September Closeout!

Hispanic Plant - Crossroads Last night we held our first planning & strategy session with a diverse group of leaders and potential ministry partners. I had only expected 5 or 6 people tops, but was ecstatic when a total of 10 showed up and shared valuable insight and information.

We will be hosting an informational meeting @ Crossroads on October 13th. Please pray as we step up our recruiting efforts and begin to plan our first outreach events.

Perhaps one of the most exciting elements of the meeting was identifying two potential target areas for future projects. May Your kingdom grow!

Neighborhood Project Yesterday I had the opportunity to chat with a close friend and local church planter about the possibility of partnering to establish a congregation to specifically target our side of town and our neighborhood. Our initial thoughts and ideas were all positive. Please pray, Kristina and I believe that part of our ministry is to reach those who are our neighbors and if necessary help plant a church to reach them regardless of who they are.

Venezuela We are starting to plan and lay the groundwork for a training event in Venezuela Spring 2005. We hope to establish a local Venezuelan church planting network, and this event will a gathering event intended to get key leaders, pastors, and potential church planters around the same table. Continue to pray as God clarifies our role in Venezuela.

Prayer As of this fall, Kristina, Connor, and I will be responsible for raising our own support as we begin to focus our efforts on planting Hispanic churches. Your prayers are invaluable and your financial support is key. We invite each of our friends to partner with us in accomplishing this key ministry.

Peace to each of you!

news...

After driving through leftover rain from hurrican Frances, we made it back to South Carolina late Tuesday night. Throughout the rest of the week, we met with Hispanic contacts to discuss the plant here in Columbia, most of the conversations were positive and good. It seems as though God is putting together a great team.

Another church plant that we've been leading launched 4 small groups last night. Wow!!! I love launching small groups and seeing people start connecting to the greater vision of the church.

This week is filled with making contacts so please pray that God will continue to guide our thoughts and steps.

Long Weekends

Labor day finds us in Kingsport, Tn visiting my in-laws. Tonight we will be meeting with some good friends of ours in Johnson City about a future anglo & latino church planting venture. Tuesday we will be in Maryville, Tennessee checking up on a potential partnership and compiling some Latino demographics.

Packed into that I (Chris) will be meeting with one of our house church leaders in Bristol early Tuesday morning and we hope to connect with one of the best young worship leaders I've met.

So we are thankful for the opportunity to get away, but it isn't all rest & play.