Living Room Encounter

This weekend Melody and I are facilitating another Living Room Marriage Encounter with 2 couples. This intimate gathering will take place in a home where couples will be encouraged to share, pray, and do battle for their relationships. Going into this weekend, I am so open to whatever God wants to say and do. It is a relief that these Encounters don't involved a formula or program. It is not a "show up and let us give you 5 steps to a better marriage". Been down that road before...not much transformation. These Encounters are much more about entering more deeply into your own story and the story of your marriage. It is inviting God to move and speak a fresh message. Each Encounter is unique. This weekend, we are working with 2 couples who are farther down the marriage road. So, it will be interesting to see what God wants to say.

Melody's parents are coming in on friday to help with our children. So, that is a huge blessing to know that they are cared for while we minister and guide. If you are reading this, offer up some prayer for us and the couples we are meeting with. Pray that we truly encounter the living God who desires for marriages to reflect His mercy and love.

Thanks Intercessors...

Thanks for praying and supporting us over the weekend with the men's boot camp. It was a powerful experience with the men. The final session of the boot camp was the most powerful as the men opened up and shared. The pastor was able to open his heart and communicate his need for them to develop as a true brotherhood. The men conveyed their desire to fight for sharing their stories and developing deeper connection. So, it was a door opener, a step in a new direction. Chris and I will continue work with this church and the men.

Thanks friends and allies for supporting us with your prayers...continue to fight on our behalf!

Intercessors Needed...

Allies and Friends...
Tonight, we go into battle for men's hearts. Chris Roe and I are leading a group of men in a Freedom and Life Boot Camp tonight. These men are from a local church that started about 4-5 years ago. The boot camp runs tonight through saturday afternoon. We will be leading sessions on the larger story, the poser, and brotherhood. Key areas in every man's journey.

So, in doing battle, we need people to come alongside us with prayers. This type of heart-work is critical and is opposed. So, we cannot do it alone. If you are reading this right now, STOP and PRAY. Don't wait for a convenient time to pray and intercede for us. Will you pray right now and lift us up...

Father,
Thank you for allies who support and pray for our ministry. We are doing this together. I thank you that ministering alone is not an option. I thank you that battling for hearts is what You have called us to do. So, now as our brothers and sisters uphold, surround, and support us with their prayers. Honor their prayers and bring strength, wisdom, and courage. amen.

Lucky to be Leafless

Eugene Peterson is truly a sage of our time. I love his writings and love his heart on ministry and life. I have recently been reading and rereading a sketch that he wrote on "blessed are the poor in spirit". One of the things God is teaching me right now is to read slowly and soak deeply. I tend to rush through scripture and readings. I seem to "get through a lot" and check it off my reading to-do list. But have I slowed down enough for soul-soaking to happen.
So, here is something to soak on by Peterson...

The Lucky Poor
"blessed are the poor in spirit"

A beech tree in winter, white
Intricacies unconcealed
Against sky blue and billowed
Clouds, carries in his emptiness
Ripeness: sap ready to rise
On signal, buds alert to burst
To leaf. And then after a season
Of summer a lean ring to remember
The lush fulfilled promises.
Empty again in wise poverty
That lets the reaching branches stretch
A millimeter more towards heaven,
The bole expand ever so slightly
And push roots into the firm
Foundation, lucky to be leafless:
Deciduous reminder to let it go.

Lesotho's Crisis: 6 Doctors -- 800,000 Kids

Encounter is hosting a silent auction in October to help raise funds for AIDS orphans and families in Lesotho. Lesotho is located in the southernmost part of Africa. Encounter Humanity, an aspect of our ministry, has formed a partnership in this country to help with families and children.

The following news article came out over the weekend to help explain the medical crisis...
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/GlobalHealth/story?id=3553436&page=1

Just a reminder that our Silent Auction is Thursday, October 4. You can see items that are for sale at www.encounterauction.blogspot.com. Every dollar raised will go toward this ministry effort.