WOW God!

I have to share just a few updates about the GREAT things God has been doing in our lives. We are simply blown away at His grace and favor toward us. I have had my hands full through the summer. That is the reason that I have not been able to blog lately. To all of the regular readers of my blog, I apologize for my absence, but after reading this you might more fully understand why.

As is our regular rhythm my wife and I took the month of June to reconnect with one another and our son. I had the opportunity to teach at a youth camp in Kentucky. This is something I have desired to do for years. It was amazing and I discovered that I loved the youth camp culture. I am already on board to do it again next summer. Kentucky Christian University was so moved by my speaking that they had me come to teach for a week. I even received an offer to teach at the school. (I am honored, but I must do the work that I am doing.)

In July we went to China. It was a powerful trip. We went to support some people we sent to Asia teach conversational English. We ate some incredible food, connected with good friends, and made connections we hope will last a lifetime. We are looking to both send more next summer and to set up some opportunities for us to head back. Look below to the previous blog to see the music video of our trip.

I have had the opportunity to speak at some powerful churches both in the city and outside. I love traveling, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the story of Vertical Church. Things have been so busy that I have only had one weekend off since our sabbatical and that allowed me to celebrate my wife’s birthday. Speaking allows me to supplement my income, which is a blessing as I lead a church in an under resourced community. I also have been able to talk about College Impact, which is now on kindle. Click here for College Impact Kindle Edition

Writing so many messages for churches has kept me very busy. Add to that, I am writing another book! I am writing an e-book about the failure of “missional” churches (and “attractional” churches.) I am half way through it. So I have been challenged to find the space to blog during this season.

Here is the crazy news… While speaking at a church a person was inspired by my message and the work we are doing in the city of Atlanta and requested a meeting with the simple phrase, “I want to get behind him”. After a brief time, the person committed the largest donation the church had received. This was incredibly encouraging.

I took someone on a community tour, and the person was impacted by our story as we care for our son who uses a wheelchair. The person then did what was unimaginably and bought us a wheelchair accessible truck to more effectively transport our son. No more lifting and twisting to place my 60lb son in his car seat. It was paid in full! Hallelujah! Not only is it functional, it's nice… leather interior, low mileage, and a "tricked out" kneel ramp function that allows my son to more easily get up and down the ramp. Add to that I spoke at another church this past Sunday, and they heard about our new vehicle. They collected over $1,200 in gift cards to help us with gas. Just wow! God has been so good to us. It would have taken us years to save enough money to get a van/truck like this. We with tears in our eyes are singing, “How great is our God!”