This past weekend, I had the opportunity to be part of Warwick Assembly of God’s Missions convention. I was privileged to be invited to help instill in the children a heart and passion for missions. The weekend began on Saturday evening with simulated flights to different areas of the world or rooms within the church. There were five different flights heading to Eurasia, Latin America, Europe, America and Africa. Everyone in attendance had an opportunity to take each of these flights and visit each room. Upon arrival to their location each person got to experience the culture, food and stories about that country before moving to the next destination. Great care and effort had been taken to create an atmosphere in each of the rooms to represent the destination country. Pastor TJ and the children’s ministry department were responsible for Latin America. The kids and ministry leaders from Missionettes, Royal Rangers and Children’s Church all contributed to the setup and decoration of the rooms. People flowed through the rooms and enjoyed the food and information shared at each location.

To finish up the evening the kids made their way to the children’s church room as the adults went to the sanctuary to hear an age specific message from an actual missionary. The kids happened to be hearing from me and my missionary experiences. I was able to share with them about my short-term missions trip to the Philippines with Character Connex and Buddy. As I shared how Buddy went to tell the children about Jesus, I pray that they would come to realize that they too can become missionaries and they don’t even have to leave their neighborhood. They could be a missionary to their family, school, communities and even sports team mates. We are all called to be missionaries. Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Let’s be an example to our kids as we ourselves demonstrate being a missionary in our daily lives. Encourage and help our kids as they step out in obedience to share their faith with the people that they personally touch. Pray for them continually that the Holy Spirit will work in their lives and give them a boldness to reach the world for Jesus Christ.

To view additional pictures from the weekend, click here. You will be taken to my personal Facebook photo album

God presented an opportunity this weekend for me to minister to the children of Jubilee Christian Center in Fairfax Virginia. It was an unlikely service but was a message that the Lord laid on my heart. The entire service was mission related and used celery as the central theme. It is my heart’s desire to help children see the importance of reaching those that don’t know Jesus with the good news of His amazing grace and love. Often times it’s difficult for kids to understand that they can make a difference in the lives of people all over the world. What I want to instill in their hearts is that although they may not personally touch people around the world they can certainly have an impact through their giving and support of others that can go to these faraway places.The service began with Lazarus’ Kitchen’s Head Chef Ramsey challenging Chef Tera Masue to make enough celery soup to feed the multitudes in just 30 minutes. Chef Tera Masue unsure who the people group ‘multitudes’ were she set out to make her soup  and completed the challenge with time to spare. She completed this exercise only to discover that it wasn’t the soup that was the challenge but coming to a realization that if there is time and you have the resources there is still work to be done for the Lord. We can never do enough. We must do what we can and where we can to reach as many people as possible with the message of God’s love. The kids were challenged to sacrificially give up something each month and instead use the money to support Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge (BGMC). BGMC is a nationally recognized missions organization that supports the needs of missionaries all over the world. 2 Corinthians 8:4 says, “At the present time your plenty will supply their needs, so that in turn their plenty will supply your needs.”Are you at a place in your life where you are experiencing plenty. Consider and pray what God would have you do with your plenty.  To view additional pictures from the weekend, click here. You will be taken to my personal Facebook photo album   

With 2007 behind us, what will 2008 bring? How will it be different? It’s become more evident to me that time is more valuable than anything that God has given us and it goes by so quickly! For those of us who know the Lord, time allows us more opportunity to worship and give honor to our Savior. For those that don’t know Jesus, time has no meaning or purpose. As we begin a new year, may time be a reminder to all of us of the urgency to reach people for Christ. May we be reminded that it is our purpose to share the love of Christ with others before time runs out and opportunities are lost for eternity.My prayer for 2008 is that you won’t just make a casual “new year’s resolution” of some kind. My prayer is that rescue will become a burning passion of your heart – that every day you will look for, and seek out opportunities to share the hope you have in Jesus.Let us Pray, and ask God for wisdom and direction. Get rid of the junk that is hindering you from all God wants you to be. Find the passion that will propel you to reach out to others with the love of Jesus and the knowledge of His saving grace. Let’s make this a year of eternal change for people all over the world.