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!

Francis Chan's "Forgotten God" (brand new book)

One of the most powerful preachers, writers and leaders of our time, in my opinion, is Francis Chan. His first book, Crazy Love , revolutionized my thoughts about God's love as well as my interacting with God. Now it is time for a brand new book from Chan being released tomorrow, September 1st. The book is Forgotten God . This is a phenomenal book about the power that Christians and the church can and must tap into. All of it is within the Holy Spirit. Francis talks about the power that was seen in the book of Acts when the Holy Spirit began to move among people. It is true that many have avoided or maybe forgotten what the Holy Spirit is all about. And like the Savior who poured out His life and blood so we have reason to rejoice, we were made to lay down our lives and give until it hurts. We are most alive when we are loving and actively giving of ourselves because we were made to do these things. It is when we live like this that the Spirit of God moves and ac...

inspiration from C.S. Lewis

There are many people, past and present, who get our attention by what they write or say or share. For me C.S. Lewis is one of those. He was a prolific writer who continues to grab the attention of thinkers from many different points of view. Lewis first grabbed my attention when I was in 5 th grader, and our teacher, Mrs. Foy, shared The Chronicles of Narnia with our class. It was a powerful time that this dreamer opened doors to thinking like I had never lived before. He wrote of faith, of far off places and of strong figures who found their character rooted deep in God. C.S. Lewis was born in 1898 and died in 1963, 7 years before I was born. It wasn’t until his 30’s that under the influence of his friend Tolkien that he came to be a Christian. He was raised in a traditional church going home, turned away from God as an Atheist in his teen years and through trying to stay away from God and faith returned to God with...

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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