Servant Evangelism Tip for This Week

Hey everyone, I want to thank Camey for adding me as a contributor to her blog. What a blessing that is! Starting this week, we will be posting a new servant evangelism tip on the Life In the Moments blog each week. These will be practical, helpful little tips that will assist you with integrating the "servant evangelism" model into your regular, ongoing outreach ministry. If you come up with an idea for an outreach, we would love to hear about it! Here's this week's tip:


Learning to work together, even on a small job -- can help a group become closer. Get your small group involved in a hands-on project. The project might be in the home of one of your group members, or it might be at your church or another location where people are in need of some volunteer help. Here are some tips:


Consider the skill level needed for the job -- is it laying tile, changing or fixing a faucet, hanging window coverings, painting rooms with decorative techniques, or refinishing wood floors? If it's beyond the average person's skill, arrange for a specialist to teach on the topic and demonstrate the methods involved. Check local hardware and home improvement centers to see if you can find someone willing to teach your group.


Determine what materials your church will provide and what group members need to bring. Make sure any supplies and tools are on hand.


Present a short devotional on Nehemiah 2:17-3:5 either before or after your project. In the face of oppression and ridicule, Nehemiah led his people to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. They depended on God to give them success. They dedicated their work to the Lord, and tackled it together. Help group members understand that even when they face adversity in life, relationships, or marriage, they can depend on God to give them success. Encourage them to approach the home improvement project with Nehemiah in mind, remembering that God called them to work together.

God's Love - All That and a Bag of Chips

What a glorious sight it was last Saturday during the Love Granbury Kindness Explosion - 10 different churches outside their walls taking God's love into their communities, many of them working together in the same neighborhoods. It truly was an amazing day.

One of the most amazing things about servant evangelism is how common, ordinary items or acts become extraordinary when offered out of a heart overflowing with God's love. It's so cool to watch as a hot dog, a cookie, a bottle of water, or a bag of chips transforms before your very eyes into a tangible expression of God's love! In the same way, a simple act like pumping someone's gas and washing their windshield becomes a holy moment in time. We live in such a "nothing for free" society, that when faced with the prospect of getting something for nothing, many people become highly suspect. It's not at all unusual to hear phrases like "what's the catch" or "why would you do that"? Even after you tell them that what you're doing is completely free, many people still want to know if you're accepting donations! When it finally starts to sink in that they are about to receive something for nothing, simply as a way to show them God's love, you can almost hear the door to their heart creek open ever so slightly. What a holy moment indeed!

Those moments were in abundant supply all over Hood County last Saturday. We may never truly know on this side of eternity how many seeds of God's love and kindness were planted by the Body of Christ this past weekend, but what we do know about is phenomenal! Here are the overall stats as we have them:

Over 500 people participating representing 10 different churches
Approximately 1,350 hot dog lunches (w/chips and drinks) given out
28 vehicles washed
1,676 bottles of water handed out
Over 500 cookies home baked and distributed to local businesses
12 widows home worked on
Pumped gas/washed windshields for approximately 300 people
Distributed approximately 3000 Healthy Kids Summer Lunch Program fliers door-to-door in all of our Healthy Kids neighborhoods as well as at the Granbury City Park and at Granbury Middle School.

All this done free of charge, no donations accepted, no strings attached...all to show God's love in a tangible way! And remember that with each contact, whether it was from handing someone a free hot dog, a bottle of water, washing their vehicle or pumping their gas, each person was handed a "kindness card" with the simple message that what we were doing was a free gift...just like God's love is free! What a simple, yet profoundly powerful message!

As we talked about at the Saturday evening celebration service, the way to truly make Kindness Explosion 08 a real success, is for each of the participating churches to make the commitment to integrate some form of "servant evangelism" into their normal routine of ongoing ministry. Whether it's monthly, semi-monthly, quarterly, or whatever, there's simply nothing more powerful to a watching world than our churches getting outside their four walls and into their communities to share the love of Christ through servant ministry with no strings attached. To God be all the honor and glory!

Little Acts Add Up!

As Christ followers, we are called to be His hands and feet. That is what Love Granbury helps represent - the hands and feet in action! Little acts add up. Seeds planted.

• 1676 free drinks given out in different locations all over Granbury
• 504 homemade cookies baked, bagged and delivered to the jail, juvenile center, admin building and etc.
• 12 widow houses received services such as lawn mowed, windows cleaned, repairs made and etc.
• The houses in CC, IH, and CH received fliers with details about Healthy Kids. These are not your typical gated communities. Access was granted due to the nature of the fliers and the hearts of those delivering them.
• Full service gas station, groceries bagged and taken out for customers at one local grocery stores. 600 free gift cards were given out.
• 154 people ages 2 to 69 participated from our body alone.

More testimonies to come. Stay tuned.

My Birthday Wish List....

For those of you who keep asking me what do I want for my 40th birthday today... here's my birthday wish list:

Do acts of kindness for those you come in contact with.

Be the hands and feet of God today if you are a Christ follower.

Take time to pray with/for someone whether you know them or not.

Make today count wherever you are at!!!!!

As always - you were prayed for just now.

Unashamed. Austin's Public Surrender.

Brother G and I are thrilled to announce that Austin surrendered publically this morning to ministry as his way of living life. For to us, ministry is not a vocation alone. It is just like breathing. It is like taking one step in front of another. It is Loving Granbury (or wherever one is at) 365 days a year and not just on one weekend.

Austin is unashamed to be a Christ follower. It is evident in the moments of his very being.

I'm stopping now.... For the tears consume me. There is no greater joy as his mother... his parents.. than watching him live life for God.

We're thankful to call him temporarily ours.

Testimony - Danielle C.

"I had an awesome time even though it was just passing out water and fliers. The look on people's faces when we told them that the water was free because God loved them, one man was speechless. Another one was so happy because someone had pumped her gas and now she was getting free water! This was one of the my best memories ever! God really took over Granbury today."

Danielle C. - 15 years old

(Fliers - During the summer months we have a ministry called Healthy Kids. It provides free lunches for any one age 18 and under at designated spots all around Granbury 5 days a week whether rain or shine. That's what the flier was about.)

Note from Camey: I had asked several of the teens to write a testimony about today. Danielle had this written within the first 5 minutes we were back at the physical church building. That's how excited she was/is! More to come......

Kindness Explosion 08!!!!!!

It's here! Love Granbury - Kindness Explosion 08!!!! What a gathering we had last night at GFUMC. Just Like Jonah was fantastic. They did a great job leading us in worship. "Mattness" gave us our marching orders to remember that it doesn't end tonight. It is to continue every single day. (Actually someone else had already said it... Scripture!) Today we're going out into Granbury and the surrounding areas and sharing/showing His love through acts of kindness. Lincness is producing more videos. The body in action!!!!

If you are not able to participate with us - please pray. Last count there are 10 "churches" represented. The same God!!!!! The G family cannot wait to share His love that He has so richly given us. Huge thanks to Micky, Shelley, Ryan, Cari, Linc, and etc..... It is a sheer blessing ministering with each of you. We love you!!

Watch for testimonies to come. Make today count wherever you are!

Today - just like every single day is a great day to serve the Lord by serving others.

Please Join Us..... Prayer Requests.

Please join us in praying for the following. They are listed in no particular order. Some are local - most are not.

Andrew - 5 days old
Caleb - 10 years old
CJ - 2 days old
Kieran - 7 years old
Lillian - 16 months old
Luke - 2 days old
Qu'aniaya - 2 weeks old
Akeeb - 6 days old
Austin - 11 months old
Enrique III, 17 years old
Ford and Hayden - 2 months old
Grace - 1 month old
Jacob - 5 days old
Kayden - 2 months old
Nathan - 2 months old
Stacy - 6 years old
Zamantha - 1 month old
Alex - 1 year old
Dylan - 7 weeks old
Kimberly - 13 years old
Marcus - 19 years old

Debbie K and family
The Brooks family
Asa and family
All of those ministering through Love Granbury this weekend
All of those who will be ministered to through Love Granbury
Janie and Steve S.
Crystal and family
Joyce and family
Julie and family
Brandi's family

Please feel free to leave prayer requests here via comment or through email.

Thank you for the privilege of praying for and with you.

20 Years - My Version

20 Years Ago – April 10, 1988

I saw your beautiful smile
I noticed your flowing hair
You sat by my side while we worshiped God
You picked me over the other pursuer
I wore boots and Wranglers
My heart was changed

20 Years Later April 10, 2008

Your smile has not changed
Your hair is still long and beautiful
We worship God more intently together
I am now second in your heart – Christ is first
I still wear boots and Wranglers
I love you more now than ever.

The next 20 Years – April 10, 2018

I don’t have the gift of Prophesy so I will live each day looking forward to the future.

What a great time I’ve had being your Husband and best friend. Thanks for keeping me the second most important person in your life.


Proverbs 31:10-31 Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good. 12 She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with willing hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far away. 15 She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her servants. 16 She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings. 17 She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong. 18 She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night. 19 She extends her hands to the spinning staff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20 Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all in her household are doubly clothed. 22 She makes her own bed coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes and sells linen garments; she delivers belts to the merchants. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle. 28 Her sons rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her: 29 "Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!" 30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised. 31 Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates.


Brother “G”

April 10th, 1988 - A Day in the Lives..

Some people celebrate their wedding anniversary. That's all good and fine. For hubby and I, we choose to celebrate the day we first met. The day that we walked into each other's lives and things would never be the same again. How God worked then and how He never has stopped.

This morning I am worshipping God. I am giving thanks to Him for the most incredible man I've ever known other than Jesus and my daddy. If you would have told me then that a simple act of turning around and inviting another person to sit with me and my friends so that individual would not be sitting alone would have the impact that it did ........ it would have blown my mind. Frankly, still does. A simple act of kindness.....

As I sit here thinking back over the 20 years - half of my life now... it is no surprise that I love this man even more deeply than yesterday or the day before or the day we married. His love for God is undeniable. And therefore, it is for me as his wife as well.

We have known the depth of joy and of sorrow. We have danced in the pouring rain. We have had the talks that most never want to entertain. Done things that most never want to do. And we have grown in Christ and in our marriage in ways that are being written on the pages of our lives.... eternity.

One thing we both believe with all our hearts, bodies, souls and minds...

Surrendered to God is the best way to truly be alive and live life in His abudance of amazing grace.

All Access Pass. Be Careful What You Pray For.

There's this woman. Yesterday she asked me about the latest news in my life like she always does. In the midst of sharing with her about how God is working in my/our life, she said the following words to me...

"Camey, you have an all access pass here. Whatever stories I can help you share I will. It's no coincidence that this is happening now. That we are connected in the ways in which we are. There are individuals whose stories of helplessness to victory need to be told. You have our full support. Whatever we can do, we will."

I must confess to being a little blown away. "All access pass"..... those words are not heard often in certain circles. This woman loves others like Jesus. She is one of the kindest and compassionate women I've ever known in my life. I'm so incredibly thankful to call her my sister in Christ.

It also reminded me to be careful what you pray for. Since Sunday night a week plus ago now I've been praying for real confirmation about something new in my life and yet like breathing for me. That confirmation has definitely been given no matter who all else may be involved or how.

That's one thing about being a Christ follower... We do have an all access pass to Him. He is not closed behind some door with guards standing watch outside.

What are you praying for?

And are you trusting Him with things you've only dreamed of before?

Love others like Jesus today...

Little Girl Unseen.

There was a little girl today underneath the desk downstairs. She was hiding from her dad and middle sister. And she was talking with me all the while. I didn't mind that people thought I was talking to myself when she would hear an unfamiliar voice and would not respond back to me. It's par for her course. This little girl and I have a very tender friendship with each other for reasons I cannot explain here.

During her stay under the desk, there were a couple of individuals needing assistance out the doors. I would look at her and say, "Can you please go open the doors for them?" and out from under the desk she would come and with a smile beaming from ear to ear - would open the door for these strangers to her. That's what trusting someone can do. She knew it was safe to do so because I was asking her.

This little blond headed girl loves stickers. So, I gave her one. Only on her sticker I wrote, "Special friend to God and Ms. Camey." When I read it to her - she hugged me so tight and said, "I know you both love me." Tears came to my eyes for the little girl was quite right.

When she had a moment to think about it, she asked me if it were okay to give her middle sister a sticker too. I got another sticker out and laid it on the counter. She looked at the sticker and then me, and said, "Ms. Camey? I know God loves my sister and I know you do too. Please write on her sticker just like you did mine." So, I did.

When her middle sister, dad and baby sister came around the corner, the middle sister yelled out at me - "CAAAMMMMEEEEEEYYYY!" Then, came running to where I was at and hugged me tight. My relationship with her just as tender yet in different ways. Her oldest sister called out to her from underneath the desk, "I have something special for you from God and Ms. Camey." She then put the sticker on her middle sister. Her sister hugged her and they headed to the door with huge smiles on their faces like they were simply adored. They were quite right indeed.

The little girl unseen was heard in a loud way.

The Encourager.

There's a certain individual who shall remain nameless for the purpose of this post. Yesterday I spent some time chatting with him. One thing that rings true with this man, not long is needed to get straight to the point. He looked at me point blank and in a couple of words said more than some could say in an hour.

I believe we all need individuals in our lives who we can go to and be open with. That no matter what the conversation may be about - they always want the best for you that God would want for you. That's not necessarily saying the easiest, most fun or the ones that will make you rich monetarily.

As a Christ follower, one thing I believe is that every single day we are to encourage others. Not just those who look like us, act like us, believe as we do, and etc.

Others. Those who you cross paths with wherever you may be found. Or they might be heading.

I am grateful for the encouragers in my life. I hope each day to be so to others.

Who could benefit from your encouragement today? This moment?

If you have any encouragement inside of you... it is not meant to be kept but given away.

Pour it out lavishly on others.

A Wedding. RQM. The Gifts.

A Wedding:

A cousin of mine got married in a town not to far from here tonight. Funny enough? For a couple of weeks, there's been this on-going discussion of my getting something new to wear to the wedding. I wasn't the one really discussing this mind you. It was just being discussed. I wasn't the slightest bit worried about what I was going to be wearing tonight. Not the slightest.

As I sit here writing this, the wedding has taken place and the reception is in full swing. I've been getting blow by blow plays from hubby who drove my mom and her boyfriend to the celebration. You see, I'm at home tonight. Actually sitting here writing this in my woobie - an oversized white robe. I look like a marshmallow. I've been at home since Thursday morning. Yep. No need to worry about what I was going to be wearing tonight. My cousin? My not being there did not stop her from getting married.

RQM:

Really quiet moments. I've had a good bit of those due to being home since Thursday morning. And yet at the same time - I've communicated in various forms and fashions with individuals all over the world. Goes back to connectivity. Really quiet moments are some of my favorite for the audible voice does not necessarily have to be heard but listened to.

The Gifts:

Funny enough? I see having been sick since Thursday morning as a gift. Even though we've had enough sickness in G-town to last several years now. I'm still thankful..

The woobie (lovingly given that name by my hubby) was a gift to me from one of my sister-in-laws at Christmas. She knows me well enough to know that I don't do spas but enjoy an oversized comfy robe that is big/long enough to cover me should we have unexpected guests show up at our front door. I confess - I've been living in the woobie since Thursday morning. It's soft. It's comfy. I won't apologize.

Hubby makes breakfast on Saturday mornings usually. Today was no different. He suggested that I just try one pancake instead of a stack. Parker came into the room when I was finished and asked if he could take my plate. (Again - this takes place almost every Saturday morning). When I said he could... he looked at me and said, "Well? Don't you have a comment for the chef? for dad?" He was right. I normally send back a message with him and not just the empty plate. I couldn't help but smile deeply.

Back a few weeks ago - we started having more volunteers around the physical church building during office hours. One is named Linda C. What a gift she has been! I knew she could handle things without me being there Thursday and Friday. She did so with grace.

There are other gifts that I have been given that I will share at other times. Too numerous to name at the moment for which I remain ever so thankful and ready to pour out when the timing is His not mine.

Grace.

This just in: Hubby just called to say my mom caught the bouquet. I kid you not. 20 somethings all around and 65-year-old woman caught it! Oh....... grace........

Connectivity

As I sit here reflecting back on the moments of today - one word keeps coming to my mind. Connectivity. It has been a day filled with hugging the toilet literally, sweet prayers from dear friends, messages through emails, facebook, myspace, and phone calls to name a few. Had I not been home due to being sick - the connectivity would not have been the same. Surely some of the connections would have been there - just not in the same ways or for the duration they took place.

One of organizations my daddy was a part of called today. When I told the man that my daddy was deceased he paused and then said, "I'm so sorry. I'll make a note of that on our records." The organization was The National Parkinson's Society. I could not help but tear up for a moment or two. My daddy did not need this organization. He had Jesus. He still does. And while there's no doubt there were times when their studies or testimonies gave him encouragement, they in no way could provide him with the hope that God could and without question did and still does.

It's often been said that I am like my daddy was. Never knowing a stranger. This afternoon, that rang just as true as ever. When my phone rang, it was a number that I had never known before. And yet by the time we said our "until next time" - it was like talking to an old friend. A brother in the deepest sense. He spurred me on.. encouraged me.. laughed at and with me.. and man oh man pulled what some have deemed "A Camey"... he ended by praying with me over the phone. Funny enough? Our connectivity has been there far longer than just the hour we were on our phones.

Connectivity? Who are you connected to throughout the moments of your day? your night?

And do you really realize they are not your own any way? They belong to Him if you are a Christ follower. It is all connected.

For those who connected with me today in various ways - I thank you.

And as always... you have been prayed for just now.

Why the Same T-shirts?

The question has been asked several times the last few days... "Why the same t-shirts?"

Answer: Part of Love Granbury is everyone involved wearing the same gray t-shirt with "Love Granbury" on it. It's not about a your church body or my church body... it's His body going out and sharing His love with Granbury.

Think about it this way: My love cannot save anyone on it's own. Your love cannot either. His love? Absolutely!

Request: If you cannot be a part of Love Granbury (Kindness Explosion 08 for April) - please commit to pray. Not just say you will... actually do so..

The countdown is on!

Local Church Body News..

Yes, Brother G and I are teaching on marriage on Wednesday nights. The parenting class has ended.

Websites - just like people aren't perfect. (WE LOVE YOU ANYWAY ANDREW)

Oh.. and on another note: That spaghetti in the kitchen sure is smelling tasty! I can smell it all the way upstairs! Yummy.

Wednesdays - the physical church building is a happening place no matter if you're young or old or somewhere in between. If you're a local - get here. Bring someone with you. Guests always eat free the first time.

Make today count!! As always - you've been prayed for no matter where you are at... Even if you're not in Texas... or the USA

Local Body News..

UPDATE: We are back up and running. Power company surprised us! Not as long of an outage as they said.



Please be aware that our power will be off at least for an hour this morning at the physical church building.

Everything shutting down now.

Thank you.

No Ordinary Tuesday.

Tuesday is quickly becoming one of my favorite days of the week. It is totally cool watching how God is moving here in G-town. Not just on Sundays. Tuesdays even.

Yes, there was far more to what all took place in my class than I shared. That would have been more than enough to have made Tuesday be one of my favorite days. Ever. And I mean ever...

I teach Bible study and then work the rest of the day in the office. Confessing here - it's like I've been on the mountain top and in the valley deep while teaching and being with these women. Understand here - these are not all your typical Tuesday morning Bible study women. Far from it in fact... One of the new ones yesterday was not familiar at all with the Sermon on the Mount. The tears in the room were as real as my sitting in this chair writing this morning. And I am the old woman in this group. 40 never sounded so good. Bring it on! And don't forget the taxes...

There are times when we have individuals who seek assistance from our local church body whether they walk into the physical building or call. When we can meet the needs - we do. Yesterday, I put out an appeal for help in various ways. And people responded. Catch this - they may not meet who they are offering to help. Then again - they may. What matters most is that they are willing to help another. To give from the abundance that they have received. To give from the outpour of His love. It's all His anyway. Acts of Kindness. Servant Evangelism.

Sitting at the men's softball game I received another call offering to help. One of those times I was thankful I left my cell on. Our guys were off the charts last night. And for now - all I can really say is that God is using our men's and co-ed teams to reach the unchurched, the newly churched and those who are not yet believers. I hear that Shelley even got a double for the co-ed team after we left. And Ryan - well, he definitely broke a sweat. Brother G did not pitch for the men. That's a story for another time that I cannot wait to share. He is thankful to be the coach and the recreation person for our local church body.

One thing that makes the softball games all the more sweeter.... The two teams circle up after the game, hold hands and pray. After all - it is a time of fellowship between the different churches who are all a part of the family of God. A little competition thrown in - yes. But more of a coming together and having fun and being a tool that can be used for His glory alone. Yes, even softball can be a tool.

No ordinary Tuesday. And I remain blown away at how He works and how He moves in a town that was wanting to sleep but now is awakening.

Acts of Kindness.... Local

If you are interested in helping someone today - this moment... please contact me at the physical church building, via email or comment here.

Acts of kindness...

Thank you.