I have been so fortunate this last year to have rubbed shoulders with some of the sharpest guys around. I spent alot of time at Mountain Lake church and learned a lot from Shawn Lovejoy and David Putman.  I went on many road trips and got to spend time with Stephen Furtick, Perry Noble, Troy Gramling, Clay NeSmith, David Hughes, Kirk Nowery, Franklin Graham, Matt Evans, Tadd Grandstaff, Gary Lamb, Brian Bloye, Michael Lukaszewski and Bil Cornelius.  I met many others and read a whole lot. So why do say all this??  As I think of this past year of learning it reminds me of the verse–”to him much is given much is required.”

God has given my family and I so much, and I want to use it all for His glory. He has taken us on a wild adventure to get us where we are. We learned to trade in our control for His companionship. I am blown away by what God is doing daily on our behalf. We cannot take any credit. We simply depend on Him, and WOW–He makes stuff happen.

I want to thank all those who have made an investment in us this last year.  There has never been a time in my life that I could see God at work more than He is right now. I am so fired up, I know God is going to do amazing things.

Continue to pray for the Columbus valley region. We are asking God to bring a movement here that would unite Christians and give them a passion for all who are far from God.

If you’re a former student of the Cascade Hills’ student ministry or Gapshack, then we want to invite you this Saturday night (Sept. 6) for a reunion party.  Food, throwback games, and some old videos/pictures are sure to make us all laugh.   Our goal is to have a lot of fun reminiscing about where we all were and dream of what life holds for us all next.  I want each of you to know how much I love and miss you.  My hope is that you would chase after God with all your heart.  If you’re plugged into a community, then stay plugged in–serve and give it your all! If you’re not, then find a church and get connected. There are alot of great churches in and around Ctown. 

As I have been planning to launch our new church, I have had the opportunity to  visit several of the churches in our area. What I found was several churches that God is using to do great things. Here are a few that I have seen…

Cascade Hills–as you know, has a lot of great memories for me. Pastor Bill has been someone in my life who has encouraged and challenged me. I owe much of my passion for helping people find Christ to Bill. He is one of my heroes. Cascade is a great church with great people–I highly recomend it!!

King’s Pasture–a new church only about 7 years old. They have an awesome worship service! Pastor Gino is a super kind, personable pastor. They have a very accepting community–it’s easy to get plugged in. A growing church full of happy people–I loved seeing Shannon “Carlisle” (now married) greeting at the front door.

Cross Pointe–I told pastor Brad that If I wasn’t starting a church, I would want to come and just listen to him. He is brilliant and has an incredible gift of teaching.  He has a heart to help people get and live the Gospel.

Christ Community–I actually hugged pastor Keith after church. I was moved by their heart-felt passion for people and their love for the community. He is very genuine.

Church in the County–I don’t know anyone more honest or kind than pastor Tommie Hart. He and their church really do put there money where their mouth is… They go out of there way to love people that no one else wants to love.  They have also invested in helping other pastors and churches in need.

Wherever you are in life, I want to encourage you to find all that Christ intended for you.  I hope each of you are learing how to live big, love big and give big!

Hope to see you Saturday night, Sept.6 at Wes Hargrove’s home in Harris County. RSVP by thursday.  If you need more infomation you can call–706-604-9970 or email me at mymurphys@gmail.com