I Won't Survive the Holidays wk3: HOPE

Sunday at Oakbrook Church, Kokomo IN

Dec. 16, 2012

Click here for a free PDF download of my transcript on HOPE.

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Listen to it on iTunes, search "Oakbrook Podcasts"

Why are Christians so Political?

Sunday at Oakbrook Church

Oct. 28, 2012

click here for a PDF of my message text, "Why are Christians so Political?"

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Listen to it on iTunes: search "Oakbrook Podcasts"

Upcoming topics in the rest of the series, "Why are Christians..."

so Hypocritical? Nov. 4

 so Old Fashioned When it Comes to Sex? Nov. 11

Always Trying to Convert Someone? Nov. 18

Against Everything? Nov. 25

Special Letter from Haiti

Found this gem in my email this morning. It is from Pastor Gary, a good Haitian friend who pastors the church where we served last year for their annual crusade. As this crusade is coming around again, Pastor Gary was reminded of how our trip ended last year. Here are his poignant words:


Dear friends and Family in Christ,

As we approach November, the period of our annual crusade, the church and I can't prevent our self to think about you and keep reminding of your love, kindness and your service for the Lord among us.

Since this regrettable event, I feel so guilty and never find strength to write you but you were constantly and regularly in our prayers. The Sunday morning that follows the week of the crusade, we had a thanksgiving service for the crusade and was praying for you for physical and emotional healing. It was with tears that many people interceded for you.

We know this experience leaves a bitter taste about Haiti and our community especially. We are desperately sorry. If you can't come in Haiti again, know we will keep preciously in our mind the time we had shared in His service together.

We will not forget your music Joel Larison.

We can't forget the Leadership Camp at Villa Mamika with you Jason Lee.

Your leadership and sacrificial devotion to your team Jason Braun(that's a servant & a man).

Your courage Bruce Donaldson( you are in our prayer).

Your life changing football team Curtis Stout.

Your encouragement (it was amazing to see a smile on your face the morning after the tragedy. I see it again while I write this) very dear pastor Morgan Young.

Thanks to pastor Mark Malin who allows you to come each time.

And to all of you who had helped in a kids Camp, build the stage for crusade or had involved in any other ministry at Double Harvest, we say two words that come deeply from our heart:
Thank You and we love you.

Keep doing the good work. If we don't meet again here, nothing can prevent our sure appointment in heaven with each other and the Lord Jesus where we will rest eternally from our works.

Sincerely,
Pastor Jean Garry Auguste

Beautiful Attitudes: Mercy (1st Congo)

Sunday at First Congregational Church

Sept 7, 2012

click here for a PDF of my message text, "Mercy, Matt 5:7"

or

An audio version may appear here.

Not a Fan: Choosing Intimacy

Sunday at Oakbrook Church

Sept 30, 2012

click here for a PDF of my message text, "Choosing Intimacy"

or

Listen to it on iTunes: search "Oakbrook Podcasts"

I AM CHURCH: Sun. +2

 Sunday at Oakbrook Church

Sept 2, 2012

click here for a PDF of my message text, Sunday +2

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Listen to it on iTunes: search "Oakbrook Podcasts"

Rich Week: Impacting People w/Pen & Voice

 In the last eight days I've done three talks for two churches and a manufacturing company, a book review for Tony Morgan's latest eBook and a wedding for long-time friends. I am tired, yet I am full.

What a great diversity of people I had the privilege of serving: my own cutting-edge church, a company of both blue and white collar employees, a church of 20-somethings to nonagenarians, and a family I've known for 30-some years. People who love & live for Jesus and Jesus-not-so-much people.

The great thread of the week was Jesus; He was in every writing, every talk. Maybe my favorite talk was the wedding. Getting to speak with a group that may or may not be into Jesus vibes with my soul, I'm sure because of my non-Jesus past. Many knew me in this setting who know little to nothing of a Morgan that is trying to live for Jesus. (Seriously, the stories they could tell...)

So to them, lines like these made sense: "Was it the apostle Paul or Jerry Garcia who said, 'What a long strange trip it's been?'" And, "Who would of thought that 30 years ago, hanging out around the pool at 1530 Taylor street, that today we'd be here--I'd be marrying you, and it would be legal?"

I'm glad that God gave me a sense of humor. Glad that He gave me a sense for the poignant and serious. Glad I get to blend them together so people can laugh and moments later, tear-up. I'm honored that the Holy Spirit uses a schmo like me to evoke those responses from people. I'm glad I can write and speak in ways that serve people and honor God--and even perhaps pull people closer to Him.

Who'd a thunk some thirty years ago when I thought about writing that God would give me such rich opportunities to serve people and Him? Who would've thought that the guy who was pounding margaritas and beer like a sailor around that pool on Taylor St. would be used to serve that family thirty years later? So humbling. So grateful.

Indeed Jerry--what a long strange trip it's been! And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Tired, but full.

Peace.