TRIPPIN'

As I have been praying and believing for a breakthrough year for students, leaders, and ministries in Wisconsin and Northern Michigan, I have been sticking on a point that seems unavoidable --> ECONOMY. Seemingly, there can be few conversations without part of the discussion landing on the struggles related to the economy. I am guilty as charged - it is in the forefront of our lives. As we look at people's needs and the pursuit of the dreams God has given us, it seems that we must raise the bar in the areas of time and financial commitment. Often, in the church world, we trivialize financial hurdles with a flippant "God will provide" or a "we need to just sacrifice and believe" comment and run ahead. We also settle on phrases such as "I wish I could do more" or "it's the best I can do" ... We are wrestling with this and want you to know we are preparing for a great year. We believe nothing is impossible for God - cliché right? I am beginning to think that is part of the problem. Perhaps we have been in a time of God's blessing for so long that we have been able to meet a lot of these needs on our own. It seems we must move past cliché responses and excuses. It is time for us to seek out opportunities of sacrifice. I am certain that I cannot do the things that need to be done to accomplish God's plans. I must have His help and be part of a team effort! In response, I look at the team I am on. I look at the people I serve. You know what I see? It is the best of the best - people willing to sacrifice so that God can use them to make it happen! I am so glad to be a part of this great team. I can feel God growing my faith ... it is true that in difficult times, the church shines the brightest!

We must do something! I am asking if you will join me for a February Fast. I know that fasting is a powerful tool. In my world, there are a couple of things that matter a lot to me - Mountain Dew & the TV show 24. These may do nothing for you, but I enjoy them very much. I am committing February to use these things as markers that will remind me to transfer focus from what matters to me to zeroing in on what matters to God - people. I will be giving money and time to missions and prayer during this month. This will be above and beyond what are my norms in these areas. It would be so great if you would join me in this fast. Perhaps you could find something that matters a lot to you and give that up for the sake of something that is close to God's heart. Please be praying for our missionaries! Wouldn't it be great to see what this team can do in the area of prayer and giving to Speed-The-Light? Let's believe, truly believe, and do this together!



-Steve