Divine Appointments

I got my first tattoo eight years ago in Savannah, Georgia that day I graduated Marine boot camp. The year after I got another one in North Carolina when I was with the Marines. I thought I was done getting tattoos and thought that foolish stuff was behind me. Unfortunately it’s not; yes I defiled my body once again and got the thorns of Christ around my right bicep. This is something I have wanted for a few years and didn’t get around to it until now. I think Ryan Ellis may be corrupting me. Ryan and I went to a tattoo parlor on Winchester Road by the name of Exalt. I waited a few minutes to pick out exactly what I wanted and for the artist to get her equipment ready. Ryan took off to eat dinner back at the house. The whole thing lasted and hour and a half. And yes I got it around my whole bicep! Anyway the whole time I was getting my tat I was talking to the artist whose name is Megan. After a few minutes Megan asked me what I do for a living. When I get to that part in any conversation people are usually surprised at what I tell them. I told her I was starting a church. She thought that was cool because her grandfather was a pastor in Morehead, KY. Megan said her faith was stronger when she was younger but has been burned by the church and has not really returned to her faith. Since moving to Lexington she has tried going to some mega church that shall remain nameless. Megan felt as if she didn’t belong, she felt out of place. Let me call a spade a spade and say she would not fit in because she has numerous tattoos and a few piercing. The churches were too big for her and she felt like an outsider. She said that many Christians look down on her profession. I told her that I thought it was cool and would refer her to my friends. The weird part about the whole thing is that she lives in the Americana apartments with her boyfriend. It is the same complex that’s around the corner from my house where Jason and Tawndee also live. I invited her to the Friday night community dinner and told her I would drop by to say hi sometime to her and her boyfriend. As we were an hour into my tattoo a woman by the name of Becky came in. She is friends with Megan. Megan was asking Becky about her grandfather. Becky’s grandfather is in the VA hospital dying from lung cancer. He has about a month to live. I introduced myself to Becky and asked her if I could see her grandfather if that was ok. Becky was thrilled when I asked her that. She wrote down his information immediately. Becky told me that he became a Christian and was baptized last week. When I was done with the tattoo I met Becky’s husband and invited them both to my house for dinner.
I think an important part of the great commission that we overlook is “as we go to make disciples.” No matter where we go about our day I try not to compartmentalize it but rather share my witness everywhere I go. Wild things have been happening and I cannot take credit for it. Praise be to God!

Prayer Power

I was meeting with David Calhoun the other day that is my coach for this church planting experience. I was sharing with him all the wonderful things that God has been doing in our midst. David was very excited and thinks that we can launch at the earliest this fall. While talking with him my phone rang and I got excited like “Jo-Jo, the idiot circus boy” (this is from Tommy Boy). It was that Shawn guy I met at Woodland Park the other day. I was very excited to say the least. I tried to answer my phone but was frustrated because I forgot that my speaker was out. After meeting with Calhoun I rushed into my car to get my Bluetooth. Shawn sounded like he was in a panic. When I called him back he explained his dilemma. Shawn asked me if I knew anybody or any organization that could assist him with something. I told him to drop by my crib that night. Shawn dropped by and was surprised that I wanted to help him. He said with a puzzled look on his face, “man, you don’t even know me and your are willing to help?” I said the primary thing I care about is his soul first and foremost. I asked him if he would be willing for me to come to his home and study the bible together with his family. Shawn said yes to this! Shawn did not believe it was a coincidence that the day after he met me he faced a dilemma that I was to help him out with. Pray for Shawn and his family that they would receive Christ as savior. Also, thank you for those who prayed for me when I text-messaged them before I met with him.

Prayer Walking

One of the things I look forward to when the weather's beautiful is a prayer walk.  Since today was a nice day I decided to take time to pray while I was walking Rocky or when he was walking me:-)  I bet during Jesus' ministry he did a lot of prayer walking, especially on his long journeys. I prayed specifically that God would grant me divine appointments when I approached Woodland Park.  When I arrived at the park I was focusing on keeping Rocky from all the little kids and adults.  Rocky thinks that everybody loves him and wants to play.  When joggers run by he wants to go after them and ends up pulling me with him down the street.  Anyway as I was trying to get Rocky straightened out I heard somebody attempting to get my attention.  I looked over and to my surprise it was a gentleman I met at our churches family fun night last summer.  Ralph was at the park with his kids and mom.  I told him I was starting a church and he was interested in hanging out sometime.  As soon as I got his number Rocky jumped in his lap.  Even though Rocky is 7 months old and weighing in at 50 pounds he doesn't know that he's not suppose to be a lap dog.  After my encounter with Ralph I kept walking and 5 seconds later I saw another guy I recognized by the name of Shawn.  A few months back when the weather was warm the Gallahers and I went to play basketball at Woodland Park.  While we were playing I met Shawn.  Shawn surprisingly remembered who I was and asked me how the new church was coming along.  I told him that he needed to come sometime to the Friday night dinners and got his phone number.  

The more I continue in this work the more I am amazed at God's hand.  His mark is all over this thing and it is starting to bear fruit. Unfortunately it has not been always like this.  For the first six months I wanted to quit maybe 10 times a day!  I think the difference is that my faith has increased and my focus has been more centered than it has in my whole life.  I have been through a rough year and have faced many obstacles but through it all God has been faithful.  Anybody in there right mind would have quit, moved out of the Rock UMC, and probably out of the state of KY.  I can't say that it was not a temptation.  I was also faced with many discouraging voices telling me that this may not be the time to plant a church.  God's plan and call has not changed.  I praise God for friends, mentors, and a church family who has stood next to me.  To God be the Glory!

Leonardo

Today I met a Hispanic man by the name of Leonardo.  Leonardo is from Mexico.  He was hired by my landlord to do some work, I guess he is her maintenance man for the properties.  When I saw him I introduced myself and I could tell he was surprised that I did so.  I told him that I am starting an iglesia and that he should join us.  I invited him to the Friday night dinners and said that he would come.  Sometimes God wants us to reach the people who are right in front of us.  Before this encounter I went to the Euclid St. Kroger to talk with a girl who works there.  I was disappointed when she was not there and then I come home to meet Leonardo practically on my front porch!  God is Good!

Reading the Psalms

Since Ryan Ellis moved in he has been getting up in the mornings with me to train.  Ryan is a good training partner because he pushes me in the weight room.  Usually I am the motivator pushing my training partner then having to motivate myself but having Ryan there adds extra energy.  We have not only been training the body together but also the Spirit which is the most important.  Every night we have been praying and reading the Psalms together every night.  Ryan has never read the Bible before and is really digging the Psalms because he enjoys poetry.  Also, Ryan has never prayed out loud before and says it is getting easier because we are doing it so often.  This week Ryan came to the understanding that praying is "like talking normal."  When we practice the presence of God in our lives our hunger for Him grows deeper.  One night last week Ryan from Versailles dropped by.  Ryan V.  has been coming to our dinners and I would consider somebody we converted through Christ power.  When Ryan V. came in at like 12:30 am we asked him to join us in reading the Psalms and prayer.  He was grateful to spend that time with us.  God is definitely up to something!  Aaron and I are not only looking forward to launch this church but the one that will come after it in the coming years.  Who knows, maybe Ryan Ellis could be our next church planter...

God is Amazing

Wednesday:

God answered one of my prayers unexpectedly. I was praying that God would give me a roommate but I did not get one when I moved into my new apartment. I felt that I might have to wait a year or so before God would give me one. Ryan Ellis, a young guy at our church was suppose to room with me originally but could not afford to. Ryan and I have been hanging out for several weeks working out and eating meals together (including Friday night dinners). Recently, Ryan has made some life changing decisions to get his life on the right track. After all it is tough being 21. When I was 21 my life was a complete mess. This week Ryan came to me asking to stay at the house. I can honestly say that having him in the house has been a blessing to both of us. Ryan is a young Christian trying to make good decisions, having him around has made me feel energetic. I am proud of the steps he is making. I am glad he is apart of our church plant.
Along with Ryan came his 100 pound weimaraner named Cash. Cash and Rocky hit it off immediately. Rocky falls asleep on Cash...they are the best of friends. This is also an answer to prayer because Rocky has not been annoying me as muc

Thursday:

Ryan has joined me in the bodybuilding routine together for the past few weeks. I have had numerous workout partners over the past two years. I usually burn them out. Anyway on Thursday morning Ryan and I saw a guy that I had met over a year ago. Muhammad is big into lifting and always talks to me when he is in the weight room. We have become friends. The best type of evangelism has always happened for me in the context of the gym. I got Muhammad’s number and we are going to get coffee next week. I am excited about all the possibilities with this encounter.

Friday:

Friday night dinners have been going really well at my house. We have been using community dinners as a way to get to know the folks we are meeting throughout the week. Last week we started praying an hour before the dinners and had an amazing night. Dillard, Ryan, and I started praying again about the unchurched people we have been meeting. As we were praying there was a knock at the door. Ryan and Dani came in. Ryan is a cool guy from Versailles. Abigail met him at Common Grounds coffee shop and invited him to dinner; he has been coming ever since. A few minutes later Steve, who is a new Christian came to the dinner as well. I met Steve at the Wesley Foundation; he is trying to break free from his old friends so I told him about coming to hang out with us on Friday nights. Many times we want new Christians to leave their old friends behind but the Church has never been good at providing alternatives and fellowship for these folks. By the end of the night as the crowd grew smaller (Ryan Ellis, Ryan (Versailles), Steve, Abigail and I) had a mini prayer meeting. Ryan (Versailles) who is not a Christian desired for us to pray for him. God is doing amazing things!

Late night Friday:

Ryan wanted to go out with some of his friends and so we went out at like 10:30pm which is late for this old man. We went to Winchells and I was able to talk with many of his friends. As we ended the night I dropped the fact that I was a pastor. We were at a bar when I told them which explained why I was not drinking. They were really shocked. We had a great conversation about God and we invited them to church and the Friday night dinners. I am so proud of how Ryan is already sharing his faith. It is important for new Christians not to break ties with their old friends. I remembered my first year in seminary feeling out of touch with the world because all of my friends were Christians. We as believers must be the bridges of God to those who do not know Jesus…that is precisely what Ryan is learning to do.

Saturday:

My Saturday night ritual before preaching mainly consists of prayer and spending a few hours at the church to get my head clear. I did not anticipate the text message I was going to receive. “Ryan’s mom just had a severe stroke.” I called Ryan and he told me Abigail was going to pick him up from Versailles. I left Olive Garden (never got a chance to eat) to go the ER to meet up with Abigail and Ryan. We stayed there for like three hours. I asked Ryan if I could read the Bible to him and he gladly accepted the invitation. Then I was shocked when he asked us to pray with him. We went in the prayer chapel and had a powerful time in prayer. The amazing thing is Ryan is not really a Christian yet but is becoming one. We left the hospital and met up with Ryan Ellis at Logan’s Steakhouse. After dinner Ryan (Versailles) crashed on my couch. It’s cool that he considers me his pastor. That night I didn’t get home till 1am and attempted to sleep in a chair. I was uncomfortable but knew that I had to suck it up because the next morning God was going to do something amazing.

Sunday at Church:

All week long I felt that the Lord was going to do something special at the service on Sunday. Sunday morning I woke up exhausted. I was trying to get ready and of course when I am getting ready to leave I have to clean up pee and poop off the floor. I picked up Andrew Shloemer and then drove like a maniac to the church, hopped out and had Andrew park the car for me. Service started at 10am and I got there at 9:58. Ryan Ellis, who is about 6 months old in the Faith, went to pick up Steve who is newer Christian to bring him to the 11:15 service. Abigail picked up Ryan (Versailles) from my house and he came to the 11:15 as well. At the close to the service Ryan (Versailles) and Steve came to the altar. The awesome part was that Ryan Ellis led them up there to pray! God is doing great things in our midst! After church we were planning on getting a bite to eat at Cheddars. I was riding with Steve and Andrew to Cheddars when Abigail called me to tell me that Darrel was ready to get out of detox. So I called the rest of the folks I was suppose to meet and told them I couldn’t go out to lunch. Afterwards I came home and Abigail came to pick me up because she is a good friend to Darrel. We went to pick him up and we were a bit nervous because we weren’t sure if he would be willing to go into a longer treatment facility. He was supposed to stay at the Rescue Mission but for various reasons they failed to communicate with us that he wasn’t allowed to stay there. We decided to celebrate Darrel’s decision by going out to lunch at like 3pm. We met up with Aaron, the boys, and Harper chick. It was at lunch that we were able to have some awesome conversations with Darrel. Darrel wants to get better and feels God working in his life. What we perceived was going to be a tough sell actually was easy because God was long at work before we arrived on the scene. We took Darrel to get his medications at Wal-Mart and as we were driving by we saw Lowes. Darrel said, “I love Lowes.” I asked why he loved Lowes so much and he said because “it was easy to steal from there.” Needless to say we were dying laughing. Darrel is a hilarious guy. After Wal-Mart we took Darrel home to spend time with his girlfriend. Later in the evening we picked Darrel up from Thortons to crash at my place. Ryan Ellis and I went to go pick up a video so we can watch something to veg out to. While at the video store a guy stopped me to ask me if I was in the Marine Corps. I looked at him like I was crazy at first because I failed to realize I was wearing a sweatshirt with USMC written on it. The guy’s name was Adam. He was there with two other friends. I quickly introduced myself and told them that we were starting up a church. I then invited them to dinner. I got Adam’s phone number and we are excited about him and his friends showing up to dinner. God is at work! I praise Him for the divine appointments He keeps setting up. We look forward to see what God is going to do next. When Ryan Ellis and I pulled away he turned to me and said, “We may have to start the church sooner than we expected.” All I have to say is that I hope that is the case.

Barber Shop Connection

Some habits are hard to give up…especially the military style haircut for this former Marine. I do not necessarily love the high and tights but I am a fan of keeping it short. The minute my hair starts to lengthen a bit I try to get it cut because that is what has been instilled in me. Aaron has been getting his haircut at the same barber for the past 10 years. Last year Aaron took me with him to get a haircut by the barber who is a former Marine named, Richard. Richard and I were able to connect instantly. I told him about the church plant I was starting and wanted me to keep him updated on it.

Yesterday I decided to go pick up my dry cleaning during the early afternoon, which I did not plan to do. Before I walked in the dry cleaners, I saw Richard outside smoking a cigarette. I approached him and he remembered my name. I invited him to the community dinners at the house and he sounded excited. Richard said, “You live on Mentelle Park…that’s funny because I live on North Hanover.” North Hanover is about a block away from me.

Pray that Richard receives Jesus. I would love Richard and his family to be apart of the church plant.