Guest Blogger: Leonard

Leonard is a dear brother in ministry from California. Here's what's on his heart/mind today:

Go make disciples… These are the marching orders of our friend, Jesus. On the surface it seems simple and sometimes when we read the accounts in the book of Acts the details of how disciples were made gets lost in the fact that people were converted. Of course Jesus makes it easy to understand, travel with 12 guys for three plus years and “viola’” you have disciples. I have been in ministry over 25 years and still struggle to make disciples, but here are a few of my random thoughts that I am trying to flesh out as I endeavor to carry out the marching orders of my friend, Jesus.

Make discipleship about becoming a friend of God rather than looking like a Christian. Near the end of Jesus ministry he pulls his guys together and says. I am not calling you servants anymore; I am calling you friends because a friend knows what their friend is up to. (this is the Leonard's slandered perversion) As I disciple people one of the primary truths I try to teach is what a friendship with God looks like. Here are a few of the descriptions I try to apply.

I want people to understand the size of their friend. When I was a kid I was short. I had a couple big friends. The size of my friends gave me confidence to be a bit of a daredevil smarty pants. I could muster up courage to say things I might not have were it not for the size of my friends riding backup. One reason for boldness is the size of our friend. God is immeasurable and honestly, that is cool. When faced with a tough conversation or decision I will often think, “Do you know how big my friend is? He can do anything!”

I want people to understand loyalty. Loyalty is the quality in a friendship that allows us to not understand and still remain close friends. I have to admit, sometimes it is loyalty in my friendship with Christ that holds me until the fog can clear.

I want people to understand gratefulness. When gratefulness is in a friendship, faithfulness is in a friendship. I cannot remain faithful to any friendship I am not grateful for and I cannot be grateful unless I choose humility. The key to any great friendship is putting your friend first. No greater love hand any man than this than he lay down his life for his friends. This is not just a statement about Christ’s friendship with me but a standard for my friendship with him and his frineds.

Familiarity is huge in a great friendship. I have a buddy and we simply know. I know what he is thinking and he knows what I am thinking. This has made for the best in our friendship. We rarely have to apologize to each other because we rarely offend each other. We talk for hours on end, repeating stories because we know we love to hear each others thinking. We know exactly how to encourage each other because we are aware of each others strengths and weaknesses. This has happened by logging the time necessary to be familiar. Familiarity breeds contempt only when humility is absent.

I want people to understand love. Love is the action word for all friendships. Love is what causes me to live out the desires of my friend’s heart. In other words I love what my friend loves because I love my friend. Love is what drives remembering the values of friendship and of my friend in the middle of life. Here is another one of my slanderd perversions of scripture.

Love is the act of kindness; love is patience applied; love is the enjoyment of my friends success (does not envy), love is the sharing of my success; (does not boast), love is seeking others first, love is choosing to not let hurt turn into anger; love chooses to erase the chalk board of offense; love holds on to holiness while being embarrassed by sin; love shields friends and friendship from harm; love starts every conversation believing the best; love is confident love is the best path; (love hopes) love hangs in and love holds the line when nothing else will. 1 Corinthians 13 kind of…

I want people to understand sacrifice. Great friendships are never based upon doing the minimum but upon sacrifice. No friendship ever grew deep without generosity. This is really the premise of “we love because he loved first.” God’s sacrificial, generous investment of love into my life is why I love.

Here is the impact. When friendship is a primary value, the tools for friendship are not burdensome. Church, the bible, prayer, giving, witnessing, serving are all on the list of good Christians but in reality these do not make me a good Christian, they are how I express and build friendship. Because I value my friendship with Christ these become no brainier’s to me, not burdens of being a Christian.

For discussion: How do you build your friendship with God? How do you teach others to build a friendship with God?

Cheese - Local News.

"Cheese" will be discussed Tuesday (November 20th) afternoon from 1-4 at the American Town Hall next to the library on Travis Street.

I first posted about Cheese in June...

Cheese? A Warning!

Hello. You've Reached The....

If you were to call the number we give as our home phone.. you would think you've dialed the wrong number unless you know my maiden name or my mother's name. The voice would be that of the man who was my dad and had been her husband and etc.... Time marches on....

This morning, the woman of the house gave her son-in-law and daughter (me) permission to now change the message on the phone. We've been waiting for her to make the decision in her own timing. This is one area where life has been a little strange for the past year plus. And yet, it has served a great reminder in so many ways....

Our Father longs for us to know and recognize His voice.. For it to bring us comfort and all that should be associated with a father's love. I can still recall the sound of my daddy's voice. And yet, today just like yesterday.... and God's will permitting... like tomorrow.. it is not my favorite voice to know or have known.... There is only One Real Father.

Whose voice would answer your inner phone?

"Letting It Roll."

As someone told me last night, "Camey? Your family lives the weirdest life. I'm not sure how you guys keep up with it all." This morning, I definitely have to agree. Back when we surrendered to full-time ministry in 2004, we knew we were in for a wild ride... Little did we know. And yet we suspected....

This morning my hubby said, "We're letting it roll." This statement comes after the wildest day in ministry yet. And given a few of the ones we've had thus far... that's saying a lot. My long gray brunette hair feels like it is has been in an electric socket. And yet, I'm having to laugh. More than any thing else... praising God and seeking His face.

As I said yesterday.... we're in transition. That was never more clear than on November 14th, 2007. It's like we're standing on the edge of today... of tomorrow.... the very next moment. It is one of those times in life where God is more of a mystery to me than normal. If you were to see the map of my/our life up until now.. you would know that is huge statement coming from me. I am a woman who wasn't supposed to have children. We have three sons.... one of which almost died three times in his first month of life and is as healthy as a horse today. I've known what it is to be fed, bathed, unable to move due to being paralyzed from the neck down and told there is no hope. I've seen the doctors faces when a complete healing with no medical explanation has taken place. Mystery.....

Before my hubby and I surrendered to full-time ministry, he was all set to be a life-long employee of the company he was working for. In 2005, he/we walked away from the benefits of full-time employment with a major company for 17 years. We gave away and/or sold almost every thing we've had the blessing of calling ours.... All because of this mystery.

And letting it roll never sounded so good. Never sounded so freeing. Because one thing we've come to feel in our bones is that this life is not ours..... and as much as we think we know we can determine what tomorrow will hold... it remains a mystery... as does today.. this moment.

How are you letting it roll?

For the Love of Trouble

Trouble wears her name well. I was fortunate to spend some time with her earlier. The conversations we have are some of the most heavy hitting of any I've ever had with anyone. She walked up to me in the foyer of the physical church building and asked, "So what's new that you can talk about?" We hugged as we always do... unless of course one of us ain't hugging that day for whatever the reason....

Like I was sharing with Trouble, I know individuals who say that most of their closest friends, along with themselves, smoke weed on a regular basis. They do not honestly see any thing wrong with it. And I know that someone reading this might just fall on that side too. All I can say is that I personally do not believe it is the thing to do. Does that mean I won't walk through life with that individual?.... with you? No, that's not what that means.

For the love of Trouble.... we understand that all we can do is be there. To pray for whatever is going on that is causing someone to want to do drugs in the first place. For most know that it may start with weed but rarely stays there..... it can have life long affects... and effects....

Trouble is old enough to be my grandmother. We both believe that Jesus is answer. There is no age gap in that belief.

Pray for Trouble's extended family. And pray for your own and mine too. Drugs do touch all of our lives whether or not we inhale, snort, shoot up,....... ourselves.

Conversations With Austin

First I have to start by saying.... Man, I love that kid. Thank You, Lord for the gift of him.

Austin and I have the most in-depth conversations normally when going to and from the physical church building. Hubby and I believe in sharing with our sons what is truly happening in our lives on age (spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical) level scale. Today's conversation was raw and honest to the core.

Austin has been called into the ministry. The specifics are not known as of yet. He is definitely a leader already and greatly involved in numerous areas. The conversation today was the perfect opportunity to really speak about the struggles, that as individuals, we can have about listening to God and following His will no matter what that means.

Along the lines of "God's will permitting"..... We talked about the fact that I plan things as a woman minister with the understanding that I follow his dad. I am committed to being wherever he is at and whatever God has for our lives. At times, that definitely puts me in a strange and uncomfortable place. I wouldn't be any where else honestly. I'm not an in the box type of person. That's not who God has called me to be...... nor my hubby.... or our family.

I am so thankful for conversations with Austin. I am grateful that his love for God outweighs his comfort level. And that he understands that his mom looks to his dad as the spiritual leader of our household. Yes, his mom was called into ministry also..... But not to overshadow his dad. His dad supports his mom 100% as his mom does him. We do so with the understanding that at the beginning of the day, at the end..... and every moment in the middle.... it is not about us....

It is all about Him. And after all.... aren't all Christ-followers called to follow Him... to serve?

God's Will Permitting. Tranformers.

Someone noticed that I have started saying, "God's will permitting."

God's will permitting.... for while one can make plans for tomorrow, tomorrow is truly an unknown.

And yes, at this moment we are seeking God's will for our lives. Aren't we always supposed to be?

At this moment, we are in a specific time of transition. We ask for your prayers.

I submit to you, however, as Christ-followers, we should remain in the state of transition.

Why? Growing in Him. Not remaining the same today as we were yesterday.

He is the Ultimate Transformer!

Crashing Waves

If you are a Christ-follower, where are you this moment?

Are you in the boat, sitting all nice and neat and safe?

Or are you out in the crashing waves knowing it is only with His hand can you walk?

Engulf His Word. Let it permeate your heart. And then ask His help.

Get out of the boat and into the crashing waves.

Know that He is there ready to meet you.

Don't be lukewarm or cold. Be HOT!

Crashing Waves. His net is secure.

You Raise Me Up

Today concluded the parenting class that I have been teaching the last 10 weeks at our physical church building. As I sit here thinking back over the classes, I cannot help but be beyond thankful. My main purpose as a Bible study teacher, no matter what the particular study may concentrate on, is to always bring individuals back to the cross and to the empty tomb. To help each individual grow in their walk with Jesus or to want to start one if they haven't already. Another purpose is to come up along side of them and help them in areas where they might need a hand. This sort of thing is not possible in of my own accord. It is only possible with the guidance of His Spirit.

I started off the very first class by being as transparent as I know how to be. And I stayed that course for the remainder of the classes. One thing I've learned time and time again, the more I show myself to be real, the more real I become. Apparently, at times, I can be intimidating. Or so I've been told. One of the Titus 2 women in my life told me before this class, "Camey? You just let your hair down and let them see you." I even took my shoes off and provided chocolate like I do for my Sunday group. God is good.

This class was by far one of the best ones I've ever been a part of. It is only in Him that I boast. For it is only Him who can take such a diverse group of women and a teacher like me and come up with a formula for success. In January, God's will permitting of course, I am scheduled to teach a marriage class. Upon sharing this information with this class, I asked for a show of hands of those who would be interested, all but one raised her hand. I asked a couple of the women afterwards what could I do next time to help them get even more out of the study than they did this time. They both said, "Camey? Do it like you did this one. Continue to follow His lead."

I am convinced all the more after this class that my research over the years holds true. That individuals long for others to come up along side of them and simply walk with them - warts and all. When we are able to share from our hearts, all pretenses left at the door, the Word can truly come alive in ways that are only possible because of Him. I shared my struggles as a Christ-follower, as a wife, and as a parent. And they in turn, shared back. And in the end, we were each brought back to the cross and the empty tomb.

It is finished because He alone raised each one of us up.

Signed,
A grateful teacher and life long student

Marriage: It Takes More Than Two

So..... I start this with a confession. Normally, hubby/Brother G, is gone on Mondays. I had been planning on blogging on this subject today for a couple of weeks now. He didn't leave home until just a little bit ago. Apparently, I've been walking around with a certain kind of smile on my face all day. He kept calling me out on it. He knows I am up to something. What, he doesn't know.... It is no coincidence that I am writing on this subject today and he is doing what he is doing tonight.... preaching to pastors/preachers on the subject of marriage. As I sit here at his computer listening to his music and having lifted him up in prayer, I am filled with joy.

Earlier, he gave me his sermon outline to read. I had to laugh. If you remember back in the post on "Spiritual Intimacy," I referenced a certain commercial. He has the same reference as part of his sermon. And I think that goes to show the validity of this post even more so. He and I are on the same page. That doesn't necessarily happen because of the two of us.... but because of the three. We are not in this marriage just as a husband and a wife; nor as a man and woman alone.

As with the premise behind "Spiritual Intimacy," I write about marriage and he preaches. One thing we've learned over our many years together, marriage is not just about us. It cannot fully be all God intends for it to be when we're in it for ourselves. The world tells us that if we're not happy 24/7, and/or if our spouse is not meeting all our needs/wants, it's okay for us to just leave. Yet, one thing we know for certain is that it is humanly impossible for any one person to meet all our needs. They were not intended to do so in the first place. Marriage should be based on the foundation of God and then built with His guiding hand every single day, not just on Sunday or before chowing down at the table or at some holiday.

One thing that can help couples become closer in their marriage is praying together. It definitely works for us. They don't have to be fancy, formal, long prayers. Just prayers that speak from the heart and are open to the fact that God truly knows what is best for us even when we can't always see tomorrow or the next moment. In understanding better what is best for us also comes the fact that it may and probably will include trials and storms.... It is being found faithful to looking to Him through the thick and thin... and then to each other. His love is what truly binds two hearts together and intertwines them as one.

Marriage is made even more complicated when a child or children are involved. One reason why so many marriages are in trouble today is that the couple has forgotten to be a couple. They've become so engrossed in being "mom" or "dad" or "the parents" that they don't make time to stay connected like they were before. Dating each other is vital to having a healthy marriage. Does that mean that the dates have to be expensive and the two of you get all dolled up or dressed to the nines? Nah. Dates can be simply going out for coffee, grabbing a bite to eat, sitting and talking without any interruptions. We had a great date just this past Saturday night. We went to a matinee movie, had dinner and then got coffee. We were home by 8:30 p.m. And yet, that date spoke volumes to our children about their parents and our marriage. We aim for at least one date a week.

Marriage should be a triangle with God as the center top point.

If you're married? How's it going this moment? Where is God in it? And where are you with God?

More to come on this subject. Stay tuned.

TURKEY!

Okay local church body. We need 125 more turkeys by this Sunday.

That's by this Sunday. Please do your part to help make this a blessed Thanksgiving for neighbors in our community.

C'mon....... TURKEYS!

On Being Silent.

It always strikes me as funny when someone says to me that I am being too silent. I received that message from two different individuals today. Interestingly enough? I'm not normally around these two people that often in the first place. This is my official position on being silent.

There are definitely times when I am silent on purpose. My thoughts or opinions on a particular issue are not necessarily warranted. Instead of just being another voice in the crowd, I choose to be silent. Now that does not mean that I do not care about the issue at hand, it just means that I probably would not have any thing new to add to the conversation. Or it could mean that what I might add could be taken a couple of ways. Instead of taking the chance on being misunderstood and then possibly taken out of context when quoted, I keep my mouth shut.

What really struck me though about one of the times this morning, I was being silent because I had been talking and then decided to listen instead. When I closed my mouth, opened my ears, and truly listened, I knew it was not necessary for me to say more. To do so would have been squashing the Spirit's voice telling me to stay silent.

There are times when it is okay for me to speak. There are other times when it is best for me to be silent. In my own relationship with the Lord, I'd rather stay silent because He has told me to, than to open my mouth and be being disobedient just to have a voice on an issue.

That's my official position on being silent.

Signed,
Sometimes silence is golden

It's Okay to Say "No"

Hubby and I have been doing a good amount of praying, studying, and trying to model what we believe God has laid out for us as parents. At times that does require saying "No" to others. Even if you do say, "Oh, Geez!" at the thought.

Brother G just received a phone call from someone. They were wanting Brother G and I to go out to dinner with them. They have free passes for dinner at a restaurant that is having their grand opening. We've been talking about this restaurant opening for months. Months. It is without a doubt one of our favorites. It is one of our fondest memories of the big city life. Brother G said, "No." I said, "Oh, Geez!" and then quickly came to my senses.

We're often told that in ministry it is a bad idea to say "no" when someone calls like that. I submit to you this is not always the case. Such as tonight.... Hubby (aka the boys' dad) has been working on dinner for the five of us for the last 30 minutes. He's grilling some chicken. Yum. The boys all know the intent is to sit down together, eat, and share as a family. What would it have said to them if we had suddenly said we were going out and they were staying home instead?

The restaurant will still be there tomorrow.. (hopefully.. this is small town Texas remember?) The individuals are more than just ministry associates. But our boys? They deserve quality time with their parents. They deserve our undivided attention.

It's okay to say "No"..... Your family might just thank you.

Signed,
A Thankful Wife and Mother

Pulled Up Street Signs

There are currently numerous pulled up street signs all over this highly secure gated community. I must confess... this perplexes the heck out of me. It also has caused me to think about the signs in our own lives.

When coming up to the end of our running buddies' street, there used to be a Stop sign. Now, it is hanging out in the grass as if someone has given permission to just turn one way or another without even stopping to look both directions. They live off one of the main roads that go through this highly secure gated community. It is full of twists and curves. Some of which are located right by their street. Just turning without looking both ways could result in an accident. Should there be a Stop sign or perhaps a Yield sign instead? Is a sign really even needed at all?

One sign that I think has been overlooked here in this highly secure gated community is in regards to the high population of deer. I, personally, think it would be greatly beneficial to have "Deer Crossing" signs in areas where the deer are known to hang out. Given where our home is, it is not uncommon to have 10 to 50 deer on either side of the street... at some point, they are going to want to cross the street. Can't tell you the number of times I've had to hit the breaks because of those precious deer. Oh, for those who don't know... if you hit a deer, you get a ticket. They even send an ambulance for the deer if it is hurt or killed. I know where the deer are for the most part because I live here. What about for those who are just visiting or are new? Yes, the deer are part of what draws many to this highly secure gated community and yet, they can be an utter nuisance. Or perhaps it us humans that are so....

Without signs, do we know which way to go or not? Do we know to slow down or that a sharp turn is coming up ahead? Do we know that 15 mph is the best speed instead of 40? Do we know that there is a school zone ahead? Do we realize the road we are on is a dead end?

While the pulled up street signs have perplexed the heck out of me.. they've also given me much food for thought:

• Do we have pulled up street signs in our own lives?
• Do we even really pay attention to most of the signs we see daily?
• Do we come to a complete stop when the sign says to or do we just yield or slide right on by?
• What signs need to put down firmly that aren't currently even there?

As always, your comments and prayer requests are welcome here. Let that be a sign that God loves you today wherever you are.


*This Just In via email: The signs were pulled up in masses due to a signage replacement program by the highly secure gated community. When will the new signs will be put into place? Now THAT remains to be seen. Until then, please drive with caution.

November 8, 2006 - 2007

I've been asked to reflect upon this day last year and my thoughts on what the Lord has taught me over the time in-between the dash until today. To start, I will share part of an email that numerous individuals received from me a year ago:

"Dear Ones, Today I walked outside the front door to get the mail. Oh how the warmth brushed my face and brought a smile to it with its touch. Upon returning to the door, I noticed a package in front of it, directly in front of it. The same door I had walked out of just moments before. The package was addressed to me. Upon opening it I found a box, a card and a certificate. Inside the box contained a heart, a cross and an anchor on a charm. The note read in part as follows: "A cross to remind us of why we do what we do, a heart to remind us to do all through His love and an anchor that grounds us when storms blow." Our God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He has no birth date. He has always been and will always be. So while the storm may appear to be blowing still in our grieving process, the anchor is secure. We are on solid ground. For while you all know how much I loved my daddy, it in no way compares to my Father."

As I sit here looking at that heart, cross, and anchor, I cannot help but smile and be filled with joy. Daddy passed on a week before his 66th birthday. The package arrived on November 8th - a week later. I've been asked to share specifically what I've learned about ministry since that day. It is from the perspective of a thankful heart that I share the following....

I've had some of the most difficult moments in ministry since that day. And yet, some of the most rewarding. The journey is one that keeps me on my knees and literally on my toes. I've been called to walk with the seen and the unseen and at times it has been surprising which ones are which. And yet, I know it comes as no surprise to Him. I've been in hotel rooms, on the side of the road, in the physical church building, beside a bed at hospitals, caskets.... just to name a few; wherever He has told me to go.

Through it all, I would have to say that the biggest blessings and lessons have honestly come from right where I am currently at this moment.... in the home... Our life is complicated and yet really very simple. Each of the individuals who live in this home are Christ-followers. Each are growing and seeking His face daily. We've cried tears, had the most serious of serious talks, laughed, hugged, and yes... as is expected, even at times, been angry. Yet, through it all we've learned to trust in Jesus.. God... even more.

Last night, hubby was talking to one of his aunts on the phone. As I sat there listening to him talk about daddy.... I couldn't help but smile so deeply in my soul.... I'm incredibly blessed to have had a Godly man like daddy. Yet, the one whom I was sitting on the bed beside of blows me away all the more. And honestly, it is all because of the heart, cross and the anchor that is God.... is Jesus Christ.

Signed,
A Most Thankful Child of God

Social Hazard: More Than a T

It is not a secret that the guys in our household enjoy wearing t-shirts with sayings on them. Austin came home just a bit ago. As he walked up to me to talk about his day so far, I couldn't help but notice which shirt he was wearing today. It says, "Social Hazard: I Will Not Conform." It references Romans 12:2, which says: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."

They purposefully wear t-shirts to make individuals think and/or to help start conversations or to make various statements. Yes, even hubby/Brother G with his Speed Racer shirt. I'll save that one for another time. That is the truth in writing...... lol

Austin was sitting on my right side last night when we were listening to his middle brother play in the band. I asked him if being at a football stadium reminded him of days back when he was in public school. His response to me was, "Nah. Not really. I would much rather do school the way I do it now."

Austin attends a home school academy which meets at our physical church building. This is his second year to do so. He has been home schooled now since the middle of his seventh grade year. He is in tenth grade this year. We took him out of the public school system we were a part of back then due to the system failing him. It was without question the right thing to do.

Our two other sons both attend public schools. They will continue to do so for now. We believe that as their parents, it is our God-given responsibility and privilege to do what is in the best interest of each child and our family as a whole. We believe that God is the Ultimate Teacher and, then, we as their parents follow. We do not believe that at any point in time are we to surrender their education strictly to others; whether it be the public system or a home school academy or a private school....... nor....... to the church alone.

For Austin in particular.... he will tell you that the most important events in history are the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And frankly, these parents are thankful that he will not conform; for to do so would go against every thing he lives and breathes by his own decision to do so.

His shirt is more than a T....... It is ALIVE.

How are you purposefully renewing your mind today? And are you being truly transformed?

And the Band Played On.

Tonight will go down in our books as another first. Trav's band was playing for the game between the only two middle schools in town. Since Brother G was at the physical church building for a meeting... I had the privilege of being the chauffeur for Austin, Parker, my mom, Hoover (aka her boyfriend) and of course Travis.

It was fairly chilly outside given the fact that we've had a bit of a cold front come through since last night. Given the fact that it is November, it is greatly welcomed. Travis loves playing the trumpet as I've shared before. He really enjoys being in the band especially since most of it takes place during school hours.

Our sons do not participate in sports other than the occasional game of golf or shooting hoops in front of our home or throwing the baseball or football with their brothers and/or friends. We believe that most organized sports takes too much time away from our family and what we are committed to in living life. It is a decision that our sons fully support.

As I sat there videotaping Travis off and on..... I couldn't help but watch his face and how he interacted with the other middle school students. He doesn't miss a beat that is really important in his life. And the band played on.

Huge Thank You!

I would personally like to thank Kim H. for substituting for me today for the parenting class. Although I hear she tried to get out of it when my hubby showed up to drop off the staples. Thank you Kim!

Can't wait to hear how things went in my absence. As always, God is good all the time.

Signed,
My Butt Stayed Home

PS: If you see me tonight and I walk the other direction. I'm avoiding hugging you. Trust me. You'll be glad.

HUGE PRAISE!

Briggs is being released from the hospital today! What a huge praise!

Definitely a miracle. Thank You, Lord.

Thank you to all who have prayed for Briggs and his family. Please continue to do so. One of the most powerful events I've witnessed was the 100+ men, women, and children who gathered one Saturday evening and prayed at the doors of Cooks Children's Hospital.

He was only given a couple of weeks to live. It just goes to show... No one truly knows except Him.

Psalm 118:8 says: "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man."

Special Report: Golf Ministry. The Cranny.

Links Players International - Special Report
DALLAS - The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Links Players International, held October 29-30, was anything but regular. Significant additions are leading to the expansion of the ministry in order to engage men and women to consider and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, Lord, and Treasure.
Jeffrey Cranford named presidentTo begin, PGA professional Jeffrey Cranford, who played as a top club professional in the 2006 PGA Championship at Medinah Country Club, was named as the president of the organization, with the primary responsibility of presenting the vision of the ministry to golfers around the world.
Cranford has been an LPI board member since 2004, chosen primarily because of his long-time involvement as the head of Highways & Hedges, a regional ministry in a California’s famous golf hotspot, the Coachella Valley. Through Highways & Hedges, Cranford has led Bible studies at La Quinta Country Club, Bermuda Dunes Country Club, Rancho La Quinta Country Club, Desert Horizons Country Club, The Vintage Club, and—beginning in November—the Trilogy Golf Club. All of this, as well as passing on these studies to leaders he has discipled, is in keeping with the Highways & Hedges mission to bring the Good News of Christ to those behind the walls of country clubs.
Cranford will lead the expression of this mission to golfers in the United States and abroad. At present, this is being done through two principal messages: (1) the need to conduct spiritual due diligence, an idea supported by the most recent series of Links Players Bible studies, authored by Cranford and Links Players COO Jeff Hopper, and (2) the inspirational message that “You’re Hired!”, a charge ignited by the parable of the workers in Matthew 20:1-16. Cranford and Hopper have begun work on a book that will encapsulate these and other important themes in engaging influential men and women to impact the world for Christ.
New Board members namedJoining Cranford at Links Players are three of his board members, who were elected to the LPI Board of Directors. These include Greg Solis of La Quinta, California; George Garza of Indio, California; and Harold Andrews of Dana Point, California. Also added to the LPI Board of Directors was Dennis Darville, Vice-President for Ministry Development for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Mission-minded vision adoptedThese men, along with the standing Board of Directors of Links Players, approved an exciting new vision and mission for the ministry, one that emphasizes the missionary nature of the work being done regionally by Randy Wolff (hired in Dallas in January 2006) and Tom Gray (hired in Atlanta in August 2007). Read this new vision here.
Links Players will look to add regional directors in the Southwest, Northwest, North Central and Northeast regions of the United States. Seed money is being and will continue to be raised in order to bring these directors on board, enabling to begin their work as funding bases are developed to support them in their regions.
Media ministry expandsThe Links media ministries—which include www.linksplayers.com, the Links Daily Devotional, the Links Letter magazine, Links Players Bible studies, and Links resources such as the Course of Life and player testimony scorecard tracts—will be expanded to feature the teaching of Jeffrey Cranford and other Links Players national and regional leaders. In the beginning of 2008, audio and video resources will become increasingly available on the Links Players web site, offered as free downloads and on order as CDs and DVDs.
Because Highways & Hedges has been responsible for organizing outreaches at the PGA Tour’s Bob Hope Desert Classic and Buick Invitational, new Links Players resources will look to include DVDs from these events, as well as from a new event at the Nissan Open in Los Angeles.
Connections aboundWith the increase of regional activity and local Links Fellowships, the resources produced by Links Players will seek to meet the demands of these Fellowships for materials that promote spiritual growth among golfers.