I need some book recommendations
I am on my way out the door. I’ll be gone until Saturday. No computer. No phone. I will be polishing off the last of all of my books with the exception of "Breakout Churches" by Thom Ranier.
I need to reload. Tom Sterbens got me thinking I need to read "The Present Future." I now have to read "Exemplary Husband" by Stuart Scott due to the whole toilet seat issue (I’m still representing…toilet seat war is still in full battle).
So, let me hear from you. What are some must reads you would recommend? I’m all ears. Let me know so that when I come back, I can make a good amazon purchase.
Ernesto, Mi Amigo
Kelly and I are leaving in a few moments for a cruise to Grand Cayman and Jamaica. I’m really looking forward to going on a week long date with Kel for our 7th anniversary.
However, when I woke up this morning, I see that Ernesto is planning to be at my house on Wednesday at 2 am. Ernesto es mi amigo. But, I will not be home. So, I will have to insist that he makes a hard right hand turn. He cannot come over.
Technorati Tags: Ernesto – NOAA – Homestead, FL – National Hurricane Center
What Kind of Crack Is the PCUSA Smoking?!
Mark Driscoll posted this. Its nothing new. But, he had a great way of wording it. He is about as subtle as a chainsaw in his thoughts toward the Presbyterian Church USA. Regarding this story in the USA Today, he says:
The One God has kindly told us who He is—Father, Son, and Spirit. But
some chicks and some chickified dudes with limp wrists and minors in
“womyn’s studies” are not happy because two persons of the Trinity have
a dude-ish ring. So, in an effort to copy-edit God, some folks at the
Presbyterian Church (USA) who have free time because no one is going to
their church have decided to consider new names for God.
The thing that really stinks about this situation is that while these bone-knecked heretics sit around in their denominational castles toying around with Scipture and playing god with the One True God, good pastors and people who are a part of the PCUSA are stuck. This denomination owns all church property. Its an especially dangerous setup in light of the current state of the PCUSA.
The denomination I am a part of also holds the deed to all properties. It’s a bad idea birthed out of good intentions. It’s centralized government. It’s done to keep local churches accountable to someone above them in the foodchain. But, as you can see, when the denomination misses it and screws up, it has HUGE ramifications. I’d like to see this change. But, I’d really like to see what kind of crack the folks up at PCUSA are smoking to want to call God, "Mother, child and womb"?
Technorati Tags: PCUSA – Church of God –
Geneology of My “One Book Meme”
Rich Tatum put together the "Geneology of the One Book Meme". Check it out. Its a response to this. Pretty cool. Quickly, this is the history of the meme (most recent at the top):
Tagged by Dan Ohlerking
I’ve been tagged by Smooth Daddy Dan Ohlerking from Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge regarding books I’ve read. He also tagged Matt Fry, Dino Rizzo, Robert Pooley, and Carole Turner.
I’ll answer, give his site some prime, top page real estate on travisjohnson.net and, then tag 5 others, giving them some link action like Smooth Daddy Ohlerking did for me, and see what kind of books they are reading in the process. Here are my responses:
- One book that changed your life: Without a doubt- the Bible. Most books I read simply support THE Book! Aside from the Bible, a book that changed my daily behaviors was "The Millionaire Next Door." The book showed how that the profile of a typical millionaire was that he skimped on consumables and splurged on items that grew with value. Super spiritual answer, no?!
- One book that you’ve read more than once: "10 Apples Up on Top" by Dr. Seuss I loved it as a kid and read it to Kourtney a couple times a week.
- One book that you’d want on a desert island: Bhutan - it would make a great shelter.
- One book that made you laugh: "Confessions of a Reformission Rev" by Mark Driscoll. Simply an honest book by a big shot pastor. I love the fact that he’s real and doesn’t paint a ridiculously fluffy picture of the Church. His passion for mission and the Scriptures is inspiring.
- One book that made you cry: "God Smuggler" by Brother Andrew. I read it in the 8th grade. It is one of the most humbling and inspirational books I’ve ever read.
- One book that you wish had been written: The Travis Johnson story. I’d like to know how it turns out. I know that I will finish faithful. I’ve settled that question between God and me. But, I’d like to know who I meet, what great things happen in the lives of people I love, and if I get to go to the next College National Championship Bowl Game that the Hurricanes will dominate.
- One book you wish had never been written: Maybe the Bible. The fact that it has been written means that man fell in the Garden and no longer walks with God like we did in the beginning. I am thankful that the Bible has been written because it gives us a way back to God where we can know God as we are known.
- One book you are currently reading: Experience the Message by Max Lenderman, Small is the New Big by Seth Godin, and Breaking the Missional Code by Ed Stetzer and David Putnam.
- One book you’ve been meaning to read: Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell and The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman.
With all that said, I now officially tag: David Russell, Troy Gramling, Rich Tatum, Barbara Sanders, and John Smulo (honorary "tagee"=Kevin Fisher from Miami Vineyard…brother, hook up that blog, dog.)
Survivor: Back of the Bus Edition?
I’m a pretty big Reality TV fan. Contender and the Ultimate Fighter are by far my favorites. Survivor is next on the list. For the past 6 years, we have had Survivor Night in our home. Friends and Family come over and we watch and hang out.
Well, CBS just announced that Surivivor 13- Cook Islands will be dividing the contestants into four racially divided teams (asians, blacks, whites, latinos). The Bullwinkle Blog quoted Rush Limbaugh as saying, he "was amazed that CBS would use this format. knowing full well that at the end of the show, one and only one, is going to be declared “ the best”, “the winner”. The other three will be losers…… all identified by their race."
Rachel S. of Alas, a Blog says, "I know this is largely a publicity stunt for the show, and my main
problem is that the publicity surrounding the show may inadvertantly
promote the idea that people are more strongly divided by race than
they really are."
So, is this the "Jim Crow, Back of the Bus Survivor" or an ingenious idea on the part of CBS to boost sagging ratings of a formerly cool show? Your thoughts?
Technorati Tags: Survivor 13 – CBS – Rush Limbaugh – Jeff Probst – Reality TV
The Way Worship is Experienced
In Breaking the Missional Code, Ed Stezer and David Putnam discuss the conflict between "Seeker Sensitive" and "Believer Hostile" (and vice versa). Its an interesting discussion and no doubt an issue I have personally struggled through. During that discussion, they point out 13 questions that churches wanting to break the missional code of their community are asking themselves. Here they are:
- Is the setting inviting and familiar?
- Are those attending and participating familiar with the music?
- Can those attending and participating relate to the communication style of the teacher/preacher?
- Is the Bible being taught in a way that the people can experience and grasp the message?
- Is the language used understandable and true to Biblical content?
- Is the way in which the people are invited to participate in the truth clear and engaging?
- Is the environment safe for those in process?
- Is there enough tension created to move people forward in faith?
- Does the creativity used connect to those attending and participating?
- Is Jesus clearly lifted up in the worship experience? Is worship God-centered?
- Is the Gospel clearly presented?
- Are people given a clear opportunity to respond?
- Are they invited to participate in community on a regular basis?
The questions are fairly basic. But from these questions, we can critique what kind of environment we are creating and dig deeper into our ministry strategy, creating meaningful environments for God and man to intersect. I really appreciate Stetzer’s emphasis that people are being discipled prior to conversion…some times, not converting until after they have cultivated a significant faith outlook.
With that in mind, it is ever more important to challenge, create tension/friction, and opportunities to serve for everyone-Christ follower as well as the not-yet-committed. As that journey is enoyed, we must maintain our focus that the Church does not exist for the believer. The responsibility for individuals to grow in faith does not rest in the hands of anyone but the individual. The responsibility to build up, encourage, and reach out lies in the hands of every Christ follower.
Perception is Reality
I lied. I can’t stop blogging. I hope that blog entry doesn’t kill my traffic that I have been enjoying over the last few weeks.
Tonight after picking Kourtney up from her grandparents’ house, we were driving home. Whenever she takes a "Daddy trip" (just me and her), she always wants to listen to rock and roll. Of course, I indulge her. As Guns ‘n Roses played "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door," she turned down the volume and said, "Dad, why are they knockin’ on KEVIN’s door?"
The lesson? Make sure what you are saying is what they are hearing. What is being said and what is being heard are largely two totally different animals.
Blog Hiatus
Over the next couple weeks, my blogs will be rare. I’ll be moving this week. If anything gets posted, it might be a picture or two of our adventure. After we get settled in, we are throwing a big bash at our place and everyone is invited.
Seven
Seven years ago today, she said, "I do." Her dad, my dad, and Tony Scott performed the wedding in Toledo, OH. On that day, we began a great journey full of the unexpected.
My greatest privilege in life is being Kelly’s husband. She’s beautiful, intelligent, sarcastic, organized, strong, maternal, secure, godly, productive, and flirtatious. She knows how to treat me and bring out the best in me. At times, when I’ve been a wreck, she’s reminded me who I am. When I’m on top of the world, she is there with me.
When I push the limits and take risks, she is willing to go way outside of her comfort zone. When I was pressed, she stood by me. When I created problems and was under the gun, she stood by me and privately shared her perspective.
She loves to hold my hand and go on dates. She keeps our home and lives in order. She is playful and serious. She teaches our children well. She loves the girls passionately. She is "smokin’ hot." I still get butterflies from time to time when I see her walk in a room.
Today, I celebrate the fact that the most gorgeous woman on the planet is my wife. I thank the Lord for such a godly wife.
Ticked at my Wife- Men, I Need Your Help!
My wife has just assaulted me on the World Wide Web. It is an attempt to chick-ify me in front of the world and I simply can’t stand for it. First, let me say that when I asked her out on our first date, she said, and I quote, "I will only go out with you if you will stop being so cocky." My response was, "You are lucky I even called." Now, I will admit that there was some gamesmanship involved on my part. I wanted to go out with her badly. But, I could not let her know. That’s how the game works.
My perspective on life has not change. I was no sweater vest wearing pansy when we married. I am no panty waisted little petunia today. I am the King of my castle and simply cannot afford to back down in the face of this open rebellion!
At this very moment, she is hyping up a bunch of hormonal man-hating chicks over on her blog. It looks like a lynch mob and I’m the target. I seriously need your help. Please spread this news far and wide. If a man ever needed his friends, that time is now!
MEN ONLY – go here and help rescue me from this crowd of Angry Hormonal Females!!!
Top 10 Ways to Maximize Your Reading
1. You’ll read a book a week if you read a chapter in the morning and a chapter at night.
2. Leave a book in your car to kill time when you are waiting for people.
3. Keep a book in the bathroom.
4. Go to work a little early and down a couple chapters before the day gets busy. You’ll avoid traffic and grow in knowledge.
5. Instead of sitting in front of the TV all night, steal away for a few minutes of a relaxing read.
6. Download books and listen when you run, walk, or workout on your iPod.
7. Publish what you read and scan what others (like Bob, John, and Chris) are reading or what Dave and Tony are writing to keep your interest peaked and your horizons new.
8. Put down books that are boring. Don’t burn yourself out trying to read through a book that does not captivate you.
9. Review or excerpt books you read from time to time. You’ll spare people from wasting money on a lame book and help people to make a good investment on an exceptional book.
10. Keep a journal for your "to do" lists, big ideas, and thoughts. Among those notes, record the nuggets you got from each book. Then, loan out or give away the books you’ve finished.
Seth Godin Skypecast and “Small is the New Big”
I pre-ordered Seth Godin’s new book, "Small is the New Big" about two months ago. I got the email that it shipped from Amazon today at 4:02 pm (along with "Experience the Message : How Experiential Marketing is Changing the Brand World" by Max Lenderman). For this reason, I love FedEx Ground trucks!
With the release of Seth’s new book (we are on a first name basis, you know), he is doing a Skypecast interview led by TypePad’s General Manager, Michael Sippey on Tuesday, August 22 at 2:00 PM (PDT).
I like the little Skypecast spiff and releases to fire up some buzz over his book, which is basically a collection of 184 really great ideas-mostly from his blog. It gets me (a blogger) to bang away at my keyboard like a zombie, trying to be one of the first to brag about the book.
In a perfect world, the good Dr. Godin would give me some link love for telling everyone that I need the Fed Ex truck to deliver his book to me ASAP.
Technorati Tag: Seth Godin – Small is the New Big – Skypecast – Max Lenderman
God is Puerto Rican?
José Luis De Jesus Miranda. He’s Puerto Rican. He’s 59. He pastors and leads a "global ministry" with world headquarters in a Miami warehouse. He runs a massage parlor and a Brazilian restaurant at Dolphin Mall. His ministry boasts a 24 hour spanish language satelitte channel, 300 congregations, and 32 education centers. And, he also happens to be God. What?!!?!?
The people following this dude must be smoking crack. This Jesus Christ wannabe has cast aside his white horse in favor of an armored 7 series BMW. Rather than chilling with his twelve disciple, Miami Herald says, he is surrounded by bullet-proof vest wearing bouncers.
Apparently, his revelation that he is Jesus Cristo did not happen all at once. In 1988, he claimed to be the reincarnated Apostle Paul. In the 90’s, he announced that he was the "Other," some kind of super-spiritual being. And, for the past several years, he has announced himself as God. Miranda says he does "not need to go into a prayer room to pray," afterall he says, "who am I going to pray to?"
The people that answer the phones at Creciendo en Gracia seem nice and well meaning as they will repeat the standard cultish mantras regarding the deity of Miranda. According to the Miami New Times article, his people "pump their fists in the air and chant, "Dad-dy, Dad-dy" as De Jesus ambles onto the stage."
So, what are the benefits of following this Puerto Rican Jesus?! Sin is abolished. You are free to live however you like. I guess that’s an atractive religous dogma to espouse. I could write and laugh (have already done plenty of laughing) all day. But, I’ll spare you all. I just had to share a little bit of lunacy from my part of the world. Now, hopefully, I won’t attract any protests by their goon squads that have recently been deployed to disrupt church gatherings in the area.
Technorati Tags: Miranda – Cults – Creciendo en Gracia – Growing in Grace – Miami Herald – Miami New Times
Related aricle:
Why Apostle Jose Luis De Jesús Miranda can’t be Jesus Christ
Miami: Meet the Brown Jesus
RATS! This Brings Back Memories!
This brings back memories. We had a sign just like this posted outside of both locations of our church in Chicago (Humboldt Park – Spaulding Ave and Western Ave). It was freaky the first time I saw the sign. Then, I saw the rat. I tried to leash it and return it to its owner until I realized the rat was not a dog. Thanks to Randall Friesen for the picture and the humor.
Rick and Dick Hoyt
As I watched this, my eyes got hot with tears. There is so much I could say-but no words that would do this story justice.
This is simply a spectacular glimpse into the lives of Dick and Rick Hoyt. When Rick was born his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck, restricting oxygen. His father, Dick said that they brought him home to live as normal of a life as possible. The fight since then has been a "battle of exclusion." Though he cannot speak or walk, Rick has graduated from high school, competes in marathons and triatholons with his dad, and can use a computer designed for him specifically by Tufts Univervsity. Read the story here. Enjoy the video. Team Hoyt is simply amazing! (Mem, thank you for the link!)
Technorati Tags: Rick Hoyt – Dick Hoyt – Team Hoyt – inspirational – I Can Only Imagine – Mercy Me
My ballerina
I guess my little girl is growing up. Since her best friends, Julia and Sari had their dance recital at South Dade High School, she has not stopped talking about how she wants to be a "blue bird and dance on the stage."
Today, Kelly enrolled her at the Dance Studio. She got fitted for her "GaLeotard" (for whatever reason, that is what Kourtney calls it), her ballet slippers, tights, and tap shoes. I was in meetings and didn’t get to hear it for myself. But, she continues to ask her pretty mom, "Am I a ballerina?" I know she’s a little princess. I know her dad is a sucker. I’m bursting with pride.
See more pics on Kelly’s blog.
10 Things Smart Start-ups Know
"The Big Moo" is not my favorite book ever by far. But, it has some really bright spots with great nuggets worth picking up. Excepted from pg. 63 without explanation:
"10 Things Smart Start-ups Know"
1. Failure is an option.
2. Bravery is contagious.
3. Invent the market.
4. Customers are last (and first).
5. Rule books are dispensable.
6. Lose the slackers.
7. Grind coffee, not people.
8. Test for Kool-aid (don’t believe your own hype).
9. Always on.
10. Fire the CEO.
Weekend at Fidel’s?
With all the speculation about Fidel’s health, I had to do some research myself. My investigative abilities turned up this groundbreaking photo!
If you enjoyed Fidel, you may want to check out my Janet Reno picture (not a photoshop) and my Elian Gonzales (maybe a photoshop).
Technorati Tags: Fidel Castro – Janet Reno – Elian Gonzales
A Call to the new Hudson Taylors
Go therefore
and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19
In "Breaking the Missional Code", Ed Stetzer points out the growing diversity of American communities where we are challenged by Christ to make disciples. In looking at the above passage, we see that in the Greek, the phrase "all nations" is panta te ethnê.
Since nation-states are a modern development, the meaning of this passage is actually people groups. We should understand that to also mean population segments and cultural environments. That may not be rocket science but, it is a fresh challenge to exegete our communities, pray over our harvest, and reinvent ourselves much like Terry Hull points out in a discussion about contextualization and the Emergent Church that Hudson Taylor did as "he wore Chinese clothes to relate to the Chinese people."
John Hendryx at Reformation Theology shows that the result of contextualized ministry to the specific panta te ethnê near Hudson Taylor’s Inland Chinese Mission, was that the seeds planted by Taylor have turned into estimates of up to 90 million Chinese Christians in what is undoubtedly the greatest revival event in one of the most inhospitable environments to Christianity on the planet.
The new challenge is not to contextualize for nations and population segments. The challenge is reaching cultural environments. For instance, within our fellowship at Life Pointe, you will find close to two dozen nationalities with room to continue to look more like our community in the future. Within those nationalities are multiple sub-cultures, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation Americans, age differences, and socio-economic diversity. The new challenge is creating environments and establishing relationships that speak love and a singular Gospel across multiple contexts.
I do not think it is possible to meet all expectations or satisfy all stylistic wants. But, in our budding community, there is a great desire for authentic expression of Christ across cultural borders. The style has to be love, connection, beauty, honesty, doctrinal integrity, and hospitality.
Technoratis Tags: missiology – Ed Stetzer – Breaking the Missional Code – emerging church – Hudson Taylor – Great Commission
Protecting the Integrity of the Church Staff
Check out Rick Warren’s 10 Commandments for church staff dealing with members of the opposite sex. Number 3 is a "no-go" at Life Pointe…it’s probably shot for most churches in Miami. Other than that, these are all excellent guidelines for maintaining a good witness.
Reflections on my malleable years
In 1991, I met Paul Conn at the Florida State Camp Meeting. I was looking at my options for college. On my horizons were the University of Miami (via Naval ROTC scholarship), Miami-Dade Community College, and Lee University. I wanted to go to Lee and I wanted to go to UM. But, because I was a few days late on my ROTC scholarship application, I was not going to receive my scholarship until my sophomore year. Miami-Dade was my outlet in the event I couldn’t afford to go to Lee. Meeting Dr. Conn cemented my desire to go to Lee.
God really favored me after my third try taking the ACT and I received a presidential scholarship based on that score. Somehow, I managed to improve my score by a full 4 points. I ran to Lee excited about life. My parents also made major sacrifices to get me there and I worked through college from my sophomore year on. I finished my senior year and graduated by paying my final semester with a Discover Card.
I will never forget my first few days there. During that time, I met friends that are today more like family than friends(Matt Robinett, Jamison Creel, and Eric Kemerling). Matt recently moved here to Miami where he is an ER doc, Jamison is an 8 year missionary to the Palestinians, and Eric is an Army officer.
When I walked into the scholars banquet, Dr. Conn came and greeted me by name. I was blown away. That was the first real moment of impact by this brilliant leader who was instrumental in shaping more lives than any other person in the history of our fellowship of churches. He is intelligent, charismatic, compassionate, relational, and strategic in his ministry and leadership. In my opinion, he is also one of the greatest communicators I’ve ever heard.
My head was screwed on pretty straight in spite of the fact that I spent my sophomore year working off demerits I earned during my freshman year so that I could keep intramural sports eligibility. I will say I had nothing to do with toilet papering the entire campus the night before Homecoming. The rumors that I blew the lid off of the dumpster outside of Ellis Hall with a match-head bomb was absolutely wrong. I know who did it and am more than willing to spill my guts on that tall skinny dude from Atlanta.
Steve Sherman, the Dean of Students seemed to keep a seat open for me in his office. My best bud, Matt threw me under the bus in that office at least once to save his own hide! Slacker.
On the functional side, I reflect on the gorgeous fall weather, the smell of fireplaces burning, the changing leaves, the crisp Tennessee air, the late nights, the early mornings, the cliffs at the Hiwassee River, Blue Hole on the Ocoee River, the afternoon classes with other hoodlums who now pastor and have turned into fine gentlemen. I reflect on the professors and faculty members like Matthew Melton and Phil Barber who believed in me and spoke positive words into my life. I reflect on impersonating Gerald Knowles and Tony from Philly over the speaker system in the Old Ellis Hall. I will never forget the challenging chapel services and the God moments where I came face-to-face with personal sin and chose God over my sin and then stumbled onto a lifestyle of radical follower-ship of a risen Christ.
From my years at Lee, I got a first class collegiate education, a
gorgeous wife who loves me passionately, great friends, my first full-time ministry opportunity
at a great church, a deepened passion for Christ, and abundant opportunities.
Being in a reflective mood, I am asking what if… What if I had not gone to Lee during my malleable years? What if I had gotten a 4 year NROTC scholarship instead of the 3 year? I would not have met and married Kelly. I would not have made the friendships I have. I would not be in Miami today. You never can tell but, I likely would not be in full time ministry. What strategic decisions am I facing today that can potentially change the course of my life? Am I prayerfully submitted to God so that I am recognizing and engaging those opportunities with courage and decisiveness?
I ask God that we would all immerse ourselves in the awareness that God directs the steps of His people. I pray we do not inject ourselves into His agenda, manipulating or second guessing His course for our lives. I also pray that we are brave and confident of that calling and walk in it not bowing to the pressures of double minded and unstable people or people who mean well but do not see to the end through the same binoculars you see through or who are simply people who are not brave enough to handle their own battles but glibly boo from the stadium as we battle in the arena of passionately lived destiny.
Life is worth living aggressively and with passion. Living it, remaining shape-able, flexible, and fixed on a future of promise is imperative. God is the author and finisher of our faith and life. Let us walk humbly and thankfully for His grace in our past and confidently for His future grace and direction.
Videos: Missional, Emergent, Postmodernity
Below is a great peek into what appears to be a fantastic conference, especially for churches and pastors in the population centers of unchurched America. I could listen to Tim Keller and Mark Driscoll all day. I actually read Driscoll’s "Confessions of A Reformation Rev" faster than any other book I’ve read. It was honest to say the least. Check out these must wach videos:
Mark Driscoll on Style in Ministry.
Tim Keller on the Character of a Missional Church.
David Wells on Emergent vs. Traditional and Seeker Church.
John Piper on the Nature of Postmodernism.
The rest of the videos promoting the Above All Earthly Powers Conference.
Ping Pong Matrix
Forwarded emails can be annoying. As you can see here, they are sometimes incredibly creative and funny. So, I pass along a forward and pray that I do not reap more. I give to you- "PING PONG MATRIX!"
Happy Birthday, Kelly
The prettiest girl in the world and the love of my life celebrates her birthday today. She’s a dream come true.
3 Types of People in a Growing Organization
Excerpted from "Confessions of a Reformission Rev," there are three types of people (only two have long-term futures with said organization) found in all growing organizations as told to Mark Driscoll by John Phelps:
1. People on the rise who show an uncanny ability to grow with the organization and become vital leaders.
2. People who attach themselves to people on the rise as valuable assistants.
3. People who neither rise or attach to anyone rising, and they cannot keep up with the growing demands of the organization. These people will either slow down the whole organization or will be released.
This is in reference to growth and leadership. My prayer for myself and my team is that we learn how to rise and learn how to attach ourselves and support the momentum of others. Additionally, we should pray that when we become an encumbrance to the growth and vitality of the ministry, we have a soft enough heart to change or to find a place where we are not diminishing or endangering vision and mission.
Intense Ministry Day
Sunday morning I woke up early to be a part of our setup at the Theater. I have been hands off in this area because we have capable people who have stepped up. But, I threw in my help this Sunday because our setup crew has been a little on the slim side for the last few weeks. I needed to be there with them to help raise the level of whats going on. Those guys are awesome and appreciated. But, they do need to stay fresh with new team members constantly coming on board to pump up our teams that are supposed to be rotating.
Service was awesome. Remembering Christ through Communion was special. Its been 2 weeks since I last spoke to our crowd. I missed it big time!
Then, we hit baptism and the barbeque at Biscayne National Park. I felt like a proud father. These guys that were baptized are incredible. Some I did not know well. Some are very close friends. All are now family!
But, this was truly remarkable about ministry on Sunday. I went to visit a two year old boy who is connected to our church at Miami Children’s Hospital. I can’t get into the whole story but, it is a miracle that he is alive following a very tragic event. He had just been taken off of life support and was breathing on his own. I held his cute little hand and thought about how precious he was. He is the same age as my oldest daughter. My buddy, Matt and I prayed for him and the family. We loved on them and then were on our way out.
Another family had been watching us, approached me and asked for me to pray. In my limited Spanish, i said, "Lo siento. Me Espanol es muy malo. But, Matt speaks Spanish." Matt translated and we prayed for her 3 month old with a tumor on her kidney.
The same scenario repeated itself with the family of a 15 year old boy with epilepsy and a 23 month old who had drowned in the family swimming pool. Honestly, we probably could have stayed at Miami Children’s all night praying for children and families.
I just have to say that I truly love the people of Miami. I love that God has planted me here in this city and is working through me. I’ve got some strong personality traits that are cumbersome. The fact that God would use me in spite of those extremities is humbling. This Sunday was amazing and very public and has caused me to be very reflective.
Pray for the Children and Healing Place Church
I have committed to pray for the children of Africa between August 1st-September 9th as a part of "40 Days of Prayer for the Children." Dan Ohlerking from Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge asked me to pray for the Fontein Carepoint on Day 8 (August 8th). I invite you to join me in prayer. Please stop by the 40 Days Prayer Blog and log in
a prayer with me.
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twitter feed- pastortrav: @daveferguson that's really good stuff.
- pastortrav: I'm going to teach my girls how to snorkel tomorrow. I know Kourtney is ready...she's a fearless 5 year old little fish.
- pastortrav: Drinking coffee from my Beijing Starbucks mug. Zeke, the LPC Jack Bauer gave it 2 me-miss that guy. His 1st Sunday, he tried 2 nerf my car.
- pastortrav: @bibliata you should read Outliers by Malcom Gladwell, especially the second half re: why Korean pilots were having issues landing in NYC
- pastortrav: Is there anyone out there that doubts now that tax cuts work to stimulate the economy, especially by comparison? BIG govt is the problem.
