February 18, 2015 Update

2/19/2015

Good afternoon, hope you're staying warm! This time last week I was sitting in the back of a truck trying to figure out how I could stuff a jacket, pants and shoes in my carry on because it was 83 where I was and 23 where I was heading!

Many of you know Andrew and I were in Honduras last week meeting with pastors, leaders, and laymen. We had a great time and was very encouraged that we were able to minister and train leaders from many communities around La Esperanza. This is huge because of how typical mission trips work in La Esperanza. Each time a team from our church travels to La Esperanza for a mission trip they partner with one particular village/community. This is a great way to help them, disciple them and evangelize. It is a trip that is needed in order to begin and deepen relationships with the people in order to go further in the Gospel. Each year roughly 6 churches partner with Gerardo in La Esperanza for these types of trips.

During our trip this past week we had a representative from nearly every village/community. The crucial part is that we were able to spend significant time training these guys on how to read Scripture and also go over some foundational doctrinal issues that may not be so well known to them due to the huge Catholic influence. The encouraging part was that these guys were hungry for this truth and eager to go and share with their people. In part we were able to influence all of these villages in one week. In essence we were teaching men to fish rather than giving them a fish. I am very encouraged and look forward to doing this trip each year to continue to teach men how to fish. I ask that you pray for the 30 guys we had attend and pray they put in to practice what they learned and also fan into flame this calling to take the Gospel to the nations.

Dates & Thoughts

DNOW WEEKEND - March 6-8: If you're unsure about DNOW please visit the DNOW page under events. Next week is the last week to sign up in order for us to get all our ducks in a row with host homes, leaders, and other plans. This is a great weekend and one that will greatly help them in their walk with God.
#MISSIONATL - July: We are in the midst of planning an alternative mission trip to Roatan. This trip will be local, Atlanta, and will be much cheaper, $100. We are considering partnering with Whirlwind Missions in Atlanta, a ministry reaching many nationalities with the gospel. We have an interest sign up sheet in The Rock for those interested. Please consider this great opportunity.
Shirts - We are ordering new, long sleeve, comfort color Rock shirt next week. Students who have signed up are getting one and will owe $20. Check with your student to see if they would like one, see if their name is on the sheet by emailing/texting me. We are only ordering for those signed up and will be expecting money from each who have signed up. Best check with them if you can't afford or do not want the shirt.
LAST NIGHT we prayed for the families of the 21 Egyptian Christians killed last week. Good talking point for your family on how blessed with are and then an opportunity to consider how suffering often brings us closer to God. How is that we who are most comfortable are the most lazy with our faith?

Last Night

Had a great time looking at one verse last night, Titus 3:3. This verse was a huge reminder of who we once were, before Christ. The message of Titus is to remind us that in light of God's grace we should be and do good. From the notes you can follow the flow of the passage and be encouraged that you too are not who you once were! But how many times do we dwell in the past, with the wrong thinking. Many walk around cocky, thinking they have everything under control needing no help from anyone. Many are insecure, feeling as though they can't accomplish anything. Both of these groups fail to trust God completely....they have forgotten all He has done for us. Last night was a small reminder of the grace we've been shown. I pray you're encouraged and challenged by the sermon as I was throughout the week.