Mentoring Boys into Men

I love discovering and growing in the particular gifts and calling God has placed over my life.  For so long I had inadvertently limited His plans  by buying into popular trends and historical rhetoric.  In short, I was attempting to discern the will of the Lord by merely going with the flow rather than seeking His voice.  Minor oversight with potentially tragic consequences.  Fortunately, God is a God who never lets us and go, and, if necessary, will SCREAM and SHOUT to get our attention.

With all of this being said, I love the consistent and evolving ministry opportunities God has provided through a local Christian school.  Some of you may recall that the same school our two oldest boys attend has also served as a place for me to volunteer coaching sports, speaking in chapels and serving as a counselor to several special kids.  As the school year winds down, the effects of our labor are humbling.  Not only was I (Jeremy) asked by the students and faculty to be the Commencement speaker, but also several students have cited my message, ministry and example as the single-greatest influence in their walk with Jesus.  We know that it is not “I,” but the Spirit shining through us.  We love these kids and the incredible plans God has for them.

Local Church Update

This past month, the church in Forest Hills (FHCC) has experienced a real “shot in the arm.”  Not only have the new people from Easter stayed with us, but they are also growing in their faith, making new friends, and serving in ministry.  It’s not a windfall of numbers, but it is solid evidence of God’s involvement and effectiveness in the ministry.  One of these new ladies is of particular inspiration, given her Chinese heritage.  She came to faith through a home church in Communist China and has spent the last few years living in CA and TX amid a myriad of churches and Christians.  However, it was not until she began attending our church plant that she felt at “home” and with like-minded, dedicated Believers.   In her words, “FHCC not only preaches what it means to be a Christian, but every member tries to live out that conviction and message with great cost.”  Amen!