The Big Weekend for Propel

I spent some time with Matt today and was inspired at the hard work, effort and preparation he has put together for our Sr. High (Propel) Youth Retreat this weekend.  You can check out the details at:

http://greenbrierchurch.com/family/category/propel/

This is THE big event for our high schoolers and I know they are excited about going.  Let’s pray for breakthrough encounters with the Lord, great fun and a safe return on Sunday am from the Eastern Shore.  You won’t want to miss their “reporting in” this Sunday in our combined worship service!

Surprised at 1 am

Adam called me from the church at 1 am this morning with the report that a car had driven over our sign and into the church building.  The Fire and Police Departments had sent a team to assess the damage and attempt to find the driver of the car who had fled the scene.  We will need a new sign and significant repair to the corner of the building where the stage currently exists.

In Genesis 50:20 Joseph declares: what men meant for evil, God has turned for good. As we pray for the driver of this vehicle lets remember that God has good in store for us!  Pray for those involved in processing this claim (insurance, legal, contractors, etc) and for the structural integrity of our building.  Let’s ask the Lord for His favor and protection in the coming days.

This is a great reminder for us to put God in charge of our storms. He will bring blessings to you!

Heading in the Right Direction

We just returned from an amazing week with brothers and sisters living and serving Christ on the front lines. It is was an incredible eye opening time to see again that God is at work in powerful ways in the world.  We saw miraculous healings, supernatural provision, heard stories of salvation, miraculous rescues and protection.

God is on the move and He is ready to deliver us from the darkness of our world!

This weekend we are continuing our series on 2nd Chances:  The Journey of Jonah. For anyone who feels that their world has swallowed them up and is about to spit them out — this is the weekend to come and meet a God who always comes to the rescue!

Invite a friend and believe God for a miracle!

Update from Eric, part 4

We had a 2 hour Q&A session allowing the training participants to ask any question about anything in scripture.  They are hungry to do so as they have no one to ask their questions of.  Questions included asking for clarification on body/soul/spirit, demonization, and  the meaning of specific verses.  They are so hungry to know the Word.

We celebrated the Lord’s day in the afternoon with kebabs! We talked about the real meaning of faith, belief and obedience and how the “finish line” is Jesus: not earthly pleasure or material possessions.  Following our last 90 minute Q and A session, we held our ‘commissioning’.
———————————————-

Eric, Terry and the team will be home in a couple of days. Thank you for praying for them as they served those who pay an enormous price, and count it a privilege, to stand for Christ.

Update from Eric, part 3

The day started at 0630 with the sounds of joyful worship filling the air.  Though our (national) brothers and sisters came from 11 different cities and had just met three days earlier, the bonds of the Spirit have made us like family.  We spent nearly 7 hours today in Hebrews and before the evening session began, several people shared their testimony.

“Ibrahim” shared that as a former rebel in a political movement he had lived a very hard and violent life.  One day he turned his radio on and heard the words of life for the first time [Christian radio broadcast beamed from abroad in his language].  For two years he copied down every word of the broadcast.   He brought the book [with him to show us]!  He committed his life to Jesus.  Ibrahim has scars on his back from being persecuted but his heart is filled with joy.

When we spoke about forgiveness, the tears poured.  One woman shared how she became a Christian 12 years ago.  She wrote a letter [to an overseas ministry] asking that they send another believer to visit her as she was the only believer she knew of in her city of 700,000.  But no one ever came. Because of her location and the difficulty of safely getting someone to her, her request went unanswered.  In the ensuing years she buried her mother, her sister, and shouldered much difficulty, all without the strengthening of another believer to walk beside.  This week at this training is the first time in her life that she has ever been around fellow believers and known Christian fellowship!

Join me in praying for Ibrahim and the many more who give all they have for the cause of Christ!

Update from Pastor Eric, part 2

This morning our team watched the sun come up over a well known distant mountain as we discussed our new friends, all from a neighboring nation where they endure extreme persecution. Several have been beaten for their faith. Others have lost jobs or been asked to never return home but each of them radiates the joy of God’s glory. I’ve begun to teach verse by verse through Hebrews. After our first 3 hours, a lively discussion began as I talked about our privilege to come boldly before the throne of grace.

Soon tears began to flow as we shared about Christ’s pain and forgiveness. One could only imagine what these dear brothers and sisters have endured. They each committed to a change in heart and to walk out the spirit of forgiveness. 

It was humbling to be there and to share the richness of God’s word with these saints.

Update from Pastor Eric

Greetings from across the world! Our ‘team’ (Terry Brew from Greenbrier and a pastor friend of mine from the west coast) arrived safely (Wed PM).  We were met by Tony, my long-time colleague who is from this region.  Our primary purpose here is to conduct ministry training for men and women, all of whom are leaders of the persecuted underground church in their nearby homeland. 

I was quickly given my first assignment:  the privilege of leading the dedication service to open our new Central Asian Training Center.  It was incredible to be joined by Kurds, Persians, Armenians, Americans and Irish as we prayed and sang worship songs in multiple languages dedicating this center to the work of the Lord.  I taught from Isaiah 60:22, “The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation.”  It was a sacred and beautiful time.

We then sat at picnic tables under a giant apricot tree for a festive dinner of eggplant, rice, beans and spinach with Persian bread.   Please pray for us Friday (we’re 9 hours ahead) as I start teaching the book of Hebrews and Terry begins building a covered entry way for the building.

Pray for the people of Camaguey

Just a month ago, Greenbrier Church sent a team of 10 people to minister and work with a church in Camaguey. We had an incredible time there and really connected with the wonderful staff and many families. If you watch the news, you know that Hurricane Ike hit Cuba yesterday as a high category 3 hurricane and passed directly over the town of Camaguey. I have been unable to reach the Pastor. Please join me in praying for Pastor Miguel, his staff, and the church families. My prayer is that God’s hand of protection was over them the entire time and that his provision and presence is there now as they assess the situation. They have an incredible heart to serve and reach others for Christ, so I know they are already trying to figure out how they can reach those most affected by the winds and waves. Let’s see what the Lord will ask us to do to help.

A Great Place to Belong

Greenbrier Church is a great place to belong.  It was such a privilege yesterday to see so many people returning to their God-given destiny!  I am excited about what God will bring to pass for all of us in the coming days.

This week and next week are the best time to sign up for a small group — it’s the perfect way to lock in ‘good’ things to happen for your fall calendar.  Be sure to click around the small group section online, grab a booklet or find sometime this next weekend to hang out in the Fellowship Hall.

High Expectations!

I was up early this morning watching the trees sway from Tropical Storm Hanna. It has been a beautiful site to watch and a great day to just be with family.  I am grateful that so far there has been no extensive damage in the area.  PTL!

Tomorrow (Sunday) we begin our series, ’2nd Chances’ on the life of Jonah.  I can’t wait to share with you the revelation I have received from this small book in the Old Testament.  Be sure to come tomorrow with high expectations for a power-packed, life-altering message from God’s Word.

« Previous Page — Next Page »