DAY TWENTY-NINE: "Trace Crossing Through a Student's Eyes" by Mary Jennings Bouchillon
My first day at Trace Crossing I can remember so well. I can remember pulling up into the parking lot of the Hancock Leadership Center and thinking...could people really want to start an actual church here?
In the past, it had seemed like church had always been a chore to me. There was absolutely no excitement or passion for me to be at church every Sunday. I would literally wake up and think of ways that I could skip church!
When church began the morning I visited Trace, I watched as Kevin Williams started to lead worship. I had always been a part of a church where there were huge choirs and organs. Everything was so simple here but it kept me into the music and into the awesome words of the songs. Kevin Wood got up to preach and I remember hanging on to each word he was saying. He was so young and I could understand what he was saying and could relate in some ways. I instantly felt apart of what was going on at the Hancock Leadership Center in November of 2006.
I got in the car and I was already excited about coming again the next Sunday. I can even remember my brother, Austin, getting in the car and saying, "Mom and Dad, please don't ever make me go anywhere else but here to church."
Trace Crossing is such a special place where people love to love people. This church has been there for me in SO many things that I have gone through and I am so thankful to be a part of this group of people. This is not only a church, but an extended family.
My prayer for Trace Crossing:
Father God, I thank you for the people of Trace Crossing and how they are so willing to serve each other. I thank you for allowing me to be a part of what you are doing here. In your name I pray...Amen.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
DAY 28: "Ravens" by Drew Love
DAY TWENTY-EIGHT: "Ravens" by Drew Love
This is a blog from one of our team members on the mission field in Ukraine. The blog was taken from Drew & Jennifer Love's personal site, http://www.thelovesinms.blogspot.com/. Be sure and check out the others.
The first word to describe today for me is "paralyzing". So much hurt, so much pain, but so few of us - 8 to be exact. It is almost overwhelming. I question myself, are we making an impact?, will they remember?, the list goes on. I overheard Ian telling a story today about how several years ago someone commented on his ministry as that of a "Raven", meaning a little bit here and a little bit there. In fact, we are all "Ravens" or are called to be "Ravens", doing what we can here and there to spread and point to His name. It may not look like much now, but it will add up over time. And if you add up all the "Ravens"? I think you get the picture. I am also reminded of Gal 6:9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Today was a very rainy, grey and cool day. This morning we went to a boy's correctional home. There were about twenty boys there today. The ages ranged from 10 - 12. The boys are sent there from the courts as a result of some wrong doing. During there time there they will study, learn a trade and maybe enter society again. They have about 70 acres they farm. We were very impressed with the director. He has been there for 33 yrs and really acts as a father to the boys. Their number also fluctuates from month to month. Before our program they performed several songs for us. They were very talented and had boy that could really sing. We had pizza for lunch and headed out for our afternoon stop. The afternoon was spent at a orphanage that housed those that are physically handicapped. Some of the ailments were obvious while others were not. The program seemed to be well received again. Each program we close with the Gospel in a way they can understand and visualize. Ian had done the last couple of stops but Kevin W did it this time. I think a number of the kids got it, listened and responded. (Got a picture of it that I will show you later.) It is such a difficult message to convey that what has happened to them is not by God's design, but that He actually intended for something else. That where they are at in most cases is not their fault. They had no control over it. Yet, we are all in bondage and need Jesus Christ to set us free. I shared the following quote in my sermon earlier in the week about explaining the new heavens to kids, "There will be a day when you will run with cheetahs and swim with dolphins." (I sound like a preacher and couldn't be further from that.) I can't even fathom what these kids will be doing and experiencing in Heaven some day. And that is the hope we carry around with us each day.
We closed the day with dinner. Believe or not we found a place with french fries and steak. The steak was more like "minute steak". Can't remember if I have mentioned this or not, but we try to close each evening with a time of prayer as well as to process what we each experienced that particular day. There was a lot of thoughts, emotions and feelings expressed. Very good stuff. God has knitted together this team so neatly. Everyone compliments each other so well. I have rambled way to much. We are scheduled for two more orphanages tomorrow. One will be for the mentally handicapped. Then on Thur we are scheduled for three different stops. We will head out for Kiev on Fri morning to start the journey back home and fly out on Sat for home.
Good Night, - Drew
This is a blog from one of our team members on the mission field in Ukraine. The blog was taken from Drew & Jennifer Love's personal site, http://www.thelovesinms.blogspot.com/. Be sure and check out the others.
The first word to describe today for me is "paralyzing". So much hurt, so much pain, but so few of us - 8 to be exact. It is almost overwhelming. I question myself, are we making an impact?, will they remember?, the list goes on. I overheard Ian telling a story today about how several years ago someone commented on his ministry as that of a "Raven", meaning a little bit here and a little bit there. In fact, we are all "Ravens" or are called to be "Ravens", doing what we can here and there to spread and point to His name. It may not look like much now, but it will add up over time. And if you add up all the "Ravens"? I think you get the picture. I am also reminded of Gal 6:9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Today was a very rainy, grey and cool day. This morning we went to a boy's correctional home. There were about twenty boys there today. The ages ranged from 10 - 12. The boys are sent there from the courts as a result of some wrong doing. During there time there they will study, learn a trade and maybe enter society again. They have about 70 acres they farm. We were very impressed with the director. He has been there for 33 yrs and really acts as a father to the boys. Their number also fluctuates from month to month. Before our program they performed several songs for us. They were very talented and had boy that could really sing. We had pizza for lunch and headed out for our afternoon stop. The afternoon was spent at a orphanage that housed those that are physically handicapped. Some of the ailments were obvious while others were not. The program seemed to be well received again. Each program we close with the Gospel in a way they can understand and visualize. Ian had done the last couple of stops but Kevin W did it this time. I think a number of the kids got it, listened and responded. (Got a picture of it that I will show you later.) It is such a difficult message to convey that what has happened to them is not by God's design, but that He actually intended for something else. That where they are at in most cases is not their fault. They had no control over it. Yet, we are all in bondage and need Jesus Christ to set us free. I shared the following quote in my sermon earlier in the week about explaining the new heavens to kids, "There will be a day when you will run with cheetahs and swim with dolphins." (I sound like a preacher and couldn't be further from that.) I can't even fathom what these kids will be doing and experiencing in Heaven some day. And that is the hope we carry around with us each day.
We closed the day with dinner. Believe or not we found a place with french fries and steak. The steak was more like "minute steak". Can't remember if I have mentioned this or not, but we try to close each evening with a time of prayer as well as to process what we each experienced that particular day. There was a lot of thoughts, emotions and feelings expressed. Very good stuff. God has knitted together this team so neatly. Everyone compliments each other so well. I have rambled way to much. We are scheduled for two more orphanages tomorrow. One will be for the mentally handicapped. Then on Thur we are scheduled for three different stops. We will head out for Kiev on Fri morning to start the journey back home and fly out on Sat for home.
Good Night, - Drew
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
DAY 27: "Why Trace Crossing is so Special" by George Vinson
DAY TWENTY-SEVEN: "Why Trace Crossing is so Special" by George Vinson
George Vinson here, writing from the Nashville area. You may or may not know me, but I'm the guitar player that gets to come play at Trace Crossings every now and again. When Kevin Williams invited me to contribute an entry to this blog, I was both honored and excited. I've known K. Williams for many, many years and we are fast friends. And I have been a fan of the 'other Kevin' since serving with him at the Church at Brook Hills.
Two years of the Trace... wow. I have followed your journey since Day One and have had the privilege of being with you folks in worship several times. From the first time way back in the Hancock Building, to recent services in your current home, I have always felt Holy Spirit's presence and have seen firsthand how God is moving in your Faith Family.
I have often wondered what makes Trace Crossing so special. As a traveling musician, I get to play at all sorts of fellowships... big Baptist boxes, small 100-seaters, churches in homes, churches in Jesus-Domes... heck, I've even played churches from Japan to the Middle East and points between. I know and believe that God's presence in there in all of those places, from the promise that where two or more believers are gathered, He's there in their midst.
But I have run across a few places that just seem extra special. And The Church at Trace Crossing is one of those for me.
So what makes it special? Is it your two Kevins? Both incredibly gifted and anointed men for sure. Is it the story of how your church was born? Maybe it's the fact that you have eschewed a traditional approach to worship and facilities. I'm almost certain that it could be the musicians you allow to join you from time to time (lol).
As much as all those things are important, I think what makes TC so special might possibly be the concept of 'many people... one passion'. Not that a clever catch-phrase a cool church makes. On the contrary; clever and cool never brought new life to a dying soul.
No... the more I think about it, what makes Trace Crossing so special is you!
Before I wrote this blog, I went and read all the journal entries. I was amazed by the stories of grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, and all the words and prayers that point back to the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ. These stories represent God's hand truly at work. It's great that you have gifted and inspired leadership, and that God has blessed you with tools and resources. But that special quality I sense every time I'm with you is the fact you are committed to Christ... to follow His commands... to live out His story for all to see.
So congrats on the two years... you're now a toddler! I pray that as you grow, you keep your sight firmly set on the Father. Don't try to be anything other than what you are today... 'many people... with one passion'.
My prayer for Trace Crossing:
So thank God for His marvelous love,
for His miracle mercy to the children He loves.
Lift high your praises when the people assemble,
shout Hallelujah when the elders meet!
Psalm 107: 31-32 (The Message)
George Vinson
Thompson’s Station, TN
George Vinson here, writing from the Nashville area. You may or may not know me, but I'm the guitar player that gets to come play at Trace Crossings every now and again. When Kevin Williams invited me to contribute an entry to this blog, I was both honored and excited. I've known K. Williams for many, many years and we are fast friends. And I have been a fan of the 'other Kevin' since serving with him at the Church at Brook Hills.
Two years of the Trace... wow. I have followed your journey since Day One and have had the privilege of being with you folks in worship several times. From the first time way back in the Hancock Building, to recent services in your current home, I have always felt Holy Spirit's presence and have seen firsthand how God is moving in your Faith Family.
I have often wondered what makes Trace Crossing so special. As a traveling musician, I get to play at all sorts of fellowships... big Baptist boxes, small 100-seaters, churches in homes, churches in Jesus-Domes... heck, I've even played churches from Japan to the Middle East and points between. I know and believe that God's presence in there in all of those places, from the promise that where two or more believers are gathered, He's there in their midst.
But I have run across a few places that just seem extra special. And The Church at Trace Crossing is one of those for me.
So what makes it special? Is it your two Kevins? Both incredibly gifted and anointed men for sure. Is it the story of how your church was born? Maybe it's the fact that you have eschewed a traditional approach to worship and facilities. I'm almost certain that it could be the musicians you allow to join you from time to time (lol).
As much as all those things are important, I think what makes TC so special might possibly be the concept of 'many people... one passion'. Not that a clever catch-phrase a cool church makes. On the contrary; clever and cool never brought new life to a dying soul.
No... the more I think about it, what makes Trace Crossing so special is you!
Before I wrote this blog, I went and read all the journal entries. I was amazed by the stories of grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, and all the words and prayers that point back to the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ. These stories represent God's hand truly at work. It's great that you have gifted and inspired leadership, and that God has blessed you with tools and resources. But that special quality I sense every time I'm with you is the fact you are committed to Christ... to follow His commands... to live out His story for all to see.
So congrats on the two years... you're now a toddler! I pray that as you grow, you keep your sight firmly set on the Father. Don't try to be anything other than what you are today... 'many people... with one passion'.
My prayer for Trace Crossing:
So thank God for His marvelous love,
for His miracle mercy to the children He loves.
Lift high your praises when the people assemble,
shout Hallelujah when the elders meet!
Psalm 107: 31-32 (The Message)
George Vinson
Thompson’s Station, TN
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
DAY 26: "Stepping Out" by Michael Ritter
DAY TWENTY-SIX: "Stepping Out" by Michael Ritter
I remember the first time we stepped out and met with a group of people who wanted to do more than just play church. I remember meeting in homes, forming a bond with one another and trying to see how God wanted us to step out in faith. God was showing us His plan that we could not certainly see. We decided as a group to step out. Not knowing what was next or where we were going. Moving in faith and just doing what God led us to do. Stepping out became the best decision that we could have made. To think that the only one who knew this was God and through obedience we get to share in the reward.
However, we are not the first in history to step out in faith. Look at the lives of Moses, John, and Paul to name a few. Those written about in the Bible are people who had to step out and follow God. The main one I think of when it comes to stepping out is Jesus. He stepped out from Heaven and came to Earth. Nothing He did was the norm with the religious leaders of that day and time. He showed us in His daily walk exactly how we should all step out and follow Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. God knew from the beginning that there was no better way to show mankind what to do and how to do it than to come and show us Himself through Jesus Christ, Himself.
As time moved on, we had a place of meeting and had a name for our church family. We stepped out again by placing signs. Stepping out in faith we continued to do it believing that God would lead “whosoever” to step out and join us. In time, God did just that. He sent Joe and Becky Mebane to be with us at Trace Crossing. What a blessing they are to us. God moved other peoples’ hearts and they stepped out from their comfort zone as well.
We finally moved locations, from the Hancock Center to the West Main Shopping Center, where we are currently located. The church family took another step of faith when we decided to work together to build walls and classrooms in our new location. We spent precious moments together, bonding through painting, cleaning, praying over the empty chairs in the room that God would move “whosoever” to step out and join us. Today, those same empty chairs are filled with people that stepped out to see what God was doing at Trace Crossing. What blessings God pours out when we are obedient in stepping out and following Him in faith!
My prayer for Trace Crossing:
I pray, as time goes on, we continue to be obedient in our faith by stepping out and making a difference in the World. May each one of us step out daily from our content lives and follow Jesus Christ in loving “whosoever”. Teaching them how to live for Christ and leading them to serve Him.
I remember the first time we stepped out and met with a group of people who wanted to do more than just play church. I remember meeting in homes, forming a bond with one another and trying to see how God wanted us to step out in faith. God was showing us His plan that we could not certainly see. We decided as a group to step out. Not knowing what was next or where we were going. Moving in faith and just doing what God led us to do. Stepping out became the best decision that we could have made. To think that the only one who knew this was God and through obedience we get to share in the reward.
However, we are not the first in history to step out in faith. Look at the lives of Moses, John, and Paul to name a few. Those written about in the Bible are people who had to step out and follow God. The main one I think of when it comes to stepping out is Jesus. He stepped out from Heaven and came to Earth. Nothing He did was the norm with the religious leaders of that day and time. He showed us in His daily walk exactly how we should all step out and follow Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. God knew from the beginning that there was no better way to show mankind what to do and how to do it than to come and show us Himself through Jesus Christ, Himself.
As time moved on, we had a place of meeting and had a name for our church family. We stepped out again by placing signs. Stepping out in faith we continued to do it believing that God would lead “whosoever” to step out and join us. In time, God did just that. He sent Joe and Becky Mebane to be with us at Trace Crossing. What a blessing they are to us. God moved other peoples’ hearts and they stepped out from their comfort zone as well.
We finally moved locations, from the Hancock Center to the West Main Shopping Center, where we are currently located. The church family took another step of faith when we decided to work together to build walls and classrooms in our new location. We spent precious moments together, bonding through painting, cleaning, praying over the empty chairs in the room that God would move “whosoever” to step out and join us. Today, those same empty chairs are filled with people that stepped out to see what God was doing at Trace Crossing. What blessings God pours out when we are obedient in stepping out and following Him in faith!
My prayer for Trace Crossing:
I pray, as time goes on, we continue to be obedient in our faith by stepping out and making a difference in the World. May each one of us step out daily from our content lives and follow Jesus Christ in loving “whosoever”. Teaching them how to live for Christ and leading them to serve Him.
Monday, September 15, 2008
DAY 25: "Being Doers of the Word" by Valerie Campbell
DAY TWENTY-FIVE: "Being Doers of the Word" by Valerie Campbell
But be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be hearers of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of this work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:22-27 (KJV)
We discussed this passage of Scripture at Wednesday night’s prayer meeting. Kevin asked all of us 3 questions pertaining to this passage:
*Where do you see yourself in terms of being a hearer AND a doer of the Word?
*Who at The Church at Trace Crossing do you think of as a doer of the Word?
*What do you think stirs God’s heart about orphans and widows?
These questions caused me to evaluate myself in a deep way. It’s absolutely crazy to think that I could look at myself in a mirror and forget what I looked like as I walk away! How often do I hear the Word and know what is expected of me but then keep silent and take no action at the very next opportunity placed before me? Being afraid or uncomfortable is no excuse for inaction. How often do I justify this behavior due to these emotions? I think about Malachi 1:13 which says, “You say, ‘It’s too hard to serve the LORD,’and you turn up your noses at my commands,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
While I don’t like to think that I turn up my nose to the LORD’s commands, is that not what I’m doing when I don’t trust Him in ALL circumstances? I’ve realized that I don’t want to be real with myself in terms of going the extra mile for the Lord because it’s just too hard. It costs too much. Look at the situations I’d be in and the time I would have to put in if I chose to do what the Word says. I just can’t do it! And yet, this is exactly the moment that I must put feet to my faith if I really want to follow Jesus. I’ve let myself get complacent in my walk with Him. I’ve told myself that I’ve already given up a lot since being saved. Isn’t that enough?
I’m so thankful that Jesus wasn’t like me while He was on the earth. What if He would’ve said, “It’s just too hard to do what You’ve asked of me God. It costs too much! I’m scared and uncomfortable so I’m just going to quit. I’ve already done a lot for these people. Isn’t that enough?” Thankfully, Jesus knew that it wasn’t enough. We know He was scared and uncomfortable because He prayed three times for the cup to be taken from Him, however, His love for us kept Him on task in the ministry His Father had given Him.
As believers, we have all been given a ministry, but it’s our choice to be a hearer AND a doer of that work. My husband and I have only been living in this area for about two months now and Trace Crossing was the very first church we visited. We planned on visiting several others before we settled into a new church home but within the first few minutes of walking through the doors, we both felt that we were already home. Kevin asked us on Wednesday night to think of who at Trace Crossing was a doer of the Word. I couldn’t think of anyone who wasn’t demonstrating this quality!
I remember our first visit to Trace Crossing. So many came and introduced themselves to us with big smiles on their faces and open arms. We felt so welcome and loved by people we had never laid eyes on until that moment. It was incredible. The longer we attend, the more we see and hear of the great works being done by this congregation. Everyone is so passionate about meeting others needs (even to the point of donating an organ to save another member’s life). Wow!
I think the thing that stirs God’s heart about orphans and widows is that they are helpless and hopeless without someone to come along and meet their needs. We are all eternally helpless and hopeless except that Jesus loved us enough to do His Father’s will, no matter what He had to do, no matter how much it cost Him. The people at The Church at Trace Crossing have this kind of love for one another. They serve not out of obligation, but from a passion within to show God’s love to all who walk through the doors. They have challenged me to begin a new journey in my walk with the Lord, and for that I am so grateful.
My prayer for Trace Crossing:
Father, I thank you for bringing Michael and I to this body of believers. You have used them to stir my heart to be a better doer of Your Word and to be about Your business. I’m so thankful that You have allowed me to be a part of this wonderful faith family! I pray that You would help us all to be doers of Your Word without counting the cost. Help us to have a never-ending passion to serve people in Your name to bring You glory.
But be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be hearers of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of this work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:22-27 (KJV)
We discussed this passage of Scripture at Wednesday night’s prayer meeting. Kevin asked all of us 3 questions pertaining to this passage:
*Where do you see yourself in terms of being a hearer AND a doer of the Word?
*Who at The Church at Trace Crossing do you think of as a doer of the Word?
*What do you think stirs God’s heart about orphans and widows?
These questions caused me to evaluate myself in a deep way. It’s absolutely crazy to think that I could look at myself in a mirror and forget what I looked like as I walk away! How often do I hear the Word and know what is expected of me but then keep silent and take no action at the very next opportunity placed before me? Being afraid or uncomfortable is no excuse for inaction. How often do I justify this behavior due to these emotions? I think about Malachi 1:13 which says, “You say, ‘It’s too hard to serve the LORD,’and you turn up your noses at my commands,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
While I don’t like to think that I turn up my nose to the LORD’s commands, is that not what I’m doing when I don’t trust Him in ALL circumstances? I’ve realized that I don’t want to be real with myself in terms of going the extra mile for the Lord because it’s just too hard. It costs too much. Look at the situations I’d be in and the time I would have to put in if I chose to do what the Word says. I just can’t do it! And yet, this is exactly the moment that I must put feet to my faith if I really want to follow Jesus. I’ve let myself get complacent in my walk with Him. I’ve told myself that I’ve already given up a lot since being saved. Isn’t that enough?
I’m so thankful that Jesus wasn’t like me while He was on the earth. What if He would’ve said, “It’s just too hard to do what You’ve asked of me God. It costs too much! I’m scared and uncomfortable so I’m just going to quit. I’ve already done a lot for these people. Isn’t that enough?” Thankfully, Jesus knew that it wasn’t enough. We know He was scared and uncomfortable because He prayed three times for the cup to be taken from Him, however, His love for us kept Him on task in the ministry His Father had given Him.
As believers, we have all been given a ministry, but it’s our choice to be a hearer AND a doer of that work. My husband and I have only been living in this area for about two months now and Trace Crossing was the very first church we visited. We planned on visiting several others before we settled into a new church home but within the first few minutes of walking through the doors, we both felt that we were already home. Kevin asked us on Wednesday night to think of who at Trace Crossing was a doer of the Word. I couldn’t think of anyone who wasn’t demonstrating this quality!
I remember our first visit to Trace Crossing. So many came and introduced themselves to us with big smiles on their faces and open arms. We felt so welcome and loved by people we had never laid eyes on until that moment. It was incredible. The longer we attend, the more we see and hear of the great works being done by this congregation. Everyone is so passionate about meeting others needs (even to the point of donating an organ to save another member’s life). Wow!
I think the thing that stirs God’s heart about orphans and widows is that they are helpless and hopeless without someone to come along and meet their needs. We are all eternally helpless and hopeless except that Jesus loved us enough to do His Father’s will, no matter what He had to do, no matter how much it cost Him. The people at The Church at Trace Crossing have this kind of love for one another. They serve not out of obligation, but from a passion within to show God’s love to all who walk through the doors. They have challenged me to begin a new journey in my walk with the Lord, and for that I am so grateful.
My prayer for Trace Crossing:
Father, I thank you for bringing Michael and I to this body of believers. You have used them to stir my heart to be a better doer of Your Word and to be about Your business. I’m so thankful that You have allowed me to be a part of this wonderful faith family! I pray that You would help us all to be doers of Your Word without counting the cost. Help us to have a never-ending passion to serve people in Your name to bring You glory.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
DAY 24: "Grateful People" by Emma Kate Mikels
DAY TWENTY-FOUR: "Grateful People" by Emma Kate Mikels
Grateful People
It is time that we give you honor
This is the day to give you
All the praise that you deserve
Yes, it's time to give you honor
This is the day to give you
All the praise that you deserve
A Holy King, of everything
Inhabit the praises of Your people
A Holy King, of everything
Inhabit the praises of Your people
Have we waited far too long to surrender
Forgive us Oh God the years
We failed to seek your face
Oh Lord, your mercy turns us into
Grateful people
We can't seem to find the words
So take our lives that there might be enough
To tell you how grateful
Lord, we are grateful
lyrics by: Watermark
Grateful. That is what I am. Grateful. Incredibly grateful to worship every week with passionate followers of Jesus Christ. My gratefulness began though when our Lord gave us His man. Back when we were praying for this church that may be one day – we knew that we had to be patient and wait on a pastor sent from our Father above. We prayed that God would give him a burden for Tupelo – the Lord heard our cries and answered our prayer.
Sophie referred to the first encounter several of us had with Kevin Wood, our pastor. We heard a humble man, crying out to God on behalf of sooooooo many. It moved me to tears. We all walked away with hearts full of excitement. What if? God, would you really send us Kevin and Traci? They don’t even know who we are!
I remember when we went to Brook Hills to hear him preach in person. They announced he was preaching that day and over 2,000 people stood up to cheer. Just so thrilled to have Kevin “in the house.” I remember thinking – there is NO WAY they’ll ever leave all of this to come to a no name church in Tupelo. They did -- because they were obedient to the extraordinary call God placed on their lives.
My journal in June 2006 reads “God, may we, in your perfect time, walk into that church we dream of. A place where your man stands with a heart for you alone and you MOVE like mighty rushing water through him. Lord - may ‘water gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert’”(obviously I was studying Isaiah at the time). Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. Lord, thank you for a humble leader and pastor whose heart is tender and whose compassion runs deep. Thank you for Traci, whose giftedness runs deep and wide. Thank you for their servant hearts and gentle spirits. We love them so much!! If you haven’t had the opportunity to get to know them PLEASE reach out to them. They are fun lovin, hilarious, REAL, authentic, and bold believers!
Trace Crossing, my prayer is that we would be a grateful people, that we would never run short of expressing our gratefulness to our staff who all do more behind the scenes than we’ll ever know. We always want to be a body that prays for God to MOVE - to remove our “me” attitudes so that he can – and that thanks him in gratefulness with our praise.
My prayer for Trace Crossing:
Lord, thank you for Trace Crossing. Thank you for Kevin. Lord, we pray that you would protect his heart and pour out your blessings on him. May we be a body that expresses our gratefulness to your love and mercy with our very lives. Lord, you have richly blessed our faith family again and again and again. Forgive us Lord where we fall short daily and have mercy on us Father. May we be a grateful people who serves and loves you passionately.
Grateful People
It is time that we give you honor
This is the day to give you
All the praise that you deserve
Yes, it's time to give you honor
This is the day to give you
All the praise that you deserve
A Holy King, of everything
Inhabit the praises of Your people
A Holy King, of everything
Inhabit the praises of Your people
Have we waited far too long to surrender
Forgive us Oh God the years
We failed to seek your face
Oh Lord, your mercy turns us into
Grateful people
We can't seem to find the words
So take our lives that there might be enough
To tell you how grateful
Lord, we are grateful
lyrics by: Watermark
Grateful. That is what I am. Grateful. Incredibly grateful to worship every week with passionate followers of Jesus Christ. My gratefulness began though when our Lord gave us His man. Back when we were praying for this church that may be one day – we knew that we had to be patient and wait on a pastor sent from our Father above. We prayed that God would give him a burden for Tupelo – the Lord heard our cries and answered our prayer.
Sophie referred to the first encounter several of us had with Kevin Wood, our pastor. We heard a humble man, crying out to God on behalf of sooooooo many. It moved me to tears. We all walked away with hearts full of excitement. What if? God, would you really send us Kevin and Traci? They don’t even know who we are!
I remember when we went to Brook Hills to hear him preach in person. They announced he was preaching that day and over 2,000 people stood up to cheer. Just so thrilled to have Kevin “in the house.” I remember thinking – there is NO WAY they’ll ever leave all of this to come to a no name church in Tupelo. They did -- because they were obedient to the extraordinary call God placed on their lives.
My journal in June 2006 reads “God, may we, in your perfect time, walk into that church we dream of. A place where your man stands with a heart for you alone and you MOVE like mighty rushing water through him. Lord - may ‘water gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert’”(obviously I was studying Isaiah at the time). Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. Lord, thank you for a humble leader and pastor whose heart is tender and whose compassion runs deep. Thank you for Traci, whose giftedness runs deep and wide. Thank you for their servant hearts and gentle spirits. We love them so much!! If you haven’t had the opportunity to get to know them PLEASE reach out to them. They are fun lovin, hilarious, REAL, authentic, and bold believers!
Trace Crossing, my prayer is that we would be a grateful people, that we would never run short of expressing our gratefulness to our staff who all do more behind the scenes than we’ll ever know. We always want to be a body that prays for God to MOVE - to remove our “me” attitudes so that he can – and that thanks him in gratefulness with our praise.
My prayer for Trace Crossing:
Lord, thank you for Trace Crossing. Thank you for Kevin. Lord, we pray that you would protect his heart and pour out your blessings on him. May we be a body that expresses our gratefulness to your love and mercy with our very lives. Lord, you have richly blessed our faith family again and again and again. Forgive us Lord where we fall short daily and have mercy on us Father. May we be a grateful people who serves and loves you passionately.
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