordell.blogspot.com/
By the way, you may notice some changes to this blog. The picture is the downtown Omaha skyline. Also, there is a feed that you can subscribe to at the bottom of both blogs (Suzanne). It will allow you to get the new info when I post it without checking the blog (I think the new Internet Explorer has a feed reader).
http://leecordell.blogspot.com/
By the way, you may notice some changes to this blog. The picture is the downtown Omaha skyline. Also, there is a feed that you can subscribe to at the bottom of both blogs (Suzanne). It will allow you to get the new info when I post it without checking the blog (I think the new Internet Explorer has a feed reader).
Monday, February 12, 2007
02/12/07 UPDATE
Man have things gotten busy! We had a really eventful week that I hope will prove productive. On Friday of last week, I had a meeting that resulted in a guy volunteering to make a promotional dvd for us. The only problem was, I had to have a script written and ready to go by Wednesday night. I also had to finalize my prospectus and prepare to preach yesterday. The DVD really took a lot of time. I hope it will turn out well and give some of you a look at the area.
I had to finalize the prospectus because our Director of Missions had a meeting with a group from Missouri who was interested in helping us and was going to Mississippi to meet with some other prospects. I've also got several contacts that we are pursuing. Please pray for God to pull things together as He sees fit. We need these groups to help with sending mission teams, praying, and financial support. Our salary is being provided but there are a lot of startup costs for equipment, advertising, facility rent, etc.
Preaching went pretty well yesterday too. Thanks for praying.
I also had meetings with prospects almost every day last week. Several doors opened for relationship building and sharing Christ. I also had a significant discussion with two couples who are considering helping us out. We have similar thoughts about church and ministry, so it seemed pretty good.
Again, the frustration is that things don't follow my schedule. For example, I had a follow up meeting with one of those couples for tonight, but something came up for them and we won't get to meet for almost two weeks. I keep having to remind myself that God is in control and things are moving along according to His plan, not mine. I've experienced that before, but in a normal church situation, your "postition" is secure and there are other things clamoring for your attention. Here, everything depends on those contacts working out, so it's a little more stressful.
Please pray for:
God to begin tying up some of these loose ends for us.
Opportunities to share the Gospel - pray especially for Brad and Mandy, Duane and his wife, and Spencer.
God to call those He wants involved in the work. Pray for guidance for Kyle and Kim, Nick and Kelly, Don, and Joe.
Wisdom as we make decisions for everything that has to be done.
Man have things gotten busy! We had a really eventful week that I hope will prove productive. On Friday of last week, I had a meeting that resulted in a guy volunteering to make a promotional dvd for us. The only problem was, I had to have a script written and ready to go by Wednesday night. I also had to finalize my prospectus and prepare to preach yesterday. The DVD really took a lot of time. I hope it will turn out well and give some of you a look at the area.
I had to finalize the prospectus because our Director of Missions had a meeting with a group from Missouri who was interested in helping us and was going to Mississippi to meet with some other prospects. I've also got several contacts that we are pursuing. Please pray for God to pull things together as He sees fit. We need these groups to help with sending mission teams, praying, and financial support. Our salary is being provided but there are a lot of startup costs for equipment, advertising, facility rent, etc.
Preaching went pretty well yesterday too. Thanks for praying.
I also had meetings with prospects almost every day last week. Several doors opened for relationship building and sharing Christ. I also had a significant discussion with two couples who are considering helping us out. We have similar thoughts about church and ministry, so it seemed pretty good.
Again, the frustration is that things don't follow my schedule. For example, I had a follow up meeting with one of those couples for tonight, but something came up for them and we won't get to meet for almost two weeks. I keep having to remind myself that God is in control and things are moving along according to His plan, not mine. I've experienced that before, but in a normal church situation, your "postition" is secure and there are other things clamoring for your attention. Here, everything depends on those contacts working out, so it's a little more stressful.
Please pray for:
God to begin tying up some of these loose ends for us.
Opportunities to share the Gospel - pray especially for Brad and Mandy, Duane and his wife, and Spencer.
God to call those He wants involved in the work. Pray for guidance for Kyle and Kim, Nick and Kelly, Don, and Joe.
Wisdom as we make decisions for everything that has to be done.
Monday, February 05, 2007
2/5/07 UPDATE
It's strange how numbers affect your perception. I told a friend that so far things were going well . . . but then again, we haven't done anything "measurable." For instance, you look at contacts made, plans developed, time spent praying, etc. and those things can look good. The problem is, there's nothing about them that is concrete to evaluate as good or bad. That's why people say you should make goals that are measurable. That way, you know if you met them or not. Well, our first measurable thing is "The Gathering" on Sunday night. The good news is, it's easy to measure. The bad news is, it's easy to measure - you barely need both hands:) it went really well in continuing to develop our relationship with Jeff and Kelly. I had hoped to invite several unchurched people i've met since we were watching the football game, but none were able to make it.
Next week, we're going to work really hard to involve some others and begin praying and preparing for the church launch. Pray that several will respond.
The other bummer from last week was that several of the meetings i had set up fell through. We rescheduled, but it was frustrating that they didn't work out. I did get one to work out and it proved really helpful. There's a couple here who are really excited about church planting. They don't think they're cut out to personally do it anymore due to being "chronologically challenged," but they are very supportive and helpful. I met with Carl on Friday and he is going to help me with a lot of the administrative work - WOOHOO! MAY HIS TRIBE INCREASE!!! Hopefully, that will take several of the less exciting items off my plate. In addition, he has a friend who makes DVD's coming to town and set it up for him to help make one for us. It will hopefully be a promotional piece for those interested in supporting us. It will also have a track for those of you on the prayer team, so that you can see a bit of what we keep talking about. I hope it will work out well. The bad news is, I have to put together a script for both of them by Wednesday night. Oh yeah, and I'm preaching Sunday at Heartland. So. . . this is a busy week.
Please pray for me as I prepare to preach on Sunday and as I prepare the script for the DVD.
Also pray for us as we begin taking care of these administrative items - securing the name, domain name, building a website, finalizing the prospectus, on and on and on . . .
Pray for The Gathering and people we are inviting. Continue to pray for God to call those He wants involved and to connect us with them.
It's strange how numbers affect your perception. I told a friend that so far things were going well . . . but then again, we haven't done anything "measurable." For instance, you look at contacts made, plans developed, time spent praying, etc. and those things can look good. The problem is, there's nothing about them that is concrete to evaluate as good or bad. That's why people say you should make goals that are measurable. That way, you know if you met them or not. Well, our first measurable thing is "The Gathering" on Sunday night. The good news is, it's easy to measure. The bad news is, it's easy to measure - you barely need both hands:) it went really well in continuing to develop our relationship with Jeff and Kelly. I had hoped to invite several unchurched people i've met since we were watching the football game, but none were able to make it.
Next week, we're going to work really hard to involve some others and begin praying and preparing for the church launch. Pray that several will respond.
The other bummer from last week was that several of the meetings i had set up fell through. We rescheduled, but it was frustrating that they didn't work out. I did get one to work out and it proved really helpful. There's a couple here who are really excited about church planting. They don't think they're cut out to personally do it anymore due to being "chronologically challenged," but they are very supportive and helpful. I met with Carl on Friday and he is going to help me with a lot of the administrative work - WOOHOO! MAY HIS TRIBE INCREASE!!! Hopefully, that will take several of the less exciting items off my plate. In addition, he has a friend who makes DVD's coming to town and set it up for him to help make one for us. It will hopefully be a promotional piece for those interested in supporting us. It will also have a track for those of you on the prayer team, so that you can see a bit of what we keep talking about. I hope it will work out well. The bad news is, I have to put together a script for both of them by Wednesday night. Oh yeah, and I'm preaching Sunday at Heartland. So. . . this is a busy week.
Please pray for me as I prepare to preach on Sunday and as I prepare the script for the DVD.
Also pray for us as we begin taking care of these administrative items - securing the name, domain name, building a website, finalizing the prospectus, on and on and on . . .
Pray for The Gathering and people we are inviting. Continue to pray for God to call those He wants involved and to connect us with them.
Friday, February 02, 2007
HELPING DADDY BUILD "SUMPING"
Last week I spent a lot of time putting together bookshelves and stuff. During that time, I made a new little buddy - Leighton. The other two were busy with school and since I wasn't "working," he decided to "help" me out. He really just hung around and talked to me and showed me stuff he built with lego's. Whenever i started working on one of these projects, he decided he wanted to help. He'd say, "Daddy, can i help you build sumping." (that's 4 year old for something)
Ok, i know it makes me sound like a loser-dad, but i don't really do well with that. I just want to get the junk done and move on. More often than not, the boys only slow me down and make things take longer. I decided to let him help, though. I realized that he does well when i give him a project and let him go for it. I'd start a screw and give him a screwdriver. He'd sit there cranking on one screw while i did the rest. Then, I'd come back, finish up what he was doing and polish it off. He'd be really proud and tell everybody to check out what "we" built. I really started to enjoy it and snapped a couple of pictures.
A few days later, I was thinking about the whole deal. Suddenly it hit me. That's how things work with me and God. I bust my chops doing stuff to start a church. In reality, at my best, I'm just cranking on a screw that never even gets tight. God puts it all together and then I throw up my hands and say "YES! Look what we built!" Right.
It's cool that God lets us in on what he's doing. We get to know Him better and see things done that we could never accomplish. It's also nice to know it doesn't depend on our abilities, but His power. That's how things really work, we're involved, but He's the one that really does it.
So. . . Daddy, you wanna build sumping?
Last week I spent a lot of time putting together bookshelves and stuff. During that time, I made a new little buddy - Leighton. The other two were busy with school and since I wasn't "working," he decided to "help" me out. He really just hung around and talked to me and showed me stuff he built with lego's. Whenever i started working on one of these projects, he decided he wanted to help. He'd say, "Daddy, can i help you build sumping." (that's 4 year old for something)
Ok, i know it makes me sound like a loser-dad, but i don't really do well with that. I just want to get the junk done and move on. More often than not, the boys only slow me down and make things take longer. I decided to let him help, though. I realized that he does well when i give him a project and let him go for it. I'd start a screw and give him a screwdriver. He'd sit there cranking on one screw while i did the rest. Then, I'd come back, finish up what he was doing and polish it off. He'd be really proud and tell everybody to check out what "we" built. I really started to enjoy it and snapped a couple of pictures.
A few days later, I was thinking about the whole deal. Suddenly it hit me. That's how things work with me and God. I bust my chops doing stuff to start a church. In reality, at my best, I'm just cranking on a screw that never even gets tight. God puts it all together and then I throw up my hands and say "YES! Look what we built!" Right.
It's cool that God lets us in on what he's doing. We get to know Him better and see things done that we could never accomplish. It's also nice to know it doesn't depend on our abilities, but His power. That's how things really work, we're involved, but He's the one that really does it.
So. . . Daddy, you wanna build sumping?
Monday, January 29, 2007
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.
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 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.
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