Advancing

1 Year

In early October, 2006, I hopped in my 1998 Acura CL 2D with a suitcase and a couple boxes in the trunk.  The adventure had begun.  A call.  An opportunity to use what God had put in me for the advancement of His Kingdom.  Driving to Bozeman I remember feeling the rush of excitement, not knowing what the future held, but knowing I was in the center of His will.  I was alone.  Deea and the kids remained in Moses Lake until the house sold, two months later.  I missed my family but felt very alive, crossing my Jordon into beautiful Montana.

One year later, I can testify that God has been golden.  Alliance Fellowship has been patient with me, a used car salesman from Moses Lake, as I've worked hard to get my legs underneath me as their worship pastor.  The musicians here are both talented and committed.  They see the purpose and value in their work.  Today we had a violin and trombone solo during communion. 

I better hit the books. (Homiletics)  Click on the sunset (Deea pic!) to enlarge.

Gunpo Or Bust

These suitcases have traveled many miles.  My wife, Deea, and son are in Gunpo, South Korea participating in this year's sister city exchange.  Deea just wrote an article that hit the front page of our local newspaper.  She was hired by the county a few months back to help coordinate this year's trip.  They get back Saturday.  We're excited to hear what happened.  We miss them big time!

What's Next for the iPod Guy?

Creative and a humorous tract from Jews For Jesus.  PDF here.  Ex-J4J here.

He's Baaaaccckkk!

Our son just returned from a 14 day work relief mission to New Orleans. The team of 21 students worked hard (mucking out houses) and played hard. We drove through a 4th of July hail storm coming home from Spokane airport. Now Christopher prepares for a sister city exchange with Gunpo, South Korea.

Pictures From New Orleans

Our son, Christopher James, is mucking out homes in New Orleans with our church youth group.  Here's a pic on the trip down.  We pick him up at the airport on the 4th of July!  We know he'll be put to good use.  Good job, son!

At 15, he's already doing most of the barbequing for our family.  Looks like he's using his super-human skills on the trip.  I can't wait to hear what God did!

I'm Going To Disneyland!

Last Christmas my parents blessed our family with a very generous present:  a trip together to southern California.  My sister, Anna, and her husband Shaun live in San Diego.  We'll be spending a few days with them.  My brother, Joel, who is attending EWU will join us a few days into the trip.  It will be a blast watching our three kids (16, 14, and 12) experience Disneyland and other amusement parks and zoos for the first time.  Soon we'll be basking in the sun.  Bring it!

Making the trip all the more enjoyable for me is the fact that Al Weiss(left), newly appointed President of Worldwide Operations for Disney's theme parks and resorts, is also a champion for church planting in America's urban centers.  As Vision USA's chairman he is attempting to raise 300 million dollars over the next 10 years to help compensate for the rapid failure rate of churches here in America.  According to a World Magazine article 2,500 churches die here every year.  Perhaps Mr. Weiss, 51, is a modern day Joseph, joining God by helping fund this new wave.  Interestingly, his father was a church planter! 

Tonight: Miller & Webb Online

I'm looking forward to this online audio chat.

(HT:  SM)

Supersize Your Weekend!

Chuck Colson graciously responds to some questions from Mark Driscoll.

Skye Jethani asks, "Are Megachurches Birthing the House Church Movement?"

Barna poll shows pastors are good motivators but poor strategists.

40 Days of Purpose

A highlight film of our 40 Days of Purpose campaign at Grace Harvest Church.

Tip: After you start the video hit pause until the video loads completely.

Tim Keller on Church Planting

Steve McCoy over at Reformissionary is an SBTS grad who enjoys learning from other camps.  One of his favorites is Tim Keller(left).  I've noticed serious "Keller pimping" on the right side of Steve's blog.  I'm looking forward to diving in.  Last night I listened to a 30 minute teaching Keller gives called "Why To Plant Churches."  He addresses common misconceptions and criticisms while highlighting the missional benefits of church planting.  Made me think.