a stronger #back2school

This year we are ready for a stronger #back2school for 2019. How can you help that be a reality? First, pray for all involved (those served and those serving), volunteer at one of 15 churches, give to support the events, be part of the big event on Friday (special needs students served in Collinsville) and Saturday, AND finally, help celebrate by sharing and continuing to serve!

Matthew 18:20 NLT

For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.

It is incredible to get together with hundreds friends for a common cause. One of my favorite happenings of #back2school is when we come together to put the school supplies in backpacks. That was last night. More than 300 volunteers filled more than 3,500 backpacks. I cannot even come up with the right words or how grateful I am for all the partners who are joining us this year.

It is for the children and their families. When they receive their backpack and shoes as well as the other items, we will be able to bless these people and tell them about the hope that comes from Christ. The partnerships of church groups and friends coming together is like an explanation point at the end of a huge event.

This is the 13th year of the #back2school outreach. There are lots of new locations, many new people and new students joining in this year. I cannot wait for the weekend. I love the smiles on those kid’s faces.

But the looks on the faces of the people on the back porch of The Community’s new campus was so excellent last night. I met some new friends and rekindled some old friendships. I left rejuvenated and excited about the future of our church and our work in our community. We are not alone.

Together we are stronger. Together we gain momentum and strength. Together we make more noise. Together we serve more people. Together we are seeing God change more lives in our community. And there is more to come.

Colossians 2:2 NLT

I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself.

Pray for back2school and choose to be part of this awesome event!

Have you heard of EDITH BURNS?

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns. One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her. Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved. Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith said, "Well, what do you ...

wash feet, sharing hope

John 13:4-5,14 NLT So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him… 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. Jesus set the example we follow. He served. He valued and gave value to others. That is why we choose to serve. For 18 years our church has shared an outreach called back2school, and for 16 of those years we have chosen to give students brand new shoes and socks as well as washing their feet. It is one of the most important parts of this event. Washing feet is a humbling experience where both the give and the receiver learn how to share some moments that might change their lives. Jesus said we should do this. See the verse above. Follow His example, do what He did, and give far more than you will ever know....

Catalyst ticket arrived

My ticket to the Catalyst Conference, in Atlanta Oct 8-10, just arrived. I'm excited!

Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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