This Week's Praise List!

As I was spending time with God today, a few thoughts flooded my mind in the form of a list of things to praise God for in the last week or so. To accomplish Psalm 103:2, I thought I'd share some of these thoughts with you.

Things I'm excited about:

• We had a guest at our gathering last Thursday night. I "just happened" to run into a young lady I knew from our church in Macedonia (where we moved to Columbus from) at Panera Bread one day. I knew I recognized her from somewhere and finally went up and confirmed that we knew each other. I told her what we were doing and invited her to join us some Thursday evening. Last week she did! I think she enjoyed our time of fun and Bible discussion around the Christmas story and said she would be back! Praise God!
• This Sunday, while we're in PA for Christmas with my family, I've been invited to share about our ministry in my dad's Adult Bible Fellowship class and briefly in the worship service at New Beginnings Grace Brethren Church (Myerstown, PA). We praise God for NBGBC and their becoming a sponsor of ClearView in 2008!
  
• A few weeks ago a reporter from one of our community newspapers called me for an interview. She found out about ClearView from our church being introduced as a new member of New Albany's Chamber of Commerce (we joined in November for networking and advertising opportunities). We had a great discussion, and hopefully a story will be forthcoming. As MasterCard would say... FREE publicity is PRICELESS. Please pray that many people read this story and that God leads us to teammates or spiritually searching people we can love.
• After much fundraising work, God has already brought in promises for almost one third of our need for 2008 (we've received promises for over $22,000 compared to the $75,000 we need to raise). This is exciting because our appeals to individuals (which should be our most fruitful source) are going out in December. Please pray that God continues to reveal how He has already planned to provide the resources we need to accomplish the calling He has placed on our lives.
• A major focus for next year will be securing ministry teams from other churches that will come and help us make contacts and serve our community on a broader scale. We've received several unsolicited inquiries already from youth pastors and other ministry leaders looking for places to bring groups for ministry experience. It is exciting to think what God could do in our community if we are able to network many different teams together to love people in Jesus' name and get the word out about ClearView in 2008. Please pray that these details will come together and that God will do much in northeastern Franklin County through these teams. Interested? If your youth group or small group or ABF is looking for a Saturday, or weekend, or week-long, or life-long (smile!) ministry experience next year...I'd love to talk with you (614.578.0676).
• God has opened up a door for a meeting with 3 leaders from a key church in our area. In January, I will meet with these leaders to discuss avenues for partnership between our two works. This could be a huge boost to our work if this key church would help us in some needed areas. I'm excited about this possibility and praying that what God is and will do in ClearView could be a blessing to this good church as well.
• I have a meeting scheduled next week with the executive director of a beautiful facility near us. This site could be an ideal location to begin meeting on Sunday mornings. It has meeting rooms that would fit a growing group and an ideal setting for kids. Pray that God leads us to the RIGHT location, at the RIGHT price, and gives us wisdom on when and how to transfer our group gatherings to a weekend worship experience.

That's what is rattling around in my brain today. Praise God for His movement. Please keep praying with us. I am REALLY excited to see what God is going to do in 2008.

See Year In Review Video!

We developed a short video slideshow to share God's work in 2007. Hope you check it out (if you haven't seen it already). Enjoy!

We've Come Full Circle

Last week we had some beautiful snow here in the Columbus area.  While Seth and I were out shoveling and throwing snow balls at each other, I was reminded of the last time it snowed here.  That day, we happened to be moving in (mid February).  I was scared to death of our new location, our new work, and didn't know a soul.  I remember loneliness and fear pervading my heart.

Now... its not that there are no challenges... they are great.  But, I feel excited about where we are... we know so many people...we feel at home in our neighborhood...God has provided many friends and great teammates...and God has moved our ministry along in significant ways.  Praise God!

So... as the snow came... so did warmth in my heart-- with excitement for our work, thankfulness for God's work, and anticipation of what is to come.  Where will we be when the first snow flies next year?  Only God knows...but I'm glad to be along for the ride!  Thanks for taking this journey with us through prayer!

Now THAT's Serving!

Sunday several of our ClearView team members volunteered to assist the New Albany Chamber of Commerce with their annual "Holiday Happenings" festivities. Two of us (both men, mind you!) "manned" a craft-table (previously run by girl-scouts!) :) and helped children assemble various crafts.

Later, 75 or so people huddled around a half-doused fire in a cold drizzle as the community choir pounded out some "holiday" songs. Our role was to hand out candles (protected from the harsh wind by a decorative plastic cup- see picture left) to participants. I was encouraged as ClearView's name was mentioned several times as a supporting organization. I also enjoyed meeting and talking with New Albany's mayor in a cold downpour. We made several positive contacts with community members.

Yet, I was even more encouraged by one of the families on our team, the Whinnerys. At the conclusion of the event, everyone scattered due to a rare December thunderstorm. It was cold and pouring rain. Those that were left to clean up? The Chamber President and her husband, myself, and the Whinnerys. I was so blessed to see Dan and Erin and their children cheerfully and willingly do whatever it took to help these city officials- even when it meant slogging through rain to take down chairs and tables. I was very proud to be with a church that already is penetrating our community. We want to love people to a clear view of Jesus... that has to start with serving. Even when it means getting wet!

Please Pray for Trish and Silas

Trish had a biopsy done on a nodule on her thyroid today.  We'd appreciate your prayer as she experiences discomfort from this procedure and as we await results.

Also, Silas has endured another bout with some sort of something that causes him to vomit frequently.  He's had a cough for 4-5 weeks now, but for the last 4 days or so... coughing often leads to not being able to keep food or water down... especially at night.  Please pray that his body would fight off this bug and that God would prevent any sort of dehydration.

Thanks!

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Grim!

It was my privilege on Saturday (12/1) to marry two of our teammates- Gary and Mesarat. What a great day! The ceremony went well, we had a great time at the reception, and several good contacts were made. I was especially thankful to God that the Gospel was clearly communicated during the ceremony, that there were over 100 guests (many unchurched) present, and that our fellow team members served sacrificially to accomplish many details. I was deeply impacted as I saw the potential Gary and Mesarat have for Kingdom impact among their friends. They are well-liked and know many people. People are attracted to them. And, while mixing with and talking to these friends and family members, I saw much evidence that Gary and Mesarat are actively telling their loved ones about ClearView and inviting people to join us. I was very encouraged!

Please pray:

• For Gary and Mesarat as they begin their lives together.
  
• That people from Gary and Mesarat's sphere of influence would be drawn to (a). Jesus and (b.) our team.
• That several couples I talked to about our work would join us at one of our gatherings or events.