Mark's Journey

Groundwork

Last week I took a week off to spend time with my family.  The rest was much needed.  However, this I am back at it.  And my main focus has been laying the groundwork for kicking off our Networks next month.  This has been in two main areas.  (1) Is doing some planning for how we will make this all happen and communication.  When you start something new, it takes extra time on the front end to pull it off.  I am pumped about what is coming, but there is lots to think through. (2) Is helping our leaders get ready.  We will be starting with 4 Networks, and that means we'll have leaders for each Network.  And since neither them or I have done this before, we are talking through lots of details to prepare.  We have a great group of people that have stepped up to lead and jump into this adventure with us.  But they care about other people and making a difference in people's lives.  I can't wait to see what God will do through them.

What I love about summer

• Riding my bike
• Taking some vacation time off
• Grilling out more
• Being outside a lot in my neighborhood...lots of families out!
• More time with my kids
• Going to the beach
• Getting ice cream
• I love having more daylight hours
• Camping a little
• And summer blockbusters (in the theatre and at The Journey on Sundays this summer!)

4 years ago

It was 4 years ago today that my family and I moved up here to West Michigan to join the team at The Journey.  It has been a great ride.  And, yet, I sometimes feel we are just getting started.  I love where we live, The Journey, and the team I get to work with.  We are really thankful for the friendships we have developed over the years.  If that is you...thank you!  We are blessed to know you.

And I am so excited for what God continues to have in store for us along the journey with him!

Invite

Has anyone invited you to something you loved?  How did it make you feel to be invited?  What was it?

We all like to be invited.  I love to be invited out for dinner or to go do something.  It is encouraging.  We have the opportunity to invite others as well.  But we can invite with a purpose.  If you know someone who is not going to church, you have an opportunity to invite them to The Journey.  We specifically plan our Sunday gatherings keeping in mind that new people may show up and you may be inviting a friend.  We WANT new people showing up every week.  We plan for it.  You can invite them knowing they will have a great experience and not feel like they are being singled out.  The message is done in a way they will understand.  The music is something they can enjoy.

So, when was the last time you invited someone to church?  Look around to some of the people you're investing in and invite them.  If they don't want to get up on Sunday morning...have them come to our summer 6:30 pm service

Invest

Are you enjoying the summer?  What have you done that you enjoyed the most?

As some of you have some time this summer on vacation, doing cookouts, going to the beach, or just hanging outside, I want to encourage you to think about who you could invest some time in.  Look around.  Is it a neighbor, a friend, a co-worker, etc.?  Everyone needs encouragement.  And there may be someone who needs that.  But, also, look to invest in someone else's spiritual life.  How could you show God's love to them?  How could you share the hope that God brings to their life.  Look to do that.  Say something.  Look to invest some of your time this summer.

Volunteers

Today I spent the day with our staff from The Journey at a conference at Granger Community Church.  We know as we keep growing, starting Networks, and looking to add a new site that our volunteers are critcial to making it happen.  So we wanted to go and learn more about leading teams of volunteers.  We learned a lot.  But the one thing I was thinking about one my way home was being so grateful for all the volunteers we have at The Journey.  There are so many that give time to serve and help others.  I love serving and doing this with all of you. I appreciate your willingness to do things that make a difference.

So, if you volunteer at The Journey...thank you!

Where did the Kenya Project money go?

Some people have asked me about the various projects we did in Kenya and which ones we supported.  Many of you gave financially towards some of these.  We were able to only share some of that this past Sunday in our Kenya Report so I thought let you know where all of that financial support went.

 

 

• 2 cows, plus supplies and labor to build a cow shed
• Trees, gutter system, and a cooking facility at a primary school for 350 kids
• Painting of Joel's store...which benefits the House of Hope
• 6 months of school tuition for Godfrey and Alice's daughter (only $60!)
• Shoes for some workers
• Food and some other basic supplies for the Hovingh's staff
• Sweatshirts, aprons, and slippers for the "moms" who work at the House of Hope
• Blankets, towels, dishes for Godfrey and Alice
• Dishes, clothing, other basic supplies for the House of Hope
• We gave a financial gift to the Hovingh's
• We gave a financial gift to Joel
• $200 for a woman who was recently beaten by her ex-husband and his family.  She has a few kids so we provided money to help with food and basic needs.

Yesterday: Kenya Sunday

We had a great day yesterday sharing about what God did through The Journey in Kenya.  I want to say thanks to a bunch of people.

• Thanks to the team that spent months preparing and then serving for several days in Kenya.
• Thanks to The Journey for praying for and giving towards this effort in Kenya.  I appreciate your gererosity.
• Thanks to the Hovingh's and Joel in Kenya for hosting us and providing a great experience.
• Thanks to volunteers who drove us to the airport, picked us up, and did some admin work.
• Thanks to Matt for editing all the videos.  That was huge!
• Thank you God...for doing more than we could have imagined.

Joplin Supplies

I have spent lots of time in the last few weeks on the Kenya trip.  Not just going but the preparing and follow up and also getting ready for this Sundays Kenya Report.  But I want to draw your attention to another need...there is a family from The Journey that is heading to Joplin, MO later this month.  They are planning to go and serve in a variety of ways to help the victums of the tornado that went throught there.  I think this is awesome.  They are willing to give up some of their time  to do this.

But you can help.  They are planning to take a few supplies down when they go and THIS SUNDAY is the last day you can donate items if you want to help.  Items needed are bottled water, water, gatorade, non-perishable food, shovels, rakes, work gloves, garbage bags, tarps, bungee cords, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes/toothpaste, towels, etc.

You can bring your items this Sunday and drop them off.  THANKS!

She's having a birthday today!

Today is my wife's (Jen's) birthday.  The world is a better place because of her.  She brings light into so many people's lives...especially mine.  I am grateful and blessed to do this life with my best friend.  She is a great wife, mom, friend, and cares for so many people.  She loves to have fun and make me laugh.  Have a great birthday, Jen!