18 Weeks!

My friend Jon Hisey, who oversees the SMC portion of the Go Factor, writes...

“Dear Friends: Just wanted to update you on what has happened to date with the Katrina Relief Effort and what is coming up. In 2007 alone, more than 200 volunteers from more than 9 churches from the SMC have gone down to Pass Christian. Four homes were built, and so many more were finished from the efforts of our conference and others across the country.

Pastor Greg Nitchman and his wife have helped so many get out of their trailers and into beautiful homes. Thank you to all who participated by being part of the teams, prayer partners, or gave financially to the cause.

So far in 2008, there have been four teams that have gone down, two are there right now, or are leaving soon. Many more are in the planning stages for later this spring and for the fall. We now have an organization team lead by Eric Messer from the Crossroads Church. We recently met and agreed to take on an additional challenge for 2008. This is where you can get involved: The goal is to build a home from start to finish in 18 weeks, with the move in date the week before Christmas.

This is an ambitious goal because many homes take almost a year from start to finish. We will have many opportunities for you to be involved. If you are interested in any way, either by leading a team, joining a team, being a prayer partner, or donating financially. Please contact Eric Messer at messer13@sponsellergroup.com Put Katrina Relief in the subject line and please include the following: Your name, phone number, preferred e-mail address, what church you attend, and specific ways you would like to help. You will then be contacted with a construction schedual and specific dates that you can sign up for and the costs that may be associated.

As always please continue to pray for Pastor Greg and his family as they continue to take on so much in this ministry. Please continue to pray for the families that still need help too. You can keep up with his ministry by checking out the website at http://www.hopenet.ws/.

On behalf of Eric and the rest of the team, I want to thank you all for being part of this amazing journey that has grown into so much more than any one of us could have dreamed of. Jon C. Hisey (734-502-6859)”

Take the Leap!

I'll never forget it.

Her name was Becky, and she was on the 3 meter board at Spring Arbor University. That's a diving board about 10 feet up. That may not seem like much, but for a little kid, it was waaaaay up there!

And poor Becky, she got scared. She was too scared to jump off! But the rules stated that you weren't allowed to climb down, either.

She stood at the top of that diving board for a very long time, chewing on her nails. Until we started chanting her name… "Becky! Becky!"

Finally, she jumped - and we went wild! We were happy - but Becky was ecstatic - she had made the leap!

This Sunday, we're talking about overcoming our habits. You may have a habit in front of you that has dogged you for the longest time. You'd like to overcome it, but you're not quite sure where to begin. Today, we'll figure out how to "take that leap" together. Once you get on that board, there is no turning back. Start climbing, friend!