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big break

May 23, 2011 in campus ministry, dennis, random with 0 Comments

“This is one of the best things we do.” I have heard many staff say this about the conference we hold over what is known as spring break. The conference spans four weeks starting in late April and ending in the later part of March. Inside a weeks time the staff and students are challenged to grow deeper in their walks with God, and they develop in their ability to articulate the gospel with other college students that have come to take a break from their studies. It is an honor for our team to contribute to this experience and a lot of our energy goes into making this the best experience possible.

I shared in a post a while ago the promotion video we did for the conference. I thought I would chase that post with other posts of things we designed for the conference. However, pursuing this adoption, which Lisa and I have also posted other messages about, is diverting a lot of my time and attention. So that did not happen.

We created t-shirts, programs, background slides for speaker notes, worship slides and general information slides. We even created a temporary tatoo all themed with the conference message of “Get Salty”. It was a blast to work on, but what excites us even more than that are the results. Although many of the results go unmeasured or are impossible to detect, we do keep track of some of the things we think are important and are some what trackable.  I want to share those with you so you might celebrate with us in what God has done in and through our staff and students lives.

Click on picture for larger image

 

If you partner with Lisa and I thank you for making it possible for us to contribute to this conference. It will be a joy to meet so many of those that were introduced to Christ during these conference weeks when we gather in heaven one day.

 

megathemes

January 22, 2011 in dennis, random with 2 Comments

Barna Research

Perhaps some of you get Barna Research  e-mail updates.  Barna is something like the company Gallup, in that they too are constantly looking at data and try to make sense of it. Their recent study of megathemes is rather disturbing. However, I thought you would appreciate looking at it, and I trust you will find many things in this report in which we can pray.  I remain grateful to be engaged in a mission that seeks to reach post moderns with the Gospel, and I’m so glad you are too.

Click HERE to read their article.

perspective cards

December 22, 2010 in dennis, random, theLAB with 0 Comments

We  are really excited about the completion of a big project that’s been over a year in the making! Our publishing team did the perfect write-up and I’m reposting it here…

“The worldview of the average student grows increasingly irrational, abstract, and eclectic. And most of the time, they don’t even know it. This combination (non-biblical worldview plus lack of self-awareness) can be a huge barrier to the gospel. How can we overcome this obstacle in order to communicate the gospel clearly and effectively?

“Imagine a new evangelism tool: a deck of playing cards addressing the issue of worldview, turning this evangelism obstacle into an open door for the gospel. That is the beauty ofPerspective.

New Perspective Cards

photo by Greg Wiedle

variety of perspective cards

Photo by Greg Wiedle

“Perspective provides a disarming approach to a spiritual conversation, allowing others to share their perspective about five important topics: Nature of God, Human Nature, Meaning of Life, Identity of Jesus, and Source of Spiritual Truth. In each category, participants choose the card that best represents what they believe, and then they tell you why they believe it.

“Perspective allows you to come alongside others in their spiritual journey. And, as you ask questions and listen well, you’ll find an abundance of opportunities to talk about Jesus, share your perspective, and invite others to respond to the gospel.”

Imagine the thousands of conversations that will take place over a deck of Perspective cards! Your prayer and financial partnership enabled us to development  exciting new tools that will point students to Christ. Thank you!!!

Click on the ad in near the bottom right panel to order a deck for your self.

new big-break promo

December 21, 2010 in dennis, random, theLAB with 2 Comments

Eight of 10 student winter conferences we will host following Christmas will view a video our team just completed that promotes our spring break conference in Panama Beach, Florida. We leveraged new Apple software to make short work of a ordinarily a time consuming project. Take a peek at our 56 second Big-Break promo and let me know what you think.

i love florida

December 17, 2010 in dennis, random with 0 Comments

It felt like forever, but in reality it was only about a week. We actually had to find our coats and hats and other warm clothes to manage the arctic air our friends way north of us cope with this time of year. It was cold here in Orlando. However, it warmed to 70 today and did it ever feel good. It put a smile on my face and I just plain felt happy.

I guess I still feel happy about the favorable return to Orlando weather, and had to write it down. Perhaps it is my way of saying, “thank you Lord, your work continues to make me smile.”

berry christmas

December 13, 2010 in dennis, random with 0 Comments

That is how one of our friends and partners might greet you. Shari Fitzpatrick hails from the Sacramento, California area where she took an interest and service to her friends into an local and online confectionary gift service. If you are hoping to find that gift this Christmas that is a bit different you will have to see her creations. You can click right here or see her ad in the bottom of the ride side column of this page. Note that she is offering a 15% discount to our friends and family. Use this code FNF15OFF.

adoptive gestation

December 13, 2010 in dennis, family, random with 0 Comments

Just as there are nine months that enable you to prepare for a natural born child so it seems adoption has a gestation period of its own. However, it is more in the form of vital documents to be gathered, references to be written, and funding to be raised. We are still in the process of collecting the necessary forms and having them notarized properly in order to formally apply for adoption. In addition to the paper work we will meet with a state worker who will review all our records and personally assess the fitness of our relationship, physical capacities, and finances. The process is thorough, and I am actually grateful for it. It seems the time is good for both Lisa, the kids and I to get our minds and hearts around this new chapter of our family’s life that will potentially unfold.

I have been encouraged by the many questions received as to where are we at the with this adoption. It is amazing to me so many are thinking about it, and it reassures me we have many friends who support us. I am grateful.

The next steps are to finalize all the papers, hand in our application with a $1,400 check. Then the state worker with come and meet with us in our home (It is called a home study), and it is actually the state worker who will decide if and how many children we may adopt.

In addition to those formalities, we will need to find $40k to cover agency, country and travel fees associated with the adoption. I added a progress bar on the righthand side to track our journey toward securing these funds. You can help us. Just like supporting us by clicking on the Join us by giving through our CCCi give site! link under Quick Links on the right side of the screen.

Pray for us. Pray that God continues to confirm His calling to this enormous privilege and responsibility. Pray for the necessary funding. Pray in any other way the Lord might lead you to intercede for us.

Thank you.

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