Winter Storm Warning!

A storm is brewing, winter is coming and that is what I said three weeks ago when we started this series and here we are again in the deep freeze!!  We have been told that this time of time of year is the most difficult for people.  It gets dark sooner and often the mind goes there too.   It’s harder with the holidays and a lot of people blame God…but how did we really get here?

We all have personal triggers that lead us down a dark path and get us stuck in a ditch of confusion and despair.

1.       Not expecting the storm.  All too often, myself included, we start our day by being totally unprepared.  We don’t put on the armor of God, we don’t take captive every thought, we don’t renew our minds. We allow our minds to wander much like someone using Instagram to explore pictures that led them astray from purity and righteousness.  We think that we can remain immune from temptation.  However, when we are not proactive with our decisions and who we follow, the message and story of our life loses focus.  John 10 The devil comes to steal, kill and destroy

2.      Our approach.  We mark our lives by INSANITY by doing the same thing over & over again and expecting different results.  Simply, if it takes you 45min to get ready in the morning and you choose to keep setting your alarm for 30min before you need to leave…guess what… chaos!

3.      Shame. We listen to the wrong voices. We assume that Jesus doesn’t care much like the disciples said to Jesus that night in the boat…’ Lord don’t you care that we drown?’  They assumed that by sleeping in that moment that He wasn’t there for them.  ‘For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses,  Hebrews 4:14-16 He is right there in the midst of our mess, our muck and the chaos of our lives.  He is the one who will carry us through. 

Overcoming TRUTH

Carry ON!  

Have you ever been to a beach where there is warning signs of an undertoe?  What are you supposed to do?  For one, you don’t fight against the current and then you are supposed to swim parallel to shore to get out of the current.

We want to fight, kick and get out of the difficult situation, but Jesus is the one who wants to calm the storm in our lives.  Awaken your brave heart!

As Steven Furtick shared in his ‘Be Brave’ series, we need to learn to speak peace to the real waves in our lives, to our anxious heart, to our negative emotions.  Be anxious for NO THING! 

I thought that was a brilliant take on Philippians 4:6,7  We will succeed when we don’t press the panic button.  We will find our way when we don’t run to our ‘addiction of choice’ and try to meet our needs in our own way and learn to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit in the eye of the storm.  John 14:27   "I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.

OVERCOMING TRUTH

The Words That We Speak!    

Proverbs 18:21  The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

We need to start with the words that we speak over our lives and the lives of others.  All too often we can get caught up in negativity and take the path of self defeat.  We have to know that the words that we say and the promises that we claim will have a direct affect on the atmosphere of our heart.  One of my favorite verses to being an overcomer is Philippians 3:13,14  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 4: 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Romans 12:2  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

OVERCOMING TRUTH  

Be An Aggressive Worshipper!

I was at a Fire Conference recently where Todd White was challenging us to always be ready for opportunities to share about Jesus, to be totally unashamed followers of Christ who don’t care what people think of us.  So while I was there I saw a young man at the front in worship dance.  However it was his style that really caught my eye.  It was as if he was acting out the words of the song through his motion and it was aggressive, passionate and he was completely absorbed by the music.  It was powerful to me and reminded that in worship, breakthrough happens.  Pastor Jim Gordon at our church makes it clear every Sunday that in a moment of worship we can be changed in an instant where lifelong recovery could never do.  I believe we can lift the atmospheric pressure in our lives simply by our decision to worship with thankfulness and praise.

Manor Ministry Update

So, last week I was meeting with Roger, the owner, who is almost always at every service.  He sees one of the men come down for lunch from Sue's Inn and notices that he is heading back to his room.  He pulls him aside and challenges him to stay for the service.  He then brings him to me to answer his questions about religion.  We have a good talk and then he sits down with one of our ministry team members and stays for the time of worship! So, as you can see Roger will do whatever it takes to get people there!

So, this week he says,  ‘Why can’t we just have one religion?’  It would be great if the Jews would just accept Jesus but they are too stubborn.  He always surprises me by what he says!  He is so open to talking about faith and life with me.  He attends our services, tells me I’m his pastor and I fell down into his seat as he pulled me down for a hug.   

Another praise item as a young man by the name of Joey prayed to receive Christ on Sunday and wants to be baptized!  So, that brings the total to 3!  Now, time to set a date.

Introduction to a social experiment…   We have four people who have been speaking truth over themselves from verses that affirm their identity in Christ. This Sunday will mark three weeks for them and we look forward to hearing their stories.

So consumed...I’m running on fumes!

Today is the end of another month and for me the greatest realization is that I’ve been running on fumes.  I have been so consumed with the ‘project’ of turning a house around (our Ferndale #reno – see last month’s blog) that I have had no margins, no Sabbath!  Every chance I have had, I have made the trip to 52 Ferndale Avenue.  I have been so consumed, I asked the neighbour to turn on their outside lights so I could keep adding facia and soffit working till 10:30pm at night.  The other neighbor remarked, ‘the house that Jack built’.  The only problem with a project like this is that the work isn’t finished at the end of the day, end of the week, end of the month.  I still have time lines and I really want to be finished by Thanksgiving but I’m learning that I’m not in control of the job every day.  I have plans, I depend on other trades and workers as well.  When they don’t show or someone is sick, the process slows down.  Here’s a newsflash, I don’t do slow very well.  I have a hard time just sitting down and being in the moment.  Sit me down for any length of time and I will probably either get very restless or I will fall asleep in any position. 

So, for the first time in a long time I went to bed early last night and I woke up early and spent time in His presence and it was so amazing.  I started my journal with a confession.  LORD, this house has been so consuming and it has left me without margins.  I need to restore intimacy and relationship with You.  I need to explore the depths of Your love, grace and mercy.  Thank You for every new morning!  Drench me with you Spirit like the rain drenching the ground.  May I soak in Your living presence.  Then I waited and listened and sensed His voice.

Jack, draw near and live.  Draw deep from the depths of my love, drink from my cistern and I will fill you up.

Another confession, Forgive me for going so long without resting in You.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”  Matthew 11:28-30

Howard Hendricks, who was a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, is credited with saying, ‘75% of spirituality begins with a good night’s rest!’ 

Those who flourish in their lives with God have a Spirit –initiated rule of life, a rhythm of practices that enables them to welcome and respond to Jesus.  Ken Shigematsu

Grace is not opposed to effort but to earning.  Dallas Williard  We cannot earn our life with God – it’s a gift.  Bue we are to make every effort to add to our faith, goodness…knowledge and love.  See 2 Peter 1:5-7

I know that personally my life has been out of balance and it is often in times of transition that we are at the greatest risk to losing rhythm especially in the case of a significant change in our work schedule.  More than anything I need to rediscover that. 

We started praying over the house every day too… and I lost that rhythm.  I took time to start the day with prayer and I can’t tell you how amazing it was from finding the exact size vanity for the bathroom and laundry tub we needed at the ReStore to the perfect windows and tiles for the basement at Rona to the berber at the Carpet Store.  I learned to live freely and lightly in the midst of this project!

Ministry at the Manor

So, our ministry at the Manor continues to take a life of its own as well.  I have been told for one that I am a nice f____in  pastor!  That’s a first!  I have been able to use our van to help one of the guys who lives at Sue’s Inn get his trough and materials to his work sites.

As we continue to work on the reno at Ferndale, we have hired some of the guys who attend our services and they have done great work from hanging drywall to framing and plumbing.  Some of the days they have been feeling sick with tooth pain or have been dealing with back pain for example.  It has led to some intense times of prayer and also healing has been experienced, praise God!  They have joined in the prayer as well and seen God work.  They have shared how they feel ‘100x better’  Wow, I say, God is good!

Sharon has also taken on the role as ‘surety’ for a young lady and we have seen God at work with her as well.

 

It really in many ways resembles the way transformation takes place on the house we are working on.  People are not a projects that you complete in one day, one week, one month.  Yes, I know people aren’t projects, but what I do see is that transformation continues to take place and our goal is to call out of them what Father God created them to be!  They need to see their full potential much like people are beginning to now see the full potential of our reno!  Timeline is fuzzy too,  we have a date in mind to be done the house and yes we want to see the people we are working with completely free, but they are on God’s timeline and we cling to the promise of Philippians 1:6 for them.  He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it!

So, one more shout out to Maggie Barrato who spoke to us this past month and was so amazingly used by the Spirit of God to remind us of our mission to call the heart of the orphan to their true calling as children of their Heavenly Father!

Under Renovation!

Sharon and I have taken on the challenge of renovating and ‘flipping’ a home.  We are only three days and it has been a deconstruction marathon.  All the panelling, ceiling tiles, rubber under pad are gone from the basement.  To my surprise I also found three subfloors in the kitchen.  We are almost ready for drywall and paint!

It reminds me of our spiritual renovation that is always ongoing as well.  Sometimes we try to do our best to cover up our lives, put a new finish on and it only lasts for so long.  The only way to a real heart renovation is to strip away and get to the root longings in our lives.

Titus 3:3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But—

When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.  6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

1.       An Honest Appraisal

Before you can get approval for a mortgage on a house, a thorough inspection needs to take place and the value of the home is assessed.  The assessment on the house we purchased was done and all its ugly warts were exposed.  We knew what we were getting into, both eyes wide open and made the commitment to the overhaul!

The reality with us is that we were all foolish, we have all made stupid decisions, we all have been misled or misled others and the Bible spoke of haters long before ‘haters gonna hate’ became a catch phrase.  The bottom line is that our lives were ugly and we were in need of a major renovation!  The great news is that God made the commitment.  He said I’m committed to you! ‘while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!’ Romans 5:8

2.      





     
      Love Beyond Reason

Here’s the revelation, ‘it has nothing to do with your ability to win God’s love!’  There is nothing that you could ever do to make yourself acceptable or presentable to God for that matter.  Our righteous acts are like filthy rags as Isaiah 64:6 states.  We have left an achieving system and moved to a receiving one.  He has made the investment, purchased with a great price.  1 Corinthians 6:19,20.  We are living houses of God…actually temples in which His Spirit dwells!  He wants His house to shine and bring glory to Himself. 

It is a new birth, new life through the outpouring of His Holy Spirit.  The word here for new birth actually means a ‘spiritual renovation’  that stresses ‘the inception of a new state of things in contrast with the old.’  Forerunner Commentary

3.       The Big Reveal!

I am so excited about the opportunity to see this house completely turned around and looking like a million bucks…well ok, not quite.  I fully anticipate seeing this place transformed with amazing curb appeal and an irresistible draw once you walk in.  We have a long way to go still and a lot of hours of labour and elbow grease, but I know it is so worth it.

We are worth it.  God already declared us righteous, purchased our transformation and won’t let us stay where we are.  He wants absolute transformation as well and He will continue to shape our lives and change us to look more like His Son!  Philippians 3:10

How's Your Appetite?

Did you know that we can learn a lot about our bodies by just the foods that we crave.

If you crave salty food, it often reveals that you have a low calcium diet.  A lack of potassium, calcium and iron in our diet.  Research has also shown that it also reveals interesting facts about your personality.  A salt lover often feels like their world is out of control.

Ok, what about chocolate??  Any chocolate lovers here?  Chocolate stimulates the release of serotonin and is basically an antidepressant that your body seeks out when your happy chemicals are bottoming out and you need a quick fix.  We are also drawn to sweet food when we feel anxious.

Jesus had a lot to say about our appetites and how hard people work for everything that will meet their physical needs in this life.

In John 4, we have the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.  He is absolutely dehydrated from a long journey and so he sits by Jacob’s well while the disciples make a quick food run.  The woman shows and Jesus asks her for a drink.  She is caught off guard because Jews don’t associate with this type and for sure not a woman in broad daylight!  So, the conversation turns to worship and Jesus talks about a well that she can drink from that will never make her thirst again.  He speaks of Himself and the rivers of living water that flow through a person once they put their faith in Christ for all their needs!   So, she is all over that and is ready for living water. 

Then the story takes an interesting twist as Jesus refers to her messed up sex life.  He asks her to get her husband and as it turns out she is living with a guy. He knows that and knows that she has had six men in her life. Why does He go there?  He is pointing to the fact that she has been trying to get all her fulfillment and needs met in men. 

There are a number of attitudes about sex in our culture.  One view is that it is just unmentionable or it’s should just be between two loving people.  Another attitude speaks of it as a right.  Everyone should be entitled to it.  The view that I want to focus on is that it is an appetite.  Sex is just that, an appetite and so people see it as a natural need like eating or drinking and you shouldn’t starve your body.  However, the problem with that view is to miss the essence of what a sexual relationship is.  Tim Keller refers to it as a sacrament.  He goes on to speak of what we do in a sexual relationship is meant to be done with what we do with our life.  It is a complete giving of our whole life and is the culmination of the perfect union of every other part of our life.  Genesis 2 speaks of a husband and wife becoming one flesh.  It is the essence of this that every type of sex without giving of our whole life falls so desperately short.

If you are hungry and there is nowhere to eat, it feels unbearable doesn't it?  If this is an area that you haven’t trusted Jesus to be your living water, choose to possibly look it as a diet.  Consider sexual fasting until marriage so that you can experience the true richness of a deep and satisfying love.  It was always meant to mirror the picture of our oneness in every way, complete vulnerability and sacrifice with each other.

The Lord’s Supper is an example of this.  As sex in marriage is a picture of renewing our covenant with each other so is communion in that Jesus saw the bread as his very body and the blood as his very own in John 6.  The bread represents the true satisfaction that comes from doing the will of the Father, it is higher than appetite.  The blood represents forgiveness, reconciliation, healing.If we do this outside of marriage, we miss the essence of it altogether.

Well, back to John 4.  The profound realization that this woman experiences with Jesus makes her run to her community and tell her friends all about this man who could just be the Messiah!  She is changed by her conversation with Jesus.  The disciples return on the scene and they are very concerned about Jesus’ appetite.  They tell him to eat and he tells them, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.” and “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.”   Amazing!  We can actually experience a true satisfaction that goes beyond our appetites!!

Check this out!!  A great expression of the living water of Jesus to fulfill our appetites!  A 'forever monologue' by Issac Wimberley with Kari Jobe!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCOvxfHGIPQ

Shout It From The Rooftops!

I realize it has been a while since I have blogged, but for the past couple of months I have been on a roof…literally!  It’s hard work throwing a pack of 80lb shingles on your shoulder and going up ladders, taking ‘rippers’ and ripping opening up roofs day after day.  It is not for the faint of heart to throw down ripped shingles from two stories up and hit the trailer, clean out troughs, nail down bundles of shingles while the sun beats down on you, but air guns are cool though…  The rain is cool too as long as you’ve got everything water tight so we do a lot of map checking on the weather network app! 

Lessons I’ve learned since roofing!

1. Comraderie!  I have developed great friendships with the guys that I work with.  I have a great respect for the guys and the hard work put in day in and day out!  We also push each other to be better,  it’s great racing each other up a side of the roof.  However, just don’t let Jeremy lose..he’s a Ninaber and doesn’t take losing easily.  “It just doesn’t make sense!!”  I hear him say when he is beaten…  and yes, this speaks for me too, but I’m a rookie so no great expectations there!

We do everything together, not just roof.  There are challenges like doing 50 push ups on our break just because and racing across the rafters in monkey bar style on a new home.  There  is  jumping off the Belwood bridge, taking vents and hitting them golf style into the bin and everyone buying  ball caps with ridiculous sayings!  It’s all in or nothing!  I feel like a youth pastor once again working with guys half my age!  But, I don’t back down.  It’s hard to do that when they sing, “nobody’s tough as Jack!”

           2. Water!  I have never drunk so much water in one day well other than a race, but everyone is making sure we are all drinking high quality H2O.  There are times when this is turned into a race as well, but like the water cooler in the office, it brings us together to sit down, rest and enter into conversation.

           3. Laughter and Affirmation!  We have a lot of fun together.  The guys are quick to poke fun at each other, we sing to each other songs that play on the radio and then there are ‘head shots’!  This happens when the plastic wrap around the shingles is tightly tied into a ball and boom, someone is nailed…good fun!  However, there is also good talk happening, guys challenging each other, affirming each other’s gifts, encouraging each other.

I don’t know how long I will be roofing but for right now, it has been the right tonic for me.  It gives me time to think, to pray, to focus.  My ultimate goal is to be doing pastoral ministry with church at the Manor full time.  When I shared with Roger, the owner of the Manor about what I’m up to now with my present work, he says, “Jack, you are a pastor, you need to be ministering to the people, not on a roof!”  So, inside my head, I’m thinking, wow, he’s more convinced about this than I am.  God speaks in mysterious ways!  So, I continue to be bi-vocational, but it has given me a real appreciation for what a lot of others do day in and day out.  I’ve been a pastor for over 20 years and I can honestly say I have learned so much in this past few months since launching a church plant with my wife Sharon in the most unexpected places I have ever been, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.  This past Sunday one of the guys I have been building a friendship with walks into our service with a brand new NIV study Bible.  He is beaming and I am thrilled because he is ready to go deeper with God and together we will begin the first of many groups focused on life in Jesus!

So, back to the lessons I learned and a spiritual lesson for the church.  I believe the church is best when it experiences these same three qualities.  It is for that very reason that we will do great exploits for the kingdom.

1.       Comraderie!

A few verses to consider…

 Psalm 133:1 A Song of Ascents, of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! 2It is like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, coming down upon the edge of his robes.…

It has a sweet perfume about it, comparable to that precious ointment with which the first High Priest was anointed at his ordination. It is a holy thing, and so again is like the oil of consecration which was to be used only in the Lord's service.   The Treasury of David

Nothing replaces unity and a common desire to see the same vision accomplished.  The people that serve with us at the Manor Church know that it is not about what they are going to get as much as what they give!  We are there to pour out the anointing of the Holy Spirit through prayer, worship and listening and we do receive!  Oh man, do we ever receive.  It is seen in the tears of those who come for prayer and they experience the Father’s love.  We said His love is relentless and that message comes through every week.  We know our mission!  It is Luke 4:18

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free!!

2.       Water

Living water is all about the presence of the Holy Spirit in us and on us and without the pouring in, there can be no pouring out!  So we love to soak in the Holy Spirit and the Spirit breathes life into our conversations and prayers when we listen to Him! 

John :38,39"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" 39But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive;

Luke 12:12 reminds us the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.

3.       Laughter and Affirmation

One afternoon one of our attendees was ready to walk out of our church and walk across the street to the church gathered there to tell them to “come over here, because we are having more fun!’  Don’t worry, Sharon stopped him.  So Roger the owner has been on our side and last week he showed up with a popcorn machine.  He thought what other church is serving up popcorn during the service.  He has also brought in coffee as well for us.  We sing and shout out our praises every week and we ‘dance upon injustice’ because we believe God is in the business of restoring what the enemy has stolen!

The town will be rebuilt on its old foundations;  the mansions will be splendid again. Thanksgivings will pour out of the windows;  laughter will spill through the doors.  Jeremiah 30:19

Thanks to all those who are praying for us and partnering with us in this ministry…you rock!  We are so excited about what God is doing, we have to shout it from the rooftops!

And  if you need you roof done, give me a call 226-979-0676!  I quote roofs too!  It blesses our ministry and supports us too and it’s a lot easier than shingling!!

Closed Doors vs Open Doors!

What doors have closed in your life?

The door to a friendship?

The door to forgiveness with a family member because of death?

The door to a job?

We all have had doors closed to us whether by silence, by being shut out or maybe a door being slammed in our face both literally and figuratively.  Maybe you were the one that closed the door and made the decision to move on.  However we are only stuck when we stare at a closed door and do nothing about it.

This is where we need the greatest discernment to know whether that door is closed for good or whether it is time to seek out a new door, a new opportunity, a new venture, a new challenge.

It’s been said,  “When one door closes, another opens, but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one opened for us”.  Alexander Graham Bell

The Word of God gives us a lot of insight into understanding doors.

Matthew 7:7  "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. NLT

There is something to be said about persistence and perseverance.  Sometimes we need to learn what it means to overcome and not take ‘no’ as the final answer.  So, we learn to regroup, refocus, make the necessary changes and pursue the door in front of us. 

John Grisham is a great example of this.  He was first  a lawyer who loved to write. His first book took three years to write. The book was rejected 28 times until he got one yes for a 5,000 copy print. He’s sold over 250 million total copies of his books!!

My dream was to be a youth pastor.  I believed it was a calling on my life and I pursued it with all my heart and strength.  I took every volunteer position, was a resident assistant for a boarding HS, completed my bachelor and master’s degree in ministry and yet when I put my resume out for various positions, nothing.  So, I pursued being a teacher, believing that the door to youth ministry was closed.  I was serving and doing young adult ministry in my local church when a position was posted for a youth pastor.  I didn’t apply because I was on another track… teaching.  Well, the pastor of the church, Don Howard, took me out for lunch and presented me with the position of ‘youth pastor’.  The door opened even when I had given up on the dream.  It was a lesson that God opens the door in His perfect timing as well.

Revelation 3:20 "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. NLT

It is a door to the most amazing relationship.  To share a meal in ancient near East culture was the most intimate display of relationship.   Here’s the truth, Jesus is knocking on the door of a church to let Him in.  There is a picture painted of this famous verse and  there is only one door handle and it is on the inside.  He won’t force His way in.  Let Him wash over you with His amazing love, truth and His Holy Spirit.

John 10: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. 

He will never enter any other way.  It is an invitation to listen to His voice, it doesn’t condemn, it doesn’t steal away confidence, hope, love.

Psalm 24: Open up, ancient gates!  Open up, ancient doors,and let the King of glory enter.  8 Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty.  There is no shame here.  Lift up your heads and open the door!!

People who have come to Church at the Manor have opened the door by just showing up!

Here are some of the lies that we have been tearing down at the Manor:

1.        You are garbage, you aren’t worth anything.  We have replaced that with the realization of the revelation of His love.  His love is relentless!  Jeremiah 31:3

2.       Jesus will destroy all your fun and freedom.  We have replaced that with the understanding that a relationship with Jesus is the true pathway to freedom!  He didn’t call us to religion, He called us to Himself!

Best story on ‘Church at the Manor’ to date:

http://www.guelphmercury.com/opinion-story/4499330-finding-faith-at-the-manor/

To support us in this ministry click here:

http://www.seatosea.net/new-ventures/the-manor-ministry

The Answer Is In The Resurrection!

Easter sunrise over the Manor.  I woke up this morning and felt led to spend time praying her for our first service.

The Worship Band led by Sharon!

Do you ever find yourself defeated, discouraged or even devastated by the circumstances in your life? You know it is that place where even getting out of bed can even seem overwhelming!

How do you keep going in your pain?  I believe the answer is in the resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Easter is about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  

Friday was filled with suffering and pain and agony.  Saturday was filled with doubt, confusion and misery, but

Sunday is filled with hope, victory and joy!

Here is an important truth that a pastor reminded me of this week.

You will face these 3 days over and over and over again in your lifetime!

The reality of this fact  leads us to 3 questions that we need to know the answer to.

1.       What do you do with the pain, the agony, the suffering?  FRIDAY?

God cares. 

Isaiah 61:1-3

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness , a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

We know that Jesus weeps and was a man of sorrows and  the Spirit grieves.

God can take what man meant for evil and redeem it!

God can resurrect a dead dream, dead marriage, dead job!

If you’ve gone through a major’ train wreck’, be encouraged because God does His finest work here!

The day I lost my dad to cancer was one of my Fridays, but even in my sorrow, my dad taught me, “It is well with my soul!’

2.       How do you get through the doubt and confusion?  SATURDAY?

John 20

24Now Thomas (also known as Didymus ), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

I have experienced SATURDAY.  I lost my job as a pastor this past fall and it can really led you to a place of doubt and confusion in God’s goodness.  You start to question whether God is in control.  However, the most assuring thing during my time of confusion was when the Holy Spirit showed up through the vision of someone who wasn’t even aware of what I was going through.  She shared with me that I would be a pioneer before I even knew where Sharon and I would be pioneering!  God confirms His word, His messages through His servants if they are listening!  He will tell us exactly where to place our fingers and our hands and bring believing faith.  For Thomas, it was His literal body and for us, it is His presence that He is calling us to!  It is there that we experience His blessing, word and confirmation!

3.       How do I get to the days of joy and victory?  SUNDAY!

1 Corinthians 15:17,19-22

19If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

I have felt most alive when I know that Jesus is living in me and living through me.  There are still many who don’t believe that Jesus rose from the grave, but what I find most fascinating about the historical account of His resurrection is that women where the first eyewitnesses and recorded in Scripture.

In the first century, women were not even eligible to testify in a Jewish court of law. Josephus said that even the witness of multiple women was not acceptable "because of the levity and boldness of their sex." Celsus, the second-century critic of Christianity, mocked the idea of Mary Magdalene as an alleged resurrection witness, referring to her as a "hysterical female … deluded by … sorcery."

This background matters because it points to two crucial truths. First, it is a theological reminder that the kingdom of the Messiah turns the system of the world on its head. In this culture, Jesus radically affirmed the full dignity of women and the vital value of their witness. Second, it is a powerful apologetic reminder of the historical accuracy of the resurrection accounts. If these were "cleverly devised myths" (2 Pet. 1:16, ESV), women would never have been presented as the first eyewitnesses of the risen Christ.

From Christianity Today

I have experienced SUNDAY!  The days I have baptized my children, missions trip to Africa, Mexico…

I have experienced Sunday this past week, an Easter Sunday like no other in my entire life!

It was our first service at the Manor.

There was great support from believers who attended along with people who came from the drop in center downtown, residents from Sue's Inn, the apartments above the Manor and a few Guelphites that were simply curious.

There were close to 70 in attendance and the atmosphere was changed on that glorious Easter afternoon! The doors opened at 12:30pm allowing the light rush to rush in! There was plenty of food for all who came, along with laughter and lots of mixing and mingling.  The worship music started and continued to build with energy and people danced in celebration.  Bobby Clark shared his journey and how he came to Jesus!  We were so blessed.  During Bobby’s testimony, there was a lady in attendance who received HEALING in her ear!  Praise God!

A huge thank you to all those who donated to our launch, but please remember that our goal is to do this every week!  The challenge that we face is finding regular dedicated workers to donate sandwiches, wraps, salads or squares each and every week.  The food is a drawing card and helps set an atmosphere of sharing and love.

If you can be involved with the food, worship or on our “Covergirl” team, please email us at manor@ercf.ca

 If you want to be part of a monthly rotation, please indicate that as well.

Here are some links to the story:

From the New York Daily News: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/canadian-gentlemen-club-turns-christian-church-service-easter-sunday-article-1.1764141

From the Guelph Mercury:  http://www.guelphmercury.com/news-story/4478076-guelph-strip-club-becomes-church-on-sundays/

CTV News Kitchener:  http://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/guelph-gentlemen-s-club-to-start-hosting-church-service-1.1784066

From the Guelph Tribune:  http://www.guelphtribune.ca/community/easter-with-difference-at-church-at-the-manor/

and apparently we were mentioned on 102.1 The Edge by Dave FM as well as 97.7

Wendy S shares from Charleston, SC.  When her tour guide Eric heard she was from Ontario, he told me he had heard of a funny named place that was having church in a strip club!

I was also told that there were people in attendance who wanted to be introduced to 'Father Jack'! lol

Swing Wide you heavenly gates, prepare the way of the risen LORD!!

Worshipping the KING!

Nest Eggs for Easter!!  great treats from our volunteers.

Adventures In Lesotho Week 3 All DRIMEd out!

Saturday March 22^nd

We made our way back to the church this morning to distribute the team jerseys. The campers were super excited to have new uniforms but they had to wait patiently until Pastor James arrived as well.  We started with making breakfast which consisted of preparing sandwiches with fat spread, ‘margarine’ and shredded bologna.  Jordan and Rylan helped as well and we also made juice for them as well.  We then packed them into our van, about 20 passengers at a time in a 9 seater van and made our way back to the Maoeng village where PJ lives.   Jordan, Rylan and I were pressed into being referees for the 3 team tournament.  It was supposed to be just a fun outing, but one coach took it very seriously putting a lot of pressure on these rookie refs! 

In the afternoon, Rylan, Sharon and the girls made their way to the LXP youth program at Godfrey and Elizabeth’s in the Nkoeng village.  There were about 80 youth and children there and they played memorable games like ‘do like I do!’  I then made my way back to the tournament where every game ended in a tie which was perfect for me as I could tell them that they were all champions!  The one coach unfortunately didn’t see it that way and just had a difficult time accepting that.  It was a joy to bless all the teams with 4 soccer balls each.  I then made my way back to pick up the team from LXP and reconnected with some of the youth there from the camp I went to in the fall.  We then went into Butha Buthe and splurged on pizza.  While waiting there we noticed a large group of students return from an athletic competition and they were dancing and jumping around so we joined in the flash mob with the students from St. Paul’s HS.   The youth group started around 10pm and so I dropped Addi and Carla off and the youth night regularly goes to about 2am!  So, we heard them arrive home around 2:30am!  The mosquitoes kept us awake until they arrived!

Sunday March 24^th

It was another passionate, celebrative worship service today.  There was Selena leading the music with all her heart as we sang “The Lord God Almighty, He Reigns!”  They sing and sing and sing until it really sinks into your soul and feel it in your spirit!  I was on to preach again and spoke on, ‘how to get people to change’.  I focused on speaking life not death, Proverbs 15:4; changing a negative spirit with the opposite spirit (the orphan spirit being replaced by acceptance and our adoption into God’s family); enabling positive change through the power of blessing, Numbers 6:24-26; 2 Corinthians 3:17,18 as well as being heirs not slaves from Romans 8.  I then finished by challenging them that we can only give away what he have received ourselves and to go deeper into the river, Ezekiel 47!  We then had prayer ministry and 2 people received Christ as their Savior.  There was also prayer for healing and any needs.  I had the opportunity to pray for one young man who when I asked his name said his ‘English name was minister because he wanted to minister to others!   I just loved his faith and it was a joy to pray into that!

After the service we made our way to Sediba Lodge in Clarens, SA where Matt and Sheila lead the Cave Church.  They blessed us by opening up a beautiful 3 bedroom lodge to us on a small lake and it was a taste of heaven to have a retreat there.  We went swimming, took a kayak and rowboat out for a ride and had a blast!  Matt then loaded us up into his pick up and we made our way to an entrance to their game reserve!  Sheila led us on a hike through the 600 acre property where we saw zebra and wildebeest up close.  The leader of the wildebeest snorted us down but then ran away. 

After returning to the lodge we visited with them and then sat down to an amazing dinner prepared for us.  We enjoyed scalloped potatoes, bacon wrapped chicken, salad with fresh mango and toffee crust dessert cake.  It was an amazing day for Carla to celebrate her BDAY as we ate with a fire crackling in the family room.  We then laughed and watched our ‘go pro’ videos into the evening. 

Monday March 24^th

We woke up this morning and had another swim, enjoyed bacon, sausage, eggs and coffee for breakfast before heading into Clarens for some souvenirs shopping at the ‘rock shop’.  Sheila stopped in to visit us and share a great vision that the Lord gave her for both Sharon and I as well as a word for Rylan that the Lord had awakened her in the night for.

 We then rushed back into Lesotho to do a drime presentation for a school in the Ngoajone village in a remote area in the foothills at Rehauhetsoe HS (means received with grace).  A teacher, Pitso, had seen the drime on Sunday and requested our visit. After our performance, a young girl was rushed up to Pastor James and was resting on the floor like she had fainted.  After prayer, she had shared with PJ about a demonic attack that had come upon her during his invitation. We prayed in agreement over her and it was another reminder of the spiritual battle we are in.  We then visited with the students, took pictures and played some volleyball with them. 

Afterwards we were off to do a village outreach also in Ngoajone with a lady pastor named Mabene.  She has lost her husband recently, but continues to run an amazing ministry out of her home and it is a branch church of AFM.  We performed outdoors by the use of a generator and the lights of our van after downing another large bowl of sorgham.  Jordan describes it as apple sauce with a strong hint of BBQ sauce.  After performing the drime and PJ’s message, many came forward for prayer and all of us including our kids were involved in prayer ministry and it was awesome for me to watch their faith in action laying hands on those they prayed for.  We then arrived home around 8:30pm for a late supper prepped by M’e’ Matsepo that included pasta and a hamburger mix along with salad.

Tuesday March 25^th

This morning I woke up early to spend time alone with the Lord and God gave me Exodus 34:19, a passage reminding me of the consecration of the firstborn and the call to redeem!  So, it was a great moment to share those thoughts with Jordan on this, his 20^th BDAY.    We celebrated his BDAY by granting his wishes.  We made our way to the Nkoeng village where I promptly led us through these crazy thorns that stuck all over our clothing.  From there things did get better as I met a local who was willing to allow Jordan to ride his donkey and he got a solid ride all through the village, up a trail and back to the soccer field.  We then hiked up the local mountain which had some good places to scale and allowed us to have a breathtaking view.  From there we made our way back down and I drove Sharon to the ladies LXP retreat.  In the afternoon we did our drime presentation at St. Phillips HS and it was a ZOO!  They were full of excitement and energy and Piet had to settle them down after Retabile led them in ‘go bananas’.  The youth here got such a charge out of hearing the ages of our kids, especially Addi and Rylan.  We then had a quick turnaround and made our way over the worst of dirt roads with massive ruts to Halepotisa, another village where a lady by the name of Mamoqothole leads a church in her garage!  It was a packed out joint and we had to perform our drimes outside to a group of about 80.  After another invitation by PJ and prayer ministry, the group broke out into a spontaneous worship dance session and we joined in.  A young group of guys also had a stick like a staff that they pumped in the air and so Rylan and I took turns as well. After receiving more sorgam and dry corn, we made our long drive home arriving back at 10:30pm for another wonderful supper prepared by M’e.  Tonight it was squash, salad, rice and sausage waiting for us.  We then broke out with a Happy BDAY cake for Jordan and Carla.

Wednesday March 26^th

Today Sharon was off first thing to the ladies LXP (Leadership Experience Lesotho) retreat where she spoke on the diversity of the body of Christ from 1 Corinthians 12.  I went to the church to meet up with Pastor Apollo and others who were working on building the second floor above the prayer room.  It will be used for offices for the pastors as well as administration.  Makhunoane, a pastor of one of the branch churches joined me as I went to St. Paul’s HS to ask for permission to perform our drime presentation there.  We had a funny moment on the way up as he was trying to tell me he remembered me from the fall and he started telling me about fishing.  I was nodding, but definitely didn’t do any fishing until he continued to work hard at pronouncing and said ‘vision’.  He had remembered my message on vision!  It was a good laugh for both of us.  At St. Paul’s, I spoke with the deputy principal, Thabo Selokoe, and within minutes permission was granted for Friday.  It was a huge answer to prayer for Matelo Mamello, a teacher who attends the AFM church as well as for myself.  I just kept believing that we have a God of open doors! 

I then picked up Carla and our kids and we travelled with Mak and PJ to the Makateng Village where Mak leads a branch church for an afternoon visit.  On the way I realized I had forgot my laptop and felt sick.  However, God works all things out for good and it turned out to be a very small group of mainly grandmothers so we improvised.  I asked who would share their testimony and Carla and Addi did.  Carla spoke of overcoming fear in her life and Addi shared on the courage to share her faith and growing closer to God especially in part since meeting Maggie in Guelph. 

We then raced back to Belo HS near Caledonspoort to perform our drimes to the most disciplined group of students yet.  We performed in the science lab and then PJ spoke to the students there and led them in a prayer of invitation to receive Christ.  God certainly was moving in that place and the teacher there thanked us and talked about our hearts being unified.

Afterwards we made our way to Hlotse for a quick visit to the Leribe Hotel followed afterwards by ministering in drime for Pastor Alex’s congregation.  Sharon and I met Alex on our first missions trip here this past fall.  The congregation was meeting in their, ‘Royal Beauty Salon’.  It was a tight fit for drime.  Sharon took an elbow to the nose from Jordan, but she was ok!!  They were a really inspired group and there was many hallelujahs, AMEN!  They treated us to fish and chips afterwards.  On the way home we drove a young man with the English name, John, home.  He was hilarious.  He kept referring to Sharon as ‘mammie’ and me as ‘father’.  He asked if he could sing for us in the van within minutes of leaving and then he spoke the whole way of his dreams, passion and business in selling clothing.

Thursday March 27^th

Today it really hit me that our time in Lesotho was almost done and I thanked God for all the open doors and prayed for a few more!  I visited the Likila HS and met with the deputy principal, Mr. Motsamai and within minutes had permission to do a performance here as well. It was also very helpful that I was recognized by a teacher that attended the AFM church as well.  I spent some time with the students and watched a geography project in action and the classic volcano explosion….my kind of class!  I then picked up some ‘oats’ on the way home as porridge has really taken off with our kids while here.  We took an afternoon trip into Clarens, SA with M’e Matsepo as we had to pick up Rylan’s trumpet that he left at the lodge.  It was a great afternoon off and we enjoyed hearty burgers at the Highlander Inn as Sharon went for the salad and sandwich combo with M’e.  They had an amazing salad with feta, roasted butternut squash and avocado.  We then joined a family from the church for dinner in the evening.

Friday March 28^th

Today’s verse!  1 Corinthians 15:58  Stand firm, let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because your labor is not in vain.  It was a good reminder for our last day of drimes that nothing is ever wasted in God’s economy.  After more ‘oats’ for breakfast, I ran to the church to pick up sound equipment and on the way met Stephen, a teacher in the technical subjects from the Butha Buthe HS.   He also serves in the youth ministry and is a carpenter by trade. We had a great talk and he introduced me to the principal there about a presentation there, but this Saturday unfortunately the students were not in school; however an open door was there for the taking if time was on our side.  We have been received so favorably wherever we went.

At 11:30am, we presented at St. Paul’s to a packed out student body of around 500 students in the outdoor plaza area.  It was a perfect spot for us to perform.  Our kids and Carla all gave their Sesotho names and told them what they loved about Lesotho. Piet from LXP did an amazing job giving the youth an opportunity to respond and over 80% raised their hands in desiring to give their lives to Christ.  LXP has been here doing an after school program on purity in the past and they now have a meeting with the principal to restart that which is excellent.

Drime performance at St. Paul's HS

After a quick lunch, we were off to Likila HS to present there and there was more time for icebreakers that Addi and Rylan led.  They did ‘go bananas, ‘she picked the ball’ and a song, ‘Higher’ with them.  There was another fantastic presentation of the gospel made by Clonie, another LXP leader and again, an overwhelming response.  LXP will have the opportunity to do an after school program here as well.

In the evening we made our way to Qalo Village which means ‘beginning’.  Pastor David is growing a new congregation here and has great faith and vision and is such an inspiration to me.  He shared how he often takes funerals here and every time he prays to see the dead raised!  After our presentation here, PJ spoke to the group and our whole family again engaged in prayer ministry for all those who came forward

Lots of love shown after our ministry at the Likila HS

Having a great moment with Pastor David before the outreach in his Qalo village takes place.

Saturday March 29^th

1 Corinthians 16:9 A great door for effective work has been opened for me!  I really resonate with Paul’s words today as we have come to our last day in Lesotho.  Today we visited the Tlhakuli foster home that Addi did a fundraiser for bunkbeds and bless them with soccer jerseys and a ball.  We had the boys take each other on in a game of mini-soccer and then the girls as well.  It was such a joy to bless them and pray over them.  Makhauta is continuing to gain weight and her health looks great…so encouraging.  In the afternoon, we had a great time of fun, laughter and the opportunity to perform our drimes with LXP led by Godfrey and Elizabeth and their team.  We finished with a time of celebrative worship singing, “I am a friend of God.”  We then made a quick KFC run and we were blessed with traditional Lesotho hats from Pastor Alex.  We then travelled with him to the potential site where he will begin the Royal Beauty training school.  When we arrived home a family in the church was making a surprise BBQ for us at the home of Pastor James.  Later in the evening our kids joined the youth at the AFM church and kicked up the dust as the worshipped in dance and singing with incredible rhythm and passion late into the night

Mini soccer match at the Tlkhuli foster home!

Godfrey leading worship!

LXP Youth!

Worship dancing with the LXP youth!

Sunday March 30^th

There was lots of tears and hugs as we said goodbye to the Qhobela family early this morning.  We left around 6:15am and spent the day driving down to Beaufort West where we are now at the Backpackers Inn.   We were able to see some monkeys on our way down through the desert like landscape. Tomorrow we are off on a safari run through the Karoo National Park before making our way to Capetown for a week to see the sights!

If you made it to this part of my blog, congratulations!  Thanks for following with us on an adventure of a lifetime for our family!!