back2school servants

There are so many things that we can be thankful for, but one of the greatest things right now is the outcome of our back2school event. This last weekend we served hundreds of students and their families. Each is important, and we are blessed to be able to serve.

The stories are so numerous as I shared last week leading up to this event. I will be sharing some of those, but what I ask for today is that you continue to pray each and every one of these incredible people.

I am grateful for the so many partners that gave money and resources to pull the event off. Some gave more than others, but each one becomes a vital part because they took a step up to serve.

I am grateful for the families that showed up with their students. It takes a lot to follow through. Some people say they will be there but never show. Some showed up late and still were served.

I am grateful for those that served. Many of the volunteer teams that worked hard with back2school have served several times. Their return to serve means a lot. A good many volunteers came to work for the first time, and these people have become heroes to so many.

Let me tell you about a young volunteer that stole my heart. She will rename nameless, but I want you to hear a little of her story. As a teenager she has a deep desire to serve others and had been pursuing God for a long time, and this is the first time she has crossed that line. She showed up several times with prepare for the event. Then on the day, the big event day, there she was again. I saw her several times that day. What stuck out to me is when I stopped and heard her ask a young student if she could pray. Over the next couple of minutes this teen prayed the sweetest prayer over a young elementary school girl. My heart was warmed and blessed.

I am grateful for the mission team of youth girls that came from Kentucky to prepare and serve through back2school. Two leaders, youth pastor and his wife, and three teen girls gave their time and energy for six days to tell students they are important. These five people stole my heart and made the week so much sweeter for those who worked with them.

Each person who served stepped up to share, to serve, to give, to pray, to make a difference, and each person made an impact on the lives of others.

Each is important. Each was and is being used by God. Thank you to each. May God bless you big time because of you!

John 12:26 NLT

Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.

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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