by Sam | Dec 21, 2017 | Reflection
Wow, what a year! 2017 truly was a year of breakthrough for us individually and as a ministry. Definitely one of the most significant times for our young ministry. God really did what only He could do. Glory to God! These past twelve months we saw God open doors, bring increase, and take us deeper in His presence. It’s a joy to recap some of the highlights with you of what God has done… LEADERSHIP TEAM One of the biggest steps forward for us was officially establishing a leadership team. Every person on the team has been a big part of the ministry, but we decided to increase our level of commitment by serving in this capacity. It’s been a joy to see the team move and minister together as one. Who said ministry had to be boring or lonely? We really have a special group right here! Our heart so far has been to develop a Kingdom culture and to build covenant as a family. It definitely has shifted the atmosphere of the ministry and the fruit is evident in every time we get together. (Our team from left to right – Jay, Sam, Kevin, Josh, Danny, and Janet.) PARTNERSHIPS Our heart from the beginning has been to work in tandem with local churches and other ministries in the area. We believe wholeheartedly that revival will only come when ministries shift from competition to collaboration. Too often our focus has been in growing “my” ministry instead of reaching our community. Revival only happens in unity. This year has been no different for us as we have partnered with...
by Sam | Dec 4, 2017 | Inspiration, Reflection
“In winter, are the trees bare? Yes. In winter, are the trees barren? No.” – Alicia Britt Chole This past Saturday I woke up in the middle of Upstate New York to a chilly 24 degrees. I had driven almost three hours to be there to minister at a young adult retreat. It had been a busy season of traveling and events. And it was already the last month of the year. Somehow December had snuck up on us. It didn’t feel like it at all, but it was on full display that day with frost all around. There was a heaviness in the frigid air and a dreariness that only winter brings. I have a love/hate relationship with winter. I love the holidays, but find the cold to be miserable. Snow can be enchanting, but who really enjoys shoveling? But that’s the thing about seasons. It always comes with both the negative and the positive. When it comes to the seasons of life, there is a positive to find even in winter seasons of the soul. Much of my journey the last few years has been learning to embrace the process. But recently God has been teaching me how to take the next step beyond embracing the process to actually enjoying it. Winter shows us that God isn’t in a hurry or ever in a rush to bring forth new life. In mercy He brings a divine slowness that saves us from our hectic busyness. He has a time and purpose in all that He does. So why not enjoy it? He brings a divine slowness that saves...
