We discussed debt and how it affects the marriage yesterday.  I'm always a little nervous when discussing the topic of money.  But regardless of the topic, we had another great day at 5 Point.  Some of my thoughts on the day:
* It was awesome to see the sun actually shining on a Sunday.  Hope we have a lot more of those.
* Spoke to several visitors yesterday.  Hope we have a lot more of those also.
* The energy and atmosphere was good.
* Band bought it again yesterday.  Great job guys. 
* Didn't know if Tim was going to make it through both services due to sickness.
* I don't think the guy has taken a sick day since we began.  He loves Jesus and this church. 
* Kid Zone was rocking again today.  Michelle made some room changes and it freed up more space.
* Two older children came and shared with me that they gave their life to Jesus. 
* I spoke entirely too long.  Got fussed at by Michelle.  Really tough to get all the kids out of first service and sign in for second service.
That won't happen again.  (I hope)  Someone who doesn't know Christ won't endure the long lines.
* Opening video really mad me think.  We are so blessed and take so much for granted in this country.
* If you didn't sign up for the six week "how to get out of debt class" Sunday feel free to call the church and do so.  The number is 864-850-0580.  We truly desire to help you get out of debt.
* I have enjoyed this marriage series and believe God has used it to strengthen marriages.
* Really excited about next week's message.  Ten facts about sex.  We're going to laugh a lot, probably be embarrassed a little and be challenged in ways you never thought possible in church. 
* Great opportunity to bring some unchurched friends and family.
* Challenged everyone to give something away this week.  To begin to look for opportunities to give to others.  So hard for Americans to comprehend this principal, but it shouldn't be hard for followers of Jesus Christ.

 Some random thoughts:
* Pastor Renatus text me yesterday and shared that they had over 130 people and 7 gave their life to Jesus.  I am so proud to be part of what is happening in Africa. Only 120 days and I'll be headed back to teach and share with my African brothers and sisters.
* Don't forget the following week (21st) we'll be renewing church membership.  Explain what membership is all about.
* Leaving at 5:00 today to attend a conference in California.  Really excited about going.  Pastor Craig Lee form Georgia is going with me.  Won't get home until Friday night.  Conference begins early in the morning and ends at noon on Friday.
* I've already begun asking God to speak to me in a very real and radical way.
* Please pray that God does something super natural in me.
* Having dinner with one of my cousins Wednesday night.  We grew up together and haven't seen each other in over 20 years.
*

It is a cold, rainy, windy and flat out miserable outside.  Temperature is hanging around 38.  Just one of those days no one really wants to be outside.  I was down stairs warming some left overs from dinner last night for lunch when the doorbell rang.  I knew instantly this was going to require some of time.  I'm at the office because I'm trying to get everything done for next Sunday before going out of town on Monday.  I want to be able to enjoy a conference I'm attending without having a Sunday message hanging over my head.  Remember, I've been praying for God to give me the burden to help people.  I've also been praying for more ways to help people financially. 

As I went to the door I recognized an older man who has come to worship at 5 Point.  He was soaking and shivering from the rain and cold while carrying a two gallon gas can.  Asked me if there was anyway I could help him get some kerosene for heat in his house. Let me make a long story short.  I allowed my mind to start thinking about all the reasons I shouldn't help this man, but my heart began to kick in.  I had just finished looking at Sunday's message and one of the verses is:

Luke 6:30
Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.

Not an hour after reading over the message I have a man asking for something as small as two gallons of kerosene.  I now began thinking not about how sorry he was but how sorry  I am.  Been praying for God to open my eyes to help people and God brings one to my door.  Just finished reading verses about giving to anyone and God brings a man to church door asking for something so small. 

I got my coat and took the man to get his kerosene and then home.  Let me share something really cool.  I gave him $10.00 and knew the kerosene was around $4.00 a gallon.  When he got back into my Navi he offered me the change.  BUSTED again.  I'm convinced this man is more righteous than myself. 

"Father God, please forgive me for not listening and obeying quicker."  "Help me to help people without any strings attached."

That is my new prayer.  Look for someone to help.  Pray for God to open your eyes.  Then don't be like me and try to make excuses, just help them regardless if you think your getting conned or not.  God knows your heart!

I received this letter from Pastor Renatus in Africa this week.  Last Sunday he and the people of 5 Point of Africa prayed for us.  You can hear the passion in his voice.  You feel his true love and appreciation for all we've done for them.  Read and enjoy.  And then take time to pray the same for them.


Dearest my pastor Dean,
I hope that you are doing fine in the Lord. My family and I are doing fine in the Lord. My family and I love you. How about the family of 5point of SC? Please tell them that we love them and we pray for them as our mother church.
 
I would like to let you know that yesterday we had prayers for you. We did pray for you for 20 minutes. Every member was truly dropping tears and lifting their voices for you. The church prayed for you in a way that it is hard to explain.  Everything we prayed for every person was real.  We took this as our personal prayer request.
 
We prayed that God will give you stamina and boldness.
We prayed that God will provide jobs for those who had lost their jobs.
we prayed that God will give you wisdom in every decision you make.
we prayed that God will touch you understand his truth and apply it practically.
we prayed for pastor dean and his big ministry in SC at 5point of SC and 5pt of Tabora.
we prayed for God to touch you so that you can reach black America and join you at 5pt church.
We thanked God to have you as our mother church
We thanked God for every person who has been faithful to give money so that we can have a building.
We thanked God for everything including money that you have been giving to 5point Tabora.
We prayed for Tim & Ann and the staff.
We prayed for Tim that God will use him in a way that God would be pleased.
We asked God to make us love each other.
We prayed for the Mission trip to Africa 2010
 
Thank you so much. Over 120 people prayed for you.
 
We are going to have three months drive fasting for our church and also for our mother church. We will have a church birthday in June when you come. We will give history and see what God has done through you. We will do that when you come in June.
 
God bless you and we love you
 
In him
Renatus
pastor 5pt Tabora church.

Sixth straight Sunday in which the weather was awful.  Tell you one thing for sure, we're definitely finding out who wants to be at God's House on Sundays.  Due to the storm of 2010 we only had our 11:00 service.  Wasn't sure how many would show up but knew that those who did had a desire to worship Christ.  And they came by the hundreds.

Some of my thoughts:
* A special thank you to George and Andy who spent well over an hour getting the ice off the sidewalk.  That portion of sidewalk never gets any sunlight.  So glad they were here early to keep everyone from slipping and falling.
* Due to us only having one service, many people served in the Kid Zone without worshiping.  Thanks to everyone who works every week to provide our kids a safe and fun place to learn about Jesus.
* Worship was incredible.  Band has really took our worship to another level.  Great job guys.
* I'm convinced our people appreciate the band from the loud applause given yesterday.
* Great energy during worship and the fun songs.
* Personally, I thought it was incredible to see so many people piling into the auditorium eager to worship.
* Message seemed to go over really well.  Everyone was locked on and paying attention.
* To all the men who came forward admitting you needed to communicate with your wife better, good for you.
* Something special about seeing the altar full of nothing but men. 
* The message dealt with men communicating with wives.  The five helpful tips were:
     1. Listen
     2. Don't scream
     3. Care
     4. Feed back
     5. Time
* All of them were one word so men could handle them.
* Yes, I said the word orgasm.  And I meant what I said, "An orgasm does not constitute as communication."  "It does constitute as breeding."  Entirely too many relationship are built on sex and not from knowing each other spiritually and emotionally.  And this can only come from communication.
* Actually had some visitors and they told me they loved it.  I never get tired of hearing that.
* All in all another great day at 5 Point.  Word is that another storm front is on the way, guess we'll have those who really want to be here again this week and I can't wait to see them.
* We'll be discussing debt.  The Bible actually has a lot to say about debt and how to get out of debt.  Gonna be fun.

Some other thoughts:
* Really excited about what God is doing here.  We have incredible momentum.  Let's keep it going.
* Remember, one of our goals this year is to invite everyone in the county at least once.
* Thank you to everyone who served yesterday.  You guys are the best.
* Have this Sunday almost done.  Debt is a touchy topic but one that must be approached.
* And the following week is sex.  Can't wait to have some fun that day.
* Went to the Clemson/Maryland game last night.  Jacob and I sat at mid court 4 rows up.  It was incredible.  Watching Gary Williams (head coach of Maryland) would have been worth it.  He is so animated. 
* Pray with me that we continue to see life change at 5 Point.
* Thinking about going to a conference in a couple weeks.  Not sure yet.
* Gotta get back to working on this Sunday morning. 
* Do something radical for Jesus this week.



         

Every now and then God allows us a glimpse of heaven while living on earth.  I’ve personally experienced this 3 or 4 times during my walk with Christ.  Last night was one of those times.  I had the honor and privilege of speaking at Presbyterian FCA. 

 

I had started praying (no, begging) that God would do something super natural earlier in the week. Curtis Middleton made the hour plus drive with me.  When we started there were 60 – 70 college students in attendance.  The worship band was pretty good and all the students were very attentive.  I spoke on the deep hidden secrets all of us have yet pretend everything in life is in the light.  Used John 3:20 as text.

 

John 3:20

Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

 

Halfway through the message felt really led to ask students if they had some hidden secrets that were keeping them in the dark.  75% looked me in the eye admitting they were. I felt sure at this point something BIG was about to happen. 

 

As I gave the invitation seven students (all who had admitted being in church most of their life) stood and accepted Christ as their Savior in front of everyone.  It was incredible.  But God had even more in store. 

 

I then asked for everyone who needed to expose a dark side to get on their face before God.  Didn’t ask them to just sit, but to move somewhere they could get alone with God and get honest.  Here is where it broke loose.  Within the next couple of minutes 100%  of the students had gotten out of their chairs and were lying on their faces weeping.  I was so overcome by this sight that I soon found myself on the floor thanking God for what he was doing.

 

The band made their way to the stage after they regained their composure and began playing worship songs.  One by one the students began standing and worshiping Christ.  Hands were raised, hearts were clean, the Holy Spirit was moving in such a way that all I could do was join everyone in worship and stand in complete awe of what was taking place.

 

We sang four or five songs.  How good or bad the band was didn’t matter.  If it was songs we knew or not, it didn’t matter.  If it was too hot or too cold, it didn’t matter.  All that anyone was thinking about was the awesome prese4nce of god in that room.  I can’t explain exactly what took place.  All I can say is that we all saw a glimpse of heaven.

 

 We than all grabbed hands and sang one last song together. 

I figured the students would begin leaving at this point, but they didn’t.  Everyone continued to hug, cry, pray and absorb the power of the moment. 

 

I just received a phone call from the pastor of 5 Point of Tabora.  Renatus called to let me know that he and his church are having a special time of prayer  for 5 Point of America.  I could hear the passion and excitement in his voice.  They truly desire to see God bless our church in an awesome way.  I had to fight back tears as I thought of my African brothers and sisters on their faces before God lifting up our church and me. 

This got me to thinking, why don't we do the exact same thing for them.  Would you stop what your doing right now as you read this (if possible, if not do later sometime today) and pray about the following things for 5 Point Church of Tabora:
1. Pastor Renatus - great vision and boldness.
2. His family & their protection.  Pray for his wife to understand the troubles they endure for the cause of Christ.  And that she would support Pastor Renatus in all he does.
3. Protection for the new converts.  Its not like America.  Christianity cost them something.  Possibly their life.
4. Continued growth - They have around 120 a week.  Would love to see them doubled when I arrive in June.
5. Permanent building - We have six acres of land but need $30,000 to build church.
6. God would pour vision into Pastor Renatus.
7. Leaders in the church.  Men and women who are willing to help 5 Point of Tabora reach their city for Christ.
8. Renatus as he teaches Word of God.  Holy Spirit would fill him and use him as he prepares and teaches.
9. Revival - that a true outpouring of God's spirit will touch Tabora and thousands will come to know Jesus.
10. Leper Colony - That God would provide those so much less fortunate than us the basic essentials of life.

I love Pastor Renatus and his family dearly.  Pray for them often.  Yearn to see them.  Please lift them up in prayer regularly.
But today, right now, will you beg god for the above items.

Some pictures that might help you while you pray:


Pastor Renatus is the one in the suit in the back left hand corner.


A new Christian being baptized.  May there be thousands more.
A typical house in Tabora.  Quit complaining about our small discomforts and start praying for those who have so little.


One of the lepers.  Notice her feet.  My heart breaks for these people.

I love reading other pastors blogs on Monday mornings.  Read more blogs on Monday than any other day.  Why, because I love reading how God is moving and changing lives.  As I read about people getting saved and churches growing I have a time of rejoicing.  I stand in awe of what God is doing with His church.  And I stand amazed at what God is doing here at 5 Point Church.
Some thoughts on yesterday:
* It was one of the nastiest weather days we've ever had.  Cold, pouring the rain with the wind howling.
* I was prepared for the staff and most dedicated to show up.
* Boy was I wrong.  As I came onto the stage I was amazed at:
     * how so many people were willing to bring their kids out in such nasty weather
     * how energetic everyone was during worship.
     * how many women understood (maybe for the first time) how a man communicates.
     * our volunteers who stood in the rain and cold to serve others.
     * how rain could keep some people away.
* Kid Zone still had 200.
* Last night Dwain had a great crowd, even with the bad weather.
* Last night we had 25 couples show up to learn how to communicate better in bad weather and with the NFC championship game being played.
* Thank you Father God for a church that has people who want to be here regardless.


A thought on vision:
Just received a phone call from a woman who has been visiting the church the past three weeks.  Shared with me how she and her husband and daughter enjoy the services.  But she had a problem with some of the song choices.  She was honest enough to say that she had the songs on her IPOD but that she didn't think it was appropriate for a church service.  She also admitted that not one song had any bad words or meanings, but that they were secular songs and she didn't like it.

She bragged on my teaching but thought the song we sang at the end of the service. "Whatever it Takes" t (week before last) took away everything I had said.  Why, because one line in the song said, "let's put us above all."  Tried to explain to her the song is about making a marriage work.  Had nothing to do about Jesus.  Her thing was that it meant putting Jesus above the marriage and destroyed everything I had said. 

So I tried to share our vision.  That we're not about satisfying the saints.  That we are all about reaching people far from Jesus.  Long conversation made really short, she finally said, "your not listening to me."  Shared with her I listened to every word but we weren't changing one thing we did.  That I have been listening to God and feel very good about what were doing.  She very quickly thanked me for calling her back and hung up.

Why am I sharing all of this with you.  Because I want everyone who has bought into our vision to see the big picture.  Lets say this woman was right (which I don't think she is) and one line in one song took away from Jesus.  Let's look at the big picture.  10 people stood and admitted they didn't know Jesus.  Countless couples came forward admitting there were hidden secrets and their marriage wasn't what it needed to be.  My goodness, let's celebrate what God is doing and quit nit picking about little things.

Can not wait to see what God has in store this Sunday.  Talking straight to men about how to communicate with their wives.  I can promise you its gonna be good




    

I usually don't write on Fridays because I'm not at the office, usually on the lake riding around looking for big fish.  Had a lot to do today so I decided to spend the day in my office.  Quiet, no one here which usually equals getting a lot done.  I was reading over my message for Sunday when the door bell rang.  A man was crying at the door.  Soon as I opened the door he asked if he could speak with someone. 
Three hour long adventure made short; he had just gotten out of jail (smell the alcohol on him) and wanted to change his life.  Made a call to the Home of the Heart (free addiction clinic) and they had a bed open. That never happens.  Its always a three or four week wait.  Asked him was he ready to change his life?  Crying his eyes out he begged for help.  Jumped in my truck and headed to the home.  He went through the interview process and they gave him a bed.  He was going to spend the next eight weeks changing his life.  I left celebrating that God was able to use me to help one of His.

Well, the story doesn't end here.  Received a phone call a few minutes ago from the director of the home.  The man had already left.  He wasn't willing not to smoke.  Said he would smoke and they told him good-bye.  I was furious.  Wasted three hours of my day.  Took my time and gas to drive him out to the home.  Then I began to realize something.  It took more than one time for me to make a change in my life.  How many times have I tried to lose weight?  How many diets have I gone on?  He isn't at a place in his life to seriously want help.  He wanted a band-aid.

Moral of the story, keep on trying to help people.  I've been praying regularly, "Father God, help me to help people."  The results are left in His hands.  People are hurting everywhere.  Its not my job to judge or get ill because they won't do what I think is best for them.  But it is OUR job to try and help people.  Hopefully this man will get serious and realize alcohol is destroying his life one day.

My prayer will continue to be, "Father God, help me to help people."  No matter how much time or effort it takes.

Have a great weekend and invite someone to church this Sunday. 

This Sunday we'll be tackling one of the toughest topics I've tried to cover, communication between a husband and wife.  Deb and I have been married 30 years this spring and we still don't have this communication thing down.  I had to really research this topic in order to prepare a message because its so hard for men to understand how women think and vise versa(much more on this Sunday).  Below you will find a perfect example of what I mean:


 
Men want to fix things.  So the columnist was trying to help the woman fix her car, not her husband.  I feel as if the man did exactly what was asked of him, yet the woman is furious because he never saw the real problem.  Welcome to the world of trying to resolve communication between husband and wife. 

Make sure your here this week as I try and tackle a subject I still struggle with.  Let me make you a promise right now, your going to laugh more at church this week than you ever have.  The creativity of this week is excellent.  Have three videos that are off the chart.
And remember, bring an unchurched friend or family member.