Let it snow! What a perfect setting for a community Holiday Parade in downtown Noblesville. This year's team set out armed with bags, Christmas Eve invites, and of course, suckers. Most of all, we wanted to remind the people of our community that God loves them and so do we. It was a wintry blast!
Had a visit today from one our missionaries that we have the privilege to support here at WRCC. He arrived in Clifford "The Big Red Truck" as it's come to be known on the mission field in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky. This is Rodney Harden and he serves as project manager with Crossroads Missions. Rodney is married with three children and has served with Crossroads for the last 4 years. We had the opportunity to meet with Rodney today and hear about some amazing ways that God has been working in his life. Please keep him and his family in your prayers as they serve and share the love of Jesus Christ with others.
What a team we had in New Orleans!Discovered there was plenty still to do in the city and plenty of people to share God's love with. This is a picture in front of Miss Shirley's home, located in the Central City, Uptown neighborhood. Our team had the privilege of getting to know her and some of her neighbors. We also helped her put up some drywall, so that her home would be a litter warmer this winter. It was a blessing to see some of the homes we had worked on last year being occupied and also to meet some new friends. God is still very much at work in the neighborhoods of New Orleans. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and encouragement. Check out more pictures at www.wrcc.org.
Tomorrow, I'll be leading a team of 11 people on our church's 4th mission trip to New Orleans. Even though we are 3 years away from Hurricane Katrina, there is still much to be done. Crossroads Missions will be our partner organization once again as they have made a firm commitment to help rebuild the neighborhoods of New Orleans and bring the love of Jesus Christ to the people there. We'll be serving primarily in the Upper 9th Ward or wherever the Lord leads during our time in the city. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and we look forward to sharing our adventure with you when we return. One more thing, this trip has a special twist for me personally. For the first time, my wife will be going with me and my Mom as well. Along with some very good friends and Brothers in Christ. Yes, we have MOM ON A MISSION! NEW ORLEANS HERE WE COME!
It was a great Fall Break with my family! Friday night I did my best to keep up with Batman and the girls as they went about the neighborhood in search of candy. What a great opportunity to catch up with my neighbors and build upon those relationships. The next morning I headed up to my Dad's to do what every guy longs to do...run a chainsaw and cut some wood. It was great to be out in the country, spending time with Dad, cutting up firewood, and hauling it to the van on the lawnmower. I'm more and more grateful for those simple things in life...they bring joy to my heart. I thank the Lord for moments like these.
C'Mon, you know the famous jingle! This is the question we set out with this past year in a couple of local neighbors near our church. Our goal: to love our neighbors, get to know them, and show them God's great love in practical ways. As we journeyed out to these 2 neighborhoods on a SECOND SATURDAY, our prayers were answered. We had the opportunity once again to pray for families, invite them to share Thanksgiving Dinner with us, and leave them with a gift that let them know we still care and so does God. The response was overwhelming as people shared about the things of God that had taken place throughout the year and how grateful they were. Thanks to everyone who got out of their comfort zone and stepped into the neighborhood this past year. And if you didn't get the chance, there's more to come. Would you be my, could you be my...Love your neighbors!
The eyes of the children I met 6 years ago on my first trip to Panama are still fresh in my mind. On Saturday, I'll be taking a journey back to Panama with 7 other men. By God's grace, we'll be constructing a church building for the Village of Chami. Not sure what to expect, but looking forward to the adventure ahead. The one thing I recall from the last trip, that I still share with family & friends to this day is this: I can't remember a time when I've felt so dependent upon God, than when I was in Panama 6 years ago. I know God provides everything I need & I'm so grateful for it. But with the everyday conveniences we have here in the states, it's easy to forget how much we depend on Christ. He is truly the Author of Life.
We've often talked about the church being a "lighthouse" to our community. A place where people would automatically think to come when they are in need of life's basics, prayer, friendship, or simply the love of Christ. Anyway, in our home, a drawing hangs on the bedroom wall entitled "Day & Night" by M.C. Escher. One particular morning it caught my eye in a fresh new way. I've looked at this picture several times, but this day I saw the local church building in the drawing. As I looked closer, I realized that as the people would come over the bridge, the very first thing they would see was the church. It appears as if the entire surrounding community is in some way drawn to it. It is most obviously the focal point of this particular community. As I observed this drawing, I was reminded of what Jesus Christ had always intended His church to be...the Hope of the world.
Bill Hybels: Holy Discontent: Fueling the Fire That Ignites Personal Vision
Great book that stirs you up. (****)
William P. Young: The Shack
Great fictional read that comes to life! (****)
Steve Sjogren: 101 Ways to Reach Your Community
Great book for small groups to find ways to serve in the community! (****)
Tony Dungy: Quiet Strength
A real life journey of faith in Christ (****)
Steve Sjogren: Irresistible Evangelism: Natural Ways to Open Others to Jesus
Great book! Fresh approach to sharing Christ with others. (*****)
The Best Yet
Switchfoot: The Best Yet
This is Home is a great song that I've just discovered, takes me awhile. (****)
Fee: We Shine
U2 sound and all about JESUS! (*****)