Written by Tonight Ethan graduates from IPFW. Ethan is my son-in-law who is married to Mallory. A few months ago we didn’t know if he would be able to continue his studies, but tonight is a great night of celebration as he reaches this milestone in his life. We’re proud of him. Go Ethan! Team Ethan is still alive and well! 
Graduation
Happy Birthday The River and River!
On March 5, 2006 two exciting births took place. One is the church my wife, Carmen, and I started with several friends. On March 5, 2006 we launched our first public service at Lafayette Meadows Elementary School. It was a great day and so many wonderful God-stories have occurred since that day. Here’s a picture of me teaching at The River that very first Sunday!
Here’s the really cool story! On March 5, 2006 there was another birth. A little boy was born to Matt and Melissa Johnson. We had never met Matt & Melissa and they had never attended our church. But they eventually found The River and started attending. Today Matt plays drums for our band and we love having their family around. They have a great family and here’s what’s so cool. On March 5, 2006 their son was born… and his name is River! So, happy birthday to The River and River!
Nice!
One of the most encouraging pastors in Fort Wayne to me over the past 6 years has been Stan Buck from SonRise Church. Stan is a United Methodist Pastor who started SonRise several years ago and he has a heart for new churches. On our very first Sunday almost 6 years ago, he gave our church a gift… a portable coat rack. That was impressive. Well, today Stan stopped by and brought by a Congratulations and Church-Warming gift since we have just moved into our first 24/7 space. Nice touch from a local pastor whose church is literally just a few miles away. Stan is a kingdom guy and I really appreciate him.
So here’s the gift! Nice!
Thanks Stan and SonRise Church!
You Are Family
I just recently read this devotion from Tony Dungy and thought it was worth passing on. Read it and then read Psalm 139:13;16. I’ll let you look it up yourselves… it’s good to grab for a bible once in while!
“You were created by God! Before you were ever born, He knew who you would be. You are designed with a unique combination of abilities, interests, and passions that has never been before and will never be seen in anyone again. He knows every detail of your life and carefully planned the way you were made.
Not only that, you are created for eternal impact. Your one-of-a-kind design was intended to last. He guards over your purpose and destiny, He is aware of all your needs, and He watches you even while you sleep. You are an intentional part of His plan. You are family, and He is your Father; He designed you for incredible purposes.
God knew you ahead of time and chose to make you. Keep reminding yourself of that truth because it will impact every other area of your life.”
A New Church Coming to Fort Wayne!
I’ve been working for the past two years to build a team of churches and individuals to partner with us in order to plant a new church in Fort Wayne. Planting churches is the most effective way to reach people for Jesus. And now we have all the pieces in place and we get to expand our vision of reaching more people by leading the way on a new church in Fort Wayne. We are partnering with INnetwork and Stadia to launch a new church in the fall of 2012! Here’s a photo of our new Lead Planter, Justin Gillespie, (in the middle!) with the Management Team for this new church. God is good!
Dedication Sunday @ The River
On January 29, 2012 we celebrate what God has done for us… and we commit ourselves and our new church building for His purposes! What began as a conversation with a few close friends in my living room a few years ago is today a thriving church that is making a difference. I’m so thrilled and humbled by what God is doing and the lives He is touching. For the past 6 years we have been meeting weekly in rented locations… places where we had to haul our stuff in and set up for services… haul it back out and do it again week after week after week. GOD BLESSED THAT EFFORT… and lives have been changed! That’s all Carmen and I have ever wanted for The River; TO BRING LIFE TO DEAD PLACES.
So if you’re around Fort Wayne on January 29th, come party with us!
He’s Got the Whole World…
It’s good to know and it’s good to remember that God has the whole world in His hands. “Father, forgive me for the times when I can be so consumed by my worries and fear. Forgive me for forgetting this very simple, yet powerful truth. ‘You hold all things together.’” My globe in my office reminded me of this truth today.
50th Anniversary
This past week we were able to celebrate my parent’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. The anniversary was actually a few months ago, but we finally were able to all be present for the celebration. It was fun to eat at a great Brazilian Steakhouse and to hear old stories from my parents about life and marriage. I don’t take it for granted to have parents who have last for more than 50 years in marriage. We celebrate it and give thanks for it. Thanks Mom and Dad for a great example of love and faithfulness.
