Another Awesome Day

These days are full, full, full, but GREAT. The morning started early for us, (we are still on BC time). We met up with some great folk at the Word Of Life Centre and began our day by hearing the Top Eleven words that describe the church of the future. Pastor Mel Mullen expanded on the following points;
Vision
Relationships
Leadership
Culture
service
Growth
Influential
Transformational
Generational
Centre, and Life.

As the Word unfolded Judi and I marvelled,for there were so many points we had either just walked into or were about to do. Once again God had been graciously keeping us up to date so to speak of what He was doing in many other churches.

After a short break we heard from Brian Houston (Hillsong) - again a moving message challenging us to preach the Good News. Isaiah 52:7

If you can't proclaim something, why would you say it?

As well he said that we should refuse to listen to the "lowdown" Hey do you want to hear the lowdown about so and so? NO - Consider the bigger the opinon the smaller the character.

Phi 4:8 - meditate on these things - "Don't mess with my meditation!"

When he quoted James 1:26 I just smiled (I love James) Brian concluded with a challenge to be attractive in our conversations. Cool!

We had lunch with a couple from Olds and their friends from South Africa - and our hearts knit so tight that I feel we as a church should be praying for them. Perhaps they can even minister to Trevor's family.... the world gets smaller with each passing day.

Unfortunately I became ill after lunch and we left for a bit - We returned at 6:30 to partake of the two evening sessions. Peter Daniels spoke - whow! (He shared that the gifts the wise men gave Jesus were worth 400 million American dollars) I'll share more about that in another posting. Again after a short break the next speaker Tommy Barnet came up. Sweet Jesus, he stirred my soul. He is 70 years old and still rocking as a servant of the most high.

We came away with some awesome thoughts:
When God starts to do something great He starts with what is in the house!
Bigger things have happened with smaller groups!
Find a need and fill it!
Let your title be an adjective not a noun!
Do not seek a title!
There is no right way to do the wrong thing!
Lose yourself into a cause!
Do not quit!

We were encouraged to discover our spiritual second wind. At the close of the message all pastors were called forward and we were prayed over by Tommy. I am sure that Judi and I will look back on that as Casey would say, "God Moment."

I wish we could have taken all of you with us. Perhaps some day. Thanks for your love for us - and be sure to know that we Brouwers love each and every one of you conected to the Gathering Place ministry.