Mission Ready?? I'D SAY SO!!

Well, tonight was another Mission Service and were we ever ready! Bro. Kenny grilled burgers, several served food, several sang, Bro. Todd spoke, and lives were touched. As Bro. Gene preached a few weeks ago, we were "Mission Ready," literally! Tonight was probably the most prepared, and the most I've seen and felt that we have reached since we began these services. People were crying, laughing, clapping and worshipping. We were told that we are the most sincere church group they have seen, and they know they are cared about when we arrive.
I spoke with Isaac tonight after the service. He used to be UPC and was from Wisconsin. He told me he used to play the sax in church, but went "astray." He told me I "tore it down." I don't know if he meant I "tore it up" or if I "got down," but either way, I took it as he really enjoyed my playing and I appreciate that. I also spoke with Gary, whom I spoke with before. He was drunk, like last time, but I still believe that through the alcohol, he was still touched, and he remembered the last time even through the haze.
I really feel that with all the "transition" that keeps being talked about that's going on in our church, that this was an oasis in the middle of a dry land that we've been wandering in for a while now. Thank you Faith Mission for reminding me that their is a "Mission" and I am "Ready." I'm ready to see what God has for us! I'm ready to see what great and marvelous things are in store! I'm ready to see our church grow and move beyond the plateau we've been on for so long now.
I believe there is SO MUCH MORE in store for us in our "New" church! We are "Mission Ready."

-approved by Farley Wells, SAD-CMDI who says he's been to Wisconsin.

Friends

Tonight, Kim and I went with a group from our church to the Faith Mission in Wichita Falls. We go every fifth Thursday of a month to sing, worship, and feed hungry people both spiritually and physically. Every time, without fail, I come home refreshed, knowing that I was able to be a part of God's work.

Tonight was no different from any other. We sang, worshipped, played music, and fed the hungry; but tonight, I met Gary. Gary is a dope addict and an alcoholic. Gary had had a few to drink prior to our service. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that he'd been drinking most of the day. Gary is an atheist. He came up to me after the service and asked if he could speak with me and like every time, the thought went through my mind, "What am I about to get into?" You know you've thought it before too! I told him I would be back after we loaded the equipment and I must admit that inside, there was a part of me that hoped I would come back to find that he forgot or had gone on to eat or to bed. You know you've thought that before too! When I came back in, he was sitting there, waiting, ever so patiently waiting for "the guy that played the sax" to come back in so we could talk.

I came in, sat down, and he began to just cry and cry. It took him awhile to sift through the alcohol and drugs in his mind to get out what he was trying to say, but when he finally did he simply said, "Why am I crying? I know it ain't the beer. I've had that a thousand times. There's something with you and your group. What is it?" Well, that was easier than I thought it would be!! I told him EXACTLY what it was he was feeling. Some may dismiss it as alcohol making him emotional, which I don't disagree, but I pray that it was more. I pray that it was God telling him that He is alive and well and is ready to help him kick his habits and change his life. I spoke with him for a while and then he left.

I went into the cafeteria to get me a plate of food and that is where I met Milton. He was an older man that had some stories to tell. He asked how I met my wife, so I told him the story which then lead to why I was in school, which lead to what most of my conversations with the public turn into.... death, dying, ghosts, cremation, etc. Come to find out, Milton had a story or two about his experience with the business. He lived above a funeral home once and had a few stories to tell. Some stories left me asking myself, "What did I get myself into?" He was a very interesting man and by the time the night was through I made some friends. Friends that are down and out and need us. Friends that I know sincerely enjoyed the time spent with us, as we them.

I don't think I'll forget Gary or Milton for some time to come. You who have been around my blog for awhile may wonder about my friend I met some months back, James. Well, he seemed different tonight. He acted as if he didn't know us and seemed as if he was bound by whatever it is he's struggled with. I don't know what he's dealing with, but I know God can take care of it too! So, if you think about it, say a prayer for Gary, Milton, and James. I know they need it and they would honestly tell you that they appreciate every thought and prayer on their behalf.

Thank you Lord for letting me meet these guys.

-approved by Farley Wells, CMDI.

Our Mission

Tonight we had our first "Mission Service" at the Faith Mission in Wichita Falls. I must admit I was a bit nervous about how it would be. It's way out of my element to be involved in such a service. That's why I'm glad I did it! I thought they would look at us weird or think we're crazy, but they didn't. In fact, it was quite the opposite! They REALLY enjoyed it!! We sang several songs and Joseph, Eddie, and Bro. Doug testified and Bro. Elms Spoke as well. They all did an awesome job, but I noticed when Eddie started talking, it seemed to capture EVERYONE'S attention. He told about his past, and I know that a lot of them could relate. And then he told how God changed his life and how long he has been drug and alcohol free. It was like they couldn't believe that someone could do that for them. We then sang "He Touched Me" and I looked down and saw a man with his hands raised and tears filling his eyes. I could tell he had a true hunger for what we have. Afterwards, we were cleaning up and he came up and thanked us for coming. He asked how far the church was from the mission and we told him just up Seymour Hwy. He was so happy to hear that and said that he would come visit. I spoke with him a bit after that and got his name. He told me how he was raised in the Assembly of God and how he knew he messed up his life and wants to come back to God. I talked to him for several minutes and told him we would be praying for him. I can't wait for the next service there because I know, I will see him there, on the front row. And I know that in a few weeks, we WILL see him in our church with his hands raised high receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. His name is James. I ask that everyone please pray for him. I know God is going to do a mighty work through this ministry!