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At Bluff Creek

A Week in Birmingham

Charlene and I spent the last week in Birmingham, Alabama with family and
friends. On Wednesday March 19th Michael Smith and I visited EQUIP to meet
with Tom Atema, Doug Carter and Nadya Rodoslavova concerning the upcoming
European Coordinator's meeting in Prague, CZ. I am thrilled to hear the
great reports of the Million Leaders Mandate training throughout Europe.
231,000 leaders are being trained throughout the continent and the Country
Coordinators made it all possible. We will be in Prague to celebrate what
all they have done.

While in Birmingham we had the chance to be in the Easter services with
Pastor Chris Hodges at Church of the Highlands. What an experience! Over
11,000 people packed out all of their services and campuses. Pastor Chris
and Tammy shared on the importance of what Christ did by being raised from
the dead...giving us hope for a new life from all that holds us back. The
resurrection of Jesus is the basis for our new life in God...free from all
that was death to us. Also, John Larson, Brad Parsley and the COH band and
choir lead us in fantastic worship. John did a special song that was
brilliant. Way to go John.

A great week with family and the family of God...can't beat that!

Crossroads Church in Reunion, Colorado

I spent this weekend with Keith and Julie Boyer in Reunion, Colorado at Crossroads Community Church. Keith has done an incredible job in this very small suburb of Denver. He has garnered a wonderful leadership team with amazing potential for growth and evangelism. All around town were signs in people's yards identifying themselves as members of Crossroads Church. The worship, the well organized services and the people inspired me and gave me the sense that this will be a church that will impact this area of Colorado in the future as it is beginning to do now.

Sunday evening I met with Jeremy Jacoby and Mark Larson with the Lutheran Church in the area. They have become dear friends over the past couple of year. Jeremy has launched a Lutheran Church in this same area and is having amazing results. Mark is the Regional director of mission for the LCMS and is planting churches all over the region in the years to come. Mike Ware of Victory Church, a life-long friend was also there on Sunday evening. Mike pastors an explosive church in the Denver area.

Peter and Carolyn Haas at Substance Church in MN

What an amazing couple...Peter and Carolyn Haas. These guys are my heroes. Substance Church is just turning 3 years old and has already reached over 800 people in the University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus. I was thrilled to see the growth in the church and hear the vision that God has placed in Peter's heart for reaching thousands in this fast growing city. The church is a dynamic example of what ARC churches attempt to accomplish. Evangelism, great worship, world missions, and discipleship are done with great enthusiasm and excellence. I recommend Substance Church to anyone who wants to learn how to do church the right way. This church has it going on.

I had the chance to visit with Tory Forina and his wife Elisabeth, Rob and Becca Ketterling and get reports on all that God is doing with them. ARC is blessed to have this group in our midst as examples of courage and commitment to the success of the local church. Thanks to the Lord for all of you.

Great Time at Fellowship Church

What a wonderful time visiting family and preaching at Fellowship Church in Zachary, Louisiana. My Brother Scott and his wife Merriann are the best host and hostess in the country. It was great to see the explosive growth of the church and see the maturity of this ministry. Just a few years ago Pastor Scott responded to the voice of the Lord to move his church from Clinton, La to the booming town of Zachary. The result has been great growth from 100 to 700. Amazing worship and organization that brings honor to the Lord. Scott, it was awesome to be there with you. Not to mention all the cajun food including Buck's crawfish boil and the skeet competition.

While in Baton Rouge we had the opportunity to visit Bethany World Prayer Center and the "Remnant Conference." Pastor Larry Stockstill shared his heart for bringing pastors back to the holiness of God through repentance. The meeting was great and for me a time to reflect on God's call on my life to live honorably before Him. I saw many friends and fellow pastors there. One highlight was to spend time with my long time friend Hank Henagan.