One Prayer Series Starts this Sunday at MCC

This Sunday at MCC we kick off the One Prayer series by asking this question: If God is everywhere, why does it sometimes seem that he is nowhere?  We will dig into a story in the New Testament and take a look at God’s Unstoppable Presence.

One Prayer is a series where churches all across the world submit video teachings.  Those teachings are then chosen and shared in congregations around the globe.  During the month of June we will be featuring teachings from 7 different pastors.  Each video is a teaching on God’s Unstoppable _____________.  We have some fantastic teachings lined up and I am excited to be able to hear from some of the greatest communicators of our day.

Here is a look at the upcoming schedule at MCC.

June
6  AM/PM: Unstoppable Presence: Scot Longyear
13     
    AM: Unstoppable Courage Craig Groeschel, Life Church, Edmond, OK 
    PM: Unstoppable Hope: Ray Johnson, Bayside Church, Granite Bay, CA
20
    AM: Unstoppable Power: Steven Furtic, Elevation Church, Charlotte, NC
    PM: Unstoppable Life: Brian Houston, Hillsong Church, Sydney, AU
27
    AM:  Unstoppable Focus: Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands, Birmingham, AL
    PM:  Unstoppable Comeback: Herbert Cooper, People’s Church, Oklahoma City, OK

Prayer for Guatemala

Here is a note from some of our contacts in Guatemala.  Could you take a minute and pray today for the people of Guatemala?

Dear Friends,

The Pacaya Volcano which is located 8 miles south of the Children’s Home (and 15 miles south of the airport) erupted on Thursday night about 7. It began raining small lava rocks and sand on the Children’s Home. Those living closer to the volcano had larger rocks falling. We understand that 3 people were killed.

The airport was shut down almost immediately. We had a summer intern on the way on a flight and he was diverted to San Salvador. He spent the night there and came on a bus with other passengers the next evening. We are thankful for Ethan’s arrival!

What started out as a Tropical Depression became Tropical Storm Agatha off of the Pacific Coast of El Salvador, Guatemala and southern Mexico. We have received a bunch of rain and it rained so much yesterday that we understand one day rainfall total records were broken going back to at least 1949. Some areas received more than 10 inches in a few hours. This has caused cleanup efforts for the airport runway to be delayed, and we are told that the airport may be closed for another 3-5 days.

However, there is much for which we can pray:

Our clinic is currently without a doctor. Pray that God will bring us his person to fill that position as soon as possible.

Ana Maria, our clinic receptionist, called this morning. Her family had to flee for their lives from their house last night due to a mud/rock slide. Their house is now filled with several inches of water and mud. Large  boulders and tree trunks are strewn everywhere. We praise the Lord for protecting their lives!

The government just announced this morning that schools (both public and private) will remain closed the entire coming week. We are getting calls from neighbors, near and far, for help. A pastor friend reports 17 families near his church suffered roof damage on their houses, 5 of these are urgent and need immediate repair. They also need blankets and clothing. We are expecting the need for temporary shelter, food, clothing, medicine, etc. to increase. Though the storm made landfall on Guatemala’s south coast near the Mexican border and has been downgraded to a Tropical Depression, it is still dumping rain on the country and is forecast to do so for the next 2-3 days. So far it has left 13 dead, 24 missing and thousands evacuated from their homes.

Pray that we will be able to respond to as many folks with needs as possible and that the Lord will provide the resources to meet those needs. Our prayer is: "Lord, here we are, use us as You so desire. Allow us to minister to folks in your name, being your hands and feet, and showing them You."

We are all safe and for that we are thankful.
Kendon, Wendy and the NLCH Team

ArtReach Exhibition

ArtReach: The Exhibition
June 15-17, 2010
Reception: Tuesday, June 15, 5-7pm
University Art Gallery, Indiana State University

The University Art Gallery of Indiana State University would like to announce the opening of "Art Reach: The Exhibition". The 3 day exhibition will feature work created by local artists who participate in the ArtReach program in down town Terre Haute. The exhibition includes works from all mediums and also will showcase quotes from it’s participants on what ArtReach mean to them.

There will be an opening reception on Tuesday, June 15, from 5-7pm. All events are free to the public and wheelchair accessible. The University Art Gallery hours for this event will be Tuesday 11am -7pm, Wednesday 11am -4pm, and Thursday 11am -7pm. Please contact Erin Caldwell, erin.caldwell@indstate.edu, with any further questions or visit www.artreachmcc.org for more information on ArtReach.

Above picture is from the Emily Brown collection.

Revenge

²⁰Then Absalom her brother said to her, "Has Amnon your brother been with you? But now keep silent, my sister, he is your brother; do not take this matter to heart." So Tamar remained and was desolate in her brother Absalom’s house. – 2 Sam 13

Tamar had been raped.  She was instructed not to take “the matter” into her heart.  The matter of rape?  How would that be possible?  Perhaps he meant the matter of revenge.  She was a wise and strong woman who had been violated. As the story plays out, she takes no revenge.  Others take it for her.

Sometimes part of the plan is that we don’t let our heart dwell on our violation to the point of revenge.  It can consume us.  It can take up residence in our heart and leave little room for anything else.

Today I will be careful of what matters I take into my heart.  I only have room for so many. 

Justin Hoeppner to Uganda

Check out this mug.  The more I get to know Justin Hoeppner and see his life, the more impressed I am by his authenticity and his heart for Jesus.  Justin is our Worship Arts Pastor at MCC.  He has songwriting, speaking, and recording credits a mile long.  In addition to that, he has been invited to open for Jars of Clay / Need to Breathe on July 5th.  (Click here for information and tickets to that event.)  In addition to that, Justin will be teaming up with me for a trip to Uganda in July of 2011. We will be teaching and leading worship for a National Pastors Conference as well as working in other ministries and churches while we are there.

Stay tuned for more details!

Perfect Timing

⁶You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. – Rm 5

At just the right time.  Christ came at just the right time.  That’s deep.  it reminds me that he is the master of time and the master of timing.

His timing is not like mine.  I want things now. I want them fixed in a hurry.  I want to see results.  I have assessed the problem and I know the solution; or so I have told myself.  But my timing is not like his.  And if I follow him, I have to trust that his timing is much better than mine.

God, I will trust your timing.  It may be one of the biggest challenges I have to date.  I trust you as the leader of my life and I will trust you as the one who has perfect timing.

photo by http://www.flickr.com/photos/macinate/macinate

Sidewalk Prophets make History at Dove Awards

Dave Frey is was in our youth group at Maryland Community Church in Terre Haute.  Long story short is that Dave chased his dream to Nashville and his band, Sidewalk Prophets were just awarded a Dove Award for the 2010 New Artist of the Year.

But that’s not what makes me proud.

What makes me proud is that Dave is getting a reputation in the Christian Music industry for being a spiritual man.  He is having deep influence and realizes that music is just a tool.  At the end of the day, it is not about songs, bands, arrangements, or tours.  It is about Jesus.  And Dave is a breathing reminder of that.

Want proof?  Check out the video.  Dave makes history when he pulls out a Bible during their acceptance speech and reminds us of what it is really about. 

Thanks Dave!

Heading to Uganda, Africa

If you have been around the last few weeks, you know that in the middle of challenges, God is doing some incredible work at MCC. Here is another thing that is blowing me away.

I was recently invited to travel to Uganda to (1) speak for a National Pastors Conference, (2) do training and ministry in area Ugandan churches, and (3) work with some projects through Compassion International.  My family is invited as well and will be putting their hands to several ministries while we are there (kids, cooking, teaching, etc).  To say that I feel honored is an understatement.  To say that I am excited does not even describe it.  To think that God would use us in this way is overwhelming. 

I’m so fired up I could fly. 

Obviously this is a HUGE trip with some substantial costs.  I will keep you updated on more details as well as how you can partner with us in finances and prayer.  Until then, if you would keep my family and this ministry adventure in your prayers, I would appreciate it.  The trip is scheduled for July 2011.

Here is to him who defies gravity and moves his kingdom forward while allowing us the privilege of participating!

photo by photo mind

Rock Leo’s World

Meet Leo from Mexico.  How could you not like this kid?  Sporting the chuckie-T’s and waiting for over 6 months for a sponsor, you can change his world for $38 per month.  To find out more about sponsoring Leo, click here

Name:       Leo Isaac Hermosillo Jimenez (ME9490013)
Birthday:   August 2, 2006    Age: 3
Gender:     Male
Region:      Central America and Caribbean
Country:     Mexico
Program:    Amiguitos de Jesus Student Center

In his home, Leo helps by running errands. He lives with his father and his mother. His father is sometimes employed as a farmer and his mother maintains the home.

Soccer, playing with cars and hide-and-seek are Leo’s favorite activities. In kindergarten his performance is average and he also regularly attends church activities and Bible class.

Your love and support will help Leo to receive the assistance he needs to develop his potential. Please pray for him.

Become a sponsor and put a smile on Leo’s face (and yours).

Opening for Jars of Clay and Need to Breathe!

Elevate 2010 will take place in Martinsville, IL on July 5.  This one-night event will feature Jars of Clay, Need to Breath,  Justin Hoeppner and myself.

Toss the kiddies in the back of the SUV, throw in some lawn chairs, and come enjoy a fantastic night of music.  Hope to see you there!

Tickets are available at the gate or thru ticketweb.

Elevate 2010 is located at the Martinsville Fairgrounds in Martinsville, IL (30 min West of Terre Haut on I-70).

For more info, click here.