Church Plantin' Jersey Boy

Reflections

2011-01-24T09:58:00.009-06:00

A brief blog about the past 2 years...

Let me just say that I am blown away at the power that God has the ability to display through willing vessels for His Kingdoms Work! Its been awhile since Ive got in detail about the specifics that God is doing in my life and in the life of the church Hes called me to plant. In this blog I will share the more personal things that I see and go through as I strive to follow God in His establishing this church.

Right now God is still in the process of answering a prayer I submitted to Him about a year ago. My prayer was perhaps strange to some and it went like this, "God I thank you for the harvest You've given me but I need help!" The dynamic of Grace Baptist Fellowship in our first year in operation consisted of unchurched, lost, outta churchers, and people of other denominations. The first year in my ministry consisted of reaching people for Jesus (the gospel). The problem is there was just one of me and so many that God was sending me. I realized that in and amongst myself it would take me years to disciple the people that God had given me (no disrespect to anyone, discipleship is a process for all.) It took Jesus about 3 and a half years to teach His disciples His Will for their lives and Im NO JESUS!) About this time I found out that a good sound bible teaching church in the area was having some internal problems (by the way THERE IS NO PERFECT CHURCH and Grace isnt perfect!) As a result we had started to have some visitors that were very strong in their foundation in Gods Word and had a very close personal relationship with Jesus in their everyday lives. At first I must admit I got scared! We had at least 8 new families coming out to Grace and they were churched and were looking for a place to serve God. This seemed to good to be true but why? Gods Word is clear on how God works! Was it so strange that God had heard my request and even answered it? YES YES YES! In the past 8 months I have had the privilege of sitting down with over 15 churched familes looking for a place that is relevantly teaching and preaching the Word of God (YES EVEN UP HERE IN THE NORTH!!!) This has been a very intense but rewarding experience for me. With each family Chrissy and I have to sit down and go over what it is we believe and are doing in the church that God has called us to plant. Now I have said alot about the new and everyone of our newer familes at Grace are God Sends!!!

Now to focus on our veterans! From the very beginning of our church planting experience Gods Word and His Spirit affected the lives of some very important people in our stage of the game. (I know the work of the Lord is no game excuse my analogy) I even began to see future leaders in our church! I saw people who before didnt even think about going to church or opening up about the realities and pains of life. I saw people establishing relationship with Jesus Christ and trying to really figure out what life was all about as one of Gods children (by the way this was such an exciting time in my ministry, its where the rubber meets the road!)

One thing I found out quick here is that in a new church plant you cant preach or even talk the same way as you would in a church that I was used to pastoring. No one understands church lingo in AR up in NJ

What I had to focus on was the milk and the foundations of Gods Word (this too was a very exciting time in my ministry and still is today!) What I saw and continue to see is this, "Gods Word is POWERFUL and His Spirit is alive and well!" Through willing vessels of His, God is slowly but surly building His church! I am excited about this new season here at Grace! God is developing new ministries and using more people for His honor and glory! Im praying that the Word of God will lead the people of God to do what God has called us to do! Im praying that God will establish a self supporting church right here in NJ but it takes time...

Numbers...

Numbers are beginning to become a very discouraging thing. What I mean is this, "Im a numbers guy." I believe numbers are important because every body represents a soul. One thing I can say here at Grace is that numbers have been good from the very beginning. We started with 6 people and lost 3 of them early. We have seen slow and steady growth month by month since the very start. Whats the secret? Getting around people! Churchplanter, pastor, staff member you cant affect people if your shut inside the four walls of the office forever! In my first year I went out everyday and pretty much (eves dropped) on other peoples conversations looking for chances to politely slip on into the conversation (I know Im weird!) I believe that if we as Gods children are faithful in looking for opportunities to share of faith then God will bless our efforts even if its not with seeds that weve planted in specific people. I have shared God with people who have walked away and I still havent seen or heard from them even to this day but I have also seen people just come out to church and theres no rhyme or reason (its just GOD). If you make an attempt God will bless your efforts! Over the past six months our numbers have been extremely HIGH 80s 90s and 100s (Praise God because its Him doing it). One thing I want to say about church planting in New Jersey is this. Its going to take more then 2 and a half years to have a Self Supporting church here (or maybe its me of little faith). While pastoring in AR I noticed that I was right in the middle of the Bible Belt. There was a church of every kind for anybody. It was like WOW! Look at all these churches and people who are in the church! In our work we have LOTS of churches (not to many MEGA churches but there are ALOT of our churches in AR) I have seen churches of 25 people able to support a full time pastor. In fact its highly unlikely to see one of our sister churches in AR not self supporting if their running 100 people consistently. Let me say this, You cannot base our numbers (up here) with an established church in AR. Most of the people in churches of our Association are well educated in the Word and Praise God for bible preaching pastors! Most of our churches have been established for years even decades and have focused on discipling the people of God! When you see a person won to the Lord its not very often that the first thing they think of giving up is their MONEY. Their still trying to embrace the decision they have made to follow Jesus and to learn the very basics of His Word. In the past 3 months we have lost 2 churches because of numbers. Does this scare me? YES! Does God have everything in His control YES! Right now we are in a season of DISCIPLESHIP @ Grace. Please pray that God will continue to develop and equip us as a church.

Wow that was alot of typing I think Im done for today : )

Back to Bloggin

2011-01-23T08:11:00.002-06:00

Beginning tomorrow!

Im thinking about starting up the blog again

2009-09-24T14:10:00.001-05:00

Im think about starting up this blog again anyone still out there?

WOW I FORGOT ABOUT THE BLOG

2009-03-03T11:32:00.001-06:00

Just checkin to see whose still bloggin. I guess everyone but me.

FACE BOOK

2008-10-19T16:55:00.000-05:00

My wife set me up on Face Book so I am more on that than my Blog now.

Baptism's in extremely COLD Water!

2008-10-12T20:52:00.002-05:00

We baptized 2 today but the heating element is out in our pool. IT WAS COLD!! It was all good though! We had 53 in attendance this morning. All of the media equipment is up and running and it was very helpful to us this morning! I came down with a stomach bug last night and was up most of the night but God allowed me to get a sermon out this morning. After services I went home and crashed for 4 hours. Things are going extremely well and all I can do is Thank God for it! I really enjoyed having the guys (and girl) from City reach out this past week. The fellowship was awesome and very much encouraging! Looking forward to going to WAPA next year to check it out! Hope all is well with all of you in the blog world.

Handing out flyers today

2008-09-26T11:50:00.003-05:00

I handed out 5 flyers today to 5 different stores. Taking it easy getting ready for Swedesboro Day tom. Our Church will be handing our free waters with a flyer about who we are and what we are about. Please pray that God would bless our efforts.

Home Sweet, Home!

2008-09-26T08:29:00.003-05:00

I arrived back home last night. I started out good this morning with a nice big bowl of Oatmeal (with no butter). I had a cup (only 1) of coffee. And I feel pretty good. My heart test was good and so they really don't know why the stroke happened. I guess it might have been God trying to get my attention to slow down. Thanks to everyone who called, prayed and thought of me while I was locked up in the hospital. I am not preaching this Sunday but I guess it will be good for me to take a break. Thanks again! Hollar at a brother!

A Thelamic Stroke is the diagnosis

2008-09-24T13:55:00.002-05:00

No clugged artiers in my neck but it was a stroke. They are keeping me longer to do tests on my heart. PLEASE PRAY GOD GETS ME OUTTA THIS PLACE! IM GOING NUTS!!!!!!!

UPDATE ON THE OLD MAN KEIFS

2008-09-23T18:12:00.002-05:00

Well I am still sitting in the hospital. The good news is that I have my computer and the hospitals internet and my wife gave me my cell phone back. I had a test done on my carotid arteries today and the test says that I do have blockage. The Dr doesn't think that it is right so tom I am having another more detailed test done. If it shows the same result than I guess I will be having surgery (The roto rotor thinger). If the test come back clean than I can go home tom. Anyway I feel fine and I have been able to relax anyway. Love yall!

AWESOME SUNDAY, but A CRAZY MONDAY!

2008-09-22T20:37:00.002-05:00

Well we had 4o somthing in services on Sunday with one Baptism. The work on the building is about done, our sign got put up Sat. Sat, Chrissy, and a few other church peoples planted about 30 mums outside the building and it looks awesome! I took pics and was planning on posting them today but I had a bit of trouble. I was at the coffee shop and I had to be taken to the hospital (where I sit now). I guess I had some kind of mild stroke or somthing. Details are still being looked into. All I know was that it wa scary. I work out everyday and try to stay fit, but I guess nothing can prepare you for the downfalls of stress and over-zerting yourself. I had planned on taking a vacation with my wife and daughter upon our arrival to Jersey but just blew it off. I guess it is about time to get away for a few days to unwind and spend some time with the fam. Its hard with me, I know that God is in control of everything, I know I shouldn't worry about stuff that I cant change. I go to God but just need to learn how to leave it with God and let go. Please pray for me. I am a worry wart to with a captital W. Those who know me or have even hung out with me for 5 min know this. The doctor told me maybe I should find another line of work. I laughed! I would never ever leave the ministry that God has called me too! I just need to learn a few more things about ministry right now.

1. Don't fret over things that really dont matter.

2. Cut down on the espressos and drink weaker coffee and less of it. MAN THATS GONNA BE HARD!

3. Allow the peace of God to fill me and control every part of my life NO MATTER what the situation, circumstance, problem, person, or anything else that fits in that space.

4. Thank God for friends who love me and lift me up when I am down!!!!THANKS GUYS!!!!

My Little BIG GIRL

2008-09-11T19:35:00.002-05:00

Ella Blair started pre school this week as well as dance class. Shes sooooo cute.

AN AWESOME WEEK IN WV

2008-09-07T19:22:00.002-05:00

Man I had a great time at this years pastors retreat in WV! I wasn't going to go because of all the things going on at the church, but Nathan Rogers and Aaron Johnson encouraged me to just get away for a time spiritual refreshment and man was it! I heard some wonderful messages, in fact every single one spoke to my heart! I got to camp out with Russ, Aaron, and Nathan the night before the conference and it was a blast! A bunch of us took a hike up a mountain and needless to say my cardio isn't what it probably should be. (Russ and AJ are cardio experts) Nathan and I were sweaty and winded, but if it were a weight lifting comp (NAthan and I would have taken the cake) I am going to post some pics tom. Services were awesome. We had 34 in attendance and 2 first time visitors! This evening a bunch of us spent time cleaning the downstairs and it looks awesome. (PICS ARE ON THE WAY). I am ready for the week! Restored and pumped! Hope everyone is doing well!

Good Sunday

2008-08-31T20:03:00.002-05:00

We had 33 in attendance with 3 first time visitors. I am very happy that God was in control, cause I certainly was not! I got a cal from Chrissy at 1030. She told me Ella Blair had burned her hand on the iron. I rushed home to help with bandages, and Chrissy had to stay home with Ella Blair. It was just Glen and I leading worship and I was a wreck. Glenn offered up some encouraging words and we made it through and everyone said the music was great. THANKS GOD! Ella Blair is doing good. Brother Chuck Fernandez did an excellent job. We took up a love offering for him and he was headed to INWOOD this afternoon. We also had someone commit to come out to our midweek home group! People are diggin deeper! Hope all is well, I really missed being in the pulpit.

Guest Speaker this Sunday

2008-08-26T19:40:00.003-05:00

I completely forgot that I am not preaching this Sunday. Oh well Ive got my message ready for next week. Brother Chuck Fernendaz (Missionary to Africa) will be with us Sunday morning. I met this brother while doing deputation. I beleive God is going to great things through him. The building is coming along very well. We just ordered all of our new media equipment (NOT CHEAP) we spent 10 gran! I am so excited that our building is beginning to look ALIVE again. I spent the day cutting 10 acres of grass with the new mower we just purchased. The property looks great. I continue to see the community stop and stare as they drive by to try and get a glimpse of what is going on. Our new sign should be ready in about two weeks and Robbie Myers (Cave City) is working on our flyers and posters for the community. We will start door knocking in about 3 weeks. Hope all is well with everyone!

GOING TO A PHILLIES GAME

2008-08-22T21:25:00.002-05:00

Well Sat I will be going to the Phillies / Dodgers game. Glen (One of our worship leaders) got some tickets and asked me to come along. I am very excited! The work is going well on the building. As of today the sanctuary is about finished, and the outside work is on going. We had a good teen group out tonight, about 20. Hope everyone is doing well.

THEYRE HERE!

2008-08-22T07:47:00.002-05:00

I arrived at the church this morning at about 7:30am to find the painters busy at it (in the sanctuary) and also the exterior guys starting to put up our new siding! I am so excited to see how things are going to turn out! Ill take some pics as the work continues and post them. Im gonna go work on my student lesson for tonight, LATER

Still waiting on the Construction Workers to Get started

2008-08-21T20:00:00.002-05:00

Hurry up and wait! I thought the outside construction was going to start today but, well they say tom... We'll see. Painters will start tom. I spent most of the morning cleaning out the rest of the rooms downstairs. I finally got rid of the last bit of "junk". But something was different today and that was the fact that I had help! A couple from our church came out and helped Chrissy, Ella Blair and I!!! I got my sermon finished up for Sunday, CANT WAIT TO PREACH! I have to meet the carpet guy at 9 tom to give him the deposit for the work he will start after the painters are finished. I had an awesome meatball sandwich for dinner tonight! MMMMM gotta love them Jersey sandwiches.

SIT DOWNS WITH PEOPLE

2008-08-19T04:30:00.002-05:00

I had the chance to sit down and talk to an awesome couple whose son I baptized last month. I was able to talk to them about their faith and let them know exactly what Grace Baptist was all about. Please pray for the seed that was planted into this families life. I also am having lunch today with another one of our teens father. Please pray about this appointment as well. I am trying to plant seeds and I am praying that God will bless these seeds. Hope everyone has a good day! Also our new church sign is being constructed and the building will start going thru its "face lift" the end of this week. We will be...

- Painting the entire inside of the building

- Getting new siding on the exterior

- New lighting in the sanctuary

- New carpet thru out the downstairs

- Having some minor construction done in various places in and around the building

The purpose is to allow Gods House to reflect the True Beauty of who God is, If that is at all possible.

Good Sunday and a Good Huddle

2008-08-18T04:36:00.002-05:00

We had 30 in services this morning. Attendance is hanging on in the low to upper 30s. We did have a first time visitor. Yesterday we had a Huddle to discuss our official first OUTREACH attempt that will be help this Fall called Community Day. Plans are being made to let the community know who we are and what we are about.

Good Worship

2008-08-10T19:52:00.002-05:00

We didn't have 62, we had a total of 32 but man we had a wonderful time giving praise, worship, and glory to God! I preached on the subject "How Important Is The Church?" Alters were filled with people who were getting with God. I love the POWER of Gods Word and His great and wonderful church! We are making progress. We just ordered our new logo'd sign for the front of the church building. We will be having a work day on the property in the coming weeks. The goal is to paint the entire downstairs. We are in the process of getting ready to give the building a much needed face lift. Thank you for your prayers as I am praying for all of you!

New Phone Number

2008-08-05T20:23:00.002-05:00

Heres my new JERSEY number. 1 856 217 5636

Check this out

2008-08-03T20:13:00.002-05:00

Check this out. A play off of the MAC/PC commercials, pretty cool

WOW

2008-08-03T13:21:00.002-05:00

We had a wonderful Service Today! 62 in attendance and 4 baptized!!! I was in AWE! God did it and I was just a spectator of His Work! I know there will be ups and downs but this Sunday was def an UP! God rocked the house!

GOOD NEWS

2008-07-31T08:47:00.002-05:00

Well I got a 2nd opinion on the AC units and it seems they dont all have to be replaced! Hopefully by Sunday all will be operational. We still need to replace two of the four but they will prayerfully work until we cross that bridge. Got my message finished for Sunday. Title: "Are you suffering from split personality" Talking about the battle between spirit and flesh (Good vs. Evil) (The Jekle and Hyde mentality) that we all deal with. Going to Cracker Barrel Friday to catch up on my Southern Eatin. CANT WAIT! We are baptizing 2 this SUNDAY!!! Im really looking forward to that. Hope all is well.

Man No Time To Blog

2008-07-29T15:01:00.002-05:00

Well it has been an extremely busy week. Last weekend my family and I went to Wildwood NJ AKA THE SHORE for the day. It was nice, Ella Blair loved the ocean and the rides. This week everything mechanical that could go wrong with a church building has gone wrong. Phones are out, 3 of the 4 AC units are out. Ive been meeting with contractors and technicians to see what its going to cost us. Needless to say alot. Last Sundays service was good. Numbers were down a bit because of people traveling but still had a good offering. Worship has been AWESOME. We just had a Woolwich COP commit to be on our praise team and man can he sing!!! A few problems have arose with the changes that are being made but I was expecting that. Anyway we are still plugging on! Hope everyone is doing well!

AWESOME SERVICE ON SUNDAY

2008-07-20T21:43:00.002-05:00

We had 32 people present. 5 children and an offering near 900.00 again! 5 First time visitors (products of seeds that were planted the week before). God was truly present in our services. AWESOME Worship lead by my wife and I. I preached on building up the church through corporate worship. I am having dinner with a couple who has an 8 month old daughter this Tuesday. We are starting our small group home Bible this Wendesday at our house. We have about 18 planning to attend. God is Good! I'm loving it!!!

At Muggs Coffee Shop

2008-07-15T06:59:00.003-05:00

Well I hear from other church planters that the coffee houses are the place to go to get some studying done. I like the coffee and the chance to talk to people. Last Sunday went very well! We had 18 people come and commit themselves to the New Work. We took up an offering of just under 1,000. There were a total of 28 people there. We also decided on the new name of the work, "Grace Baptist Fellowship." Now we are in the process of looking at getting some much needed repairs and updates done to the building. I spent time at the lawyers office this week working on getting the name changed. Its not just a matter of voting the legal aspect is a real pain. Thats Jersey for you. I am excited because this Thursday I have an appointment to talk with a couple about their involvement in the Church. God continues to keep me busy and I thank Him for that! Anyone who knows someone who is good in designing a logo for our church please let me know. We are trying to get things going to send a message to the community that we are here. Hope all is well with everyone. Dont forget UFC FIGHT NIGHT is on this Sat. Night. Its free on SPIKE.

Getting Ready For Commitment Sunday

2008-07-12T20:14:00.002-05:00

This Sunday we will be having our Commitment Sunday. People have heard what is on my heart about this New Church Plant and have taken this past week to pray about their involvement. At the conclusion of the morning service we will have all those who are on board with the new church plant come down to the alter to commit their hearts to this new work and to the people in the community. We will also have a new church name after this Sunday. I'll share that with you later. I had a good talk with many good prospects this past week and I hope to see some of them in our services this week.

UFC TONIGHT BABY!

2008-07-05T19:46:00.002-05:00

I will be watching Rampage Jackson tear apart Forrest Griffen tonight with a couple of my best friends from Jersey! I am also looking forward to preaching tom morning! "Is there Anything God Can't Do" is the title of my message. House is just about unpacked!!! I LUV JERSEY!

WOOOOOAAAAA NELLY!

2008-07-03T20:51:00.002-05:00

I am TIRED PHYSICALLY! Man I am thanking God that I am not a full time mover! We just about got everything unpacked in the house. I got my office set up in the church today. I don't know if you all heard but my first Sunday I had a 62 year old man with a Catholic Background receive Jesus Christ after our Morning Service. He wants to be baptized! WOW God truly is worthy of Praise. This week we will be discuss the name change and the things I have in mind about the churches "make over." (IT REALLY NEEDS IT!) But next week I am going to be starting to make a bunch of contacts to some pretty good prospects. Chrissy and I just had dinner with a family who use to attend years ago and have committed to be a part of the new Church Plant! Thanks for all your prayers. OH I HAD 3 Cheesesteaks, 1 hoagie and 2 pizzas since I have been back MMMMMM. But no catfish MAN!

THE COUNTDOWN

2008-06-24T07:24:00.003-05:00

OK so I havent posted in a while. Been busy packin and sayin our goodbyes to family and friends. We are getting ready to load up our moving truck this Thursday for our 1800 mile trip to NJ! We will be leaving AR Friday morning and driving all day Friday and Sat with hopes that we will arrive in NJ Sat evening. I am wanting to get there before Sunday so I can preach. Please pray that...

1. All of our stuff will fit on the truck

2. Safe travels

3. Hearts in NJ

4. The start of The Jersey Plant

I thank God for all that He has done for my family over the past year leading up to this move. Thank God for all of our supporting churches and people who are praying for the souls of the people in NJ

GOD IS SOOOOOO GOOD!

WE MADE IT TO SPOKANE

2008-06-16T09:47:00.001-05:00

Well we arrived yesterday and it is simply beautiful! Today we are going to do some sight seeing and tonight is missionary share time so I am excited about that. I am ready to get this trip over with so that I can start packing for Jersey!!!!

Long Time No Post

2008-06-11T15:26:00.002-05:00

Wow its been a while. Last week we were at the lake unwinding. It took me a few days to realize there was nothing for me to do. We got news at the end of our vacation that Chrissys stepfather (age 52) passed away from a diabetic coma. We returned to Benton to spend time with family and friends and to make arrangements for the funeral. Please keep our family in your prayers. I have been spending alot of time with Ella Blair so Chrissy could be with her mom. I found out that keeping a 2 year old full time is an EXTREMELY HARD Job! Much respect to Chrissy who does this constantly! This week we are getting ready to go to Washington for the National Meeting. We will be leaving Sunday afternoon. After getting back from Spokane we will have just a week to get all of our stuff packed up and then we are headed up to Jersey. I am so excited to get onto the field! Hope all is well with everyone! Holla at a Brother!

Thank You For Praying For Ryan!!!

2008-05-29T21:43:00.002-05:00

Prayers are working. Ryan one of my long time friends from New Jersey has shown much improvement. He is now breathing on his own and he is out of ICU! His liver is better than what it was (even though it is not where it needs to be) and he is starting to communicate with some of his family and friends. He is still having problems with his kidneys they are completely shut down. He is on dialysis and the doctors are going to see if that helps his kidneys any. PLEASE KEEP PRAYING! I believe God is going to do something amazing with Ryan.

OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE WITH OPENED UP PORCH

2008-05-28T22:50:00.001-05:00

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE AND AFTER PICS OF OUR HOME IN NJ

2008-05-26T22:43:00.001-05:00

Ella Blairs Room Before

After

Office Before

After

2008-05-26T22:39:00.003-05:00

Dining Room After

Before

After

Our Room Before (Above) and After Below

2008-05-26T22:36:00.001-05:00

Entrance Before

Entrance After

Living Room Before

Living Room After

Dining Room Before (After continued on the next Blog)

PLEASE PRAY

2008-05-24T09:35:00.002-05:00

I just found out this morning that a old time friend of mine was taken to the hospital last night because of a drug overdose. This friend helped me out on my house this past week. His sister found him unresponsive last night but was able to revive him through CPR. He is in ICU and the doctors are checking his brain for damage. Pray that God would have His Will in this situation and that this would be an opportunity for Ryan to experience Gods power in his life. I am praying that this will be a wake up call for Ryan! I believe God has a plan for this man. Thanks!

IT IS FINISHED! (Well at least for now...)

2008-05-22T15:43:00.002-05:00

Well I had a grueling 7 days of straight up hard work! We were able to tear out all the carpet in the house, prime all the walls, paint all the walls, fix some sheet rock, (sand, stain, and gloss, all the floors), mow the grass, rip out a large bush, do some minor electrical tasks, and well that is about it. Aaron left this morning to head back home. I am SORE and he says hes not so I guess he is in better shape than I am (Biking must be better than weights.) God is so good! We are ready to move in with a few other things to do once we get in next month. We are leaving tomorrow morning to fly back to LR. Thanks again AJ without your help we wouldn't have been able to complete the things we needed to do. I saw a few people in the area I new and was able to talk to them and let each one know what God has in store for me here in this area. I am really excited about getting up here! PLEASE PRAY! We are needing to raise about 7,000 for windows in the house. The windows that are in place are as old as the house. Can't wait to sleep in my own bed tomorrow night!!!

2008-05-21T19:48:00.001-05:00

http://www.tonylukes.com/cheesesteaksong.htm

Check out this PHILLY JAM!

SUPERMAN ARRIVED TODAY!

2008-05-19T20:29:00.002-05:00

Well good ol' Johnson and Johnson (aka Aaron Johnson) arrived today! Hey brought me my new ride for gettin around Jersey when I get up here for good next month. He also helped us A BUNCH today! We were able to finish painting every room but one. We also started ripping out the carpets. We got all of the upstairs carpet out and the carpet on the stairs out. Tomorrow we will get the rest of the downstairs carpet out and begin getting all the hardwood floors ready for sanding. Man I was so encouraged to have him with me! We had a cheese steak today from PATS (that was Aaron's first Philly Steak.) Hopefully if things go well tomorrow we will venture out to South Philly for an authentic "South Philly Cheese Steak." THANK GOD FOR FRIENDS! I appreciate you so much Johnson!

WORKIN HARD

2008-05-16T18:47:00.002-05:00

Well day two and I just finished primering (is that a word) the entire house. The people who lived in the house the 30 years before us smoked. All of the walls and ceiling were once white and wallpaper but the over all color through out the house was BROWN. The entire house was stained with NICOTINE. We will start painting tomorrow and hopefully we will have the entire house painted and all of the carpets ripped out bay the end of next week. I cant wait to preach SUNDAY! Hope all is well with everyone. Wish you all were here!

WE MADE IT TO NEW JERSEY!

2008-05-14T15:30:00.002-05:00

We just got into NJ. I am very tired! We all got up this morning at 4:00 am. I already got to talk with an old time buddy of mine from high school. I told him what I was doing here and the first thing he asked me "Could you baptize my newborn baby daughter?" I was able to talk to him about what baptism was all about. He listened and responded "really, thats not what I thought." God already gave me an oppurtunity to share my faith with someone with only being off the plane for about 2 hours. God is GOOD!!

2008-05-12T22:07:00.007-05:00

Closing on this bad-boy Thursday!

PICS OF THE FAM

2008-05-12T21:52:00.003-05:00

Cuttin Grass

Cheese

Easter 08 in Jersey

My Baby Girl

CHIGGERS!

2008-05-12T19:49:00.001-05:00

UHHHHH! I cut the grass and I got CHIGGERS! This is one little bug (or whatever it is) that I will not miss down here in Arkansas!!! Itch, Itch, Scratch, Scratch

MOTHERS DAY

2008-05-11T20:39:00.002-05:00

What a great day I had with my wife and my beautiful daughter. We went to Kentucky MBC and listened to an excellent sermon by Danny Heidelburg (youth pastor there). After services we went to Chrissys Mi Mi's (AKA in the north as grandmother) and had a delicious meal with all of her family. Ella Blair enjoyed riding in the wagon and picking "flowers" a she calls them (dandylions AKA WEEDS). Ella Blair and I also spent time this afternoon playing Hide and Seek outside. I am really looking forward to our trip to New Jersey this week. Please pray for us as we travel. I've attached a picture of my two lovely ladies taken on Mothers Day. Holla!!

A VERY RELAXING DAY!

2008-05-10T13:42:00.002-05:00

Well even though I couldn't lift weights this morning I did get outside to cut all the grass on the church grounds at Kentucky MBC. I feel like that is the least I can do since the church is so generously allowing us to stay in their parsonage (rent free) until we make our final trip to Jersey. My daughter wanted to help this morning so we got on the riding mower and mowed father and daughter style. Ella Blair is growing up so fast! She is communicating with not just one or two words but sentences now! Her speech therapy is doing wonders! Sunday we will be spending Mothers Day at Kentucky MBC and having lunch with Chrissys family. Monday will be my lat day as a Case Manager and Thursday we will be in New Jersey closing on our house and meeting with a builder to get all of the 31 windows replaced. I will be preaching in New Jersey that Sunday and painting, painting, and did I mention painting all of the following week. Hope everyone has a good weekend! Man I really like not having anything to do today!!! Holla at a brother!

WHY DOESN'T MY BODY WORK LIKE IT USE TOO??? Don't answer that!

2008-05-08T19:14:00.003-05:00

Well this morning I got up as I always do at 5:30 am to do my daily session of weight training. I put my weight on my curl bar and began working out. About three sets into my work out I went to put the bar down when I felt one of my lower back muscles (draw up just like a window shade). Needless to say I was at the doctor because of a pulled muscle in my lower back. I guess I have to take a break from liften for a week. Anyway on a more positive note I am looking forward to a fun filled weekend with no traveling but just precious time with my family. But NO LIFTEN man thats soooo not cool. Hope everyone has gotten their wives something special. There's my blog for the day AJ! (LOL)

NEW ABA WEBSITE

2008-05-06T14:54:00.002-05:00

Here is the ABA posting website for those who don't have it. (http://abanews.info/)

FINAL SUNDAY

2008-05-04T20:42:00.002-05:00

Wow! A great end to a great nine months of deputation! Good times in Hot Spring County and an AWESOME experience at Sharon MBC in Benton. Lots of positive talk from Brother Richard Hamlin and the people at Sharon about picking up The Jersey Plant with monthly support! We also received a generous love offering from the people at Sharon! This will be of great help in helping us with relocating to New Jersey in June. God is so Good! It is great to be in His Will doing His Work! How was everyones Sunday? Holla at a Brother!

DEPUTATION COMES TO A CEASE...

2008-05-03T10:32:00.002-05:00

Well, this Sunday is the last Sunday doing deputation (Hot Springs in the am and Big Sharon in Benton in the am). Just got our tickets to fly up North on the 14th to close on our HOUSE!!! Really excited about spending time the rest of this month with my wife and daughter. I am also going to be ending my career as a Case Manager for Arkansas Counseling Associates in about 2 weeks (WHOOO HOOO). It's been a great job but it has also worn me out emotionally, mentally, and physically along side of deputation. The one thing I have learned the most during my time on deputation is the importance of belonging and being a part of a Church Family. I can't wait to get up NORTH. All are invited for cheese-steaks at my house the 1st week of August.

Steve

2008-05-02T15:48:00.001-05:00

Just Getting started.