therstblog

WOW! That quietly sums up the amazing time Esther and I had this past weekend as we traveled to Fort Mill, SC for the Global Impact Celebration of First Baptist Church Fort Mill. I am still processing and unpacking all that we have seen, experienced and learned.

We made some incredible new friendships that i pray last a lifetime. Our host family, The Collins, were the most gracious host. We laughed, we ate, we cried, we shared, we received and we gave. They have two teenage boys, David and Kevin who are on FIRE for God. Two dogs who had me wrapped around their paws. They have set the bar really high for us the next time we have to serve or have anyone spending any time with us.

We also had the priviledge of sharing lunch with a pastor and soul-winner whose ministry and church is single handedly responsible for transforming Downtown, inner city-the hood, Memphis, Tenn. Over the last 23+ years they have seen over 45,000 people accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. He, Pastor Ronnie, is responsible for several Gangsta Disciple leaders giving their life to Christ. We sat at the dining table of the Collins family as he shared his heart, passion and wisdom about inner city ministry and how it is our responsibility to share Christ with those who are far from God.I am truly greatful for his desire to spend time with us, and to want to impart and share with us. For that I am truly greatful!

Again, i am still unpacking all that I got from this trip. I am seeking God for direction and for our next step. But what I know and don’t have to pray about is that the Gospel transforms lives, communities and cities if shared properly!!!

The family at FBCFM were the MOST gracious and loving people we may have ever spent time with. From the moment we arrived we were welcomed with open arms. We were loved on and made to feel loved all weekend.

We were one of two church planter families there. There were also missionaries there from Brazil, Nicaragua, Africa, Asia, Indonesia and so many other places.

We made some new friends, which we pray become partners!

I just want to thank everyone involved in getting us involved in this adventure, and our new friends and family at FBCFM!! We look forward to big things in the very near future!!!