Part of a Miracle

Have you ever had the priveledge of being part of a miracle? It has got to be the biggest rush I've ever had! I have gotten to be a part of several and I can't wait until the next. I sometimes wonder why only select few of us get to be blessed with these experiences. But sadly I already know the answer to that. I just wish we could figure out how to inspire others effectively.

The only people I know that expierience God in great ways are people that are totally sold out and willing to spill their guts on the playing field. They are always intentionally looking for the next opportunity to serve or bless someone. Ready to flip the conversation and find out what their new friend is thinking about when it comes to God.

Some of you may know the story of the prayer house on Bridge St. Six guys and Six girls living in community. Following hard after God and having a burden for their neighborhood and the city. Over a year ago they had a vision for opening a coffee shop in a vacant office across the street. They would not charge for the coffee. It's totally by donation.
My friend Chris and I have always kept an eye on the place and made some donations along the way. Whether that was time or money and I even have some photography hanging on the walls.

I ran into one of the girls the other night at a birthday party and she told me they were finally open for business. Wednsday night I made the suggestion that we take a road trip for our mens group and visit the coffe house and do our study there.

Three of us made the trip over. We arrived and met the director (Dave) who served us some coffee. He had no idea who we were so we filled him in on our interest in the ministry. Chris made the comment he wished he had known we were coming because he has a whole case of high quality coffee he wanted to donate. Dave looked at him with a stunned look on his face and told us this story.

Just the night before the whole community was discussing there next steps with their coffee inventory. They were almost out of coffe. They discussed pooling their money and buying some but their vision has always been to allow God to provide their needs. They prayed for God to provide the coffee and left the meeting. Now here we were donating a whole case of coffee just one night later. This was so cool how God used us to bless them and be their answer to paryer.

Last night Chris had gotten a call from one of our frinds at the house. He told Chris that we were invited back to the house amy time. They have been using this story to tell others how God is faithful. Who knows who's life will be touched just by being available to be used by God.

The story is much bigger and longer but I think you'll get the drift.
God is fun to work for!
Blessings, Randy

Yup Still Living!

As I sit here watching Survivor I thought I'd update my blog. I haven't kept up with this lately. Lots of life happening lately. I'll try and update by category like Ken Depeal does. If anybody is still reading these anymore.



Overflow Church:

Overflow is eight weeks old. We have been averaging about 100 people on Sundays. Two Sundays ago Brian and I passed out $5.00 bills to everyone and invited them to be creative and bless others with them. Then e-mail the story back. Last Sunday we celebrated some pretty cool stories. This is why I signed on to Overflow. Why be bored and sit in a stuffy church when you can take some risks and change the world!



Housing Update:

Deb and I have found a house and will be making an offer this week. It's tons bigger than we ever envisioned and on a acre and a half of property. The house is in Benton Harbor about four bloocks from the hood. But you would never know it when you look out our windows to the quiet nieghborhood or the ravine with a pond out the back. It has two two stall garages. One of them has a second floor. I am dreaming of a photo studio. I'll post pictures when I take some.

We still haven't sold our house so I'll have to offer with a contingency. We've had ten showings in the three weeks it's been on the market. Most of the comments are good escept the road we live on.



Stephanies Graduation.

Steph graduates in three weeks. She can't wait to be done with the high school drama. She did get voted best personality in the senior mock elections. I think that was a real positive for her.



Mike is back home.

Mike arrived on our door step last week. Dam organized religion! Mike came home and told me he'd like to be a bartender. I asked why and he told me every one talks to their bartender and they are the ones he'd rather talk to. He is tired of talking to Christians that have it all figured out and try to change him into their box. I have a feeling he'll be more fruitful for the kingdom than any one of those other corporate cookie cutter dorks that just want to save their @#$%^^&. Okay enough from a pissed off dad. I'm glad I get to be a Christ follower without pay!



Anyways I have to work on the Love your nieghbor concept a little more. It's a journey......