1. While partnering with Dr. Ed Young and his great staff at Second Baptist Church in Houston, Texas we were reminded to never ASSUME anything. Their attention to detail was off the charts. They excellently pulled off over 200 school assemblies and 4 nights of Team Impact events on all 5 of their campuses simultaneously while skillfully ensuring that all 20 TI athletes/evangelists were where they needed to be at the appropriate times. The massive outreach enabled us to speak to more than 30,000 people all together in just over 1 week and to witness hundreds of decisions for Christ and many baptisms. It was a monumental task that took extensive planning. There were many meetings, phone calls, texts, email, etc ... that took place before and during the event to make it a smooth and fruitful outreach. The leadership at SBC left no stone unturned. They inspected what they expected and assumed nothing. Their attention to detail reminded us of how important it is that we communicate clearly, review regularly, and do even the small things well.

2. Our partnership with Pastor At Boshoff in Bloemfontain, South Africa reminded us of how important vision is to ministry and life. Pastor At has an incredible vision to reach South Africa and the world for Christ. His ginormous vision enabled us to speak to more than 10,000 people in one service at 16 different locations from SA all the way to Canada. We saw thousands make decisions for Christ while with his church, the Christian Revival Center. His vision to reach people both locally and globally is contagious and it is clear. Everyone we met at CRC new the vision. They all understood why the church existed. They are a major threat against the kingdom of darkness and a loud voice for the Kingdom of God.

Remember, vision leaks fast. You must share vision as much as possible to your crowd (whatever platform you have) and from the couch. It must be shared to the masses and to individuals. People will forget quickly unless you remind them often.

3. Pastor Buddy Champion at First Baptist Trussville, Alabama reminded us of what it means to be a servant even in the midst of personal trials. His youngest daughter Grace (one of the most precious people we have ever met) has been battling a serious rare sickness. In the midst of this personal challenge Pastor Buddy faithfully serves his people, his city, and the world with the hope of winning as many as possible to Christ. He and his church took us in and treated us better than we deserved. They treated us like family. It was a great crusade and a special time.

Please pray for Grace as she is growing stronger and trusting the Lord for healing. She courageously came out each night and served with various ministry teams. She is a true inspiration!

4. Our time at Wave Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia reminded us to celebrate those who serve. They have hundreds who serve weekly with a passion for the Lord and compassion for people. Their service in every area of the church was second mile service. One rainy evening we were escorted to the church by a staffer, dropped off out in front of the church, and greeted by servant leaders who met us with umbrellas to ensure we made it into the church without getting wet.

While their service was impressive, we especially enjoyed attending their leadership vision night where Pastor Steve gave out awards to those who had served above and beyond the call of duty over the last quarter. He celebrated those who cheerfully employed their gifts and talents to move the gospel forward. After the awards were given out, he bragged on everyone for helping reach people and move the vision of Wave Church forward for the glory of God. Our time with him reminded us to celebrate those who serve!

We are privileged to serve with some of the greatest pastors and churches on the planet. Please pray for us as God continues to open doors for us to take the gospel around the world.

Blessings!

• 600am   Wake up/shower 
• 615am   A devotional thought
• 640am   Breakfast
• 700am   Head to first assembly (speak to an average of 1,000 per school)
• 900am   Head to second assembly
• 1100am Head to gym for a workout
• 1230pm Head to lunch (sometimes we eat while traveling to the next assembly)
• 130pm   Head to third assembly
• 215pm   Head to a final assembly for the day
• 315pm   Head to hotel for a quick shower and a few minutes rest
• 430pm   Head to church
• 500pm   Supper number one
• 530pm   Stage set up
• 615pm   Green room to change, pray, and go over the rundown for the night program (sometimes a radio or tv interview)
• 700pm   The night program
• 815pm   The altar call and then counseling
• 830pm   Meet, greet, and sign autographs
• 915pm   Supper number two
• 945pm   Head to hotel
• 1015pm Shower and a little SportsCenter
• 1100pm Some reading and prayer before heading to bed
• 300am   A protein bar and some water (then back to bed)

We are blessed to be able to partner with great churches around the world who help coordinate such schedules ensuring we can maximize our redemptive potential in each city. To God be the glory for the great things He is doing in and through our ministry.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

It takes a lifetime to build a great reputation; but, only a moment to ruin it. Therefore, let me encourage you to consider the words of the Apostle Paul, “Bad company corrupts good character.” People are like film they often develop into those they hang around. Understanding this important principle makes it imperative that you surround yourself with people who share in your convictions about life.

Always remember a true friend will never ask you to lower your standards or compromise your convictions. A true friend will support you in your desire to reach your goals and dreams. A great speaker once said, “Show me your friends and I will show you your future.” Therefore, you will be wise to associate with people who have a vision for life. Look for friends who are building a great future for themselves. Together you will complement each other and encourage one another to go further in life than you could have imagined on your own.

Questions to consider:

1.      What are some characteristics you should look for in a great friend?

2.      What are some characteristics of those you may want to avoid getting to close to?

While reading this morning I was reminded, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to man for which we are saved." Acts 4:12 Jesus is the answer. Jesus is the way to find peace for our hearts. He promises peace on the inside. A peace which enables us grow through the challenges we face in life. He is the only One who can give us power for daily living. His power is available to those who surrender to Him. His power enables us to turn our obstacles into opportunities. He offers His presence to those who receive Him. He promises never to abandon us. And most of all, He gives us the promise of eternal life.

Do you know His peace?

Do you experience His power daily?

Do you walk with His presence?

Most importantly, Do you know His promise of eternal life?

If not, contact my friends at www.team-impact .com. We would love to help you discover how to begin a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Often times people fall short because they quit too early. Do not be this person. If your vision is big enough and your purpose is born of God, you can be sure He will give you what you need for it to come to pass. He is still in the business of making possible that which seems impossible. As a contemporary Christian song says, "He will make a way when there seems to be no way."

What mountain are you attempting to climb: the restoration of a marriage, the ridding of resentment you've been harboring for years, the courage to apply for a job in a dead market, the faith to share Christ with your friend or the discipline to overcome the addiction that has controlled you for years.

Whatever the mountain, believe that if it is Kingdom minded God will lift you over it if you will surrender and follow Him.

Blessings to you on your journey!

In John chapter 4 Jesus models that we too are to take this same approach to help others understand they too can relate personally to God. The bible declares in John 4:4 that Jesus broke through a few barriers to introduce the possibility of a relationship with God to a wayward woman many had counted as unworthy to relate to anyone much less to relate to God.

This single verse demonstrates for those who love the Lord the great lengths we should go to to pursue God's passion for reaching people. The fact that Jesus, being a Jew, traveled through Samaria broke the traditional travel patterns of the Jews of His day. Jews would do everything within their power to avoid contact with Samaritans. They would typically add a couple of days to their journey when traveling from the South to Galilea by crossing the Jordan River simply to avoid traveling through Samaria. However, according to the Scripture, Jesus "had to go through Samaria." He desired to reach the woman at the well, the one society had written off as a prostitute unworthy of relating to people much less to God. The fact that Jesus spoke to her indicates that we should be willing to cross barriers that are typically erected because of culture, class, and/or creed to communicate God's love.

We must be willing to do anything that is not illegal, unethical, or immoral to pursue God's passion of reaching people with the gospel of the Lord Jesus! This is our greatest privilege and responsibility as fully devoted followers of Christ. If you desire to better equip yourself to fulfill this pursuit of reaching people please go to www.team-impact.com and order a copy of our new book, Hold the Rope. It will be helpful in inspiring and equipping you to be pursue God's passion for reaching people for Christ!