I love Creativity!

Monday, December 13, 2010

I love creativity.

Well, here’s a video from North Point Community Church’s iBand that brings the creativity and cutting edge technology from Apple together with some of the most creative Christ followers on the planet.

Thank you Andy Stanley for creating a culture of creativity among the people you pastor!

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Sunday, December 12, 2010


Here’s a recipe for one of my favorite soups. I first tried Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Olive Garden and loved it. So, after a bit of research and some trial and error I came up with a recipe I really like - and my girls love it as well!

I always double this recipe so that we can have leftovers. This is one dish that seems to taste even better the next day.

1/3 cup butter
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 lb. of chicken -(I use an entire bag of chicken breast- boil then cut into chunks)
1/3 cup flour
1 to 2 carrots - cut into thin strips or shredded
1/4 onion shredded - I like to use a sweet onion
1/2 bag frozen spinach
2 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream or half and half
3 chicken bullion cubes
Cracked pepper to taste
one bag of Gnocchi - I usually find these at Kroger & Target

I start by boiling my chicken so that it can cool enough to be cut into strips.

I then prepare the onions, carrots, celery (you can also add mushrooms if you like). I blanch them in two cups of water in a separate pot. Add salt, pepper, and bullion cubes.

In my large soup pot I met the butter - add the garlic and sautee - add the chicken making sure it is coated in the butter. Then add the flour and mix well until the flour is cooked into the chicken (be careful not to let anything stick to the bottom of your pot at this point). Next, add the heavy cream and milk -stirring frequently. After this warms well, I add the gnocchi, the blanched vegetables, and the spinach. Sometimes I will add water at the end if I’m wanting to stretch the soup.

We serve with garlic bread sticks.

Change is in the air!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

That’s right, big changes are in store for the Wilson family! Mainly, my job responsibilities are changing. In July, I completed my work with the Go10Walk campaign and just before it completed I accepted a staff position with an established NGO (Non-Government Organization). I will be working as the State Side Administrator. This position will allow our family to remain in Nashville, TN - something we had been praying about for many months.

As a result of my new position, this blog will be going away within the next 5 to 7 days. I will establish a new blog which you can find out about on my facebook and twitter pages soon. Thank you for your prayers and support over the past several years. I’m looking forward to this next chapter and hope you will join me in impacting lives around the world!

All 4 Him!

Friday, July 16, 2010

We are now only 3 walking days away from completing an 82 day, 4 month, 2,500 mile journey across 13 states - all for planting churches around the world. I've been amazed at many things along this journey - God's provision of strength, good health, good weather, safety, and so much more. Along the way I've had the privilege of meeting so many amazing people and then watch as they are impacted through a 10 mile journey for missions.

I want to be very clear in what has taken place during the Go10walk - God has blessed beyond our wildest dreams. He deserves all the credit and praise for what has been accomplished.

One of my favorite songs over the last year or so has been Revelation Song by Kari Jobe. After 33 years of following Christ, I'm blown away more and more everyday by just how amazing my Jesus is.

Almost over!

Monday, July 12, 2010

After being on the road together for almost 4 months the Go10 walk is finally nearing the end. Today, we will enter the our last walking state - Oklahoma! Needless to say, there is no way we could make it this far without having a little fun. The two guys that I get to work with are incredible leaders and passionate followers of Christ. And, they are pretty funny as well!

Fathers Day and Go10

Sunday, June 20, 2010




Yesterday was Day 57 of the Go10walk and I was honored to have my wife Julie and my daughters Karlee and Kassidy walk with us. My youngest daughter Klaire also helped me provide support while the walk was going through Nashville. My brother-in-law Craig and my niece Maddi Kate also helped out. Klaire and Maddi were so cute handing out gatorade and water to the walkers on what proved to be one of the hottest days of our walk. Julie completed her second 10 mile segment. Karlee and Kassidy proved to be extremely determined, focused, and fast walkers.

It was an incredible day - one I will remember for many reasons but mostly because of my wonderful family. God has truly blessed me as a husband and as a daddy! This truly is a special Fathers Day for this dad.

Prayer

Thursday, June 3, 2010




Today while working on the Go10walk we came across a sign in the front of a guys yard that simply read “prayer” with an arrow pointing toward the backyard. I was riding in Jim’s car and we both wondered what was up with the sign. Why was it there? Why would someone put a prayer sign in their yard?

Within a few moments we had our answer because the person (John) who made the sign came out to see why a couple of guys in bright yellow shirts were parked on the highway in front of his house. Basically, this guy felt that God wanted him to set a place in his yard for people to come and pray. So, he put a canopy in his backyard and a sign out front. And, he said people stop by all the time asking what the sign means and many end up coming to the backyard to pray.

I took him up on it.

He also had a friend with him that he had met on a missions trip so they were very interested in our Go10 project. We prayed together and I was blessed incredibly!

I was impressed with many things but mostly with John’s willingness to obey God’s call to open his yard up for people to pray. Following Christ may not always make since and may even seem a bit out of the ordinary. May God give me the boldness to follow and answer His call just like John.

DC visit

Saturday, May 29, 2010

A few days ago I had the privilege of walking through Washington, DC with the Go10Walk. This was my second trip to DC - a truly amazing city.

During this visit our route purposely took us past the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the War War II Memorial and Arlington Cemetery. While at the War War II Memorial I recorded some of my thoughts - met some WWII veterans - and reflected on the freedom I enjoy as an American. It was an emotional & powerful moment in my life.

This weekend, we remember those who have given so much for the service of our country and the freedom we enjoy as Americans. To those who have served and are currently serving - I say, “thank you!”

Only a Penny

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Weekend in NYC!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

On May 16th Julie and I were privileged to join the Go10walk for Day 31 and the walking segment into New York City. It was an amazing day - emotional, historical, powerful, and a day to remember.

We were also blessed to stay a couple of extra days in New York to take in the sights. It was a blast! Some of our highlights include;

*Walking into NYC with Go10
*Go10 Celebration at Pier 58
*Spending time with Mrs. Miley
*An amazing meal and celebration at the Hepzibah House
*Staying at the Hepzibah House
*Worship at The Journey Church
*Attending a production of The Screw Tape Letters
*Seeing our adoption friend Gerard Wierzbicki and the tour of his office at Fox News
*China Town
*Riding in a Taxi
*Riding the Subway
*Times Square
*Eating at Hello Deli
*Getting free tickets to the Letterman Show - and sitting on the front row!
*Supper with Micah & Becky Derby along with Bill & Francis Ezel in Little Italy

Here’s some of the video of our time in the big apple.

The Giant Spider

Friday, May 21, 2010

This past Wednesday night I was sitting in my easy chair watching the news on TV when my phone rang - it was my oldest daughter and she was a bit hysterical. She quickly explained that she was standing outside the front of our house but couldn't get in because of "the biggest spider she had ever seen!"

So, being the kind, compassionate, and caring father that I am - I grabbed my flip camera and caught it all on tape. Enjoy!

For all you Mini Van Drivers!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

My 20 mile day in Philly

Friday, May 14, 2010

On May 11th, I turned 42 years old. The older I get - the older "old" gets. So, I decided I would set my goals high and spend a day this week walking a full 30 mile day with the Go10Walk. Well, on May 12th, I walked 20 miles through Philadelphia, PA. It was an amazing journey and yes at the end it was painful. I must now confess that a 30 mile day is NOT in my weekly plans. But, give me a couple more weeks of training and I will make it happen!

The video below is just some of the footage shot while I walked with my friend Don Price.

Nashville Flood of 2010

Saturday, May 8, 2010





****
I arrived in Nashville early in the afternoon, went home and immediately changed clothes and headed to our church (The Donelson Fellowship). At the church I was amazed at the damage to the facility - it’s estimated that around $200,000 worth of damage was done to the basement level of the church after flood waters poured into the lower level on Sunday.

But, I didn’t just see damage - I witnessed one of the most powerful things on the planet - the church truly being the hands and feet of Christ! The Worship area was set up to serve meals to volunteers and flood victims. Some 20 families from the church were directly effected by the flood waters. The chapel was set up as a make shift store full of volunteers, clothes, food, bottled water, and household items - all free to those in need.

I left my wife Julie and our 4 year old Klaire at the church to help while Kassidy and I made our way down to the Pennington Bend area. Our first stop was on Miami Avenue, a street in which several of our friends live and a street that was 4 to 5 feet under water during the flood. Miami Avenue actually runs parallel to what is now referred to as “the Mighty Cumberland River.” One picture shows the items I helped pull out of a home. The second is a picture of a water soaked book - I just happened to know the author of that book so it caught my attention.

For me to try to describe the devastation would be like trying to describe the Grand Canyon - it’s just not the same unless you are actually standing there. I was astonished, deeply saddened, and wonderfully encouraged. In the midst of all the destruction, I saw hope in people’s eyes and I witnessed the body of Christ coming together to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

I’ve never been prouder to call a city my home as I have this past week. The body of Christ is making a difference - people and churches are actually being the hands and feet of Christ. By the Grace and Mercy of God, incredible things are springing forth out of the destruction.

Lessons I've learned...




It's Saturday, May 8th and I am heading home for a 4 day break from the Go10walk campaign. We planned in several breaks throughout this four month journey and this is the first of them - built around Mothers Day.

This campaign is going amazingly well - better than I hoped it would be going at this point. We have never done anything like this before so, we just weren't sure what to expect. Here are some of the things I have learned over the past 27 walking days;

1.) This is much more difficult than I thought it was going to be. Seriously difficult! Please don't get me wrong on this but the enormity of this campaign continues to stretch us in new ways almost daily. Yes, we knew it was going to be a challenge but I don't think it could really set in until we actually get on the road and in the midst of the campaign itself. It's long days, challenging logistically, dependent upon new volunteers each day, exposed to the elements of weather/terrain and in the end will prove to be completed only through the mercies of our mighty Lord, Jesus Christ! And, to Him be all the glory for what is achieved.

2.) The impact on those who walk. I just didn’t see this coming. But, the majority of the people who participate in Go10 are impacted in a significant way - many of them are moved to tears. For some, it’s the physical difficulty of walking 10 miles - for some it’s the connection they make with missionaries serving on the field - for some it’s simply the three plus hours listening to Gods voice - for most, it’s the fact that they are getting to be a part of something much larger than themselves. Numerous people have returned to walk an additional ten mile segment - some have even walked three or four segments. We never anticipated that taking place!

3.) The importance of a team. Something this big could never be achieved without a great team. I’ve already written about the International Missions team that we are blessed to work with but there are two other groups of people I want to point out.

a.) First, our families. When I say “our” I’m referring to myself, Bill Ezel, and Jim Daniels - or the three guys out on the road every day. As for our families - we couldn’t be out here for this extended period of time without our families support at home. Jim and Bill’s wife’s have and are giving up a lot to allow their husbands to be out here with Go10. And, my wife, Julie is a super-hereo in my book! She’s at home with three kids and working a full time job. I’m a blessed man to have such an amazing wife and three daughters. I’m proud of them and thankful for all they are doing for the Go10 campaign.

b.) Secondly, Jim & Bill. I’m not sure I can say enough about how amazed I am by these two men. My commitment to this campaign is different - I get paid to work with this project - these guys are extreme volunteers! Both Jim & Bill are retired and both bring completely different skills to our Go10 team. Without them - I just don’t see how any of this would be possible. My love and respect for these guys grows daily. I’m honored to have this opportunity to work along side them and to learn from them. Their wisdom, love for their families, and willingness to serve Christ is extreme. And, I believe God has brought our families together for such a time as this.

Well, I’m looking for these days off - time at home - with my family - but I have to admit that I’m also anxious to see what God has for us on days 28-82 - one thing for sure - it’s going to be an amazing summer! If you have not had a chance to be a part of Go10 - please visit our website and join us - I look forward to walking with you!

Go10 Makes the local news!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Well, we finally made the local news! We have walked over 670 miles for the Great Commission - across 5 states - in 24 days - and we are still going. Thank you for the spot WBOC News 16!!!

Come join us as we continue on to complete 2,500 miles and raise over $1,000,000 for missions.

Go10 Day 20

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Go10 in Norfolk, VA

Thursday, April 29, 2010





Yesterday was an amazing day in the Norfolk area - lots of military and history! We had two amazing groups of walkers as we stepped off another 20 miles in the Go10Walk. These are some of my favorite pics from the day.

Weekend Highlights

Sunday, April 25, 2010


I'm sitting at the airport in Nashville - my flight has been delayed by an hour - so I'm using the time to update my blog. I flew home from Greenville this past Thursday and will be flying back to Norfolk, VA tonight to meet up with the Go10Walk team. Here are some of my highlights from the weekend.

*Seeing my amazing wife and daughters on Thursday night!!! I love to travel and I'm blown away by all God is doing through Go10 and the fact that I get to be a part of it - but I sure miss my family and wished they could be with me on the road.

*Sleeping in my own bed.

*Breakfast at Cracker Barrel with Julie and Karlee.

*Seeing God open doors for my possible future.

*Spending time with my wife on Friday - she took the day off so we could be together. Even after 20 years of marriage she is my best friend and I love just hanging out with her. We've been dating now for 27 years!!!

*Spending an hour at the Apple store for a One-on-One lesson.

*Hanging out with Julie's mom and her brother's family.

*Attending the DCA production of "Singing in the Rain" on Friday night. My oldest daughter was part of the cast and it was wonderful. I'm not the musical type - don't hate me - I just rate them up there with a root canal! I was impressed with the talent and hard work put into this production. The cast was amazing - I'm not sure how they pulled it all off.

*Getting to spend some time at the TN State Youth Competition on Saturday morning and hearing the TDF groups sing! Karlee is singing in two of the groups.

*Hearing the excitement from people at the TN State Youth Competition over Go10Walk!

*Date night on Saturday night with Julie, Craig, and Tara. Good friends/family, food, movie, and a ton of laughs!

*Sharing Go10 at The Donelson Fellowship this morning. It was good to be with my family at church - I'm so thankful for my church and all the encouragement they have given me and my family while I'm on the road.

*The amazing highlights that continue to stream in from Go10Walk.

*Bill Ezel & Jim Daniels - the two retired men that have worked like crazy on this campaign and allowed me this weekend at home!!!

*Seeing the flowers and other gifts sent to my wife and daughters by the IM Office staff. I serve along side an amazing group of people!!!

Thoughts from Go10 - on day 9, April 14th

Friday, April 16, 2010

Here are some of my thoughts from the Go10walk, I recorded these on Wednesday, April 14th - the 9th day of the walk. This was recorded while walking in South Carolina.

Day 7 of Go10 Walk Video Highlights

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Yesterday was another amazing day. I'm blown away be all God is doing through Go10 and continue to pray for lives to be impacted for Christ. All for Him!


Go10 Day 6 Highlight Video

Monday, April 12, 2010

Go10 Day 5 Video Highlights

Extended Video Footage from Day 1

Sunday, April 11, 2010

For those of you who would like to see some extended video footage from day 1 - here it is! It's been an amazing week walking through Georgia and into South Carolina. We start up again at 7:00 from the campus of Columbia International University heading up toward Greenville, North Carolina.

I'm blown away by the people that are helping us on this journey and am praying for many more to sign on. My goal is to see over 2,000 people walk and for us all to join together to raise over $1,000,000 for missions. I know that's a huge number but together and with God's help we can make history and achieve amazing things for His Glory!

Go10 Day 4 Video Highlights

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Go10 Day 3 Highlights

Go10 Day 2 Highlights

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Go10walk Day 2 Update from Joe Wilson

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Go10 Day 1 Highlights

I realize some of the video content is a bit shaky - okay, it will flat out make you sea sick! But I hope you get the gist of how incredible Day 1 of Go10 really was.

Go10 Day 1 Opening Thoughts

Monday, April 5, 2010

Departure Day

Sunday, April 4, 2010




After 10 months of planning, praying, dreaming, and scheming – I hopped in a 36 ft RV and started on my way to South Georgia. Just before leaving, Julie and the girls helped me load a few last minute items. Julie had me pose for a picture with the girls in front of the RV – we hugged, kissed, said our goodbyes and I started to drive out of our neighborhood. As I looked back, I noticed my girls standing on the steps waving goodbye – it was at this moment a flood of emotions came over me and I wept uncontrollably.

I had known this time was coming but no amount of prayer or planning gets you ready to leave your family for four months. That with the overwhelming feelings of the historical journey ahead of us flooded my emotions and I melted into a heap right there in the front seat of that big RV.

I have to say that my wife and three daughters are so amazing. They have been so supportive and helpful during the planning stages of this campaign. I’m extremely blessed!

I met up with Bill Ezell, one of our retired volunteers, at Best Buy. Bill was driving the Dodge Magnum, the car we commonly refer to as the “Go10 Magnum,” because of the customized wrap on the outside. I can’t believe how well the wrap turned out! The car, the specialty wheels, and most of the wrap were all donated. One of my friends back in Lebanon, Missouri designed & installed the wrap – contact Results Advertising for more information.

Back to Bill Ezell. He is one of the amazing volunteers who have spent countless hours planning and designing the Go10 route. He also left a loving, and crying, wife & family behind for the next four months. Jim Daniels, another retiree, will join us on Wednesday. I’m amazed at their willingness to put their lives on hold for this campaign. And then again, I’m not surprised – over the past ten months I have seen a glimpse into these men’s hearts - their love for Jesus, and their desire to impact lives for Christ. It’s a rare honor to know and work with men like Bill and Jim – I’m blessed.

After 9 hours on the road – we made it to a campground in Statesboro and set up shop. We will drive to Glennville FWB Church in the morning for Easter Service and then the walk-in reception at Ebenezer FWB Church. The walk begins on Monday in Glennville and heads up through Statesboro on our way to Columbia, SC. It’s going to be an amazing journey and I’m blown away that God is allowing me to be a small part of it. If your reading this, I hope you will join me. All for HIM!

Update from Glennville!

Friday, April 2, 2010

We are now only a couple of days away from the start of the Go10Walk for the World! We now have over 50 people registered online for this historic opening day and over 460 for the total walk that will lead us across 13 states, 2,500 miles, and take almost 4 months to complete. I'm praying for over 2,000 people to participate and that we will be able to raise over $500,000 for missions. Excitement is building! I received the following email from Charles Barnard, our Event Coordinator, this morning.

Not only has the number of walkers for day one increased, but the buzz around Glennville is that we can expect a significant number of local folks to show up for the rally. I have attempted to tell everyone who wants to walk, even if it is only to the city limits, that they need to register on-line. However, I think we can expect a large number of sympathy walkers for the first mile or two.

Our Mayor and other officials will be on hand to extend a welcome. Hopefully, we will have good media coverage.

Local police and sheriff deputies will assist in traffic control and provide escort. Nevertheless, I think the first few miles will be at a snail's pace. A busy highway, a large crowd, perhaps more automobiles than necessary will all contribute to this. On the other hand, think of the energy and enthusiasm! Wow! It will be a day to remember!

I had thought we would hold the rally our of doors, but with so large a crowd, holding the rally in the sanctuary might be best. Many older folks will be in attendance. They will not be able to stand out in the 80+ degree for 45-60 minutes.

The changeover spot between leg one and leg two will be in the vacant lot across from J & J Greenhouses on Hwy 250 @ 3 miles inside the Evans County line. There is an unused shed just off the road and a large grassy parking area with several entrances and exits. Few restroom areas are nearby. I'll transport those who need facilities to and from in our church van.

Charles Barnard


If you haven't signed up yet - please go to; www.go10walk.com and join us!

List!

Wednesday, March 31, 2010


I can't believe that I leave for Glennville, Georgia this Saturday and the start of Go10! This has been the fastest 11 months of my life and I suspect the next 4 will zing by as well. I spent the day working on my daily list. I'm a big list person - the kind that likes to write it out then loves to mark through the items as they are completed. Something about marking through that list gives me great satisfaction!

A couple of highlights from my list was speaking at Pleasant View Christian Academy this morning and having my goal met on my Go10 Walker page. I'm amazed at all God is doing through this campaign and thankful to be a part. This truly is a chance of a life-time and I can't wait to tell the story as we travel across 13 states.

So, tonight I'm starting to make my list out for tomorrow. Only 2 more days of packing and finishing up things so that I can hit the road. Praying for God to use me, to watch over my family, to impact lives through #Go10, to give us strength- walkers- finances- and changed lives - all for His Glory!

Praise & Prayer

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

I felt compelled to take a few moments and update everyone on some answered prayer request and to share some new ones. I realize I’m being pretty transparent here but I have a lot people asking me about so many things in my life and this is a great way to share what's going on.

First of all, thank you for praying for my family and me over the past few years. Our journey has been bumpy at times yet amazing. Over the past year in particular we have asked anyone who would to pray for our house and business in Missouri to sell. Well, the difficulties in the housing market have led us to an option I refused to consider in the beginning – we are now landlords. As tough as this was for us to take, we actually call this a huge praise item. We are thankful to have a good family of seven living in our home and they are even considering buying it in the next year or so. Either way, we are thankful.

Not only are we landlords but we are also tenants. We are thankful for the home we are able to rent and that the family was willing to allow us to sign a contract through July.

As for my Inflatable Game Rental Business in Missouri – well, I have a potential buyer. It’s a pastor in a neighboring community so the business would stay local which was one of my big desires. We are simply going through the steps of selling and hope to have all the paperwork completed and signed soon. Pray with us that this goes smoothly and that Airblast is a blessing to its new owner.

There are literally a thousand other things I am thankful for right now. I love what I am getting to be a part of with the Go10Walk Campaign. Yes, this is one of the toughest thing I have ever attempted. But I’m continually blown away by the fact that God is allowing me to do this. And, let me be clear on this – Go10 was not my idea – dozens of people have had their hands on this project and I think all of us would agree that any success we achieve is nothing more than a huge “God thing!”

This is my last week at home before hitting the road for four months. I will be making several trips home to be at some of the girl’s school events during this time. I’m so excited about what I am getting to be a part of – seeing lives changed – people challenged – people stepping out in faith – history being made – meeting new people- and the list goes on. And, yes I’m already missing my family. I’ve never been away from them like this before and its difficult for me to even think about. I have a lot of things to get into order before hitting the road and I want to make the most of this last week with my family.

Now, I keep getting asked the big question about my future; what are you going to do after Go10? To be honest, I simply don’t know. Yes, this is a struggle if I sit around and think about it much. So, I’m trying to focus on what God has before me now and trust Him for my future four months from now.

People have also asked; will you pastor again? My answer is this; if that’s what God wants me to do. If I’ve learned anything after 20 years of full-time ministry its this; I want to be right in the middle of God’s will for my life. I want to be used for Him! Life is to short to miss out on following Christ and impacting others for Him. I simply want to have an open heart and be willing to do what He wants me to do – all for His Glory!

An Interesting Story

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Here's a great use of video from a couple of our friends! I simply love this!!!!

Amazing Video!!!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

I came across this video on Perry Noble's blog and simply had to re-post it on my blog. This may be one of the most powerful video testimonies I've seen. Thank you Perry for sharing this and thank you Zac for sharing your story.

The Story of Zac Smith from NewSpring Media on Vimeo.

Be UrSelf!

Friday, February 26, 2010

One of the biggest struggles I have faced in ministry and life is simply being myself. The struggle of “imitation” is real and rampant even among ministry personnel. In our society people strive to be like those they look up to – like LeBron James, Taylor Swift, Brad Pitt, or Apolo Ohno. People will “try” to walk like them, shoot hoops or skate like them, sing like them, dress like them, eat what they eat, and the list goes on.

As a kid, I decided early on that I wanted to be like my big brother – so I imitated his every move. But as I grew older I realized that he was so much different than I was. I was tall and skinny while he was of medium height and built like tank. It was natural for me to want to be like him because he was older and could do some pretty cool stuff. At some point I finally caught on that although it was good to learn from my older brother, I was never supposed to be just like him. God makes each person unique.

Unfortunately, this human behavior carries over into ministry. Now, there is nothing wrong with learning from those who are successful in ministry. I have benefited from some pretty amazing pastors and youth leaders over the years. We can learn from others. The key is to learn from those who successfully follow Jesus while still maintaining your unique individuality. Be UrSelf. Learn to trust in the fact that God created you to be you not anyone else. Yes, learn from the best of the best – but at the end of the day, just be you – completely sold-out to following Jesus Christ.

I recently came across what I thought was a very creative video by Ed Young Jr. that drives this point home. You may not agree completely with Ed on everything but I hope you can see the point that he is making here. One thing that I can appreciate about Ed is his creativity and effectiveness in communicating the Gospel message – and his ability to rap.:)

Make a difference now.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010


Due to the recent tragedy in Haiti and modern technology the orphan crisis in that country has become a hot topic in many households. Thousands of people are contacting adoption agency’s willing to open their homes to Haitian orphans. In the midst of such a catastrophic event, we can find a glimmer of hope for these special children. And yet, we must be honest and understand that the thousands of new earthquake orphans may not be available for adoption for some time. You can read more about that in this recent article; http://www.togetherforadoption.org/?p=5480

The point I want to make here is this – maybe God is using this devastating event in Haiti to open your eyes and heart to the need of orphans in our own country and around the world. You see, even though the orphans in Haiti may not be available for some time – there are orphans all around the world that are available NOW. And, they need us to care for them as well.

So, if your heart is open to orphans, I would like to suggest some things you can do today.

1. Pray for God to use you to help an orphan or several in our world.
2. Prayerfully consider opening your heart to one or more orphans.
3. Adopt. There are a lot of great adoption agencies in the US - here is a link to the one we used to adopt Klaire http://www.awaa.org
4. Support a family who is adopting through prayer and financial assistance. Julie and I adopted from China in 2007 – we would have never made it without the support of our friends and family.
5. Support an orphanage in your community or somewhere in the world – maybe even in Haiti.
6. Start an adoption ministry in your church. http://www.showhope.org/OrphanCare/MobilizingTheChurch.aspx

99 Balloons

Friday, January 22, 2010

This video truly speaks for itself.


99 Balloons from Igniter Media on Vimeo.

Adopt in Haiti Update

Thursday, January 21, 2010


I just received the following email from Brian Luwis, the founder & CEO of America World Adoption Association. We adopted Klaire through this amazing organization and trust them completely. If you are open to the possibility of adopting a child from Haiti in the future please read below and respond by sending an email to the link mentioned.


Dear Joe & Julie

I am writing to update those who are interested in Haitian adoption. I participated in a conference today involving USCIS, US Dept. of State and the Dept. of Health and Human Services. At this time, the only children being processed for visas are those children who either had their adoption finalized within Haiti prior to the January 12th earthquake or those children who’ve already been accepted as a referral by families working with an adoption service provider. New adoption cases aren’t currently being processed.

There is consideration of a policy to allow children in desperate circumstances to enter to the United States on a special humanitarian visa – but there are not yet details regarding which children might qualify and what their status would be regarding adoption.

There is still much chaos and confusion in Haiti and many families are still trying to locate their loved ones. We were encouraged to know that the US government is very serious about not placing children who could still have a family or would not be appropriate for adoption. Our hearts and prayers are going out to the people of Haiti – especially the orphans in that country. When Haiti does have children available for adoption it is our agency’s intention to help find families for those orphans. If your family is interested in Haitian adoption, please email info@awaa.org with the subject “Haiti adoption interest.” We’ll compile a list of names and email addresses and inform families when there is more information.

Thanks and God Bless,

Brian Luwis
Founder & CEO



6723 Whittier Avenue
McLean, VA 22101
Toll Free: 888-ONE-CHILD
Fax: (703) 356-8973
www.spirit-of-adoption.org

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

Click here to learn more about AWAA’s An Orphan’s Ticket Home campaign. Subscribe to our Orphan’s Ticket Home Blog here .

Abandoned to His call

Are you abandoned to His call?

Webster defines “abandoned” as- being “wholly free from restraint.” Can you imagine living your Christian life without any restraint? Or maybe I should ask, “what is keeping you from living your life wholly for Christ?”

It’s time we all step up and take responsibility for our part in the Great Commission. It’s time we rise up and join together to truly make a difference. It’s time we come to the point that we are willing to do what ever it takes to love, share, give, and reach a lost world. Are you ready to do whatever it takes? Are you ready to “Go?” Are you…abandoned to His call?


Everyone

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Just imagine what God could accomplish through a large number of people completely focused on following Christ and fulfilling His Great Commission. My hope and prayer is that Go10 will unify those who participate - as we all focus on God's Word through a unique 40 Day Devotional - pray - share- give- serve and walk together on a historic 2,500 mile walk across 13 states. Learn more & join us by visiting our website; www.go10walk.com

Praying for Haiti

Thursday, January 14, 2010


I know many of you can relate when I say that my heart is breaking for the people of Haiti following one of the worst earthquakes in history. Not only does my heart break - but I so desperately want to do more!

As I think through all these feelings of helplessness there are a few things that we can do to help.

1.) Pray. Pray for the people of Haiti – for the pastors and missionaries who already live in that country – pray for those providing relief efforts.

2.) Give. Find a place to give $5 or more. I know there are some wonderful organizations in which we can trust to use our money very wisely – organizations like World Vision, Samaritans Purse, Compassion, and even the Red Cross.

3.) Serve. All though it is true that all of us can’t jump on a plane and travel to Haiti this week to help – we can find a place to help here at home. Find a place to donate some time and give back to your community. You might even find a way to help volunteer for on organization sending relief to Haiti.

By praying, giving, and serving we can make a huge impact on the world around us! Don’t let this tragedy pass without allowing God the opportunity to use you to impact others for Him.

Make a difference!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

I was reading this morning from Matthew chapter 7 and verses 15 through 20 seemed to jump out at me.

15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 19 So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

According to this passage you and I can identify others by their actions and we can also be identified by our own actions. Honestly, it flat out convicted me. I would like to say that I always “act” or live in a way that brings honor and glory to Christ. But, I know that’s not always the case.

I’m not sure about you but I want to be one of those people who are remembered for living out their faith – for being like Christ. I have a long way to go and my prayer today has been that God will show me the areas in my life that I need to change – those areas in which my own stubborn, stupid self shows through.

I also came across the YouTube video below, which shows Josh Wilson making the best of a bad situation. Josh was on his way to India for a missions trip and was stuck at the airport waiting along with a lot of other people. So, he showed what he was made – or you might say, “showed his true fruit.”

May God help us all to realize the importance of living out our faith – not to judge others for their actions – but to follow so closely to God that our actions produce the kind of fruit that makes the name of Jesus famous.