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!

Doors!

This weekend we start a new series: Doors.
Over the next few weeks we'll talk about the need for identity repair, a need to be released from whatever might enslave you, an increased capacity to love, and finding a personal relationship with Jesus. And we hope to help you walk through the symbolic door that helps you find freedom! And on Easter weekend, everyone will get a chance to... well - I don't want to spoil the fun! This week: Identity Repair!
Hmm, I wonder what music we'll use...?

Finally, a new post!

Well, this week we finish the series: When the Game is Over it All Goes Back in the Box.

It's been a fun journey: We started out with an amazing video and report from Haiti - and we were reminded that generosity is the path to real life!

Who can forget the giveaways? An Apple, 20$, and an Ipod Nano? Even I became a little envious of the gal who received the Nano - how come she's got that and I don't? Everything we own is a gift from God for us to manage! And remember as we handed our wallets to each other - and then I teased you to "dig deep and give generously". You all laughed, nervously. I'll not forget that all I have is a gift from God - it's not really mine - so giving should be easy.

But how easily our stuff makes us hungry for more stuff! And more stuff just makes us more busy, so last week we talked about Margin - the 10-10-80 rule. There is a kingdom that promises satisfaction and lives up to that promise!

And so we wrap it up this Sunday, talking about our Priorities. If you're like me, you get stuck spending your life under the Tyranny of the Urgent, when there are more important (tho less urgent) things to do. I think you'll agree, I'd rather do that which is important, rather than that which is urgent - but sometimes they get mixed up. Let's fix that this weekend!

I can't wait!

And Back to the Pass!

Here's Ted.

Ted is leading our next trip to "the Pass".

Ted is a Mississippi Veteran - He's gone on a bunch of trips, plus he helped build the barn last summer!

Here's what I like about Ted: He does not push his way to the front, but works on whatever job is presented to him. He just serves. I love that.

And I also love seeing others lead - Thanks Ted!

I can't wait to serve alongside you again, in Mississippi!

The trip is February 10-17 and will be another exciting adventure! Yay!

More Emails from Haiti!

These are the last two I received from Mary...

We gave 140 eye exams and glasses today. It really is amazing. The contrast of filth and pride is amazing. The people are truly happy. Love to you. Mary

The food has been really amazing. I had goat roast last night . Beans and rice tonight. It was made by Haitian women that work for the missionaries. The place we stay feels safe, but when the Voodoo Dr. and his followers march right by the compound with their drums, it is so wierd and scary. The drumming is amazing. Today we did 100 more eye exams. My job is fitting people and I could almost cry when they get so excited because they can read again. Love Mary

YAY GOD -- the voodoo doctors can drum all they like, but the GREAT PHYSICIAN restores sight!

One more from Eric

Hey Mark,

I have wept in my proverbial closet twice today, my heart is broken for these people. Today Gail told me that they view us blanc's as their only help from God. Today a woman came in with her husband he was almost blind with severe cataracts. They only had one ticket. She asked if we could see her also. I went to get her a ticket but I was told that we couldn't give her an exam because we were short supplies as it was and there was no way. I gave her a quick Glaucoma check. She had severe Glaucoma and will probably start to go blind from nerve damage in a year. I asked for a ticket again, I understand the predicament, but I also knew her consequence. I had to take a break to weep in private and pray for strength. I begged God to not allow my heart to become hard to these people and their great need. I think the Lord cut deep into my heart today to take me to the next level of commitment. I cannot NOT come back here.

Thank you so much for asking me to oversee this trip a year ago. You will never know how much your leadership, friendship and mentoring have meant to me.