Introduce Yourself to the Missional Community!

[James Nored]

Matt Brunk, my good friend from Liberty, MO, suggested that we introduce ourselves, since this site is drawing together people from various backgrounds and parts of the country. This will help us to know one another better.

You may introduce yourself here, or, perhaps even better, put down this information on your "My Page." On your "My Page," where it says "Text Box," click on "Add Text." Make the title of the text box "About Me" or something like this and write about yourself..

I would suggest telling us:
- Name,
- Vocation
- Any family information you would like to share
- What missional or spiritual topics you are interested in, experienced in, or are working in
- Any websites you would like to link to that would help us know you better (to link, type a site name, and then click on the paper clip looking link (next to the bold, italics, etc.) and then paste the site's "URL" (web address)
- Anything else you would like to share!

[James Nored]

Cherie, God's richest blessings upon you. We are glad that you have come our way. Five children--that must be a blessing! So glad that Christ has helped you overcome alcoholism. May we be a source of encouragement to you and you to us!

Cherie said:

Hi all! My name is Chérie (Shur-Ree), and I am an office manager in a local leading industrial gas a welding supply company in the repair department. I am a single mother, in a relationship, with 5 children ranging from 24 to 14. Currently My middle son (17) and my youngest daughter (14) reside with me. I am a grateful believer restored from the insanity of alcoholism and struggling with co-dependency. My home groups are Celebrate Recovery and a non-traditional spiritually backed AA group title U.I.R. (unsuspected inner resource). I enjoy sharing my Experience, Strength, and Hope in a Christ-centered environment - and am working daily on walking in God's will and minstering to my family, friends, and co-workers.

[Gerald Mwebe]

My Name is Gerald Mwebe, a graduate of Dallas Seminary, a church planter from Uganda, Africa, speaker and author, my passion and vision is to stir up the American church to walk into their redemptive Heritage, which is world missions.Our ministry organizes and facilitates short term mission trips to Africa. I will be more than happy to speak to churches that want their members stirred up for missions.. Tel contact # 972 681 0707

[Phillip Smith]

Hello, fellow Disciples!

My name is Phillip Smith and I reside with my wife (Deanie) of 43 years in McKinney, Texas. McKinney is approximately 30 miles north of Dallas.

My wife and I have one son that lives about 30 minutes away in Denton, Texas. He and his wife Rachel just shared with us one of the greatest gifts of all time…Margaret Dove (Maggie), our first granddaughter and only grandchild. Both sets of grandparents were allowed to witness the entire birthing process. We will never be the same and are truly blessed in that mother and baby are doing extremely well. Being retired, Deanie and I intend to spoil Maggie as often as allowed. Gammy and Poppy will become our new monikers.

My life has been full. I was reared in McKinney and became a Disciple of our Lord when I was 13. After high school I was drafted into the Army during the Viet Nam era. I became a Captain and commanded one of only two elite Airborne Ranger Special Forces companies in operation. It was all by mistake but I will save that comedy for another time. It was, however, a defining time in my early life experiences.

I have been in and out of the Word more than I like to admit. How one can be so in discipleship at one given time and, out just as quickly? It is so very hard to comprehend. I dare say it happens all too frequently. I know I must be more consistent in living what I teach.

Following the service I entered college and graduated with a degree in economics. I then spent 35 years managing in the corporate world of insurance. It was during those years where I found myself struggling to balance worldly things with spiritual. Like oil and water…they just didn't mix for me.

In the past decade I have been granted great favor in teaching bible studies with adults and teenagers. Both groups present rewards but much differently. Seeing a teenager finally “get it” about the Lord is an amazing transformation. Seeing adults return to the Word is equally wonderful.

I am extremely fortunate to attend the Church where the founder of our group, James Nored, is minister. What a motivator for the Gospel he is! I hope you are able to view some of the wonderful sermons he tapes. Harvest Sunday 2010 is high on my list of recommendations. I look forward to visiting with him soon about Missional Outreach and other projects he has ongoing.

Stay in touch. I would love to have each of you as friends. Deanie and I just acquired a 37 foot motor home and will be traveling as time permits. We will stay in touch. I plan to begin a bible study group at selected RV sites where we plan extended stays. Lord willing, I will be able to begin monitoring substance abuse classes not only to help those who are dependent but, for my continuing sobriety, as well.

In Christ,

Phillip Smith

[Joshua Nichols]

Hello, my name is Josh Nichols. I am a licensed marital and family therapist. I am currently in private practice in OKC (www.AOFCLLC.com). I am also serving as the college minister at the Wilshire Church of Christ in OKC.

I have been married to my wife, Amanda, for a little over 9 yrs now. Amanda is a professor of Chemistry at Oklahoma Christian University. We have two little boys - Casen (3) and Liam (7 wks). I have the pleasure of knowing James from my college years at OC. He took me under his wing when he was the Youth minister a Wilshire about 10 yrs ago now. I thought he taught me everything he knew, but apparently he was holding out on me. :)

I have a passion for working with marriages and families. I have especially like working with parents. I also like working with couples who have experienced infidelity in their relationship. They need someone who give them hope that the marriage can still be saved if that is what they want. I do a little preventative work in the area of pre-marital counseling. As far as the individual goes, I have a passion for helping men (males) overcome pornography addiction.

It's great to be a part of this wonderful network.

[James Nored]

Hi Phillip. I didn't know that you were a captain in Vietnam. That must have been some experience.

Glad to hear of your plans to help with missional outreach, and with your RV Bible study plans. We should be used by God wherever we may be.

The Celebrate Recovery group of guys has really bonded. I think that you saw this video? They would love to have you there on a regular basis. We are always looking for new leaders!

So glad to have you join the site, Phillip, and I'll look forward to getting together with you soon. God bless.

Phillip Smith said:

Hello, fellow Disciples!

My name is Phillip Smith and I reside with my wife (Deanie) of 43 years in McKinney, Texas. McKinney is approximately 30 miles north of Dallas.

My wife and I have one son that lives about 30 minutes away in Denton, Texas. He and his wife Rachel just shared with us one of the greatest gifts of all time…Margaret Dove (Maggie), our first granddaughter and only grandchild. Both sets of grandparents were allowed to witness the entire birthing process. We will never be the same and are truly blessed in that mother and baby are doing extremely well. Being retired, Deanie and I intend to spoil Maggie as often as allowed. Gammy and Poppy will become our new monikers.

My life has been full. I was reared in McKinney and became a Disciple of our Lord when I was 13. After high school I was drafted into the Army during the Viet Nam era. I became a Captain and commanded one of only two elite Airborne Ranger Special Forces companies in operation. It was all by mistake but I will save that comedy for another time. It was, however, a defining time in my early life experiences.

I have been in and out of the Word more than I like to admit. How one can be so in discipleship at one given time and, out just as quickly? It is so very hard to comprehend. I dare say it happens all too frequently. I know I must be more consistent in living what I teach.

Following the service I entered college and graduated with a degree in economics. I then spent 35 years managing in the corporate world of insurance. It was during those years where I found myself struggling to balance worldly things with spiritual. Like oil and water…they just didn't mix for me.

In the past decade I have been granted great favor in teaching bible studies with adults and teenagers. Both groups present rewards but much differently. Seeing a teenager finally “get it” about the Lord is an amazing transformation. Seeing adults return to the Word is equally wonderful.

I am extremely fortunate to attend the Church where the founder of our group, James Nored, is minister. What a motivator for the Gospel he is! I hope you are able to view some of the wonderful sermons he tapes. Harvest Sunday 2010 is high on my list of recommendations. I look forward to visiting with him soon about Missional Outreach and other projects he has ongoing.

Stay in touch. I would love to have each of you as friends. Deanie and I just acquired a 37 foot motor home and will be traveling as time permits. We will stay in touch. I plan to begin a bible study group at selected RV sites where we plan extended stays. Lord willing, I will be able to begin monitoring substance abuse classes not only to help those who are dependent but, for my continuing sobriety, as well.

In Christ,

Phillip Smith

[Katherine Gould]

Ni hao!!

My name is Katherine Gould and I currently serving as a missionary in Beijing, China. I am a life-long Texan who fell in love with the people of China and heard the call to move here with some of my friends after we came here last March for a Let's Start Talking project.

I have been involved in youth/campus ministry for the last 12 years in some capacity and that is my passion...I am hoping to be able to get connected back into that after I return from China. I am loving being here and a part of what God is doing-they are definitely seeking Him and I feel privileged to walk this journey with them.

My B.A. is in Family Studies from Lubbock Christian University and M.A. is in Christian Ministry from Abilene Christian University. (I was going for the MDiv-TOO long!! I am just thrilled I finally graduated last year!) ;)

I guess my biggest challenge here is this...it is easy for them to come consistently to our seeker's groups during the week, but has been a challenge to get them to come or connected with the local church. My group is always on Saturday nights, so we invite them to come the next morning...but many of them never do. They really want to learn more about the Bible, but some think they have to be baptized or somehow understand it all/be perfect before they can come, and of course there are other reasons...but I really want to help them get connected with more Christians...especially so that these connections and studies will continue long after we are gone.

Here is my blog, which I am trying to blog more regularly on!

I look forward to being involved in this community, seeing how we can learn from and encourage each other!!

Blessings from Beijing~

IN HIM, Katherine

[John Dobbs]

Ning How!

[Halima Harrison]

Hello,
My name is Halima Harrison and I have a prison ministry name Angel Wings Transportation that takes family and friends to see their love ones who are incarcerated. We operate in Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD and Philadelphia, PA and travel to MD, WV, VA, and PA correctional facilities God has placed this assignment on my life to help fulfill Psalms 68:6...God set the prisoners in the families to make their way prosperous!! I am seeking how I can help others heal and unite the families!! May God bless you all for ahering to the call of God!!

[John Dobbs]

Welcome Halima! Sounds like an awesome ministry!
john

Halima Harrison said:

Hello,
My name is Halima Harrison and I have a prison ministry name Angel Wings Transportation that takes family and friends to see their love ones who are incarcerated. We operate in Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD and Philadelphia, PA and travel to MD, WV, VA, and PA correctional facilities God has placed this assignment on my life to help fulfill Psalms 68:6...God set the prisoners in the families to make their way prosperous!! I am seeking how I can help others heal and unite the families!! May God bless you all for ahering to the call of God!!

[Katherine Gould]

We need to work on your Chinese or you'll end up insulting someone ;)

John Dobbs said:

Ning How!

[Katherine Gould]

Welcome, Halima!!

Sounds like an amazing ministry-I am glad God has placed that ministry on your heart and that you are allowing Him to use you to reach those who are often forgotten. I know it must be very challenging on these families, and you are providing something very special. I pray that God continues to bless your ministry and continues to unite families who are struggling.

Halima Harrison said:

Hello,
My name is Halima Harrison and I have a prison ministry name Angel Wings Transportation that takes family and friends to see their love ones who are incarcerated. We operate in Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD and Philadelphia, PA and travel to MD, WV, VA, and PA correctional facilities God has placed this assignment on my life to help fulfill Psalms 68:6...God set the prisoners in the families to make their way prosperous!! I am seeking how I can help others heal and unite the families!! May God bless you all for ahering to the call of God!!

[Jason]

Hello,

My name is Jason Marek and at the moment I'm currently not employed, not sure if I could hold down a job right now. Unless I was designing or helping create websites or something.

I'm 28 and I am currently living out in the country with my parents.

I'm not exactly sure where to start because I'm pretty confused about my life at the moment. Everything I'm about to say is totally true and happened in my life.

I was born in Anchorage Alaska and I lived on the Kenai Peninsula for about half my life till we moved later to Texas. I'm not sure if that was the best choice, but I wasn't the one to make it.

I'm also not really sure what kind of person I am right now except that I'm a Christian. But I don't think that I'm a very good Christian at the moment. Actually I don't know anymore if I was even the Christian I thought I was because I stopped going to worship for a while and my whole life just fell apart. I'm going to worship now only after I had some serious wake up call. I don't think anyone really cared that much for me except God.

Anyway, when I was younger and living in Alaska, I thought to myself it's pretty awesome to be born into a family that know's God and on top of that to go to the Church of Christ. I thought that was really amazing. I loved singing and I've been singing singing since I was a little kid. I also loved hearing the preacher preach and I would always listen to the best of my ability. Though I didn't always read the bible during the lesson until I started to get older. I had a really good life and the only thing else that was missing in my life that I've wanted my whole life was a Gorgeous Christian woman on the inside and outside and that's what I've been looking for with all my heart for like forever. Thing is nobody ever could understand this nor to think that a kid would want something like this so much.

Funny, there were a couple girls were we went to worship near my age but they never really took an interest in me and even though we'd play outside together with all the kids afterworship. These girls would never hangout with me at school. I thought about hanging out with them all the time. But no, nobody from worship ever thought that about me. Nobody knew how much I cared and I'm not sure I knew how to tell them.

Then later when were visiting another congregation a girl around my age came up to me and said I had a nice coat, it was new and it surprised me and she was really cute. After that I wanted to get to know her and I took a really high interest in her. But I couldn't really get to know her, because my parents wouldn't go back over there, except for ever once in a blue moon, and they would never give me an answer to why they wouldn't. So I tried to make friends with a kid around my age over there so I could hang out at his house and on Sunday go and see her. I was able to see her but I was so afraid to talk to her and I didn't know what to say, even though I really liked her ALOT. I wanted to get to know her but I didn't know how. Still this wasn't enough to get to know her because my parents wouldn't let me go over to my friends house that often because he lived an hour away. Once when I was at his house and we were headed to worship driving by the congregation we'd go to I asked his mom why they didn't come visit us at ours, and she wouldn't give me an true answer, she'd just say well why don't you come visit us. Which I was already doing whenever I could. I wanted to be around other children my age which they had a lot more of at they're congregations. Both Congregations are Churches Of Christ.

Anyway, it never worked out between the girl and I because I never had enough time to get to know her. I did have opportunity to try and go to her house and see if she wanted to play, go bicycle riding or something. But I was too afraid to do it. So I guess I missed out. I did write her a letter once and she never wrote me back, funny because my mom blamed me after that because her family wouldn't talk to them anymore. Like that even really mattered because they wouldn't even go visiting to their congregation.

So because of this, I would try to meet girls at school non christians. But because I had a high fear of getting to know girls not sure, maybe it was because I thought they were so pretty. But I really don't know, I wouldn't really get to know them as well as I could.

Anyway, another thing that bugged me was that I asked my dad to do bible studies at home and he would never do it. I can't make this as a excuse for myself not studying the bible on my own. But I didn't study it alone by myself that often. I guess that's why I wanted a bible study. Another, thing that bugged me about my dad was that when we had some people come to our congregations for a lectureship type of deal or gospels meeting, can't remember which. We were suppose to go door knocking and talk to them about Jesus. Well I went with my dad and my brothers, we started to go to the area where we suppose to door knock. But we never did it. Not sure why, maybe my dad we too afraid. I asked my dad isn't this were we suppose to go door knocking and I said why aren't we doing it. Then he said in a hard tone voice something to the effect why don't you go do it. I couldn't believe what i was hearing and I was shocked. I really wanted to get out there and door knock, even to show my dad that I could do it and he was wrong. But fear held me back. So we just went home. I could never get that out of my head and I felt really sorry afterward. Sad. Because we as kids were in boyscout and we could go door knocking for can goods and during baseball season we could go door knocking to sell candy.

Another thing that really made me upset is when I went to a Church of Christ bible camp above anchorage. It was time to go to bed or nearing time to go to bed and I couldn't get to bed because everyone in the cabin was talking so loud. Anyway for whatever reason the counselor locked the door and when I tried to get out I couldn't I asked them to let me out and they wouldn't. I final started crying and banging on the door and they finally let me out. I didn't do anything wrong and the thing I can't believe is how people act and they're suppose to be God's people!?!?!?

Sure I make my mistakes too, but this just makes me upset.

I'm not trying to make any of your reading this feel sorry for me, I just want to show you how bad people can really be.

I went to worship twice on Sundays and Wednesdays and we were usually the first to arrive at the building and last to leave. So I suppose there was something good there. I would go to as many lectureships, gospels meetings as I could. I would ask a lot of questions and my parents couldn't always answer them I needed people who were a lot stronger that I could ask questions too but for some reason it never happened.

Though when we did have preachers come down from Anchorage to preach at our congregation K-Beach Church of Christ we would have them over to our home on Sundays pretty often and they would eat with us and we'd fellowship with them and it was really good. I can't remember asking them any questions though. I was still a kid and liked to play around a lot.

Anyway, one day my parents decided to move to Texas. I didn't want to move, I thought it was a bad idea. You know what, it totally was.

When we got here, we had to live in a one room trailer out here in the country 5 of us. I couldn't stand it, we lived in it for like 5 years.

Anyways I still always hoped that I would get to hang around some christian kids and get to know them and find the christian girl I was always thinking about. Well guess what happened. Every time we visited a congregation with other kids and possibly girls that I could have as a future mate. My parents would stop going there. Then I was like why? They had some reason but I really didn't know because they wouldn't explain it to me. So my heart was cut deep because, no christian friends, especially girls.

I got tired of putting up with my dad yelling at me for things that didn't matter, my youngest brother always misbehaving and my parents never or hardly disciplining him. They TV Always on no matter what.

Then I started to get into pornography because all over this place here in the country my grandparents also lived and my grandpa wasn't a christian. So there were magazines all over the place. I got into it and I couldn't keep myself out. Then one day I got a computer which I didn't need and I started playing video games all day and looking at porn on the internet. It totally took over my life. I stopped going to worship. I quit high school my last year, because I didn't have any friends, everything was going wrong I got blamed for stuff I didn't do.

My parents were pressuring me to get a job and do something, I even tried to run away once with the car. I wanted friends so bad and I didnt have any. So my parents final settled on a congregation that had kids my own age and even girls. But then it was too late. I didn't give a care anymore, well I did a little bit. But my life was so messed up none of the kids there wanted anything to do with me especially the girls. I mean I hung out with them and stuff but nothing more than that. One of the guys going there a little older than me agreed to let me stay at his apartment which I did for a little but it didn't help. Because as soon as he wanted me to start paying rent I just came back home and then started all the garbage from home again. I couldn't take it so the only way I knew to get out I thought would be to join the military.

I thought it would give me a head start to get out of all the mess I was in. But I just isolated myself from everyone I knew. No one came to my military graduation. I thought somebody might. But no nobody and that cut deep in my hear too.

I tried calling and talking to people and my brothers. But no one would call me. Maybe my mom once in while and maybe the guy that let me stay with him in his apartment would call me once in a while but that was it. NOTHING.....

I don't know any of you who know anything about the military, but I got to tell you DONT LET ANYONE YOU KNOW JOIN IT. The whole place is disgusting, full of lies and cheaters, suicides, rape, profanity, pornography. Unless your a very strong Christian you better NOT DO IT. I knew as soon as I joined at got off at bootcamp that it was a big mistake but I didn't know how to get out. Also, another guy a married guy who was also from the bcs church later joined the military also and he was a stronger christian that I was. You know what, it messed both of us up. Because he committed Adultry on his wife while he was in and he has the most GORGEOUS WIFE I've Ever SEEN. He got out on some medical discharge. I don't know the whole story. As for myself, I did things I never imaged I would do in all my life, like drink I started to lie to get out because I didn't know how and right before I was almost out I thought i would give it another chance for some reason. Well, Big Mistake. Later I just couldn't do it anymore, no one called me no christian friends. Even though I did attempt to and visited near by congregations, it just wasn't enough.

I finally just left the military and went to Canada. I was Awol a little over two years, stopped going to worship all together, and was stuck on porn. At one point near the end I was homeless for three months while holding down two jobs. Trying to save money and get out of there back to the usa. Because thankfully, Thanks be to God that there was a way to get out of the military and back into the usa without going to prison. I didn't find it easily, I did a lot of searching on the net to find it.

I still wasn't going to worship or anything I just wanted back to the usa and out of the military. I didn't want to go back home because of all the bad memories.

There's more to the story but people don't believe it when I tell them. Most say it's not possible, but a few kinda actually believe it. But they've never really said Hey I believe that!! My dad said it was impossible and that God doesn't do that or would never do that. My brother said that the same. The preacher I currently told said I couldn't base it on scripture. But I'm not so sure about that. (What about: ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD ?)

I won't tell you everything because my parents thought I was crazy and I got sent to a MENTAL HOSPITAL BECAUSE OF IT!!!!!!!!! I didn't know if I would get out but I was only in there for 1 day.

Well, I just have to say that I experienced some very scary things and I was crying my eyes out because of it stuff that I didn't think was even possible myself. I still cry because of it.

I really want to tell you what it is, but I'm really afraid some people may think I'm lying or hate me because of it.

But if you really want to know I'll tell you want happened.

As so after all that crazy stuff happened I managed to get back safely to the usa and I started going back to worship. Bible studies and it's like I'm starting all over because my thoughts are messed up. I used to be able to lead singing which I loved and lead prayers. But now pretty much often I cry a lot when I'm at services. Sometimes I can't help it, I don't want to cry it just comes out.

That's basically all I have to say at the moment. I just wanted to get that out there and tell you a little about my life.

Thanks for listening.