I know this is a day late but I wasn't around a computer until after 5:00 and didn't feel like writing.  And yes, I realize I didn't speak at 5 Point but I did speak in Virginia and I was on the phone with several people quick as I was out of my service checking in on 5 Point.  Truth is, I've missed being with all of you the past three weeks.  And let me be honest up front, I won't be there this Sunday either.  I'll be in Mexico with my family and the Middleton's on vacation.  We're leaving this Saturday and we'll return Saturday the 27th.  Our very own Randy Nichols will be teaching God's Word for us.  In fact, he is my personal coach in the ministry and pastored for many years.  He is an awesome man of God and public speaker.  You'll get some more good preaching for a change!

I also realize this is my fourth Sunday in a row of not being at 5 Point.  This was planned out months ago.  The Africa trip, family reunion in Virginia and vacation were purposely planned in that order.  All my mentors, personal ministry friends and coach advised me to get away from the church so that I could lead our church for many years to come.  I'll share more about this later.  Right now I want to talk about Sunday morning.

I had the honor of speaking at the church Debbie and I were married in.  They put on their sign that I was speaking.  I had former teachers, coaches, friends, best man in our wedding and a lot of family attending.  There were 100 people there just to see how in the world God could have changed a self absorbed, wanna be jock into a pastor.  I was a little nervous (as usual before I speak) but once I got going, I was ok. 

Here is the sad part.  I've been gone from Wise, Virginia since 1980.  The church had a lot of the same faces and not many new ones.  My heart aches for this church because if change doesn't take place, they will slowly die off.  They we're singing the same songs, had the exact same order of service, a lot of the same choir, etc.  A beautiful auditorium that holds over 500 and only 100 or so come each week.  The church seemed crowded with all or folks.  I said all that for this, I love 5 Point Fellowship.  I love the way our people enjoy being in God's house and I love the freedom you give me to teach God's Word.  I am so excited about teaching again Sunday after next.  I'll be sharing about what God did in me while in Africa.  I truly believe this will be the most heart felt, God led and emotional message I've ever taught.  Make plans to be there and bring a friend. 

Something really cool did happen while in Virginia.  At least 50 people came forward during the invitation.  All ages came.  Tears were flowing and God was moving.  The Pastor stood up and told his people he was glad to see there wasn't seat belts in the pews because it had been so long since anyone had moved.  I can only pray the people meant it.

Heard everything went great again at 5 Point.  I rally appreciate Lawson and Clark filling in for me.  I plan on watching their messages on line.  I spoke to several people I trust and all of them bragged on both of them.  Thanks guys.

I got home form Virginia Sunday night just in time for the youth service.  I seldom get to attend one of their services so I took the opportunity to do so.  WOW is all I could say.  Dwayne concluded a series on sex and it was awesome.  The best message I've heard on sex from a youth pastor (except for me of course when I was in youth ministry .  They had naked mud wrestling and it was great.  Seriously!  The band did awesome and I felt the teens left better understanding God's Word.  I was so impressed with Dwayne I asked him to speak for me the next time I'm gone.  But that won't be for a while.

Couple of thoughts:
* I know this is long but it for Monday and Tuesday.
* 4th of July is REALLY close.  Have you signed up to help serve our community?  Have you brought water?  We need both.
* The 4th is an awesome opportunity to let our community know we want to serve them.  We want to love on them just because.
* I continue to think about how fortunate I am to live in America.
* For those of you that don't know, my wife rocks.  I missed her so much and I'm glad to be sleeping with her again.  Nothing personal to Chuck Finley, I really do love the guy.  We had a blast in Africa together.  But, I'm just saying.
* Really looking forward to leaving for Mexico on Saturday.  By the way, the entire trip is paid for.  We put money back every week for our family vacation.  We even have the cash put back.  I have full intentions of having a great time.  As of know we plan on:
  a. scuba diving
  b. zip lining across the jungle
  c. laying by the pool & ocean a lot
  d. para sailing
  e. renting a jet ski a couple of times
  f. eating a lot of Mexican food
* Mexico may never be the same
* Staff meeting in a little while.  Love those guys.  I've been gone a month and everything going fine. 
* Heard about another pastor falling.  One of, if not fastest growing churches in Gaffney PAstor had an affair.  PAstors, keep your penis in your pants unless with your wife.
* To all the wives, please understand how important sex is to a man.  You can help your marriage greatly by pleasing your man!  Really!

More on Africa in the morning.