by Craig McAndrews | Nov 23, 2015 | Articles, Testimonies
I recently took a trip to Haiti where I had the opportunity to participate in my first international mission trip. I was hesitant to go and nervous about what to expect, but the work God did in me during that trip made me grateful for the opportunity. The experience taught me a number of things including what it means to live with boldness and courage despite my tendency to live with prejudice and fear. During the trip, there were so many uncomfortable moments for me that ultimately, I just let go and leaned in to whatever was happening. This was never more true than when I spent time in an orphanage. Don’t get me wrong, I love kids, but I am most comfortable with kids who look the same way my kids look, which is not what you get in Haiti. The first time I stepped through the doors of the Creche (means Cradle in Haitian), I was bumrushed by little boys. They ran up to us, and held up their arms which every parent knows is the international signal for “hold me”. I knew what it meant, but I didn’t know these boys at all, so it was really awkward. However, they didn’t care, and I didn’t have enough time to process the situation. The only response was to pick them up, or get knocked down in the process. So I scooped a couple to them up, and after a few minutes, I knew this was what I should be doing. The children in that orphanage were energetic, loving, kind, playful and curious. The boys just wanted...
by Craig McAndrews | Oct 26, 2015 | Articles, Testimonies
I heard a radio station share a story that really caught my attention. The host was discussing a study done by a prominent institution that revealed three characteristics of children who grew up in the church and continued to grow in their faith long after they went out on their own. I was super interested in the article because I have two boys at home who are involved in our church, have professed faith in Christ, periodically read their Bible and aren’t afraid to pray. However, I also know that they are young (15 and 11), and a good bit of their faith is still connected to my wife and I. The research suggested that the most important skills adopted were: (1) They learned how to read and study the Bible (2) They were taught how to share the gospel (3) They actively participated in discipling other believers. For anyone that is a follower of Christ and has studied the calling of Jesus this list may seem like Christ-follower 101. However, I realized that no one is going to teach these skills to my boys except for me; it is what God has called me to do! So to that end, I set out on a mission to equip my boys to do each of these. I would love to share with you the great success I am having by highlighting the progress of our work by listing the verses they have memorized, the number of people they have led to Christ, or the number of friends they are actively discipling. Unfortunately, none of that is really happening. The...
by Sean Moorhead | Sep 14, 2015 | Articles, Testimonies
“[W]e are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Cor 10:5c I believe that the basics of the Christian life – basic blocking and tackling – happens between our ears (in our minds). Every sin either starts with a thought or consists of a thought, so how we handle our thoughts is critical. Sometimes I feel like I have a random thought generator in my head. There is stuff that God hears and I hear that I would never share with any human being (except perhaps an accountability brother). Talking with guys, I believe a lot of men have the same experience. Where do these thoughts come from? I’m not exactly sure, but it is usually safe to assume that such thoughts come from the world, the flesh, or the devil, or some collusive combination. What do we do with those thoughts? My current Paul (Christian mentor) says we need to change the channel of our minds. But how actually do we do that? From martial arts, I’ve taught myself to think in terms of “the instant of the thought.” Some martial arts teach actions at the instant of the punch, the instant of the grab, or the instant of the kick. We train to respond immediately and reflexively in those instances. I believe as intentional Christians, we ought to train ourselves to respond immediately and reflexively at the instant of a thought. I see this modeled by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Matthew chapter 4 and Luke chapter 4 Jesus faced temptation by the master deceiver and master accuser. Jesus responded in the same manner...
by MIMADMIN | May 8, 2015 | Testimonies
In the summer, two of my grandsons and I were meeting weekly for bible study. When school started it became difficult to schedule time for the study. One of the boys mentioned that a friend had set a goal to read through the bible in one year. I made a commitment to the boys to also read through the bible during the coming year and send to them by e-mail my thoughts on some portion of the scripture I had read each day. An example follows: Numbers 19, 20, Psalm 28 & Mark 5 Mark 5:16 Those who had seen it described to them how it had happened to the demon-possessed man, and all about the swine. 17 And they began to implore Him to leave their region . 18 As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was imploring Him that he might accompany Him. 19And He did not let him, but He said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed. (Observation) When Jesus ordered the legion of demons to “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” they ask to be sent into a herd of swine. Jesus allowed it and the swine drowned. The people were afraid and ask Jesus to leave. The cleansed man wanted to leave with Jesus, but Jesus commanded him to be a witness...
by Rob Amerine | May 8, 2015 | Testimonies
If you have been walking with Christ for more than a few years you’ve probably found yourself wondering at some point “why is making Him a priority everyday so hard ?” The greatest command given to us is simply, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Luke 22:37) Now we all know the challenge is figuring how to apply it in our own lives but even more challenging is trying to encourage another brother to do the same. Many years ago I got into a discussion with a brother that I was meeting 1-on-1 with about the importance of spending daily quiet time with God and being in His Word. After many failed attempts and him making re-commitments week after week the resounding reason he provided for not spending this time each day is that he was just “too busy” and felt that spending time with God each day would take away from the growth of his business. Not realizing what I was saying I was led to ask “Can you then show me on a spreadsheet how spending time with God each day for 15 or 30 minutes would directly decrease the profits of your business?” He responded “so do you mean how can I measure my return on investment for the time I spend with God?” I hadn’t thought of it that way yet but this started a great conversation of how we should focus on investing our time and gifts in eternity and not for worldly reward but even more so it really made...
by MIMADMIN | May 8, 2015 | Testimonies
“For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.” Matthew 25:35,36 NASB For lack of a better phrase, the Church on the Street (CotS) Discipleship Program is a Christian boot-camp. Men and women from all different walks of life have completed this program. Mostly, however, applicants come from two primary pools, the homeless and recently released prisoners. The program is for the man who has realized his life needs an overhaul and is willing to put himself under strict authority to do it. JAIL AND PRISON SERVICES Every week, CotS staff and volunteers organize and perform more than forty worship services inside the jails and prisons of Arizona. At these events, prisoners hear the Gospel of Christ, and often hear it from those who have been through prison themselves. These services give hope in a place where, usually, hope is lost. Many receive God’s free gift here, an eternity assured from within the darkest of earthly places. (I have had the privilege of speaking at one of these services.) NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES More than thirty-five CotS neighborhood outreaches occur each week. Here staff, volunteers and program disciples participate in feeding, clothing and witnessing to those who attend. At each event, the speaker will invite the attendees to invite Jesus into their lives. Those who express an interest are told about the Discipleship Program. The journey often begins with a two week stay at the CotS Homeless Shelter. The application and interview processes then occur....
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