We are working on developing a Creedo for our KFC Ministries so that everyone (Leaders, Kids, Teens, Families, and everyone we come in contact with knows what we (our kids) are about. This creedo could be on our upcoming t-shirts, will be recited before every club, and memorized by our trained/approved leaders.
Here is the "rough draft":
I am created by God for a special purpose.- Psalm 139:14
I am loved by God at all times.-Eph. 3:14-19, I John 3:16, 18
I am forgiven by God when I confess my sins.- I John 1:9, Romans 10:9
I am set apart by God from sin and it's consequences.- Colossians 2:13-15
I am Kids For Christ!
Please let me know what you think!
fyi- We have signed up (turned in signed permission forms for 88 kids and teens at Roseland and 67 at our new ministry site Rosemont- as of last night!!!!Praise the Lord!-)
Friday, October 26, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
"Nana is in town!"
Thursday night of last week Dan Chambers and I were busy registering kids living in the Rosemont apts. of South Dallas for our upcoming (Nov. 1) Kids For Christ and Teens For Christ. We had with us an entourage of kids running around with us. Marquist (18 yrs. od- we worked with him several years ago when he lived at Frasier Courts projects), Edell (Everyone knows him), Kavon (You do not know him now but you will soon- every family we talked to at Rosemont knows him- funny thing- Kavon's last name is Anderson= My youngest brother's name is...Kevin Anderson), Denise, Isaac, Chris, Keyvian, and several others walked around with us knocking on doors. We were able to retrieve permission forms for 43 teens and kids! This Thursday (Oct. 25) we will be finish registering our last route. The area we will be registering is where "all" the families with several kids live. We could register another 20 more teens and kids!
Excitement! I love just setting foot in the projects, walking around, meeting new people, hearing their stories, sharing our ministries with them, and loving them the way Christ loves us. You never know who you are going to meet. The first night Edell and I went through Rosemont we met a lady who had just been diagnosed with cancer. Edell prayed for her and her teenage son who was staying with her. Earlier this summer during our STAR DALLAS Follow up week we sat down and discussed false religions and cults with teenagers who had previously been witnessed to by an older "persuasive" mormon lady. They allowed me to tear up and throw away the literature that had been given them!
Last Thursday Dan and I knocked on a door and talked to a family who, at first, was not very open to allowing their kids attend KFC. After several inquisitive questions the mom (matriarch) asked what church we attend. I told her that we are members of Mesquite Bible Church. She paused for a second then asked if that was the church that helped out with Head Start several years ago. I remembered my mom working with them years ago. Then she said, "Do you know a ..Jan...Ok..a..Oka..."- "Jan Okada, " I answered. "Yes." Jan Okada. "Oh and what about the lady that has written all those children's books...Debby...(My Mom-->Debby Anderson!)"- No way! Your mom is Debby Anderson?! Yes. She is actually coming to Dallas this weekend. By the way, what is your name? Ms. Toliver- Gwen Toliver.
At church this past Sunday I shared this story with Jan Okada and she, almost instantly, got chill bumps. I told this same story to my mom, who is playing with Jacey right now, and several others this past weekend. We ended up registering 5 kids (2 different families) from Ms. Toliver's apt. Was is just because I knocked on their door, served at MBC, knew the famous Jan Okada, or had Debby Anderson (Nana) as my Mom?! Or was is because of the dedicated service performed by these incredible women at a Head Start program in South Dallas several years ago. Women who humbling served the teachers (Ms. Toliver included) and kids with open hearts and busy hands not knowing that one evening in South Dallas Uncle Joe and Dan Chambers (with their entourage) would need them to reach a family who could reach a community.
Please remember to pray for:
1- Our KFC and TFC Ministries at Roseland and Rosemont (Safety- Success (God's Glory)- Salvations
2- The new families who are hearing about Jesus Christ and our Ministries for the first time
3- Edell and his family. There is always drama with his extended family. He is always upbeat (of course, most of you already know that)
4- Ashley, Kevin, and the rest of the Lewis family as they sort through what is Truth and what is not. Our new TFC ministry is going to help that need.
5- Marquist- Every knows him and looks out for him. He needs spiritual discipleship to guide him in Truth.
6- An opportunity that we are pursuing, again, of renting out a Townhome in Roseland Homes that can be used for our interns, Discipleship, Urban House Church, and...lots of fun!
7-More willing and...able churches and individuals who will help lead our new ministries.
8- All the above...
Excitement! I love just setting foot in the projects, walking around, meeting new people, hearing their stories, sharing our ministries with them, and loving them the way Christ loves us. You never know who you are going to meet. The first night Edell and I went through Rosemont we met a lady who had just been diagnosed with cancer. Edell prayed for her and her teenage son who was staying with her. Earlier this summer during our STAR DALLAS Follow up week we sat down and discussed false religions and cults with teenagers who had previously been witnessed to by an older "persuasive" mormon lady. They allowed me to tear up and throw away the literature that had been given them!
Last Thursday Dan and I knocked on a door and talked to a family who, at first, was not very open to allowing their kids attend KFC. After several inquisitive questions the mom (matriarch) asked what church we attend. I told her that we are members of Mesquite Bible Church. She paused for a second then asked if that was the church that helped out with Head Start several years ago. I remembered my mom working with them years ago. Then she said, "Do you know a ..Jan...Ok..a..Oka..."- "Jan Okada, " I answered. "Yes." Jan Okada. "Oh and what about the lady that has written all those children's books...Debby...(My Mom-->Debby Anderson!)"- No way! Your mom is Debby Anderson?! Yes. She is actually coming to Dallas this weekend. By the way, what is your name? Ms. Toliver- Gwen Toliver.
At church this past Sunday I shared this story with Jan Okada and she, almost instantly, got chill bumps. I told this same story to my mom, who is playing with Jacey right now, and several others this past weekend. We ended up registering 5 kids (2 different families) from Ms. Toliver's apt. Was is just because I knocked on their door, served at MBC, knew the famous Jan Okada, or had Debby Anderson (Nana) as my Mom?! Or was is because of the dedicated service performed by these incredible women at a Head Start program in South Dallas several years ago. Women who humbling served the teachers (Ms. Toliver included) and kids with open hearts and busy hands not knowing that one evening in South Dallas Uncle Joe and Dan Chambers (with their entourage) would need them to reach a family who could reach a community.
Please remember to pray for:
1- Our KFC and TFC Ministries at Roseland and Rosemont (Safety- Success (God's Glory)- Salvations
2- The new families who are hearing about Jesus Christ and our Ministries for the first time
3- Edell and his family. There is always drama with his extended family. He is always upbeat (of course, most of you already know that)
4- Ashley, Kevin, and the rest of the Lewis family as they sort through what is Truth and what is not. Our new TFC ministry is going to help that need.
5- Marquist- Every knows him and looks out for him. He needs spiritual discipleship to guide him in Truth.
6- An opportunity that we are pursuing, again, of renting out a Townhome in Roseland Homes that can be used for our interns, Discipleship, Urban House Church, and...lots of fun!
7-More willing and...able churches and individuals who will help lead our new ministries.
8- All the above...
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
"Do what you know you should do, and you will know what to do. God clarifies in the midst of obedience, not beforehand."- Erwin McManus
I am currently reading Erwin Mcmanus' book, "Chasing Daylight." (check our Recently Read Books-bottom left hand corner) There are several days during each ministry week that I am overwhelmed by the goals I have set for that specific day. More times than not, God takes that packed day and stuffs it full of that good ole' Thanksgiving Day stuffing, making it so much more than I would have ever expected. I want to share a few of the those days that I have had recently.
Wed. October 10th I called Daniel Bryan, a new DTS Student attending our church, on the way to my Senior Adult BS to see if he would be available to get together that afternoon. He later called me after BS and I headed over to DTS (down the street from Roseland). On my way, I called Tim Sewell, son of AMF Missionaries in Tampa, to invite him to lunch as well. When I arrived on campus I was greeted by not only Tim and Daniel, but also my brother in law- Ronnie Davis who is a part-time student. We then went to the cafeteria for lunch. While I was there I saw my former roommate from Criswell and several other friends I was not planning on seeing and/or did not even know they were attending DTS. I saw 8 friends in all during the 1 hour lunch "meeting."
Friday. Oct 12th was "scheduled to be a much needed office day...God had other plans. After I had finished as much office work as I could handle (I am not a fan of the office- but I kind of like the show) I left to go register teens and kids at Rosemont apts where we are starting our new KFC and TFC Ministries. I was supposed to meet with the activities dir., but when he had to leave to take care of an urgent need I left and went to Eban (where we are planning on starting a 3rd KFC and TFC) Park Apts. We were planning on finishing our meeting in an hour...
On my way through S. Dallas I decided to go by the bank. At the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X Blvd (not the safest of places) I saw the Senior Living center where one of our Seniors, James Herad, was staying after he had suffered a terrible stroke. I decided to stop in and see if he was still there. As I pulled in I looked across the small parking lot and saw a Chase Bank PTL! God wanted me to stop here. I went in and tried to find Mr. Herad. I looked in his room and did not recognize him so I asked the nurses who later took me back to his room and woke him up. He had been bedridden for several months! Mr. Herad was in terrible shape. He could not believe that "Teacher Joe" was there to visit with him. I fellowshipped with him for 30 min (remember I had a schedule to fulfill!) we talked, listened, encouraged, cried, and prayed together. He really enjoyed having me read the Scriptures(Ps. 90 and 91).
I left there and went the bank. I was a basket case by this time- I thought this day would have been lost to office work- God was redeeming the day! As I soberly drove through the back streets on my way to Eban I noticed a 10-11 yr old boy joyfully walking down the sidewalk- with a limp. When our eyes met he raised up one of his hands and...gave me a peace sign and a smile. Wow! That was great! I arrived at the mgrs. rent office and just popped my head in to say, "Hello and we are still planning on coming to start our ministries here" Before I could get a word out- the mgr. asked, "So how is the baby?!" We sat down and talked for awhile- she has been receiving our Encourages and keeping up with our ministries ("Hi, Ms. Haynes!"). During the conversation it got out that I was planning on driving out to speak at Grace Bible Church in Nacogdoches, TX Sunday. Ms. Haynes went ballistic! Her son is a freshman and starts as a DB on the SFA University football team. She gave me all his info and I am working on getting him connected with the Crosspoint College Ministry. Remember- I have to get back to Rosemont within the hour to meet back with the Act. dir.
I get back to Rosemont to finish registering the kids there and by that time they had started coming home from school. Short version- I did not even have to leave the Community Center to find out where all the kids live. Ms. Chastity, Mr. B., and the rest of the kids told me where all the families with teens and kids live and gave me most of their names! Wow! What a day!
I could go on and on and share with you about how each day has gone, who I have been able to meet with, special circumstances, and new ministries that we are starting up all over Dallas however I want you to please remember: "Do what you know you should do, and you will know what to do. God clarifies in the midst of obedience, not beforehand."- Erwin McManus
These recent days have really been incredible- not easy- but incredible! Please continue to pray for us- our family and ministries. Thank you so much!
Wed. October 10th I called Daniel Bryan, a new DTS Student attending our church, on the way to my Senior Adult BS to see if he would be available to get together that afternoon. He later called me after BS and I headed over to DTS (down the street from Roseland). On my way, I called Tim Sewell, son of AMF Missionaries in Tampa, to invite him to lunch as well. When I arrived on campus I was greeted by not only Tim and Daniel, but also my brother in law- Ronnie Davis who is a part-time student. We then went to the cafeteria for lunch. While I was there I saw my former roommate from Criswell and several other friends I was not planning on seeing and/or did not even know they were attending DTS. I saw 8 friends in all during the 1 hour lunch "meeting."
Friday. Oct 12th was "scheduled to be a much needed office day...God had other plans. After I had finished as much office work as I could handle (I am not a fan of the office- but I kind of like the show) I left to go register teens and kids at Rosemont apts where we are starting our new KFC and TFC Ministries. I was supposed to meet with the activities dir., but when he had to leave to take care of an urgent need I left and went to Eban (where we are planning on starting a 3rd KFC and TFC) Park Apts. We were planning on finishing our meeting in an hour...
On my way through S. Dallas I decided to go by the bank. At the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X Blvd (not the safest of places) I saw the Senior Living center where one of our Seniors, James Herad, was staying after he had suffered a terrible stroke. I decided to stop in and see if he was still there. As I pulled in I looked across the small parking lot and saw a Chase Bank PTL! God wanted me to stop here. I went in and tried to find Mr. Herad. I looked in his room and did not recognize him so I asked the nurses who later took me back to his room and woke him up. He had been bedridden for several months! Mr. Herad was in terrible shape. He could not believe that "Teacher Joe" was there to visit with him. I fellowshipped with him for 30 min (remember I had a schedule to fulfill!) we talked, listened, encouraged, cried, and prayed together. He really enjoyed having me read the Scriptures(Ps. 90 and 91).
I left there and went the bank. I was a basket case by this time- I thought this day would have been lost to office work- God was redeeming the day! As I soberly drove through the back streets on my way to Eban I noticed a 10-11 yr old boy joyfully walking down the sidewalk- with a limp. When our eyes met he raised up one of his hands and...gave me a peace sign and a smile. Wow! That was great! I arrived at the mgrs. rent office and just popped my head in to say, "Hello and we are still planning on coming to start our ministries here" Before I could get a word out- the mgr. asked, "So how is the baby?!" We sat down and talked for awhile- she has been receiving our Encourages and keeping up with our ministries ("Hi, Ms. Haynes!"). During the conversation it got out that I was planning on driving out to speak at Grace Bible Church in Nacogdoches, TX Sunday. Ms. Haynes went ballistic! Her son is a freshman and starts as a DB on the SFA University football team. She gave me all his info and I am working on getting him connected with the Crosspoint College Ministry. Remember- I have to get back to Rosemont within the hour to meet back with the Act. dir.
I get back to Rosemont to finish registering the kids there and by that time they had started coming home from school. Short version- I did not even have to leave the Community Center to find out where all the kids live. Ms. Chastity, Mr. B., and the rest of the kids told me where all the families with teens and kids live and gave me most of their names! Wow! What a day!
I could go on and on and share with you about how each day has gone, who I have been able to meet with, special circumstances, and new ministries that we are starting up all over Dallas however I want you to please remember: "Do what you know you should do, and you will know what to do. God clarifies in the midst of obedience, not beforehand."- Erwin McManus
These recent days have really been incredible- not easy- but incredible! Please continue to pray for us- our family and ministries. Thank you so much!
Monday, October 8, 2007
"Strengthening and Expanding Our Missionary Family"
American Missionary Fellowship’s
Tri-Regional Conference
Carson Springs, TN
October 1-5
“Strengthening and Expanding Our Missionary Family”
Sunday-Mike Hartley drove us to the DFW Airport. This was Jacey’s first time to fly. It seemed like once we got settled into our plane, they announced that we would soon have to switch planes due to mechanical difficulties. Jacey did a great job with the transition. On both flights we were able to put her in her carseat (plane seat) attached to an empty chair. She slept all the way. Pastor Mark Abernathy picked us up and drove us to his home where we talked with their family- Matt, Allison, and wife- Jane. We watched the Cowboy’s game until the TV Network changed from the Cowboys and St. Louis Rams when they where up by too many points!- we really enjoyed the encouraging conversations and fellowship shared with the Abernathy family.
Monday- The Abernarthys took us to Zaxby’s Chicken restaurant (I have wanted to go back since last year) for lunch and then we arrived at AMF’s Regional Conference. October 1st was my Dad’s Birthday so we were able to put him on speaker phone and Jacey tried to sing him “happy birthday.” Our first day of Conference involved several bear hugs and hand shakes from everyone that we met. There is an air of eager expectation in everyone’s conversations. Regional Conference is much like a big family reunion. This was the day for new introductions and old conversations. I am excited about this week.
Tuesday- Every morning after breakfast we split up into small groups for prayer and Bible study. Today’s Bible study (Eph 3:14-4:6) was very encouraging as we prayed for our supporters, Ministry Advisors, new missionaries, women’s ministry, and HQ staff. Lindsey and I attended a special luncheon for culturally diverse ministries. We then met with our Director of Ministry Resources (National Director), Regional Directors, Area Coordinator, and our fellow AMF Missionaries who we partnered with this summer through our Summer Missionary and STAR Missions ministries. There were 12 of us in all for this meeting. We evaluated and discussed our ministries and made plans for the future. It was a very productive and encouraging meeting. - Pastor Rich Cundall- Hessell Church, CA shared his lesson on “Down but Not Destroyed.” He dealt with the honest issues of discouragement and then finished by giving us steps of encouragement. Did I mention I was really encouraged by our Conference!?
His second session today was, “Leaving an Indelible Mark.” The lesson was based on Acts 9:32-43. He used some great illustrations and applied the scriptures directly to our lives- and ministries.
That evening I was introduced to PA- Missionary Sam Gordley. It was definitely a God- meeting. They are where we pray to be in 5-10 years. We are working on training up leaders to carry on our new ministries. The students leaders that they have built up over the years are now taking over the ministries they started. Not even knowing it- Sam and I stayed up talking until 11:30pm. The funny thing is that about the same time Sam and I started talking, Lindsey was going up to our room to put Jacey to bed- she met Tina, Sam’s wife! Please pray for their ministry to youth in the Lancaster, PA community.
Wednesday- We had another great Bible Study (Eph. 4:20-5:2) and Prayer time this morning. I was given the opportunity to moderate our group and really enjoyed the time. We are a part of about 7 meetings/sessions each day. Today was an especially busy time for us. After our Regional Meeting this afternoon I recruited several guys to play a basket ball game at the Recreation Center. It felt great to be able to stretch out the legs and sweat out some of the pressure brought on by the schedule. If you are wondering where Jacey was during the Conference, do not worry. I do not think she ever had to worry about her feet touching the ground. Everyone loved her beautiful Anderson eyes and gorgeous Hartley hair. She was a huge encouragement to everyone!
This evening we had a retirement ceremony for several AMF Missionaries. It was hard for me to believe that several of the men and women receiving awards had finally reached the “finish line” (even though they will remain very active in ministry.)
The Christian Fellowship that we are sharing at Conference seems to build every day.
Pastor Rich Cundall shared about, “The Annoyance and Adventure of Change” during his first session and “Mission Impossible?” his last session of the Conference. We really appreciated his lessons focused on strengthening and expanding our Mission Family.”
Later in the day Dan Curtis (AMF Missionary serving with his wife, Kay, in Guthrie, OK as pastor of five rural churches and camp director at Camp Joy- where we took 35 of our TFC and KFC Teens and Kids to camp this past summer) and I stayed up talking past 12:00 am. I did not think Dan had it in him to stay up that late, however I was the one wanting to get some sleep. We were able talk through our experiences at Camp and make plans for several summers to come. I grew up as a camper at Camp Joy and had a great time reminiscing times spent with the Curtis’ and their ministries.
Thursday-Pastor Rich started our session with the men by asking a few of us to help him pass out his lesson notes/fill in the blank. Before any one had a chance to lend a helping hand he tossed the fliers out across the room! His session topic, Man Friends, really hit home. He taught from Eccl 4:9-12 (The Benefit of Relationships) and Eph. 4:28-5:4 (Characteristics of Godly Friendships) and shared several personal stories of how “Man Friends” in his life/ministries had been a huge support for him.
Ed Lochmoeller led a session on recruiting. He had us split up into four large groups and discuss creative ways to reach second career adults, singles, college students, and people of different ethnicities-through recruitment. We are working on setting up internship opportunities in Dallas for Bible Colleges and Seminary students to join us in committed internships. Please pray for an increase in this area. I need several more “Lieutenants” in our ministries.
Friday-The hardest day of Conference for me is always Friday. Somehow you are suppose to sort through all the lessons learned, conversations shared, information received, and new friendships made and pick yourself out of bed early, pack up, and then head home. I am writing this final “journal” entry from Knoxville Airport’s boarding area. Lindsey just had a long conversation with a lady who was sitting next to her about our Conference. She is a Christian and grew up in Cedar Creek/Mabank area and went to Mesquite High School! Both of her sons are in the Marines and the one she was picking up from the airport was coming back from his honeymoon. She travels back and forth between Cedar Creek and Knoxville visiting family. We invited her to visit Cedar Creek Bible Church (one of our great partnering churches we work with here in Dallas). What a blessing it is to be available to God’s will.
I want to thank everyone of you who have prayed for us and ministries while we were in Carson Springs, TN. Our time at AMF’s Regional Conference was definitely worth it. We are already looking forward to next year.
Tri-Regional Conference
Carson Springs, TN
October 1-5
“Strengthening and Expanding Our Missionary Family”
Sunday-Mike Hartley drove us to the DFW Airport. This was Jacey’s first time to fly. It seemed like once we got settled into our plane, they announced that we would soon have to switch planes due to mechanical difficulties. Jacey did a great job with the transition. On both flights we were able to put her in her carseat (plane seat) attached to an empty chair. She slept all the way. Pastor Mark Abernathy picked us up and drove us to his home where we talked with their family- Matt, Allison, and wife- Jane. We watched the Cowboy’s game until the TV Network changed from the Cowboys and St. Louis Rams when they where up by too many points!- we really enjoyed the encouraging conversations and fellowship shared with the Abernathy family.
Monday- The Abernarthys took us to Zaxby’s Chicken restaurant (I have wanted to go back since last year) for lunch and then we arrived at AMF’s Regional Conference. October 1st was my Dad’s Birthday so we were able to put him on speaker phone and Jacey tried to sing him “happy birthday.” Our first day of Conference involved several bear hugs and hand shakes from everyone that we met. There is an air of eager expectation in everyone’s conversations. Regional Conference is much like a big family reunion. This was the day for new introductions and old conversations. I am excited about this week.
Tuesday- Every morning after breakfast we split up into small groups for prayer and Bible study. Today’s Bible study (Eph 3:14-4:6) was very encouraging as we prayed for our supporters, Ministry Advisors, new missionaries, women’s ministry, and HQ staff. Lindsey and I attended a special luncheon for culturally diverse ministries. We then met with our Director of Ministry Resources (National Director), Regional Directors, Area Coordinator, and our fellow AMF Missionaries who we partnered with this summer through our Summer Missionary and STAR Missions ministries. There were 12 of us in all for this meeting. We evaluated and discussed our ministries and made plans for the future. It was a very productive and encouraging meeting. - Pastor Rich Cundall- Hessell Church, CA shared his lesson on “Down but Not Destroyed.” He dealt with the honest issues of discouragement and then finished by giving us steps of encouragement. Did I mention I was really encouraged by our Conference!?
His second session today was, “Leaving an Indelible Mark.” The lesson was based on Acts 9:32-43. He used some great illustrations and applied the scriptures directly to our lives- and ministries.
That evening I was introduced to PA- Missionary Sam Gordley. It was definitely a God- meeting. They are where we pray to be in 5-10 years. We are working on training up leaders to carry on our new ministries. The students leaders that they have built up over the years are now taking over the ministries they started. Not even knowing it- Sam and I stayed up talking until 11:30pm. The funny thing is that about the same time Sam and I started talking, Lindsey was going up to our room to put Jacey to bed- she met Tina, Sam’s wife! Please pray for their ministry to youth in the Lancaster, PA community.
Wednesday- We had another great Bible Study (Eph. 4:20-5:2) and Prayer time this morning. I was given the opportunity to moderate our group and really enjoyed the time. We are a part of about 7 meetings/sessions each day. Today was an especially busy time for us. After our Regional Meeting this afternoon I recruited several guys to play a basket ball game at the Recreation Center. It felt great to be able to stretch out the legs and sweat out some of the pressure brought on by the schedule. If you are wondering where Jacey was during the Conference, do not worry. I do not think she ever had to worry about her feet touching the ground. Everyone loved her beautiful Anderson eyes and gorgeous Hartley hair. She was a huge encouragement to everyone!
This evening we had a retirement ceremony for several AMF Missionaries. It was hard for me to believe that several of the men and women receiving awards had finally reached the “finish line” (even though they will remain very active in ministry.)
The Christian Fellowship that we are sharing at Conference seems to build every day.
Pastor Rich Cundall shared about, “The Annoyance and Adventure of Change” during his first session and “Mission Impossible?” his last session of the Conference. We really appreciated his lessons focused on strengthening and expanding our Mission Family.”
Later in the day Dan Curtis (AMF Missionary serving with his wife, Kay, in Guthrie, OK as pastor of five rural churches and camp director at Camp Joy- where we took 35 of our TFC and KFC Teens and Kids to camp this past summer) and I stayed up talking past 12:00 am. I did not think Dan had it in him to stay up that late, however I was the one wanting to get some sleep. We were able talk through our experiences at Camp and make plans for several summers to come. I grew up as a camper at Camp Joy and had a great time reminiscing times spent with the Curtis’ and their ministries.
Thursday-Pastor Rich started our session with the men by asking a few of us to help him pass out his lesson notes/fill in the blank. Before any one had a chance to lend a helping hand he tossed the fliers out across the room! His session topic, Man Friends, really hit home. He taught from Eccl 4:9-12 (The Benefit of Relationships) and Eph. 4:28-5:4 (Characteristics of Godly Friendships) and shared several personal stories of how “Man Friends” in his life/ministries had been a huge support for him.
Ed Lochmoeller led a session on recruiting. He had us split up into four large groups and discuss creative ways to reach second career adults, singles, college students, and people of different ethnicities-through recruitment. We are working on setting up internship opportunities in Dallas for Bible Colleges and Seminary students to join us in committed internships. Please pray for an increase in this area. I need several more “Lieutenants” in our ministries.
Friday-The hardest day of Conference for me is always Friday. Somehow you are suppose to sort through all the lessons learned, conversations shared, information received, and new friendships made and pick yourself out of bed early, pack up, and then head home. I am writing this final “journal” entry from Knoxville Airport’s boarding area. Lindsey just had a long conversation with a lady who was sitting next to her about our Conference. She is a Christian and grew up in Cedar Creek/Mabank area and went to Mesquite High School! Both of her sons are in the Marines and the one she was picking up from the airport was coming back from his honeymoon. She travels back and forth between Cedar Creek and Knoxville visiting family. We invited her to visit Cedar Creek Bible Church (one of our great partnering churches we work with here in Dallas). What a blessing it is to be available to God’s will.
I want to thank everyone of you who have prayed for us and ministries while we were in Carson Springs, TN. Our time at AMF’s Regional Conference was definitely worth it. We are already looking forward to next year.
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