Today I had to run some errands to nail down some details on an even we are going to have through our student ministry this Saturday. One of those errands involved heading to Wal-mart. While there, I told my wife that I would pick up some milk.
I chose what I hoped to be the shortest line. When I did, I noticed that the guy in front of me was talking to everyone around. To be honest, I thought he was a little off-center. Then I realized that He was talking about Jesus. I wasn't sure where this was going to go, but I began nodding in agreement with some of what he was saying. I was counting out some change to pay for my milk, and he looked at me and said, "God loves you on a Monday morning when you don't have the money to buy milk." He then looked at the cashier and said he was going to buy my milk. I told him that I truly appreciated it, that I was a brother in Christ, and that he really didn't need to buy my milk. He simply smiled and said that whether I had the money or not, he wanted to buy my milk. Somebody brought him groceries one time and he just wanted to do the same. We talked for a few moments, and then parted ways.
Mike, his real name, has two things I admire. One is a heart to tell people about Jesus. The other is a desire to be a blessing to others. He was a blessing to me. And he was a great challenge to this pastor as well. May my life be one that overflows with words about Jesus and love to others.
Mike, I may never see you again and you will probably never read this, but thanks for buying my milk. And thank you even more for stirring my soul to be more earnest in my love for others.
Posted by Jack
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4:21 PM
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Last night was a night we had been expecting for a long time. After months of planning, sweat, and anticipation, the Garage was revealed! The Garage started as a roughed in three bay storage area and has ended up as a place we think is out of this world. Jack Griffin, one great guy, gets so much of the credit. There were many volunteers (Van, Bill, Alex, TJ, Dennis, Jeremy, David, Chris, Nathan, and Anthony to name a few). Most all of our students helped to clean up at least once, if not three or four times. My amazing wife not only put up with me devoting a lot of time to getting everything finished but also painted a super-cool text mural on the wall. Eight months of work has come and gone. Here are the pics...(You can click on them to make them bigger)
A shot from the hangout area.
The other end of the hang out area towards the stage.
The flat screen and Wii. Notice the cool mailboxes and text mural on the left.
The view from the stage.
A shot of the text mural.
The logo on the bar.
We left two of the existing bay doors in the garage. We insulated them and will be able to raise them when the weather permits. This will allow us to move in and out and even move the party outside!
Two-thirds of the ceiling we left exposed and painted black. You can see the projector, track lighting, and big screen in the wall. By next week, the Wii should be able to switch between the TV and the projector with a switch (thanks Chris!)
As great as this place is, it has one purpose: point people to Jesus. If we don't do that, it is worthless. Yet if we use it as a tool to bring the Gospel, we will be who God has called us to be. Soli Deo Gloria!
Posted by Jack
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11:26 PM
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I came across an article by Richard Ross about students and missions. Here is my favorite line:
"For the life of me I do not know why some theologically confused people in Utah would be the only ones to prepare and send out all their sons and daughters on an adventure that will shape their lives."
I almost jumped out of my seat screaming! YES, YES,YES! Oh that parents would pray that their children would love Jesus more than life. I pray that for my boys. It scares me beyond compare that they might go to one of the really hard places. It scares me to pray knowing that God might lead them there. Yet, who gives them life? Who saves them for His glory? Who is the wonderous King of the Ages who is sovereign over all?To read the rest of the article, click here.
Posted by Jack
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12:36 PM
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