INKED......

This coming Sunday at Uncommon Church I am doing something a little different, okay a LOT different. (After all, that's my style!) We are in a unique series entitled "INKED" The series is taking a look at the idea that once we have encountered God personally we are never the same again; we are marked! Throughout all of the Bible, any time a person came into contact with the presence of God they were never the same again. For example, Jacob wrestled with God and the result was God touching his hip and giving him a limp. He was marked after coming into contact with God. The many sick, blind and demonically oppressed were never the same after they experienced contact with God. They were healed. The blind were made to see....They were marked forever after an encounter with Jesus. The same should be true in our lives....

We have been called to make it very evident to everyone that God has transformed our lives. It's what Jesus talks about in Matthew 5:14 "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill."

As an illustration of this point I am going to be getting tattoo'd on stage while I share a challenging message about bearing the mark, the evidence, of God's work in our lives. That's right....I am getting Tattoo'd in church.

I realize that tattoo's are a taboo and tough subject in the realm of religion. Many folks have very strong opinions. I know because they are often shared with me. I respect that. Often there is a lot of talk about the verse Leviticus 19:28 that speaks about Tattoo's. The same passage happens to mention that wearing mixed fabrics and getting haircuts are forbidden as well! (You can read some deeper thoughts an opinions on this passage by clicking here.)

One of my favorite pastors, Craig Groeschel from LifeChurch.tv, has put together a great video on the subject. Take a few minutes to watch this video. In the meantime, I would love to have you join us Sunday and experience this unique opportunity to share the Gospel!

It is at 4pm at Baker School in Hyde Park. 3908 Ave B Austin, TX 78751

Help Impact Haiti With Me

As my regular readers know I serve with a few great organizations in Haiti. I have since 2003. One of those is Kenbe Fem. One of my best friends and his wife, Danny & Leann Pye,  founded this ministry over a decade ago. God has used them to do some incredible things in Haiti these last 10+ years. As with any organization there are always opportunities to contribute and be part of the story... Today I want to share another great way you can be part of the Kenbe Fem Story. 

Exciting things are happening at Kenbe Fem Ministry and I would love to share them with you. First and foremost, three children became part of the Kenbe Fem family in April 2013. I look forward to sharing their stories with you as I know God put these children on my path with such intention. Also, I’m excited to announce the launch of Giving Initiative 2013. We kicked it off May 1. Our goal? To raise $50,000 by October 31. The needs are GREAT but our God is GREATER and we know He will provide! Other fantastic news? We are beyond BLESSED that a very generous donor has offered to match the first week’s donations, up to $10,000!! Words cannot explain the feelings I have in my heart over this. I have prayed so many prayers, and I know that God has heard them. This is Him answering. Friends, will you join me in prayer as we forge through this mission?   

What is Giving Initiative 2013? This year’s initiative will secure funds for the most vital needs of Kenbe Fem Ministry. The rent of our home for another year, a MUCH needed vehicle for the day-to-day operations, as our bus and Nissan truck have been broken down for some time. New mattresses, clothes, shoes, and supplies for the three new children at Kenbe Fem Children’s Home. Funds to secure a piece of land for the KFM Home and Ministry as we strive to create PERMANENCE. The funding will allow us to begin building a home for our family and ministry!! It will put a month of support in savings, which will give us a little breathing room. And lastly, it will help us reduce our debt by 15%! We have a breakdown of what each of these items will cost. Simply click here for further details. 

If you would like to give specifically to this year’s Giving Initiative, you can give online and note Giving Initiative so we may assure that your funds are used to meet these needs!! You can give online by visiting our website or copy and pasting this link into your web browser: https://secure.bluepay.com/interfaces/shpf You can also send checks to the Kenbe Fem office, simply write Giving Initiative on the memo line. 

Thank you so much for your time and consideration to Giving Initiative 2013 and Kenbe Fem Ministry. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I look forward to sharing our progress through weekly updates! Thank you SO MUCH for your prayers and support, and we look forward to greater things yet to come!!  

Kenbe Fem Ministry is a part of a not-for-profit Christian Organization and all donations are tax deductible. Receipts will be sent out quarterly for your donations. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

If you are willing to help us with a matching fund gift, or simply need more information, we would be happy to send you additional literature. Please contact us via e-mail: Danny@KenbeFem.org or phone (941) 238-9900.

Kenbe Fem Ministry
1801 Williams Drive
Georgetown, Texas 78628
PH: 941 238-9900
FAX: 941 238-9950
CELL: 512-470-7700
www.KenbeFem.org  

At Uncommon.....

AT UNCOMMON CHURCH

WE EXTEND A SPECIAL WELCOME TO THOSE WHO ARE SINGLE, MARRIED, DIVORCED, GAY, STRAIGHT, FILTHY RICH, DIRT POOR, NO HABLAN INGLÉS. WE EXTEND A SPECIAL WELCOME TO THOSE WHO ARE CRYING NEWBORNS, BROKEN HEARTED, OR IN NEED OF A SAFE PLACE.

WE WELCOME YOU IF YOU CAN SING LIKE ANDREA BOCELLI OR LIKE MANY OF US WHO CANʼT CARRY A NOTE IN A BUCKET. YOUʼRE WELCOME HERE IF YOUʼRE JUST BROWSING, JUST WOKE UP OR JUST GOT OUT OF JAIL. WE DONʼT CARE IF YOU BELIEVE IN GOD OR IF YOUʼVE NEVER BEEN TO CHURCH.

WE EXTEND A SPECIAL WELCOME TO THOSE WHO ARE OVER 60 BUT NOT GROWN UP YET, AND TO TEENAGERS WHO ARE GROWING UP TOO FAST. WE WELCOME SOCCER MOMS, NASCAR DADS, STARVING ARTISTS, TREE-HUGGERS, LATTE-SIPPERS, VEGETARIANS, JUNK-FOOD EATERS. WE WELCOME THOSE WHO ARE IN RECOVERY OR STILL ADDICTED. WE WELCOME YOU IF YOUʼRE HAVING PROBLEMS OR YOUʼRE DOWN IN THE DUMPS OR IF YOU DONʼT LIKE ORGANIZED RELIGION, WEʼVE BEEN THERE TOO.

IF YOU BLEW ALL YOUR OFFERING MONEY PARTYING, YOUʼRE WELCOME HERE. WE OFFER A SPECIAL WELCOME TO THOSE WHO THINK THE EARTH IS FLAT, WORK TOO HARD, DONʼT WORK, CANʼT SPELL, OR BECAUSE GRANDMA IS IN TOWN AND WANTED TO GO TO CHURCH.

WE WELCOME THOSE WHO ARE inked, PIERCED OR BOTH. WE OFFER A SPECIAL WELCOME TO THOSE WHO COULD USE A PRAYER RIGHT NOW, HAD RELIGION SHOVED DOWN YOUR THROAT AS A KID OR GOT LOST IN TRAFFIC AND WOUND UP HERE BY MISTAKE. WE WELCOME TOURISTS, SEEKERS AND DOUBTERS, BLEEDING HEARTS ... AND YOU!

WE ARE UNCOMMON – RESCUED BY CHRIST – AND WE LOVE YOU.

This is what we give to our first time guests as a welcome letter... and it is truly how we feel. We got this idea from a great church in Pueblo, CO. Feel free to use it for your church as well! You can find out more about about Uncommon Church by clicking here!