December 23, 2008
 
 
Update on the Disaster Response Center


Here are some drawings of the Disaster Response Center to give you a feel of what the new building will be like: 
  

The needed permits have been obtained from St. Tammany Parish to start the project.  I am told that we probably won't see any signs of construction until the middle of January.  We have gotten rid of most of our housing trailers and are cleaning up the tool areas to make room for the new building.  We'll need lots of self-help teams in the spring once the shell is up.
(Here's a great example of a church that is promoting teams:  www.kurttrucksess.com/faithefree/Galveston.htm)
 
If you have ideas for skilled teams or donations of warehouse equipment, let us know.  I'll try to get a list from Mark on furnishing needs.  We've already got some leads on some warehouse fixture donations.
 
In case you are not clear on how the building will be used, here is an outline on the top priorities:
 
1.   Crisis Response Ministry Center
Vision:  The development of a ministry center to support ongoing and new Crisis.  Response Ministry and related church planting efforts in the southeastern U.S.
Expressions:  Staging site for staff, supplies, equipment and materials needed to respond to the mission field created in the wake of crisis.
 
2.   Local, Regional and International TouchGlobal Ministry Center
Vision:  The development of a resource center and staging site for EFCA supporting ongoing and new international holistic ministry efforts.
Expressions:  Collect and distribute/ship donated goods to mission fields all over the world, from Covington to Congo.
 
3.   Restoring the Body
Vision:  Restore the Body of Christ and help re-establish the vital ministry of the Church.
Expressions:  Through the clean-up and physical rebuilding help is given to the Body of Trinity and Castle Rock, and beyond.
 
4.   Community Impact
Vision:  Showing the love of Jesus Christ to those in need to multiply healthy churches.
Expressions:  Through the meeting of physical needs (tree cutting; gutting; rebuilding; food) as a vehicle into relationship. Demonstration and proclamation leads to transformation by Holy Spirit leads to multiplication of Kingdom.
-Compassion Ministry - Outreach Construction Evangelism
-Trinity Cares Ministry - Feeding the Soul, Mind and Body
-Follow-up Ministry - Caring Evangelism and Discipleship
-Partnering as we have been with existing community ministries
(i.e. Crisis Pregnancy Center, Upwards Ministry, Samaritan Center, Elderly Protective Services; St. Tammany Social Services, etc)
 
5.   Trinity/CRCC/TouchGlobal Partnership
Vision:  Support the ministry goal and objectives of our ministry partners and encourage partner interdependence.
Expressions:  Through helping to advance the mission and strategic plans of Trinity and CRCC.  Promote the value that can be added to each individual partner by the other partners.  Foster interconnectivity between partners, the 'in it together' approach including connections in the following ways:
-Exchange (families/cross-pollination; children; youth; adults; crown;
 women/men's ministry; compassion)
-Community development (case management; follow-up)
-Ministry Center/teaching
-Learning from them (poverty; racism)
-Finances
-School
 
6.   Equipping
Vision:  Recognize and partner with the work the Holy Spirit is doing in volunteers to transform them, their churches and their communities. Help to foster an outward focus and DNA change to ministry that intersects the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.  Develop, empower and release the Body.
Expressions:  TG Katrina Project/Trinity Church/CRCC serving as holistic ministry outward -focused church boot camp.  An intentional short-term ministry experience done well, thereby freeing teams to experience all that the Holy Spirit has for them.
-Trinity being the Church of the Stained Carpet - allowing ongoing use of facility
-Intentional connection with Pastors Michael and John Gerhardt.
-Sharing stories and learning from the storm and the trip.
-Add specific learning tracks for teaching and hands-on equipping in the areas of holistic ministries, poverty, social justice, Christian community development, etc.
 
7.   Poverty Invasion
Vision:  Christian Community transformation in name of Jesus by mobilizing a tithe of EFCA in areas of prayer; investment; and people (engagement and transformation).
Expressions:
-Raise up 35,000 people committed to be part of a 'poverty army' for prayer
-Investment of time, talents, treasures (mentor, give)
-Serving in existing ministries (UIM, TouchGlobal, showing/being Jesus, evangelism and discipleship to develop Christian communities)
-Moving to an impoverished area
 
8.   Multiplying Healthy Churches among all Peoples - Church Planting
Vision:  In partnership with local churches and Poverty Invasion, plant at least 6 Kingdom Communities in Greater NO Region.
Expressions:
-Local churches to share passion for and invest in outreach and evangelism
-Outreach and relationship building
-Follow-up on hundreds/thousands of Compassion Ministry contacts
-Mentoring and discipleship of individuals, families and groups
-Developing, empowering and releasing leaders to building community and healthy churches, expressed in Kingdom Communities.
 
9.   The Ripple Effect
Vision:  From the experiences here, individuals and churches would see holistic ministries outside the walls of the church as a natural outflow of the church to affect eternal life transformation.
Expressions:  New ministries started, walks with Christ deepened, intentional living for the Gospel, evangelism and transformed lives, families, churches and communities.
 
We are excited that we will have many teams arriving at Trinity the day after Christmas.  The work continues!  Keep praying for our renovation needs.  We still need $40,000+ for the renovation project.
 
Betting the Farm on God,

Michael 

December 15, 2008

Sprague Family Update

Earlier this year, while on a speaking assignment, I had a chance to visit the Charles Schultz Museum - you know - the creator of  "Peanuts", "Snoopy", "Charlie Brown", etc.  Mr. Schultz had an interesting philosophy.  (Don't actually answer the following questions, just read)

1.  Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2.  Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3.  Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

4.  Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

5.  Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

 How did you do?

The point is none of us remember the headlines of yesterday.

These are no second-rate achievers.

They are the best in their fields. 

But the applause dies.

Awards tarnish. 

Achievements are forgotten. 

Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz.  See how you do on this one:

1.  List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2.  Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3.  Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4.  Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!!!

5.  Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson:

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.  They simply are the ones who care the most.

Indeed, this is one of my most treasured learnings over the last few years.  I am surrounded by friends across the states who have stood by me and the ministry during the highs and lows.  Together we have longed to honor the Lord and advance the cause of Christ.  Thousands have been impacted and more to come.  I am indeed most thankful for your prayer, support and friendship.  David had his mighty men.  Paul had Barnabas, Timothy and Titus.  Elijah had Elisha, but I've got you and the stories of Acts 29 are still being written.

Here's a little update on the Sprague Family so you can pray for us.  The following was a first for us in Louisiana - SNOW!

I've waited almost ten years.  The flakes were big and beautiful and it was fun to talk to so many kids who had never seen snow before.  We even got to show a few how to make a snowman.  Our 13-year-old Border Collie, Fluffy, acted like a puppy again, playing in the snow as she did as a youngster in Maryland.  Our sled remained in the attic since there are no hills here.  The highway overpasses remain our only scenic elevation points.  Oh well.  The good news is that it was 65 degrees on Sunday. 

Jonathan is in the midst of final exams in his senior year at Baylor University.  He graduates August 15.  I'm claiming that day by faith.  Jonathan is an Information Systems Major.  He is thinking about the options of working on an MBA or getting started in a career.  The economy sure looks shaky for new graduates, but God will have the right spot for him.  If you know of any Information Systems job opportunities, let me know.

Donna has been actively involved with Women's Ministry planning for 2009.  This past Friday night, after her all-day ministry planning meeting, we entertained all the Staff/Elders and spouses at our home!  She is steady and faithful.  She makes a huge difference in the lives of people, especially mine.  Beyond taking care of me, teaching 4-year-old Sunday School and working in the Women's Ministry, Donna has enjoyed teaching part-time this year at our local elementary school as a paraprofessional, working with special needs children.

I'm looking forward to seeing the family as we fly to Maryland on Christmas Eve and return to Louisiana on the 31^st.  I hope to see many friends from Forcey Memorial Church, and will preach at three services at Hershey Evangelical Free Church in Pennsylvania on December 28^th.  Our basketball team, which has historically been a winner, finished this season 1-11.  Ouch.  We are blaming it on injuries.  The next season starts January 2^nd.  We'll be ready.

I'm looking forward to preaching a new series on the End Times starting January 4^th.  That's enough for today.  Have a great Christmas.

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael

P.S.  So far, we've gotten in about $29,000 since November from Trinity and partners from across the country for our Renovations Project.  We need about $46,000 more to renovate the Worship Center and Adult Wing. 

November 20, 2008

Dear Friends,

Let me cut to the chase since I'm a lousy fundraiser.  In fact, I'm learning God is the fundraiser, and my job is to let the need be known.  God supplies through his people whom He nudges.  The need is this:

Trinity Church's building needs to be renovated big time!

Here's the information so you can decide if you can help.

1.   St. Tammany Parish and Trinity Church members have now approved the Disaster Response Building.  Work will start any day now on this 7,500 square foot headquarters building, which will be located on our property.  When completed in late spring 2009, the Compassion/TouchGlobal offices will move to this building from our main building.  In addition, the Disaster Response Building will have a large warehouse and a room to sleep teams.

2.   Since Katrina, Trinity Church's building has been used as a mobilization center for Disaster Response.  This has been our delight.  God has used this work mightily, but the building has taken a beating.  We have had over 13,000 volunteers, approximately 50,000 person nights of lodging and 100,000 meals served.  You can imagine why we are affectionately known as "the church of the stained carpet".  Renovations are needed.

3.   Here's a small list of the immediate needs for renovation:

• The carpet is soiled and must be replaced.

• The worship center chairs have been used for meetings and as cafeteria chairs.  They are now stained and worn out from stacking and setting up repeatedly.  People are finding themselves falling through the seats. 

• The Compassion offices need to be turned back into classrooms.

• The little kitchen has had its cabinets and appliances used to the max.  All of the appliances and cabinets need replacing.  This little room has been like the five fish and two loaves.  It's a touch of Jesus through Vixie, Frannie, Lisa and the rest who have kept it going.

• Walls need painting and bathrooms need to be refreshed.

• Our septic system has to be replaced.

• I could go on - but you get the picture.

4.   Here's why I write.  Over the last 3-½ years, countless numbers of people have personally told me that when the time came, they would help to renovate.  I know there is a lot of good will out there.  Many people's hearts are with us in New Orleans.  We are now preparing for the renovation and need the funds.  We will use every penny that comes in on renovations.  Will you help?

5.   Also, will you help me get the word out by passing this on to others?  Without your assistance, I have no way of getting this into the hands of all of the pastors, churches, and individuals who have offered to help or will help.

If your church or missions group has a love offering at Christmas or a Mission's Project Offering in the spring, maybe you could be our advocate.  Be creative.  One person won a boat and is going to give us a portion of the proceeds!

6.   Over the years, many people have even said, "When you get rid of that stained carpet, I want a piece of it to remind me of the place that changed my life."  It's almost that time!

7.   Checks can be made out to "Trinity Church Renovation Fund" at the following address:

Trinity Church

19380 N. 10^th Street

Covington, LA  70433

If you have questions, please call us at 985-893-0218.  My e-mail is MDSprague00@bellsouth.net.

8.   Our dream is to continue to expand kingdom work into the future in our new expanded Disaster Response Center.  There are more opportunities than ever to share the love of Jesus Christ around the country and world after a crisis.  This past Sunday, a Trinity team just reported about their trip to Peru in the aftermath of that huge earthquake.  We have started a work in Peru as well as China.  Jesus is at work in people's lives.  That is what we are all about.

Thank you for your investment in our lives and work.  Please pray and pass this on to others.  We are most thankful for your partnership.

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael

P.S. - Have a great Thanksgiving!  We are looking forward to having our son, Jonathan, home for a few days from college.  Lord willing, our boy will graduate August 15, 2009!  Nothing like counting the days down until the college bills stop!

November 3, 2008

"New" Compassion Ministry Begins

 I love doing ministry, but just as much, I love it when others do ministry.  So many have come to New Orleans and have gone back home and started Compassion Ministries.  Evangelical Free Church of Naperville has been one of the churches most committed to partnering with us.  I have benefited greatly from their pastor, Dale Hummel, and from their team leader, Doug Tobin.  Doug just wrote me a note and unfolded the "New" Compassion Ministry they just launched in their community.  Here's the report from the church newsletter "EFCN Life".   Pastor Dale's message on the ministry launch can be found at www.efca.org (click the Oct. 26 message).

By: Sonja Schneider

EFCN is launching a compassion ministry, called TouchLocal to give people the opportunity to serve in Jesus name. Compassion without action is not compassion; it is simply a deep emotion.  "When you serve compassionately and don't seek anything in return, actions are so powerful," said Doug Tobin, TouchLocal leader.  "Preach the Gospel at all times - if necessary use words."  The new ministry will focus outside the church and into the local communities around EFCN. Doug would like to help people within the community who fall through the cracks, especially during this time.  Although at the current time there isn't a long list of projects, the Compassion Ministry is ready to help during these tough times as well as during any crisis situation.  For projects, the ministry requires that someone within the church have a relationship to the individual, family or organization, because as Christ-followers, Doug says we are in the relationship business; people first, work second.  Doug asks the question, "If our church vanished from the community, would anyone notice?" It is a question that Doug is excited to see how God will answer using this new ministry.  "So many families are struggling to make ends meet," Doug said. "We seek to be a bridge to help those in need and to partner with community compassion ministries like local food banks and homeless shelters.  On Nov. 8 and 9 TouchLocal will launch alongside Harvest Weekend.  Doug is asking the congregation to supply food that is needed at each worship service: Soup, rice, rice mixes, pasta, pasta sauce, tuna and jelly.  "The economy is bad and all people are affected," Doug said. "We want to be there to meet physical needs, so we can also fulfill their spiritual needs."  This food drive is a way to tangibly help families and partner with Woodridge Community Pantry. In the past six months, they have seen a 30 percent increase in families needing assistance, and only expect that to further grow. They currently assist 500-600 families per month by providing 125-150 pounds of food per family.  As we build our leadership and volunteers teams and plan service projects, we also would love to hear from the congregation of what they feel is needed in the community, somewhere they may currently be serving.  "We want the congregation to pray that God will guide us to where we should be serving, and to whom we should be serving" he said. "We can't be all things to all people, but we can be what God would uniquely call us to be."  Doug met with Pastor Dale Hummel about the TouchLocal after working for the past three years on mission trips to New Orleans, cleaning up from the devastation of hurricane Katrina. Doug asked himself time and time again, why did God put this in my heart to go there? It was something he couldn't stop thinking about and couldn't walk away from. He traveled to New Orleans and lead teams to reach out to those who lost everything and saw where God was working in unique and powerful ways.  The question that kept coming up in Doug's mind, is why can't we serve locally like we have done in the Gulf Coast? "That is what this new ministry is all about. It is about the people and not the projects," Doug said. "Jesus came to seek and to save what was lost, so we make a point not to get lost in the work, but the people we are serving."  TouchLocal Compassion Ministries is developing opportunities to serve compassionately in Jesus name, and is building a leadership team, seeking project leaders and volunteers to serve those in need.  To learn more on how you can be a part of the team and serve, contact us at www.compassion@efcn.org.

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael

Trinity Church votes on Nov. 9^th on whether to allow the Disaster Response Center to be built.  If the vote goes well, the project can start on Nov. 10^th.  A dream may soon become a reality.  Pray!

October 28, 2008

A Contrarian Viewpoint

Anybody out there worried?  Do you wonder how your life will turn out?  Are you concerned financially?  Anyone anxious over how the election will turn out?  Are you angry at bankers, corruption, politicians, greed, etc.?

Last week someone went to buy a toaster and they said it came with a bank!!  There has been lots of loss, pain and perplexity.  We should all be concerned and prayerful in the midst of these new economic realities yet we must also be HOPEFUL and ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. 

It is easy to buy the myth that money or some political messiah can make our lives and eternities more secure.  We expect our economy to ever expand, our house prices to always rise, our 401K to continually multiply, and our government officials to solve the world's problems.  The ticker of our balance sheets is supposed to always move up and to the right.  However, downturns and crisis expose the illusion that security can come from these things.  Our security must be in something that is stronger and never changes.  The ticker of the Dow Jones goes up and down but the ticker for God says UNCHANGED.

God's Patience                                                                                 UNCHANGED

God's Mercy                                                                                      UNCHANGED

God's Power                                                                                     UNCHANGED

God's Love                                                                                        UNCHANGED

God's Provision                                                                                UNCHANGED

God's Moral Compass                                                                     UNCHANGED

In these times of uncertainty, Jesus sits on the throne UNCHANGED as our Rock, our Hope, our Savior and Lord.  Congress does not get to vote on this.  The Supreme Court does not get to rule on this and God does not need a bailout.  Jesus is building his Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against Him.  Remember, Jesus often does his best work in troubling times.  Just read the New Testament when Nero was the Caesar, and Christians were thrown to the lions.  No one could miss the prevailing power of God that flowed through His people.  There was a vital optimism and supernatural hope that flowed through those in the Kingdom of God.  Nothing could stop them.

These are days to anchor ourselves in Christ and look for opportunities to share the hope that is within us.  Ours is the gospel message-the truth that 2000 years ago, in an obscure part of the world, the God/man Jesus, hung on a tree and now offers life to all who call upon Him by faith.  This sounds foolish to some but I testify that these are the words and power for life and eternity.  It is so easy to drift from this and forget where the power really is for Transformation.  Charles Colson put it this way, "The Kingdom of God will never arrive on Airforce One." 

A fellow Evangelical Free Church Pastor just told me of a man who barged into his office and said, "I've got to be baptized right now."  Obviously, there was a story behind this request.  The man said, "My marriage is falling apart and my wife made me come to the church service.  I sat in the back row with my arms folded - you see I'm part of the Liberal Press.  Week after week, in your preaching you just told me about Jesus and I should follow him.  I kept coming and over time I moved up in the service and I now sit in the second row.  I just got a new assignment today as an editor in Salt Lake City.  So I've got to be baptized today."  Here was a man who met Jesus and God started changing him from the inside-out.  A couple of years later, the pastor ran into the man in Salt Lake City.  He was a deacon in his church and his wife was the children's director.  The man said, "Thank you for sticking to Jesus".

Isn't 2 Timothy 2:23-26 so true especially in an election year?

"But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.  The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will."

Phillip Yancey was interviewed by a writer doing an article on the Christian Right and Yancey asked if the interviewer knew what the "gospel" was.  The interviewer said, "No, what's that?"  Yancey discovered the man interviewed all the big names in the cultural wars and No One Had Told Him About Jesus!

I'm so glad Jesus choose Matthew the tax-collector and Simon the Zealot (you know they had to have been roommates).  I'm so glad he reached out to Samaritans, prostitutes, Roman soldiers, betrayers, government officials, religious and non-religious alike. Our job as ministers of reconciliation is to lift up Jesus and see men and women, boys and girls drawn to Him.  God does not want any to perish but all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Let's get our message out and stand in God's security.  Jesus Christ has won, is winning and will win.  We stand with him.  What a hope we have.

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael

October 13, 2008

Evangelism Explosion

This past week in Houma, LA, through the transformational power of the Holy Spirit, our teams were blessed to witness 24 people profess faith in Christ!  We now have the blessing of follow-up!  Here's one story - WOW!

Our team working in Houma wrote this of an experience last week.  "We went to Bill Witt's house and were there to check the trees that were down on his property.  After I met Bill, I looked at his trees with him and told him we should be able to do it next week or the week after.  He told me, 'Wait a minute fella.  How much is it going to cost me?'  I asked him, "How about zero dollars and zero cents?"  He stood back and was in shock, asked where we were from and who we were.  After I told him who we were and what our jobs were in Houma, New Orleans and Texas, he told me that he had been praying for God to send him some help for these trees.  He had been praying almost every night asking God to please help.  Well, last night he said that when he prayed, he told God that this was it.  He was at the end of his rope and that he was throwing in his chip with God, and then I showed up today and offered free help and told him I was from a faith-based group.  The tears just flowed.  He was thanking me and thanking God."

The rest of the story is that the team went to serve him and connected so well.  They showed the practical, tangible side of God's love, and also shared the Truth of the Gospel.  Earlier this week, we got word that Bill had called the team member and said, "I prayed to become a Christian."  God is so gracious, and we rejoice with Bill in his new life.

Here's another story about a wall of fame!

Jack Symmons was also following up with Bill in Houma who recently professed faith in Christ, and wrote, "Last Friday afternoon I had a chance to pay Bill Witt a visit on my way out of Houma.  When I arrived at his house, his wife greeted me with the biggest smile and told me that Bill was working on the side of the house.

"Well, after surprising him, he began yelling 'I'm a sinner, I'm a sinner.'  I was in shock at first but then he told me that he was sinning because he could not stop bragging about the team that had been at his house and the work that they had done for him.  He was so happy that he had created a wall of fame.  And on that wall are all the names of the team members that helped cut his trees.  And with their names are their favorite Bible verses.  Bill told me that he goes out to that wall and reads those verses everyday.  Praise God for His perfect timing."

In Matthew 28:18-20, we are given the Great Commission.  This is why we serve in New Orleans and why we send teams.  Jesus told us to "Go".  Go and make, not decisions, but disciples.  Go and teach them to obey all I have commanded you.  As we go, we declare Christ and Christ crucified.  Jesus is the Savior and the hope of the world.  This may seem foolish to some and not cool to others but there is salvation in no other name.

Prayer Request:

Most of you who have worked on teams know Frannie.  Frannie came to us from Chicago after a traumatic brain injury.  We loved on her.  She met Jesus.  She joined our staff - first working with Vixie in the food service area and then with Mary Held in follow-up.  Frannie has touched all of our lives.  I'll never forget the day she was baptized.

Frannie has to go through two surgeries for traumatic brain injury.  The first was Friday and the next, today.  Pray for Frannie.  She writes about Beniaih in the O.T. who took on a lion.  She asks for prayer "to live life to the fullest and grab life by the mane."

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael

PS - Tuesday night, St. Tammany Parish Officials gave us the initial permitting to start building the Disaster Response Center.

October 4, 2008

Things Hurricanes Taught Me

·        MATH 101:  30 days in a month, minus 12 days without power equals 30% higher electric bill??

·        Cell phones work when landlines are down, but only as long as the battery remains charged.

·        If I owned a store that sold only ice, chainsaws, gas and generators, I'd be rich!

·        He who has the biggest generator wins.

·        You can never have too many gas cans.

·        A new method of non-lethal torture - showers without hot water.

·        Hair can dry without a blow dryer, but it may not look the way you planned.

·        You can't train yourself not to flip on light switches when entering a room (when the electricity is out).

·        A new opening phrase when seeing someone:  "Got lights yet?"

·        Peanut butter and jelly is a perfectly acceptable meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the same day.

·        Coffee is possible without Starbucks!

On the serious side, I love 1 Samuel 14:6, "Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf."  Isn't that better than living "Perhaps the Lord WON'T act in our behalf."  I'm learning how much of life is fear-driven or faith-driven.  Which is better - "safe than sorry" or "step-out and go for it".  The purpose of life is not simply to arrive safely at death.

You pray for me!  I'll pray for you!  May God give us the spirit of Jonathan - Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf.  Let's live this week with holy anticipation.

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael

Check the web at http://www.efcacrisisresponse.blogspot.com/ to see the latest pictures and reports.  Also, check out Trinity's newly designed webpage at http://www.trinitychurchonline.net/

September 26, 2008

Prayer Requests for Michael

 This week, as I preach through our Exodus Adventure series, I am reminded that the prevailing power of God often flows through prayer.  As someone said, "Prayer is the slender nerve that moves the arm of omnipotence". 

 From Exodus 17:8-15, God is burning in me the picture of Moses with his hands raised in dependence upon God.  As Moses depends on God, the battle goes well - as his arms fall - the enemy makes inroads.  Fortunately, two friends lighten Moses' load and raise Moses' arms and together they trust God for the victory.  All of you have been like Aaron and Hur to me over the years as prayer warriors and people who lighten my load.  How I rejoice and thank God! The following will update you on some things to pray for on behalf of the ministry.

1.      Pray for Mark Lewis as he provides wonderful leadership for the teams.  You can check out what our Disaster Response Teams are doing daily in Houma, LA and in the Houston/Galveston, TX area at www.efcacrisisresponse.blogspot.com.  This will give you pictures, stories of divine appointments and a daily tracking of needs.  Pray for teams in the aftermath of Ike and Gustav.

2.      Pray for our meeting, October 7, with St. Tammany Parish officials concerning our conditional-use approval for building the Disaster Response Center.  It is so exciting seeing the steps of a dream become a reality.

3.      Pray for Trinity Church as we seek God's development plan and the next steps for possibilities with land acquisition, student ministry building, etc.  Pray for wisdom and clarity on God's path.

4.      Pray for revival on the Northshore of New Orleans.  Pray for boldness in our witness and open doors of opportunity.  These are significant days to proclaim our hope is not in politicians, the economy, or men, but in the Lord.  Pray we are faithful in sowing and watering as we await God to give the increase.

5.      Pray for John Gerhardt and Castle Rock Church as they labor in the fields of New Orleans.  Just yesterday, I heard of a young man saved through this ministry and the fruit that has come in this changed life.  Pray for resources for their ministry to thrive in this tough economic climate.

6.      Thank you for praying for our family.  September is my busiest time of the year with ministries restarting, budgeting development plans, etc.  There are not many dull moments at Trinity.  I thank God for the lives that are being touched.   We have a baptism Sunday and a pulpit/praise team swap with Castle Rock Church next Sunday with a big joint picnic at Trinity following.  Donna just began a part-time job at the public school across the street from our community as a Para-professional working with special needs children.  Jonathan has started his senior year at Baylor University and had a great summer intern experience working at Ocshner Hospital in the IT field.

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael

September 15, 2008

Calling for Gutsy Christ-followers

Here are the words of Mark Lewis, our Crisis Response TouchGlobal leader:

"I was asked by someone here 'where will you sleep the next few nights?'  I have no idea.  I have no idea where we will eat.  Nor did I know where I was going to eat the last 2 weeks while in Houma, but God supplied every day."

Mark is a gutsy leader who rallies other people to work with him.  These modern day disciples remind me of the ones that were sent out two-by-two by Jesus 2,000 years ago.  These men and women were foolish enough to believe that Good Deeds lead to Good Works that lead to the Good News of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

The bottom line is that we need partners now just as much as ever.  Mark can tell you the best with pictures, our progress and needs if you click http://www.efcacrisisresponse.blogspot.com/

Betting the Farm on God,

September 4, 2008
 
 
Teams needed in New Orleans (Fall and Spring)
 
Report:  Power restored last night to our house – Phones still out – Over a million people still without power – Many without water and sewage.  Our Compassion teams are working in Houma, LA this week.  Many from church are still away.  Most will probably return in the next couple of days.  Pray for encouragement Sunday, and boldness in preaching on "listening to the voice of God."
 
An interesting study came from two psychologists out of Princeton University a few years ago that was inspired by the study of the Good Samaritan.  You may remember how the religious people were too busy but the Samaritan stopped to help.  Professors John Darly and Daniel Batson tried to replicate the story with the potential good Samaritan being seminary students.  Here's how the study unfolded:
 
"A few variables were introduced.  The seminarians were interviewed and asked why they wanted to go into ministry.  There were a variety of responses, but the vast majority said they went into ministry to help people.  Then they were asked to prepare a short sermon – half of them on the story of the good Samaritan and the other half on other topics.  Finally they were told to go over to a building on campus to present their sermons.
 
"Along the way, the researchers had strategically positioned an actor in an alley to play the part of the man who was mugged in Jesus' story.  He was slumped over and groaning loud enough for passersby to hear.
 
"The researchers hypothesized that those who said they went into ministry to help people and those who had just prepared the sermon on the good Samaritan would be the most likely to stop and help.  But that wasn't the case.  And the reason is the final variable introduced by the researchers.  Just before the seminarians left to give their sermon, the researcher looked at his watch and said one of two things.  To some seminarians, the researcher said, 'You're late.  They were expecting you a few minutes ago.  You better hurry.'  To others, the researcher said, 'You're early.  They weren't expecting you for a few minutes, but why don't you start heading over there?'
 
"Interested in the results?  Only 10 percent of the seminary students who were in a hurry stopped to help, while 63 percent of those who weren't in a hurry stopped to help.  In several cases, a seminary student going to give his talk on the parable of the good Samaritan literally stepped over the victim as he hurried on his way!
 
'Darley and Batson concluded that it didn't matter whether someone wanted to help people or whether someone had just read and was preparing to preach on the parable of the good Samaritan.  The only thing that mattered was whether or not they were in a hurry.  They concluded, 'The words, "You're late," had the effect of making someone who was ordinarily compassionate into someone who was indifferent to suffering.'" (John Darly and Daniel Batson, Wild Goose Chase, p. 56).
 
Hurry kills compassion.  Hurry kills spontaneity.  Hurry kills loving a neighbor.  One of the reasons mission trips in the aftermath of Katrina have proved a catalyst for life change is that people have slowed down, changed their routine and looked at God with new eyes.  Are you in a spiritual slump?  Here's a prescription – Come on a mission's trip.  It might just change your life and marriage.
 
Jack and Becky Symmons are a great example.  Jack came down to Trinity to help for a week and it rocked his world.  He went home and it changed his outlook and impacted his marriage.  Becky came down next to see what all of this "Katrina" ministry was about.  God touched their lives to come to New Orleans as full-time staff.  They arrived last Wednesday, just in time to evacuate!  Talk about getting baptized quickly.  Such is the adventure when you free up some space for God.
 
If you or your church would like a mission's experience, call us at 985-893-0218 to get an information packet or to reserve your spot.  We need cooks, counselors, skilled craftsmen, administrators, and most of all, thousands of helpers.
 
Betting the Farm on God,
 
Michael

September 2, 2008

Gustav Sunday Night - No electricity, but we have Power!

Back Home!  I'm sending this letter out from City Hall, Mandeville.  Our councilman, Jerry Coogan, kindly offered to let me tap into his access.  In the big scene of things, compared to Katrina, we dodged a bullet.  In the short run, there is a lot of clean up to do.  Here's my eyewitness report of our area:

1.  1.7 million people are still evacuated.  Schools are out until Monday.  People are being urged not to return for a couple of days.

2.  1.5 million people in Louisiana are without power.  All of our area, and New Orleans, are without power.

3.   Covington (the town where our church is located) is evacuating 1,000 people today because the Tchfuncte River is cresting and is expected to flood homes.

4.   The Mandeville Lakefront and street is 2 feet under water.

5.   One of our neighbors has a pine tree through his home.  Most of the pines that fell, however, missed homes.

6.   Mark Lewis and the Compassion first-responders are working in Houma this week.  This is where Gustav first hit.  There is a lot of work to do over the next 4-6 weeks.

7.   John Gerhardt and Castle Rock Church are being housed in an Evangelical Free Church in Birmingham.  There is a possibility that they will stay one night at Trinity before gaining access back into New Orleans.  We'll see.  John is a terrific shepherd.

8.   Trinity Church survived Gustav.  There is a lot of debris in the parking lot, a few trees down and a big puddle in the nursery, but the water has been swept out of the door already.

9.   Moody Broadcasting with Chris Fabry called today to get a first hand report.  We are thankful for the PR.

10. We have heard that there is a levee breach in Plaquemines Parish, but all of that you probably have more information than we do since we have no television!

11. We have had lots of storms today, and there are still tornado threats.

If you want to come with a team, please come.  There is a lot of work to do.  Check the website at www.trinitychurchonline.net  and www.efcacrisisresponse.blogspot.com  for more information.

Betting the Farm on God,

P. S. – You can sign up teams, or get additional information at www.trinitychurchonline.net  and www.efcacrisisresponse.blogspot.com .  This is a great new blog with pictures.

August 31, 2008

Gustav Sunday Night

Here we go again!  I'll try to keep you posted as long as we have communication ability.  Donna, Fluffy (our dog) and I rolled into Birmingham dead tired - not much sleep last night.  We had just gotten to sleep around midnight when we received an emergency call from the Mandeville Mayor saying that a mandatory evacuation of our town of Mandeville had been ordered.  Finally, after getting back to sleep we got another emergency call, this time from our Parish President Kevin Davis (county executive to all those not from Louisiana) at 2:30 am saying that a mandatory evacuation had been ordered, beginning at 7:00 am.  Great emergency system -  except for the sleep interruption.  Anyway, Donna got up at 3:00 am and I got up at 4:00 am and we were on the road by 5:00, along with 1.8 million people.  With all of the mandatory evacuation we decided to cancel our Trinity services to encourage cooperation with Parish officials and to promote safety.

We will be staying with EFCA District Director, Ed Kaylor.  We are very appreciative for the hospitality.  John Gerhardt's entire church (73 people) from Castlerock/Urban Impact is evacuating today to the Birmingham area as well.  The city of Birmingham is expecting 4,000 refugees from the Gulf Coast.  Mark Lewis and our disaster relief staff have evacuated to Pensacola, Florida.

At this time, we hope to be back early Wednesday.  Donna and I, as well as a few key disaster responders at Trinity, have the Homeland Security clearance required to get back into the Parish anytime as first responders.  My heart is to be back as soon as possible in order to be ready to serve.

We just saw the latest Fox/CNN report that Gustav could be bigger than Katrina.  We watched reporters showing the 9th Ward, Business District, and referring to Lake Ponchartrain and New Orleans East.  We heard Senator McCain commit to making a significant portion of the Republic Convention focused on service and resource raising for New Orleans.  We got here, shaking our heads at how much attention our little neck of the woods receives.  It is nice to know so many people care.

Right now, the need of the hour is prayer.

1.       Pray now for our new Governor, Bobby Jindal and all the emergency personnel - National Guard, Fire, Police, Red Cross, Military, etc.  They are heroic folks.

2.       Pray for God's Kingdom Soldiers from churches across the country to come in droves to New Orleans and serve with our disaster response ministry.  We need cooks, counselors, evangelists, skilled tradesmen, encouragers and lots of plain old servants.  Pray for an abundance of financial resources to lead the ministry into the fall.  Please pass the word to your friends and church leaders.

3.       Pray for the ministry of the gospel.  This, I believe - "The hope of this world is a blood-stained cross and an empty tomb."  One man's death 2,000 years ago on an old tree, in an obscure part of the world impacts the destiny of every person who has ever lived.  Some call this foolishness, but I am confident it is the power of God to salvation to every person who believes in Jesus Christ as Savior.  This we believe - this we live - this we share - this is what it is all about.

Betting the Farm on God,

 Michael

 P. S. - You can sign up teams, or get additional information at www.trinitychurchonline.net and www.efcacrisisresponse.blogspot.com.

August 28, 2008

 Déjà Vu New Orleans

Our good friend Doug Tobin from Naperville Evangelical Free Church in Illinois forwarded these thoughts from one of his teammates.  It says it all concerning  the need of the hour:

"As I watch the news reports on Tropical Storm Gustov I can't help but think back to our first day in New Orleans when someone said, 'The work isn't the priority, the relationships are, since another hurricane can come and wipe out everything you've done here this week'.  Now here we are, according to the computer models, Gustov could very well end up in New Orleans.  The likelihood of a Katrina level disaster is low due to levee repairs and emergency disaster preparedness, but the likelihood of severe damage and casualties is very real.  So what can we do??  You guessed it, PRAY.  My plan is to stop what I am doing at 5:00 pm today and just pray.  So if you received this message and you think of it, will you pray with me?  Have a great afternoon!!!"

Please pray!  Many people are getting nervous here.  Our new governor, Bobby Jindal, is mobilizing the troops.  People are fueling-up, boarding up their homes and businesses, and thinking through their evacuation plans.  We are implementing our contingency plans as well.

The comforting thing is that we can bet the farm on God.  He sits on a throne and He is not biting His fingernails.  Jesus is in charge.  Sometimes He causes us to avoid the storms, and sometimes He goes through the storms with us.

May Jesus be glorified in the midst of Gustav.

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael

P. S.  This is Déjà vu.  Just like last time.  I'm preaching Sunday, but then - Donna wants to go - I want to stay - We'll see - I'm sure there are lots of folks who would be willing to take in Michael, Donna and our dog, Fluffy.