apartment Ministry

I've still been thinking a lot about personal evangelism and how I can be Jesus to the world around me. Years ago I learned how to hit people hard with scripture and try to convince them to "get saved." I have since learned that building relationships is the way to introduce people to Christ. Sometimes it's just a matter of being nice to someone or going out of my way to help someone. I read a statistic that says 40,000 people are in apartments in Amarillo, TX and that 36,000 are unchurched. Many are immigrants or refugees. For some reason, God has put these people on my heart. I've been sitting on this for a year and a half - not sure what to do. I've driven by the apartments around my church and prayed, but God is calling me to reach out. I'm not sure where to begin. Does anybody out there have any experience in apartment outreach? My brother prayer walks apartments in his community - Garland, TX. One day he set up his grill and fed people hamburgers. That's a practical way to meet a need when people have worked a long week and are hungry. I love it when people cook for me! So, if anybody is out there reading this, would you please contact me with your thoughts, ideas, prayers, encouragement, something? Jesus is coming back when we have spread the gospel around the world - that includes little Amarillo TX. I want to get to work. Will you join me? Okay, this must really be burdening me because I already blogged about it a week or so ago. Forgive the repeat!!!

Personal Evangelism

I typed out a long blog on personal evangelism and lost it! I've been thinking about it a lot lately and wondering how to get outside my comfort zone inside the church. I'm wondering how I can make a difference, how I can invite people outside the community of faith to at least have a conversation about faith. Jesus wants us to go.....everywhere.... We don't have to go to the other side of the world to evangelize. Many are called to that, but I feel called to my own backyard. I guess it takes all of us. I just wonder how to do it. I have been through many evangelism training seminars and studies, but they are all pretty intense and "in your face." There has to be a simpler way of living your life before your neighbors that shows Christ to them. I've thought a lot about prayer walking the apartments around my church, but have yet to get out and go. My heart is burdened for the people that live there. I read a statistic that says 40,000 people in Amarillo live in apartments and only ten percent are attending a church. I'm not so much interested in building any church as I am building the Kingdom. Wouldn't it be amazing if we introduced people to Christ and helped them find a church that suits them? What would it look like if all denominations had a Kingdom outlook and began to evangelize for the greater good rather than an individual church? Of course I'd like people to come to my church because it's a great church, but I realize it might not be for everyone.

I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts on personal evangelism. It's a scary term, so maybe you have a better name for it. I'm about to read Bill Hybel's "Just Walk Across the Room" and see if I get some answers.

Opry a Success

The Opry Out West was amazing!!!
Thanks to all who participated
and thanks to all who attended.
We were almost preempted by tornadoes and lots of rain, but lots of you showed up to praise God in the storm.
The pie and coffee fellowship was great as well.
Be looking for the Opry Out West to take place again this summer - probably in August before school gets started
We raised nearly $1000 for Another Chance House and nearly $400 was raised for the Ghana trip. Praise the Lord!!!

WOW Week

WOW Week is World Outreach Week - or Missions Week.
There are so many activities at our church this week to celebrate what God is doing around the world. Check out our website for details
www.ssumc.net

How Have You Been Blessed?

I've been thinking a lot about how blessed my life is. It is an honor beyond belief to serve in the house of our Great King, Jesus. A few months ago I challenged our congregation to keep track each day of all the things they are thankful for. When I count my many blessings it's hard to be depressed or discouraged. God has poured out his abundance on my family - in more ways than I can count. No, my life isn't perfect. Actually, it's far from that. It's just blessed. If you would like to share how God has blessed your life, post your comments here.

Rescheduled Opry Out West

Opry Out West - Rescheduled
Join us Thursday, April 16th at 7pm at St Stephen
West Campus. This will be a great time presented by some
of the most amazing musicians and singers I know. Come hear many
of your favorite songs old and new.
For more info call me at 355-7271

Opry Out West

THE OPRY OUT WEST
Friday, March 27th at 7pm
The Saint Stephen Praise Band and Friends
will host an evening of country and southern gospel music.
Join us afterwards for a pie and coffee fellowship in the coffee house
We are located at 7800 W 45th - just off Soncy and Wesley Drive.
See you there!!