Hi James, you asked about my "interest in outreach and mission". My interest was to connect with Miguel Labrador. One of the other members of a house church put me on to Miguel. I looked at some of his writings and wanted to follow up on his question "Have you personally ever taught all of Christ's commands to another person?". Like you, I wonder if he has "all of the commands of Jesus listed systematically". This is my 1st encounter with "missional outreach" and some of the information looks promising, but I'm not sure how it will play out. The initial posting was on 12/28/10. This was followed by two comments on the same day, then nothing until my comment on 07/24/11. If Miguel hasn't answered you, I suspect that he won't answer me.

Thanks James. I was told by some one in a very loving way the only thing worse than loosing a spouse is loosing a child. I do not wish either on any one. My step daughter who is now 28 and I remain very close. She loves Warren as well. It took some time but I finally came to the place of knowing that God had other plans for me that no longer included Patrick.

He gave me a huge blessing in Warren. When I hear people who are bitter about a failed relationship I always thank God for blessing me with two wonderful men.

James,

Your message this morning made me think about the time I know God instantly answered my prayer. My husband passed away on May 28, 1999. ( Warren and I married in 2003 ) He had a daughter from his first marriage who was 16 when he died. She came to Plano so we could go through his things. I had the bright idea of having a garage sale. It was my first and last one. I was so angry with God for taking my husband I screamed at him every day. I told him I still loved him but I was very mad at him.

The first day of the sale went well. That night we had one of those June storms. The next day my step daughter and I got every thing ready for the last day of the sale. An hour passed by and not a single person showed up. Before getting ready for the second day I went and got us breakfast. I noticed that the storm the night before had destroyed the sign showing where the sale was. After an hour and a half I decided to go to a store very close by so I could make more signs. My step daughter was 16 at the time and I was very afraid to leave her by herself. I went to the back of the garage and started my conversation with God. I ask him to please what over Maureen while I ran to the store. I also promised him that if he would bring people to the sale I would quite yelling at him.

As I was putting the sign in to the ground showing people where to come to the sale 5 cars passed me. I pulled in behind the fifth car and followed them to my garage. Many more people came that day and we actually closed the garage sale down early.

I know this story does not sound like a really big deal. The state of mind I was in at the time it was my miracle. I know God watched over me and Maureen that day more than he does on the average day. He knew how bad I needed him and he was there. And yes, I quite screaming at him. I thanked him for being there for me and Maureen. I told him I was still mad at him but at least I was no longer screaming.

Thanks, James.  I am trying to add a photo but it is not uploading when I hit the Save button at the bottom of the screen.  The picture is under the size limit so I do not know why it is not uploading.

Thank you for the invite.  Hope you and your family are having a great week!

I am open to anything. The thing you should know about me is I am a work-a-bee. Tell me were I am needed and what needs to be done. Big or small makes no difference to me.

Bryan Sharp mentioned the work the church needs to have done next week. I did not caught the time. Can you let me know?

James

The comment you left for Donald came to me. Just wanted to let you now.

Hi James,

following is the message I sent to Ty, the camp director at Camp Deer Run, this morning.

James, I don't recall our meeting. I believe you did make connections recently with Ron Holland, one of my co-workers at the Pepperdine lectures.

For about 5 years, I've serve at The Hills as Neighborhood Connections minister. We've emphasized joining community partners with whom The Hills Jesus-followers could serve. We've looked especially at those who that offer the possibility of relationships/friendships forming. This has led us to specific missional/incarnational actions among the poor, homeless, hungry, children, widow, single parent moms, apartment families, etc. 

Our big discovery has been the kingdom awareness learned by intentionally walking in the way of Jesus among the people with whom he chose to spend so much of his time. With his own disciples, Jesus continually took them to the kind of places and people that had his followers step out of their comfort zone. Jesus consistently trusted that process.

What led you down the missional track? Where have you uncovered megachurches with a growing missional approach?