This is Our God

A few weeks ago, I posted about our trip to NewSpring Church in Anderson, SC, which is pastored by Perry Noble. One of the most incredible sights I had ever seen was the opportunity to attend the Wednesday night worship service in which over 500 middle school students worshiped God. I was in awe as I watched these middle school honored God in their worship. One of the songs that they worshiped was the Hillsong United "This is our God." This song has never affected me as much as it did until I experienced it at NewSpring. Since then, the powerful words of this song has been stuck in my head and in my heart.

Freely You gave it all for us
Surrendered Your life upon that cross
Great is the love
Poured out for all
This is our God

Lifted on high from death to life
Forever our God is glorified
Servant and King
Rescued the world
This is our God

Atlanta Trip Recap

I know! It seems like I'm doing a lot of traveling lately! Honestly, it can be very exhausting at times. However, I love going to new places and seeing old friends as well as new friends. This past week was no exception. I was excited to take my family with me on the journey as well.

On Thursday, I met with my church planting network that I'm a part of at Avalon Church and Pastor Ritchie Miller. I believe that this church is about to EXPLODE! I'm humbled to be a part of this amazing group and I'm learning so much.

On Thursday night, my family and I met up with David Huey at Bahama Breeze. I was a virgin customer to Bahama Breeze, and I can see myself as an addict to Bahama Breeze! It was delicious. David Huey is one of my top supporters and believers of the Lakepointe Church dream. Thanks, David, for your faith and belief in us. It means more than you realize!

On Friday and Saturday, we decided to have some family time. In the midst of the all the chaos and transition this year, we needed a little bit of a vacation. We explored the Atlanta Aquarium - we were in awe, including Nate. I think Nate named every fish "Nemo" (he loves Nemo and watches that movie everyday - seriously). It was a great time for me and Karen to watch Nate interacts with the world around him. (BTW, he's 29 months old).

We also spend some time with my uncle and his faithful girlfriend, along with my cousin, Johnna (she's a mess). We hung out at the Mall of Georgia in Buford. On Saturday night, we enjoyed a relaxing evening at Stone Mountain for the Laser Show.

On Sunday, I spoke at my good friend's church at Gracepointe Church. Andy Anderson is the pastor and used to work with me at Marcus Pointe in Pensacola, FL. This church honored me and my family and gave a generous love offering for Lakepointe Church. We are excited about the partnership that we have with this young church.

For the next two weeks, I will be staying around Detroit until we head back to Gulf Shores, AL (30 miles from Pensacola). Please continue to pray for us!

What will Happen to Your Pets when the Rapture Happens?

When Christ returns, have you wondered about your pets? Obviously, they're not going with you. Who will take care of them? Well, fear no more! Eternal Earth-Bound Pets is a service that will take care of them for you. Keep in mind that if the rapture happens and you don't go, you can't get your money back. So, make sure you're going before you spend the $110.

Click here to see their website.

Chattanooga and Sevierville Trip Recap

The past two weeks, I have been busy traveling and meeting with several pastors and organizations to share the vision of Lakepointe Church.

Two weeks ago, I flew to Chattanooga to meet with the board members of SCORE International and they plan to partner with us by donating $10,000 to Lakepointe!! They will also be providing short term mission trips to our area. This is HUGE!

Last week, me and Jared Sabo (family pastor) traveled to Sevierville, TN to meet with David May of The Lord's Child organization (a charity organization of The Gathering Church). This great organization plans to be a part of the Lakepointe's vision and will be donating $2,500 for the next year with the potential of more in the future. Also, they would like to partner with us to help clothe underprivileged children in our area. What a great opportunity!!

We also spend some time with one of my good friends, Billy and Selena Hodges. Billy used to be on staff at Marcus Pointe and is currently singing with the Kingdom Heirs Quartet. They are the "artist residence" for Dollywood.

After our visit in Sevierville, we continue our rode trip to Chattanooga (again) to visit with a wonderful pastor, Ken Duggan of Dallas Bay Baptist Church. We are so appreciative of the time that he spend with us to listen to our vision. We are excited about the possibilities to develop a continuing relationship with this great church.

The final leg of our trip was in Anderson, SC, to attend the One Conversation (not a conference) at NewSpring Church. We attended the Wednesday middle school service and the conference was on Thursday. We listened to pastor Perry Noble and the staff of the children and student ministries. If you ever passing through Anderson, SC, make sure you stop by and see this amazing facility. It's only 5 minutes off the I-85 between Atlanta and Charlotte. Look for my next post as I share what we learned at this conference.

August Fundraising and Travel Agenda

Despite the economy, God has been providing finances for Lakepointe Church. In God's economy, He is not struggling. He owns the "cattles on a thousand hills" and He will provide all of our needs to plant Lakepointe.

So far, God has given us great opportunities to share our vision with many pastors and church leaders. The month of August will be one of my most aggressive months where I will be meeting with several different church leaders and pastors all over the country to share the vision of Lakepointe Church and to raise fundings for the initial start. Currently, I'm in Chattanooga, TN with the board members of SCORE International to share with them Lakepointe's vision and strategy.

Throughout the month, I will be in Sevierville, TN; Chattanooga (again); Anderson, SC; Ringgold, GA; McDonough, GA; Buford, GA. I will also be speaking in 3 different churches in the Macomb county area of Detroit. I also have some other potential meetings that are in the works. Would you take a few minute to pray for safe travel and clarity in sharing Lakepointe's vision as God opens doors?

SEVEN22 Farewell Service

I know that this post is long past due, but I want to take a minute to rehash a special evening before we left Pensacola, FL. On Tuesday, June 16, our SEVEN22 ministry at Marcus Pointe had a night in which they honored me and Karen. We had no clue what was about to transpire but it was an awesome night, and it's one that we will never forget.

• It began with great worship from my favorite band - our very own SEVEN22 Band (BTW, you can listen and download to their music on myspace).
• Live and video testimonies from various people throughout our 10 years in ministry. Sometimes, you forget the stories of life-change that happens throughout your ministry. It was great to rehash those great memories.
• Special letters were read by both of our parents.
• At the end of service, they blindfolded me and Karen, and walk us outside to give us a much needed vehicle, a Ford Explorer! We were both shocked and thankful for so many that sacrifice what they had to give us this wonderful gift.

I hope that I'm not missing anything else, but I want to thank SEVEN22 and Marcus Pointe Baptist Church for 10 great years of ministry. My time on staff was priceless and the memories will forever remain in our hearts. We have made so many friends and are thankful for each and everyone of you. We love you all very much. (By the way, we have to stop saying "you all" in Michigan - we get some strange looks!)

Hello from Detroit!

Man, it has been awhile since I've last posted! Life has been crazy since last month. June was pretty hectic as I finished my last few weeks at Marcus Pointe and then packing our home to move on the 4th of July weekend to get ready to launch Lakepointe Church this October.

Since we have arrived in Detroit, we have been getting established in our community in Eastpointe, MI. We are staying at a home that the local association owns at no cost! At the same time, I have been able to set up an office at Lakeside Community Church - again, at no cost! I have also been looking for possible sites to begin Lakepointe Church in the Clinton Township area. So far, I have scouted about a dozen sites and we have narrowed to list to about 3 different places. Within the next two weeks, I will be meeting with key people for each possible sites to find out about availability and funding. Please pray that God will open the right doors for us.

In August, I will be traveling to meet with pastors and churches for more financial support for the church. At the same time, I'm still raising financial support from "friends and families" to help supplement our monthly income. So far, we have raised about 40% of our goal from families/friends. I will post soon about how you can be involved.

I have more that I want to share with you and about all that God has been doing in our lives, especially in the past 2 months. Stay tuned to what's God is doing in the next chapter of our lives!