So we get on the train in Fargo but not before we were unable to bring all of our things we had packed with us. We also found out that the train going to Cincinnati didn't allow for checked bags so the bigger things we would take with us wouldn't be able to make the entire trip. So we ended up with the plan to take the train to Chicago, after rearranging things, and then get a rental car in Chicago and drive back. Well while we were on the train I called to check and see how much it would be to drive back and it was something crazy like over 2,000. So we booked a flight from Chicago to Nashville, then Nashville to Columbus. Now there is a direct flight from Chicago however we couldn't get that one because we wanted to make sure we actually got on the flight and it was leaving earlier. So as we arrive in Chicago off the train of interesting people from a room that a man of my size should never sleep in. We got a taxi which was the most normal thing of the trip because nothing really went crazy with it. We arrived at the airport and while we were at the ticket counter the lady made sure that we were going to go through since there was an outside chance that we would not get on the flight. As we got on the plane I am normally scared to death of flying but this time I was so tired I just didn't care.
Ok so this has taken long enough to end. We got home, got a rental and then bought our minivan and lived happily ever after. So now it's done and I can move on to more important blogs, with more important topics like say...Jesus!!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Planes, Trains and Automobiles Part 1
So after a crazy good camp in Crystal Springs, ND we were staying with Scot and Crystal in Valley City, ND. We were going to leave on Saturday at around 6 or so in the a.m. to head to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to camp. Now when we're leaving at 5:50 a.m., on a Saturday, in Valley City, ND we got hit from a guy running a stop sign!! THE ONLY DRIVER IN VALLEY CITY, ND, POSSIBLY THE ENTIRE STATE FOUND THE SIDE OF OUR CAR WITH HIS!!!
It was kinda interesting because we had just prayed for traveling mercies and for God to watch out for us and then not even 5 minutes later we got hit. We are both ok (at least from the accident), however my car Rosie is not. She was totaled and now resides in North Dakota somewhere. I'll have to say she was a great car and did everything that we wanted her to do.
So as we were gathering what to do in the midst of the craziness of getting hit that early we were lucky that we were only about 12 blocks from our good buddy Scot's house. So we texted him but got nothing, which we shouldn't have at 5:50 in the AM. So the policeman drove around the corner and got his pickup truck and drove us and our entire car full of stuff to Scot and Crystal's house. Where we proceeded to make home base for the next weekend.
Now in normal cities the auto body shop would be wide open on a Saturday...however in Valley City, ND there is no auto body shop open on Saturdays. So the fun continues. So we contacted out insurance company about the whole thing and the waiting began. We couldn't do anything since there would not be anybody available til Monday morning. Oh and did I mention that Scot gave us a cold?? Well it might have been somebody from camp, but it's more fun to say it was Scot.
So as we're feeling like death and looking not that far behind I got a call from the local pastor to preach at Valley City First Church of the Nazarene. Which I gladly accepted because I love to preach...so it worked out well. So as we're waiting on Sunday we are trying to formulate a plan that makes sense and won't cost an arm and a leg. We checked on rentals out of Fargo, but that would be a ridiculous amount of money for the time and miles we needed the car. They were going to charge something like $2 a mile outside the region for us to use it. Um I don't think so considering we're driving 18 hours away.
So as Monday morning rolled around we are trying to figure out what to do not only to get us home, but our entire car full of stuff home as well. Mindy found that Amtrak would be a good option and that they would let us take 3 checked bags and 2 carry-ons, which we would probably be able to do. We told both insurance companies that was what we were going to finally do. This train departed at 2:30 in the morning so we had to ask Scot how good of friends we were considering we would need a ride at about midnight so we could get to Fargo on time. The train we were taking would be from Fargo to Chicago, then Chicago to Cincinnati...so we thought...
It was kinda interesting because we had just prayed for traveling mercies and for God to watch out for us and then not even 5 minutes later we got hit. We are both ok (at least from the accident), however my car Rosie is not. She was totaled and now resides in North Dakota somewhere. I'll have to say she was a great car and did everything that we wanted her to do.
So as we were gathering what to do in the midst of the craziness of getting hit that early we were lucky that we were only about 12 blocks from our good buddy Scot's house. So we texted him but got nothing, which we shouldn't have at 5:50 in the AM. So the policeman drove around the corner and got his pickup truck and drove us and our entire car full of stuff to Scot and Crystal's house. Where we proceeded to make home base for the next weekend.
Now in normal cities the auto body shop would be wide open on a Saturday...however in Valley City, ND there is no auto body shop open on Saturdays. So the fun continues. So we contacted out insurance company about the whole thing and the waiting began. We couldn't do anything since there would not be anybody available til Monday morning. Oh and did I mention that Scot gave us a cold?? Well it might have been somebody from camp, but it's more fun to say it was Scot.
So as we're feeling like death and looking not that far behind I got a call from the local pastor to preach at Valley City First Church of the Nazarene. Which I gladly accepted because I love to preach...so it worked out well. So as we're waiting on Sunday we are trying to formulate a plan that makes sense and won't cost an arm and a leg. We checked on rentals out of Fargo, but that would be a ridiculous amount of money for the time and miles we needed the car. They were going to charge something like $2 a mile outside the region for us to use it. Um I don't think so considering we're driving 18 hours away.
So as Monday morning rolled around we are trying to figure out what to do not only to get us home, but our entire car full of stuff home as well. Mindy found that Amtrak would be a good option and that they would let us take 3 checked bags and 2 carry-ons, which we would probably be able to do. We told both insurance companies that was what we were going to finally do. This train departed at 2:30 in the morning so we had to ask Scot how good of friends we were considering we would need a ride at about midnight so we could get to Fargo on time. The train we were taking would be from Fargo to Chicago, then Chicago to Cincinnati...so we thought...
Thursday, August 6, 2009
The Spirit Moves on the Dakota Teen Camp
So this past week has been crazy awesome as far as camps go! It has been such a good week for the movement of the Spirit. There is a sense of openness about the kids and counselors there that was incredible. The first night was good and there were a few kids that responded.
The second night came and the altars were flooded and even if the kids didn't come to the altar they were responding in their seats. I did not want to squash the movement of the Spirit so I would not say a closing prayer and end it. I would step in and pray for a continuation of what was going on every once and a while and battles were won, victories claimed and Satan lost that night for sure! Just when you think that night couldn't get any better one of the counselors felt the Lord impressing upon him that we should have a baptism service right then and there! Since there was a lake and we had ministers there we obeyed. That night 26 counselors and kids were baptized and it was a tremendous act of Christ upon us! We were excited to see what else God had in store with us!
The third night Jesus wasn't finished with what work He had started. The altars were so filled that you could hardly walk through to the stage. We did not leave the service until around 11:30 p.m. We were excited for what Jesus had for us the last night and couldn't hardly hold the anticipation!
The last night we had a sorta open mic thing where people could get up and tell how God is working in their life or something that happened at camp. It was very interesting to see how God was molding the teens and counselors. We all loved to hear the stories that were told and how somebody else's story sparked a memory. We had worship and I did not get up to preach until 11 p.m. I can truly say that's the latest I have ever stepped into the pulpit. I preached and gave the invitation to respond and they did! We did not leave the service that started at 8:30 until around 1 a.m. It was incredible and I can look back at the Dakota Teen Camp as a milestone of my life and how the Spirit moved upon the open hearts of a generation! What A Jesus!!
The second night came and the altars were flooded and even if the kids didn't come to the altar they were responding in their seats. I did not want to squash the movement of the Spirit so I would not say a closing prayer and end it. I would step in and pray for a continuation of what was going on every once and a while and battles were won, victories claimed and Satan lost that night for sure! Just when you think that night couldn't get any better one of the counselors felt the Lord impressing upon him that we should have a baptism service right then and there! Since there was a lake and we had ministers there we obeyed. That night 26 counselors and kids were baptized and it was a tremendous act of Christ upon us! We were excited to see what else God had in store with us!
The third night Jesus wasn't finished with what work He had started. The altars were so filled that you could hardly walk through to the stage. We did not leave the service until around 11:30 p.m. We were excited for what Jesus had for us the last night and couldn't hardly hold the anticipation!
The last night we had a sorta open mic thing where people could get up and tell how God is working in their life or something that happened at camp. It was very interesting to see how God was molding the teens and counselors. We all loved to hear the stories that were told and how somebody else's story sparked a memory. We had worship and I did not get up to preach until 11 p.m. I can truly say that's the latest I have ever stepped into the pulpit. I preached and gave the invitation to respond and they did! We did not leave the service that started at 8:30 until around 1 a.m. It was incredible and I can look back at the Dakota Teen Camp as a milestone of my life and how the Spirit moved upon the open hearts of a generation! What A Jesus!!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Open Air Preaching Part 2
...and then I preached.
Just kidding, I'll post the remainder of it tomorrow.
Just kidding, I'll post the remainder of it tomorrow.
Open Air Preaching Part 3
...the time got closer and closer and I had no sign of my friend and I was getting worried and starting to question the whole situation again. But there was just this reassurance of God speaking to me that if He says He will do something then He goes through with it. It was a calming feeling knowing that it was going to be Him speaking and not me although I was going to be the vessel His voice would be heard. As the clock struck 1 I looked up and there was my friend who had come down, I thought there would be others there by now that said they would come. However there was nobody besides him. As he approached me with his lunch box in hand and grin on his face I felt encouraged! The verse "Where there are two or more gathered in my name there will I be also." If nobody else was going come, we were going to have church!! We both went over to grab the pulpit and bring it over.
As I grabbed my Bible and watch I set it down on the pulpit and stood behind it and knew there was no turning back now! I was praying the entire time as my heart was about to beat out of my chest. I flipped open the Bible and as the pages made the noise that only Bible pages make when turned I knew I was in the absolute will of Christ. I read the verses and prayed for His Word to be anointed. I started in and had this hint of nervousness in my voice as I was just looking at my friend and basically talking to him and trying to be louder but the frog in my throat would not allow me to do it. I know I missed certain points that I normally would say, but they were more for the "enjoyment" of the congregation than the actual "meat" of the sermon. As time went along people started to come and gather around. I got a few Amens and the people who were there just tried to ignore it. However you could tell they were wondering what is this loud guy up here talking about.
I didn't want to come across as condemning, but at the same time I wanted to have the fire and unction of God's word on my tongue. As I continued on in my sermon I began to have the frog in my throat go away and spoke with authority and boldness, not of myself but of God. I noticed that the crowd began to grow and the quote that I heard over and over in my head was "You never have to advertise a fire." from Leonard Ravenhill. I didn't notice the exact number of people that were there but if I were to guesstimate it I would say around 30-35 people were there. As I was preaching the feeling of nervousness left and as I entered into the closing prayer I knew that God had been there and spoke because I was moved inside as well.
After I finished up saying the prayer the people who were there clapped and seemed as though they were saying "it's about time." I walked over to my buddy who was there and we both smiled. I gathered my things that I had brought down and a couple of people came over and shook my hand and told me "Thank You." Then the security guard came over to me and in a very stern tone said, "As much as I enjoyed that, you can never preach here again." To which I replied, "Well you don't have to worry about that because I'm outta here in 2 days." I kinda felt like Wesley for a brief moment. Although nobody threw rocks or a brick at me lol. I went up to my cube and put my things away and just relaxed as I was exhausted.
I was talking with a guy that was there and a friend of my buddy and he was telling me that he was talking with the security guard and she was there about half way through the sermon and could have gone up at any moment and tried to stop me. She had started up there to say something and froze when he said that I had freedom of speech. She had mentioned something at the end of the sermon about letting me finish but I was not sure what she was talking about. I am sure that she was supposed to come in and stop me right away but the power of God so descended upon that place that she was paralyzed and speechless. So God had allowed me to finish and declare His word. What a Jesus!
As I look back on this experience I realize that if God calls and we answer that no matter how uncomfortable it makes us feel that He will take care of the details. I am not sure if anybody received Christ that day but I do know that seeds were planted. My friend went to get some veggies after it was all over and people were talking how some guy was in there preaching the gospel. My friend piped in and said yes he did and you should have been there. I hope and pray that this starts something at Chase whether it be a movement or just thoughts just as long as it drew some closer to Christ. May Jesus be glorified in all we do!!! I never thought I would see the day where I would open air preach at Chase, but again I'll say it, Christ called and I answered. I pray you answer any call in your life that He is putting upon you!
As I grabbed my Bible and watch I set it down on the pulpit and stood behind it and knew there was no turning back now! I was praying the entire time as my heart was about to beat out of my chest. I flipped open the Bible and as the pages made the noise that only Bible pages make when turned I knew I was in the absolute will of Christ. I read the verses and prayed for His Word to be anointed. I started in and had this hint of nervousness in my voice as I was just looking at my friend and basically talking to him and trying to be louder but the frog in my throat would not allow me to do it. I know I missed certain points that I normally would say, but they were more for the "enjoyment" of the congregation than the actual "meat" of the sermon. As time went along people started to come and gather around. I got a few Amens and the people who were there just tried to ignore it. However you could tell they were wondering what is this loud guy up here talking about.
I didn't want to come across as condemning, but at the same time I wanted to have the fire and unction of God's word on my tongue. As I continued on in my sermon I began to have the frog in my throat go away and spoke with authority and boldness, not of myself but of God. I noticed that the crowd began to grow and the quote that I heard over and over in my head was "You never have to advertise a fire." from Leonard Ravenhill. I didn't notice the exact number of people that were there but if I were to guesstimate it I would say around 30-35 people were there. As I was preaching the feeling of nervousness left and as I entered into the closing prayer I knew that God had been there and spoke because I was moved inside as well.
After I finished up saying the prayer the people who were there clapped and seemed as though they were saying "it's about time." I walked over to my buddy who was there and we both smiled. I gathered my things that I had brought down and a couple of people came over and shook my hand and told me "Thank You." Then the security guard came over to me and in a very stern tone said, "As much as I enjoyed that, you can never preach here again." To which I replied, "Well you don't have to worry about that because I'm outta here in 2 days." I kinda felt like Wesley for a brief moment. Although nobody threw rocks or a brick at me lol. I went up to my cube and put my things away and just relaxed as I was exhausted.
I was talking with a guy that was there and a friend of my buddy and he was telling me that he was talking with the security guard and she was there about half way through the sermon and could have gone up at any moment and tried to stop me. She had started up there to say something and froze when he said that I had freedom of speech. She had mentioned something at the end of the sermon about letting me finish but I was not sure what she was talking about. I am sure that she was supposed to come in and stop me right away but the power of God so descended upon that place that she was paralyzed and speechless. So God had allowed me to finish and declare His word. What a Jesus!
As I look back on this experience I realize that if God calls and we answer that no matter how uncomfortable it makes us feel that He will take care of the details. I am not sure if anybody received Christ that day but I do know that seeds were planted. My friend went to get some veggies after it was all over and people were talking how some guy was in there preaching the gospel. My friend piped in and said yes he did and you should have been there. I hope and pray that this starts something at Chase whether it be a movement or just thoughts just as long as it drew some closer to Christ. May Jesus be glorified in all we do!!! I never thought I would see the day where I would open air preach at Chase, but again I'll say it, Christ called and I answered. I pray you answer any call in your life that He is putting upon you!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Open Air Preaching Part 1
Well at Chase today at 1 o'clock something out of the ordinary happened. There was a sermon preached in the back of the cafeteria by the big screen TVs. That somebody was me. I had wanted to preach in the "open air" for quite some time, but didn't know when and where to do it. Well since my last day at Chase is on August 1st (in two days) I figured why not? What is the worst they could do to me, ask me not to do it, or tell me to leave? I'm already leaving so I wasn't too worried. This is a rare thing that anybody preaches, in fact I've never seen anybody do it in my five years of working here. I've never seen so much as a Bible Study at Chase. So needless to say it was something that was WAY outside my comfort box, but if God calls you have to answer.
So I had planned on doing it today at 1 p.m. and had told some people but not advertised a lot since I knew they would have security or something there to try and stop me. I had a good friend of mine try and tell as many people as he knew that were Christians to come down. So he let them know the time and place and I let a few people know. We had been planning this for over a month and were very excited about it. I know several people were kind of questioning whether or not I would actually do it and one of the biggest doubters was myself. It was a bold move and you just don't see "open air preachers" anymore. I was not sure how the message would be received but I knew I had to do it. Besides, it's not job to convict, or make you receive the message, but rather to present it.
So as I woke up this morning I knew that it was the day and had been praying the night before for a divine movement of God. I wanted more than anything for Jesus to be seen and heard. While I was at work and watching the minutes turn to hours and the hours roll away I began to question whether or not I was really supposed to do this. I prayed, "God are you sure about this? I mean it is a really bold move, maybe we could do something more subtle but still get the message across. I mean some people are questioning whether or not it is the right thing to do..." I just kept getting the same feeling and response from Him, that I was not to concern myself with what men think or want, but rather to concern myself with what He wants.
My good friend and I went down in the morning and had scoped out what would be the best place to preach. We had said that the sides would more than likely be the best. I was going to get the pulpit that was there and pull it over to the side and start preaching. So the plan was set and I was ready to go. I went back upstairs and worked while watching the clock and it reached 12:30 p.m. and I headed down to sit and pray over the area I was going to preach at and make sure we got seats close to where the pulpit was going to be. As I went down there the cafeteria was packed and the TVs were turned up loud with the news. I sat there and opened my Bible to the text I was going to preach from and took out my sermon notes and looked over them one more time and prayed. I prayed for the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of those who were going to be there, my heart and for His word to be heard...
So I had planned on doing it today at 1 p.m. and had told some people but not advertised a lot since I knew they would have security or something there to try and stop me. I had a good friend of mine try and tell as many people as he knew that were Christians to come down. So he let them know the time and place and I let a few people know. We had been planning this for over a month and were very excited about it. I know several people were kind of questioning whether or not I would actually do it and one of the biggest doubters was myself. It was a bold move and you just don't see "open air preachers" anymore. I was not sure how the message would be received but I knew I had to do it. Besides, it's not job to convict, or make you receive the message, but rather to present it.
So as I woke up this morning I knew that it was the day and had been praying the night before for a divine movement of God. I wanted more than anything for Jesus to be seen and heard. While I was at work and watching the minutes turn to hours and the hours roll away I began to question whether or not I was really supposed to do this. I prayed, "God are you sure about this? I mean it is a really bold move, maybe we could do something more subtle but still get the message across. I mean some people are questioning whether or not it is the right thing to do..." I just kept getting the same feeling and response from Him, that I was not to concern myself with what men think or want, but rather to concern myself with what He wants.
My good friend and I went down in the morning and had scoped out what would be the best place to preach. We had said that the sides would more than likely be the best. I was going to get the pulpit that was there and pull it over to the side and start preaching. So the plan was set and I was ready to go. I went back upstairs and worked while watching the clock and it reached 12:30 p.m. and I headed down to sit and pray over the area I was going to preach at and make sure we got seats close to where the pulpit was going to be. As I went down there the cafeteria was packed and the TVs were turned up loud with the news. I sat there and opened my Bible to the text I was going to preach from and took out my sermon notes and looked over them one more time and prayed. I prayed for the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of those who were going to be there, my heart and for His word to be heard...
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Chase Is Getting Jesus!
So this coming Thursday I'm going to be preaching in the cafeteria of Chase Bank. This is where about 3,000 people generally eat. Not all at once but it is the cafeteria where they can go. I'm excited and anxious to see what happens. I do not plan on holding anything back when I preach just because of my surroundings. I'm praying for clarity on what sermon to preach. I don't care which it is, I just want people to hear Jesus. I'm going to be doing this at 1 EST on 7/30/09 so if you think of it pray for Jesus to bring His consuming fire! I have been praying for quite some time about this and feel that this is the perfect opportunity. I just hope that Christ will be revealed in and through this. I have some Christian friends here at work and they're excited and hoping that something will spark and start something. So I ask that you pray and pray without ceasing!! We are asking Holy Spirit Fire to come down upon us and consume anything that is not of Jesus. I will write something afterwards to let you know how things went. May you be heard, seen, felt, and known Jesus!!
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