I'm an Ambassador

Last week I interviewed two different people at Kirby Church and used the interviews in my message. I love how these guys get the fact that Jesus has called us all to be Ambassadors! Thank you Ron and Jeff!

How is God challenging you to live out your faith?

Miss you dad.

 I'm finding myself missing my dad quite a bit over the past few days. Its almost been one year since he stepped into eternity and was reunited my sister Ronda, his dad & mom, sister and so many other friends and family members.

Shortly after he passed away someone told me that it helped them through their loss by always remembering their loved one in the context of heaven. I have to admit it has helped me more than I thought. I have actually found myself wondering about dad walking and talking with Jesus - spending time with his friends and family - enjoying his first Thanksgiving in heaven - and more.

I love this song by Matthew West, "Save a Place for Me." I'm thankful for the promise of heaven and the gift of salvation. And, until the day my Jesus calls me home - I will strive to know and love Him more each day...and enjoy thinking of my dad loving his new home in heaven.

Relentless Detroit 2012

 This past Saturday, Kirby Church hosted a power lifting benefit for nine year old Austin Valentine who is facing the fight of his life - brain cancer.

Several families at Kirby and in one of the Life Groups had connections to Austin and his family through sports, the Children's Hospital, and school. So, when they heard about what this little guy was going through they begin to pray about ways to help. That's when Tommy Westhoff, one of our church members and a power lifter, approached them with the idea of hosting the power lifting competition as a way of raising financial support for the family and of providing encouragement to Austin.

The "Relentless" power lifting events have been around for several years and have raised thousands of dollars to help families facing difficult times.

I'm not sure if you have ever been around the power lifting tribe or not but these lifters are big - really big. Not just in stature but also in heart. Something more powerful than pressing hundreds of pounds in the air took place on Saturday. I've been in ministry for over 20 years and attended a lot of conferences, events, concerts, and services. But I have rarely seen anything as incredible as "Relentless Detroit" at Kirby Church!

I was blown away by the people of Kirby - their hearts for serving and loving others - the planning and hard work - their vision and faith - it took a lot to pull something like this off!

I was blown away by the power lifting community and creators of Relentless - their strength, huge hearts, and ability to inspire others to press on through difficulties and hardships.

I was blown away by the amount of money raised for the Valentine family - over $30,000!

But more than anything, I was once again blown away by how God showed up in a big way and touched peoples lives.

If you would like to help Austin Valentine please do one of of two things; 1.) pray for him and his family 2.) give. If you would like to make a donation please contact Kirby Church.