Monday, February 25, 2008

Thanks a latte, have a Grande!

This week is my last week working at Starbucks.  I have been with them for 2 1/2 years but it's coming to an end.  It has been a long fun road.  I've made great friends and learned a lot.  I will miss a lot about the company but not the EARLY mornings.  On that note, I have to run.  It's 5 A.M. and I need to get to work!


Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Update on Area 10


Things have been going well for us here in the last month.  I will begin working full time for Area 10 on March 1st and I can't wait!   There are a few things going on for me that I will be working on when I start.
1)  Fundraising.  This is a big deal.  I currently have about 35% committed with quite a bit more out there dangling but not committed.  I'm out there speaking to anyone who will listen telling them about the dream.  I have an I have a dream speech.  Ask me about it sometime...it rocks...(at least I like hearing it!)
2)  Hiring staff.  I need a quality worship leader who loves Jesus and wants to see a new be birthed in Richmond.  God has the person in mind.  I can't wait to find out who it is.  In addition to that, I'm trying to find a gifted children's pastor and an administrative/organizer type.  I have some leads on possibles in these areas but nothing is definite yet.  I'll let you know when I know.
3)  Location.  Our church will need to rent space.  I have a GREAT place in mind, but I don't want to tell you yet, in case it doesn't work out.  Your prayer should be like this:  "Lord give Area 10 that GREAT place to meet.  Lord you know the spot"  I will update you on this the moment I find out.
4)  Core people-  We already have 15-20 people who want to be part of this church but we need many more.  I'm praying that God is tugging on people to join us and help this thing happen.  I keep bumping into people who live in the area and might be willing to be a part of it.  We'll see. One thing I'm learning is that God has been in Richmond for a long time and is already been preparing people for this.  That's one of the most fun things about this adventure.
That's what my new life will be looking like in 1 months time.  In addition to that, I'm going to be playing soccer, playing with my 3 kids and doting on my wife as much as possible.  

The Pursuit Launches

The Pursuit Christian Church launched on Sunday January 27th in Miramar, Florida and I'm glad to say I was there!  

Matt Mehaffey, lead pastor is a good friend of mine.  He did a fine job pulling a team together to get the church off the ground.  As I told him, the wedding is now over, the marriage begins!  I was pretty impressed with a lot of what I saw there.  The team put together a quality worship service with great signs, children's area, etc.  

The thing that was so interesting to me was the truly multicultural feel of the place.  Alex, the worship leader mixed English and Spanish pretty freely in the worship music and in his speaking.  That was a cool thing and had a "slice of heaven" feel to it.  Just walking around Home Depot I noticed how ethnically diverse the area was..ie...I was one of 5 anglo people in the whole place!  And it was great to see the church plant reflect that diversity.

Matt tells me quite a few people are interested in learning about Christ.  That is awesome...The kingdom is expanding.  Here's to many more life changing stories from the Pursuit in South Florida.