Tuesday, November 25, 2008
   40 Days of Corporate Prayer: Day 30-some...

Last night, Cathy and I attended a reception in the home of a local civic leader. We didn't previously know any of the other guests but shared stimulating conversation with a number of individuals. One couple had moved here from Davis during the same month I came as pastor at Bell Road. Most of the guests were members of the LDS (including two of their missionaries--one from Canada and one from Utah). We also met a member of the Salvation Army.

Joe and Sharon are coming to visit with us for a few days. I'll drive down to Stockton to pick them up later today. We found out last week that Sharon is pregnant.

In this week of thanksgiving, I will count some of the blessings I have experienced in ministry. Several years ago, a man named Tom Robershaw contacted me about a like-minded Christian (Rodney Edwards) who had been networking with others to help the people of Liberia. Both men eventually corresponded with my primary contact in Liberia (Pastor Richard Wesley).

Tom and Rodney also served to encourage and strengthen Cathy and me in our faith. During subsequent years, I have had the privilege of meeting both men personally. Recently, I checked in on Rodney Edwards. He wrote back a couple days ago:

Rob,

It’ s great to hear from you. We continue to work with Pastor Wesley and are providing a generator to him for use on the compound where the church, clinic, training facility and radio station. He is certainly a busy man.

I trust things are good with Cathy and the family. How are things at the church?

Rodney Edwards
Service To Servants
 

Monday, November 24, 2008
   40 Days of Corporate Prayer: Day 30-some...

On Saturday, Cathy, Daniel and I sat on the steps of the State Capital and listened to Margaret Cho, an attorney, and several activists speak against Prop. 8 (and share their plans for the near future). It was a rather interesting experience for us. Mary's little dog, Lily, was with us.

We had a good time in church yesterday. I served as the teacher in the Genesis Class. We covered the material on Romans chapter 14.

This morning I uploaded yesterday's sermon. It is on the player in the next column (entitled "Thankfulness: God's Way).

Last night I watched the Directors' Commentary for "Facing the Giants". This morning when I awoke, I watched all of the special features. Moved with inspiration.

Saturday, November 22, 2008
   40 Days of Corporate Prayer: Day 30-some...

On Friday morning, when Cathy and I were up on the hill, we checked the newspaper headlines. I quickly read a bit about a gay-agenda group who were to meet on the steps of the capital at 2pm.

Later, the day's activities took us in the vicinity of the capital so we stopped by. I was just planning to be in the crowd and listen to the statements made by the platform personalities.

I stopped by Governor Schwarzenegger's office and left him a handwritten note in which I asked him to uphold the voters' decision on Proposition 8. (As of Friday at 8:30pm, I hadn't received a reply).

At 1:30pm, it seemed obvious that the group wasn't scheduled for Friday. When we got back to Auburn, I found the story online (click here) and learned that it will be today. We had an interesting conversation with a street preacher (Mark from San Jose) who was stationed on the K Street mall.

We scheduled our evening around helping a man have supervised visitation with his son. That was at 5pm in Rocklin. During the course of our evening we located a few 'Coach' DVDs for use in a compilation of scenes I may someday present. Fair use of thematic elements could possibly include scenes from 'Coach Carter', 'Remember the Titans', 'Hoosiers',  and 'Facing the Giants'. I might even consider using a scene from 'The Mighty Ducks.'

And what, pray tell, would my documentary have to do with making one's calling and election sure?

Maybe, as we watch and pray, we'll see.

Tonight is our monthly outreach at the Union Gospel Mission in Sacramento. It takes place at 7:30pm. If anyone is interested in attending with us, we'll meet to eat (free supper) at the Rosenau's first. Call me for more information: (530) 366-2924

Friday, November 21, 2008
   40 Days of Corporate Prayer: Day 30-something

Cathy rode along with me to the Deacons' Prayer Meeting. She sat in the car and worked on her BSF study while she waited for me.

Afterwards, we went up to the hilltop for the panoramic view to pray as the sun arose.

Last night, the Spirit sent a man named Rod to our campus. Bellroad Bob and I were standing next to my car talking about regional church issues when Rod drove up in an impressive, white truck.

Rod (looking to be about 6'5") stepped down from his truck and, across the parking lot, loudly asked,

"Is the office open?"

"Well, no...but...", I answered.

"Is the pastor here?", he interjected.

"You a revenuer?" I asked with a toothless smile (if not toothless at least with the best Kentucky drawl that my heritage could appropriate in the moment).

Transitioning from light, informal first impressions to seriously personal introduction, Bob and I quickly recognized the sanctity of the moment.

Yes, Rod had been prompted (even 'driven') by the Spirit to come here last night. Something had been weighing on his heart and mind for several years.

I will finish the story on Sunday morning as an illustration in the SundayMessage entitled:

  "Thankfulness: God's Way"

A church service was 'disrupted' in Michigan (click here).

Monday, November 17, 2008
   40 Days of Corporate Prayer: Day 30

Cathy and I returned last night from a few nights in San Diego, a day trip to Mexico, and a weekend-to-remember in Monterey.

After the weekend marriage conference in Monterey, we drove to Carmel-at-the-Sea and walked along the beach.

Here's a 3-minute video that we uploaded at the Auburn Journal. It was uploaded on Friday and already has had over 1,000 views.
  Seniors: "All Aboard!"

Monday, November 10, 2008
   40 Days of Corporate Prayer: Day 23

One of the newest members of our local church has joined the blogosphere. "Lady of the Plains" describes herself as a Christian, Married, Mom, Homemaker, Veteran, and a Country Girl at Heart. Although seemingly quiet in person, "Lady of the Plains" has some rather strong views expressed as she writes. I appreciate her invitation for interaction from others:

Conservatively Speaking
   "Comments welcome!! Agreement not required!
     This is just a little place for me to comment on
     whatever is on my mind at any given moment
     of any given day."

After 'Breakfast with Lou' at Wings, I will prepare to vacate northern California for a week away with Cathy. Tonight we hope to be in El Cajon for our 2008 Pastors' Conference. David Jeremiah is speaking at 7:50pm and one of my former professors, Dr. John Shouse will speak at 8:35pm.

On Friday, I posted Calling California Singers at the Auburn Journal. I was somewhat surprised by the first comment left by someone named 'gulliver'. After a thoughtful interaction with gulliver, I was touched by his/her re-thinking that first comment (that our church might 'hate' a certain group of people).

I am thankful that the Auburn Journal is providing free access to internet connectivity with others.
 

Friday, November 7, 2008
   40 Days of Corporate Prayer: Day 20

Calling California Singers (ages 15-21)
The New America Singers has announced that their July, 2009 tour will include a mission outreach to China. The life-changing message of salvation in Christ Jesus will be shared through song, puppets, … click here for more at Auburn Journal

At the Office around 4:30 this morning. Lately, when I've awakened around this time and I get up ready for the assignment ahead, I have heard the reverberation of a personal encouragement hidden in my heart.

When I was in high school, I competed in local, regional, and statewide competitions for two years. On days that I would have to leave really early for an important event, I would go over to Grandma's house. She made me breakfast and then sent me off with the same phrase each time. I thank God for the memories I have of both of my Grandmas. Both sisters in the Lord died during the 90's.

I decided this morning to again delay a trip to see the remnant of my Michigan family (...maybe in the Spring).

At 6:30am,  I plan to head up to the Newcastle Exit
                     and fulfill the weekly diaconal delight of
                               360^◦ panoramic prayer.

A familiar passage (2 Corinthians 4:18) will serve as the inspiration for this morning's reflective petition. I have published it here in the King James Version due to a friend's mention of it yesterday.
 

For several years, my buddy, Jebby, and I used to share a weekly VisionWalk. I miss those days of intimate friendship but alas, there's a time for different season in our lives. Still, we both enjoy watching certain reruns. I know my friend would also enjoy exposure to the following: its only a northern song of vision-expansion.

Yesterday, in the corporate prayer meeting, I voiced the acknowledgment that the Lord had truly opened a door for Proposition 8 in the circles of media influence up here in northern California. It amazes me how an unsolicited request for a news story traveled (in one day) from 707 Bell Road in Auburn to 22,000 households; from there to Sacramento and to media recipients all over northern California.

In memory of the VisionWalk (past-present-future), I present a brief compilation of related media stories:
 

Prop 8 Signs Questioned
   The following day, Journal reporter Bruce Warren called me for a brief interview. Photographer, Ben Fertado arranged to meet me at the church for a photo op. The next morning, I was surprised to see that Bruce's story and Ben photo headlined the Oct. 31st edition of the Auburn Journal. There are ____ home subscribers, an online presence, and a great number of news racks (click here).

ABC NEWS 10 clip On Friday, Deborah Hoffman showed up at the church to gather footage for the 6pm News.

from their website: KXTV was one of the first Sacramento stations to initiate digital broadcasting services, including a high definition television (HDTV) signal.  KXTV broadcasts digitally on Channel 61, although this channel appears as a subset of Channel 10 on most digital receivers. In January of 2001, KXTV adopted News10 as an overall brand name.  The brand symbolizes the pride the station takes in its news efforts and speaks to the overall dedication of the staff and management to presenting timely, accurate and thorough information.

CBS NEWS 13 clip Later that night, Mike Dello Stritto showed up at our Harvest Festival to gather footage for the 10pm News. It was also on Saturday's 'Good Day Sacramento'.

from their website: CBS13/CW 31 is part of the CBS Television Stations Group, which reaches 35% of the U.S. TV households with stations in 8 of the top 10 markets. Our stations deliver advertisers' messages to more than 38 million homes. The "CBS is Always On" initiative extends CBS13/CW 31's local market reach beyond TV to broadband Web and wireless content distribution 24/7.

CBS13/CW 31’s goal is to be Sacramento, CA’s online portal and play an important part of users’ daily lives with news, weather, traffic and must-know community information through the unique integration of both local TV and the Web.

This unprecedented commitment at CBS13/CW 31 reinforces our position as Sacramento, CA’s indispensable source for easily accessible on-demand news & information.


Stories that are in the Auburn Journal's Religion Section don't get many views so I reposted the original article on placeropolis with the original title and included my comment-response:
Signs of Tough Love

As a footnote to this quick chapter, here are two of the letters which were published in the hardcopy edition of our local newspaper:

Letter to the Editor : Negative (with public comments)
Letter to the Editor : Positive  (with public comments)

This morning an email was sent to various pastors and leaders who spoke on behalf of proposition 8. With humble resolve the writer glorified God for what He had done in California with such a diverse mix of people. He spoke of those who were so angered by the movement to affirm the traditional definition of marriage. These words may prove especially helpful in guarding one's heart and mind during the months ahead:

"We must love those who hate and persecute us. Pastors tend to be understandably pastoral. . . . It is hard to evangelize those to whom we have to be prophetic. Pastors, like all persons, like to be popular. Thus it is easy to slip into a 'people pleasing trap.' But we cannot. The church has had to be prophetic during this time. . . . The Lord is now identifying creative ways for us to love those who are so angered by the Prop 8 vote. Let us love those who hate us."
 

Thursday, November 6, 2008
    40 Days of Corporate Prayer: Day 19

Similar measures defining marriage passed in Florida and Arizona (click here for the CNN story).

from yahoo news:
Gay activists jarred by California marriage defeat

Ellen DeGeneres laments gay marriage ban

At last night's prayer meeting I was blessed, first, to listen to the prayers of certain loyal yokefellows in the faith. I was given the 'yea' and 'amen' by the Spirit in affirmation of their intercessions.

I began the voicing of my heart-mind petition before the Lord, I read these verses aloud:

    "Everyone must submit himself
      to the governing authorities, for there is no authority
      except that which God has established.

     The authorities that exist have been established
      by God. Consequently, he who rebels against
      the authority is rebelling against what God has
      instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment
      on themselves."     Romans 13:1-2

    "Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities,
      not only because of possible punishment but also
      because of conscience.

      This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities
      are God's servants, who give their full time to
      governing. Give everyone what you owe him:

       If you owe taxes, pay taxes;
                      if revenue, then revenue;
                       if respect, then respect;
                              if honor, then honor."  Romans 13:5-7

During the semi-public, yet very-personal corporate prayer, I rehearsed a certain excerpt from Senator Obama's Victory Speech. Here is an abridged transcript which includes the point over which I prayed:

"A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Senator McCain."

(APPLAUSE)

"Senator McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.

I congratulate him; I congratulate Governor Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead."

(APPLAUSE)

"I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton...

(APPLAUSE)

... and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden."

(APPLAUSE)

"And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years...

(APPLAUSE)

... the rock of our family,
    the love of my life,
    the nation's next first lady...

(APPLAUSE)

... Michelle Obama.

(APPLAUSE)

   Sasha and Malia...

(APPLAUSE)

... I love you both more than you can imagine.
    And you have earned the new puppy that's
    coming with us...

(LAUGHTER)

     ... to the new White House."

Another personally meaningful excerpt:

"In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.

Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.

Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress."

(APPLAUSE)

"As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too."

(APPLAUSE)

"And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand."

After announcing that I would resign from FBC Galt effective at the end of December, 2006, I traveled to Southern California at the invitation of Rick Warren. Via email, Rick had invited 250 pastors to join him for a "Conversation about Tomorrow". On our first day with him, he invited us to stay through an extra day and hear Senators Brownback and Obama (and other noted speakers address AIDS at the 2006 Global Summit on Aids and the Church).

This event made national news. A number of religious organizations rebuked Rick Warren for inviting Senator Obama to speak from the platform at Saddleback.

So on December 1, 2006, I drove from my motel back to the church (past the sole picketer) and sat up close. I heard both Senators' speeches at the 2006 Global Summit on AIDS and the Church at Saddleback Church. The media was out in full-force that day.

Click here to read Senator Obama's speech at the Saddleback's Global Summit.

A year and a half later, on a Saturday night (August 16, 2008), Cathy and I were sitting in Curt and Jean's livingroom (along with Bob and Diana Knapp). Together, we all watched Rick Warren interview Senators Obama and McCain. Here's a bit of background on this historic civic forum (click here).

Of particular interest to me was the candidate's reponse to the issue of gay marriage:

Rick: Define marriage.

Senator Obama: "I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman. Now, for me as a Christian, it is also a sacred union. You know, God's in the mix."

Rick: Would you support a constitutional amendment with that definition?

Senator Obama:  "No, I would not."

Rick: Why not?

Senator Obama:  "...Because historically we have not defined marriage in our constitution. It's been a matter of state law. That has been our tradition. Now, I mean, let's break it down. The reason that people think there needs to be a constitutional amendment--some people believe--is because of the concern about same-sex marriage.

I'm not somebody who promotes same-sex marriage but I do believe in civil unions. I do believe that we should not...that for gay partners to want to visit each other in a hospital for the state to say, 'You know what? That's alright.'

I don't think it any way inhibits my core-beliefs about what marriage are. I think my faith is strong enough and my marriage is strong enough that I can afford those civil rights to others even if I have a different perspective or different view."

As I continue to serve as a leader in my community, I will continue to pray for our President-elect. May the Lord send him wise counselors during the 75 days which transpire between today and the day of his inauguration. Further, may the Lord bless him with a hedge of protection and the faithful intercession of Christians who purposely voted against him. On Tuesday evening, November 4, 2008, Senator Obama closed his victory speech with these words:

"This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can."

"Thank you. God bless you."

"And may God bless the United States of America."

The apostle Paul began his speech at the Aeropagus (click here), by making reference to the spirituality of the Athenians. Notice that Senator Obama closed his victory speech with a traditional petition to the Almighty Creator God.

I am leading the hymns in our local church gathering this Sunday morning. It will be Veteran Day Sunday and I thought that it would be appropriate to open with a patriotic hymn. Senator Obama's closing reminded me of the song "God Bless America".

I discovered afresh that the song isn't in our hymnal (neither is "I'll Fly Away", "Mansion over the Hilltop", or "Little Brown Church in the Vale").

Look below for possible reasons that certain beloved songs are left out of our hymnal.

I decided to open our service with

Hymn No. 379 "Brethren, we have met to Worship"
This cyber hymnal has a verse we don't have: click here

Then, we will acknowledge our veterans, pray for our nation, and sing:

Hymn No. 630  "America the Beautiful"
    For those who would like to practice, click here
         *This version leaves out one of the verses
           that our hymnal has retained.

Ever wonder what criteria is used by our hymnologists to decide upon which songs to place in the hymnal? Here's a list of questions asked in preparation of our newest hymnal:

Each song's suitability was based on these questions:

  – Does the hymn speak biblically of God?

  – Is it God-honoring?

  – Does the hymn present a biblical view of man?

  – Does the song help us to cover the depth
      and breadth of our theology?

  – Does the hymn call us to true discipleship, service, repentance, witness, missions and devotion?

  – Does the hymn speak biblically of salvation?

  – Does it engage the whole person –
     allowing a person to express his deepest feelings?

  – Does the hymn emphasize that Christ is the
     Christian's Lord, Master and King? (the idea of
     total submission).

  – Does the hymn present an Americanized/Westernized
     gospel? (civil religion).

  – Is there a balance with corporate and individual
     response in worship? (immanence and transcendence)

Wednesday, November 5, 2008
    40 Days of Corporate Prayer: Day 18

As I pray for our President-elect, I will try to remember these thoughts that he shared with Rick Warren during the Civic Forum at Saddleback. May God bless Barrack Obama with wisdom and courage today.
 

Who are the three wisest people in your life?

Barrack Obama

What is your stance on abortion?

Barrack Obama

What do you consider your greatest moral failure to be? What is America’s?

Barrack Obama

Define “marriage”.

Barrack Obama

Does evil exist?

Barrack Obama

What do you say to the people who oppose you answering these questions in a church?

Barrack Obama

Name one instance when you flip-flopped on an issue.

Barrack Obama

Name one instance when you went against party loyalty.

Barrack Obama

What cause is worth our troops dying for?

Barrack Obama

Why do you want to be president?

Barrack Obama

*note: these questions are excerpts from the full interview

Below is my excerpt from John McCain's speech to concede the race for presidency to Barrack Obama:

(click here for the full video)

Yesterday, Richard C. went to Encore Music with me to pick up my old Alvarez acoustic that has just had its fret work finished. After the corporate prayertime, we went to Oaks of Auburn to scout out the performance situation.

We had a call from Placer Elections Office asking that we remove Lou's Korean War memorial flag from the Atrium. A woman had called to complain that these words were offensive to her: "Freedom isn't free."

We quickly complied. I called the Elections Office and explained to my contact there that Lou had decorated for Veteran's Day Sunday (this week). We are having a special service which will also feature our State Youth Choir. Besides that situation, all went well at the local polling place.

Cathy and I came back at 7:50 and stayed until final lockdown of the premises at 9:30pm. I was so tired from a long day that I slept through the night--only to check the ongoing election results upon awakening this morning.
 

Tuesday, November 4, 2008
    40 Days of Corporate Prayer: Day 17

The churchhouse has become a public polling site with several precincts represented. I've been here since 4am doing some 11th hour cleanup and hospitable tweaking of the facilities for today's guests.

Cathy is on her way in at 6:51. We plan to spend some time together filling out our mail-in ballots and we will turn them in here. There is already a line forming with people ready to vote.

Lou Robohm was here yesterday. He set up a flag in the Atrium. I took our freedom bell out onto the front court and placed a four-way sign upon its base that simply says 'VOTE'.

Today's corporate prayer time (11:30am) will probably take place in the sanctuary (or the library) since the Genesis Room is being used for voting.

I am excited. Jean Harjo called me last night with a nationwide request to pray Psalm 27. Our Atrium Bible is set up under the Ten Commandments and is opened to Psalm 27.

Last night, Cathy and I went to the bargain show of Bill Maher's 'Religulous' at the Old State Theater. I'll probably write about it sometime soon.I question some of his research; I'm skeptical of the validity of certain claims to comparisons of Horeb and Krishna to the Christ story.

I certainly wouldn't recommend it for a good laugh. Cathy had to nudge me a couple times to stay awake. However, Maher's closing statement is worth hearing again. Perhaps there is a transcription online somewhere.

Monday, November 3, 2008
    40 Days of Corporate Prayer: Day 16

I came to the Office at 6am thinking (mistakenly) that the elections people were dropping off polling booths at this time. My weekly breakfast club with Lou happens at 7am so not a big deal to wait around.

Last night Jon and Daniel shared public testimonies.

My message was focused upon this Scripture: John 13

A song written in connection with my own testimony from last night can be heard here: Some People   (lyrics)

Sunday, November 2, 2008
    40 Days of Corporate Prayer: Day 15

If you are a California voter, please acquaint yourself
with  this page that relates information relevant to Proposition 4:

click here for Sarah's Law (proposition 4)

Here's a WB33 news report on Planned Parenthood
staff who have violated the law regarding minors
who admit that they are having sexual relations
with adults: click here

Saturday, November 1, 2008
   40 Days of Corporate Prayer: Day 14
click here for the story that was on Channel 13

With recent internal church conflicts and controversial publicity, it might be hard for those who don't engage in frontline, spiritual warfare to see the connection.
So, please-please, attend a church that plans to preach God's Word tomorrow. Hear the Word, Trust Him, and Obey what He tells you to do.

Tomorrow's message at BellRoad is entitled:

     "How to Share Your Faith"
              Romans 10:8-13

Great turnout for a fun evening of harvest festivity last night. I slipped out to attend the Corporate prayer meeting at 7pm but Cathy called me. She didn't know where I had gone. She wanted me to hear Pastor Mike Geohagen sitting in with the Worship Team (on the drums).

That's when News Reporter, Mike Dello Stritto (CBS 13) showed up!. He interviewed several of us about our prop 8 signs and related issues. I suggested an interview with my daughter, Mary (17). She and her dog, Lily, were both dressed as angels. Although last night's 10pm story coverage was quite acceptable, Mary and Lily didn't make the cut.

Mike Dello Stritto wrote to me and apologized for getting my last name wrong (Peterson-Patterson, which is it?). I told him that Grandma's maiden name was Peterson (so no offense taken). He informed me that they had fixed it for a clip that should appear on "Good Day Sacramento" this morning.

Make sure to scroll down and watch the clip from News10 (embedded in yesterday's journal entry). I was surprised to see the story as the main headline on the frontpage of the Auburn Journal. I sent a copy of the paper to my Dad (because the story that I had written myself was in the very same paper).

I won't have time to watch it this morning. We are having a Men's Breakfast at 8am, then Cathy, Mary, and I are taking our last run down to Galt. We're trying to get the rest of the tiling done before the sisters move in.

There isn't currently a link to last night's story at CBS 13's website.

However, here's yesterday's clip from News10:
Deborah Hoffman from News 10 (Sacramento) stopped by Friday afternoon for a brief interview in our parking lot. Later, she came back and met our neighbor, Ty Yarnell, in our parking lot. That gave me an opportunity to meet Ty as well. We had a cordial interaction. She was very respectful and shared her heart on the matter. Ty was interviewed first in the Fri-Sat Auburn Journal (still on the stands today) here's the link: Prop 8 Signs

Here's Deborah's clip from their website: click here

I noticed from Deborah's biographical sketch   that she ran the San Diego marathon some years ago. Cathy and I accompanied our son, Daniel, to San Diego so he could run the same marathon last summer.

Here's a 'remix' of yesterday's excerpts:
 

The recorded voicemail was friendly in tone: "We have driven by the facilities of the church and noted that you guys have quite a few political signs. We just wanted to ask that they not be … more

Here's a note from Alisha (Rancho Sordo Mudo)

Dear Pastor Rob,

Hello from Mexico! I just found out last night for sure that I am coming home December 26th- January 1st! I am very excited!

One thing I am excited about is that the movie they were making about the Ranch and getting people motivated to step out in faith for God, is done now! It is set up that people watch the movie ( it is over an hour but I don't know the exact time). Afterwards, people are invited to join in a five week Bible Study on stepping out in faith and following God's call.

I would love to be able to show the movie when I am home and was thinking that maybe someone would want to volunteer to facilitate the five weeks afterwards. There is going to be a five-minute video for you pastors to watch and learn how it all works that you could give the person facilitating. One cool fact is that I am in the movie/documentary!

I'll be home on Sunday the 28th of December 2008 and that would be a good Sunday to show it. Let me know what you think. I am still praying lots for you all.

Love, your sister in Christ,
Alisha