H.O.C. Victory!

You gotta love it when God orchestrates a miracle right in the middle of HOPE Outreach Center.

Again today we had many people walking through our doors looking for a little HOPE and a little help. Though not as many people as there have been recently for a full day's outreach ministry, the right ones came today. Lots of good ministry took place...lots of prayers were prayed...lots of people were encouraged with HOPE. But there was one lady who prayed to receive Christ as Savior.

Lori met her and reached out to her with the HOPE found in Jesus Christ. She made the right decision and followed in the footsteps of her Savior. She even came to our mid-week prayer meeting tonight! Praise God for those who willingly give of their time, believe in HOPE miracles, and trust in God to work through them right here at our HOPE Outreach Center. That's the 6th one that I know of that has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior! Friends, there's a party going on in heaven...let's get a party going right here on earth! Thank you Lord for the amazing things that you are doing @ 10th & Iowa Streets!

Tuesday was a day of flexibility...in fact, everyday is a day that fits that bill. We always have people moving through our scarred facilities going here and going there: flood victims, those needing help but who are not flooded out, contractors, spectators, workers, neighbors, volunteers, staff, other community leaders, people from other churches, church members, visitors, guests...lots of people!!

Today I attempted to gather my staff together for a little team huddle...already understanding we would most likely be interrupted at least a couple of times, if not more. And we were! Our computer guy came by first, then one of our sound tech guys, then guests needing ministry, then my contractor, then people on the phone, then...well you get the picture! We did get to pray and yes we did have a little team talk today. God is good...all the time! Just remember this...you gotta learn to flow with the interruptions...and learn to be flexible for a church in crisis!!

Another good phone contact today orchestrated by the Holy Spirit...don't forget He's in charge! A pastor's wife called to let us know that our Kid's Church was being adopted by their Vacation Bible School as the church to help in a time of crisis. They will be encouraging both students and parents to bring all kinds of supplies and materials to donate to our children's ministry that lost everything in the FLOOD OF '08! Wow...what an encouraging call! My wife called her and made the proper connections to set up all the details to make this missions effort a reality. Thanks Lord for the way you are moving to provide everything that we'll need to get back on our feet and serving again!

Don't forget to help us build DEBT FREE by making your donation @ www.columbusfirstassembly.org (click on the online giving button). Thanks so much for being a part of the miracle!

Great mid-week service tonight! I think this one was the most attended yet of our three gatherings on Tuesday nights. Still hard getting used to, but getting easier every week. (I wonder how we are gonna do when we finally need to get back to our Wednesday night schedule...guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there...we are learning to be flexible, right?)

Received a phone message by my good friend PJ when we were at church tonight. I've been trying to talk to him for a while now, looks like it's now my turn to do the tagging. PJ, I'll call you in the morning, OK!

One other good note...we are scheduling more work teams from across the country to come and join us here in the rebuilding phase for Columbus. We have at least four other churches who have scheduled or will be finalizing real soon their itinerary with us for a missions trip! Looks like Monty and Susan have got some great surprises up their sleeves for all our volunteer work teams...they're gonna spoil you rotten...call us @ (812) 376-7833. We'd love to arrange a time for your group to come to Columbus. You'll never forget your part in putting back the home pieces for real families affected by the FLOOD OF '08! Lord, keep sending these wonderful and gifted workers who want to be a blessing to the body of Christ!

Till tomorrow...I continue to serve as a bondslave for my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Love to all.