Hope Church

You probably speak 1000’s of words in a week. Each one of those words is a window to who you are, inside. They are gaps that open into your personhood to expose the heart underneath. No words are unintentional or originate from somewhere else than your heart. In an excellent message Paul Tripp reminds us of this reality from scripture. And he points us to the cross.

One very old Christians saying goes, "God uses crooked sticks to strike straight blows." The idea is that in our difficulties, brokeness, and even sinfulness God uses us as His instruments in the lives of others.

This hurricane season has been very active.  Names like Ike & Gustav have taken on new significance.  Major US cities have taken hits.  There is much to be done for those in the path of these storms. 

But one place that has received little new coverage has been the places outside of the U.S. that has been affected by the storms. 
One place is Haiti, a small war-torn, impoverished "half-island"country in the Caribbean.  With the lack of infrastructure and finances these places are especially hard hit.

I'm watching my language these days.  Not in the context of cussing or foul language (although I am doing that - but that's for a different post).  I'm thinking about the language that we use both to identify ourselves and others. Specifically, how we talk and think about the concept of "race".

16From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself,

A little over a month ago our team returned from Nicaragua after a great trip to train church leaders and pastors in Theology. Below is a brief video showing some of what they did. Check it out.

You can also check out the audio of the testimonies of the guys that went.

Guest Blogger Michael Hays:

Guest Blogger: Kimberly Metz

Mission Project: Jacksonville Day two

You only think I guessed wrong! That's what's so funny! I switched glasses when your back was turned! Ha ha! You fool! You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The most famous is never get involved in a land war in Asia, but only slightly less well-known is this: never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha... *thunk*

Mission Dispatch: Travel Day

"They have taken the bridge and the second hall. We have barred the gates but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes, drums... drums in the deep. We cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark. We cannot get out... they are coming."