Due to some unique circumstance, the majority of the 5 Point staff is in Cummings Georgia attending a church conference called Velocity.  The only thing we had to pay for was gas to get here, motel and two meals.  I didn't really want to go since i was in California week before last at the Radical conference, but it was too good a deal to pass up.  And I am so glad we came.  Today was incredible.

As we finished our Sunday services I checked my e-mail and found this letter from Pastor Renatus of 5 Point Tabora.

Dearest Pastor Dean,
I greet you in the mighty name of Jesus our Lord and Savior. I hope that everything is fine with you. I have been away for a week but now am in Tabora. I would like to let you know that now our Land property has been given to us officially, and we are at the final stage of getting the drawing. I hope that everything about the trip is fine. I would like to let you know that If you are ready to send the money for constructing the church we are ready. We will like to start building the foundations and buy materials necessary before you arrive. We will like to build the foundation and put the wall structure so that when the team comes we will work on roofing and electricity. If you have and money regarding this project I will like to ask you to send it. If you send $ 12,000, that will be good for we can build and buy all materials probably everything. We need to start this march.
About the Mission trip:
As the church, when you come we will be celebrating a one year. So will like you guys to be here. Also on this event you will baptize people. I will not baptize people in June that is your job this June. You will teach and construct the house of the Lord. I have done your booking so let me know the exactly dates so that I will be sure. The church needs to plan its happy birthday ceremony for it wants you guys to be here.
About the Lepers:
I went to the leper’s colony. One of them has passed away. I went there just to visit and encourage and comfort them. The time they saw me they started crying. They have no food, no cooking oil, no maize flour, they have nothing in the store. This broke my heart. I am writing this letter to you that If there is any support we can make please I will like to ask you to rise $ 1200 so that we can feed them for two months, that is march and April.

 Please pray for this before doing anything.  I have two big sacks inside my house my wife and I have agreed to give them to this community. It is sad.

 God bless you,
Renatus


I couldn't help but rejoice that the land has finally become the property of 5 Point Tabora.  Renatus text me this morning and shard that they had 140 people this morning at the service.  WOW!  That is amazing.  Then I receive the e-mail about being ready to start construction.  AND, we have the money raised for them begin construction.  I am stoked!

But how could anyone as fortunate as Americans read about the lepers and not be heart broken.  I don't need to pray about it, as a body of believers we have an obligation to help the less fortunate.  So I'm asking anyone who wants to help feed this colony, please give.  This is money I can guarantee will be spent on food for these people.  100%

Go to our web site, www.5pointchurch.com and give.  Make note that it is for lepers. 

THANK YOU in advance.  Here is one of the ladies that live in the colony.  Notice what leprosy has done to her feet

Wanted to share what is going on in the world of Dean Herman. 

Let's begin with the ankle.  Wednesday I did the liptical 20 minutes and ran on the treadmill for 10.  While lifting weights my right ankle began to hurt.  Within minutes I was hurting so bad I could barely walk.  Long story short, doctor believes I have ripped some tendons in my ankle.  Got a MRI yesterday and waiting for the doctor to read the results so he can determine if I need surgery or not.  Ready to have problem fixed and move on.  Always amazes me how I take my health for granted until something goes wrong.

This Sunday we will discuss the topic of church membership.  I have asked several people why they should join a church and not one has had a good reason.  I blame a lot of this on the church.  With all the fighting going on between churches people wonder why they should have to join a team. 

I will be teaching our new members class this Wednesday, February 24th.  You can sign up Sunday morning.

Really looking forward to our marriage retreat tonight and tomorrow morning.  I always enjoy getting away with my precious bride.  Then add hanging out with a bunch of other 5 Point people and listen to Eddie Cox discuss how to have a better marriage.  Gonna be good.

Changed our next series on the staff this week.  Starting next week we'll be looking at what we're FOCUSED on.  Have some really cool stuff planned. 

Going to share some of my thoughts from conference in California next week.  Had planned on doing so this week but ankle changed a bunch of that.  Rick warren really challenged my thinking about the way we do some things.

As far as the challenge I laid out for our married couples last Sunday (to have sex every day or night this week).  I have had a bunch of feed back with 98% of it being positive.  There are some funny comments traveling through face book.  Several husbands have thanked me personally.  Other church staff have shared they wish their pastor would issue the same challenge.  For the few who have had some negative criticism, I'm ok with it.  You have your opinion.  But please understand, the only reason I would issue such a challenge is because I know from marriage counseling, talking with other pastors and from all statistics that the lack of sex between a husband and wife is one of the leading causes (second only to finances) of divorce in America today.  And as pastor of this church I will do everything in my power to help married couples.  Heaven forbid we address the issues people are facing.
 
Have a great weekend and bring a friend with you on Sunday.  Great topic for everyone.  Really going to make you think.
Do something radical for Jesus while your enjoying such a beautiful day.

Hello Blog world.  I know it has been a week and some of that was on purpose.  While I was in California I didn't try and write.  Yesterday after the staff meeting I took my son Jacob to RUE 21 and bought him a pair of jeans and and a shirt for making straight A's again. 

I wanted a week away from blogging to make sure I wanted o continue to do so.  Result, i do.  I enjoy putting my thoughts out there for anyone who actually cares. 

Today I wanted to share another e-mail I received.  For the first few years I received a lot of attack e-mails.  Lately they've been really encouraging.  Thought you might enjoy this one. 

Tomorrow I'll begin sharing a few insights and pictures from sunny California.

E-mail I received while gone:

It has been almost a month since I was back in Easley because of my Dad being in the hospital. I was able to visit the church again. The first time I visited I was totally blown away by the band. This time it was the sermon. It was about secret sins during Dean's marriage series. The one done about half the time in the dark. It is rare to be recalling more than a couple of points two days after a sermon. Almost unheard of a couple of weeks after a sermon, but to recall 10 different points and statements and illustrations a month after a sermon has never happened to me. Because your church means so much to me I started following Dean on Twitter and can keep up with things a little more. 

5 Point is in my heart and I know God will continue to bless your ministry as you continue to follow His guidance. I want to thank your congregation and leaders and staff for what they are doing in Easley.

Some random thoughts:
* You want to see people act like complete A holes, spend a couple days in a airport due to weather.
* Rick Warren is so full of wisdom.  I could sit and listen to him speak for hours.  In reality, I did last week.
* As I draw closer to Christ, I want to do more for him.
* Begging God for better leadership skills.  He spoke to me about this matter this morning.  Leadership is about following Him.
* Finished with Ugly Truth.  Looking forward to our next series, FOCUS.
* Don't forget new members class rescheduled to next Wednesday, February 24th at 7:00 pm.  I will be teaching that class.
* Really looking forward to this weekend at Bon Clarken with a bunch of our couples and Eddie Cox.
* And yes, I challenged every married couple to have sex EVERY NIGHT this week.  For those who do we have a special prize for them.



 

 

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.