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

We’ve been on the ground 2 1/2 weeks in Columbus, and God is already doing amazing things! I’m so fired up about all the people we are meeting and building relationships with. I am now convinced that if your going to plant a church from scratch, the place to live is in an apartment complex. 

Every day, we meet 4-5 new families in our new “neighborhood” Greystone Falls. We’re making a ton of connections!  My wife made a meal for a deputy sherriff who lives here, made dinner for a family with a new baby, grilled out at the clubhouse and fed some military guys around the pool, and brought krispy kreme donuts to the apartment management. I made friends with our manager. He’s engaged and was planning to get married at the courthouse. Now, I’m doing his marriage counseling and his wedding!

I bet we are averaging 2 families a day who say they will be at My Church on launch Sunday! By the way, that’s January 11, 2009 Our first information meeting is scheduled September 27.

We asked God to put us in a home where we could reach the people around us. We had no idea He had this many in store for us! I don’t think there is a better, more concentrated group of people going through life transitions than at an appartment complex. I pray God allows us to love and reach everyone here with the Gospel!!!

Tonight we are grilling out at the pool with the neighbors above us. So, I gotta go!

At the end of June, some friends and I entered a race at Calloway gardens and  had a blast. I’ve been dreaming of how I could challenge people to grow mentally, physically and spiritually.  We all know that if you want to influence people to make a move, you’ve got to lead by example. People follow when you model. I saw this post by Mark Batterson  following this line of thought. ..If we are to lead people–we need to give them a reason to follow!  Discipline brings more discipline.  I know I’m at my best when I am kicking things up in the physical realm. Everything else flows from there… 

Oh–and by the way Paul, I’ll take your P90X challenge!!!

So we are still unpacking boxes but i can’t wait any longer. Tomorrow will be our 1st staff meeting that will begin a movement of churches. I love being in Columbus and meeting people who need Jesus.

Tomorrows meeting will focus on planing our launch team meetings and the missional events leading up to our Launch in January.  

   2 Highlights from the weekend:

       1.  Greg and Kendal’s wedding–great to see old friends

       2.  Kings Pastures Community Church–I can’t believe how gracious they were to us.  Pasto Gino is awesome.  What a great church!!

We will be in Columbus and just about a week and I can’t wait… Thanks for all of you who have given, prayed and dreamt with us. I know God is going to go awesome things!!!!!

We had very nice time with Shawn and Tricia last night at their home for dinner. As this year spent with Mountain Lake church comes to a close it was great to reminisce on all that has happened. 

We are grateful to Shawn, David and everyone with MLC and Church Planters.com. Our time with you has been one of the most valuable and refreshing times in our lives!!

As we leave you I want you to know that you have a made personal impact on my whole families lives.

THANK YOU!!!!

Yes that’s right…In this market!?!?  After finally listing our house it sold with being listed for only 2 months!

We pulled off the packing and loading with out a hitch. Thanks to 8 real friends who helped out.  Did you know that your real friends will help you move!

I am reminded of the verse—For I know the plans I have for you… Is that true or what. God you are always in control-Period-End of Story!!

It’s good to be in Gods will!!!!!

Hey we had a great time in Lynchburg visiting the Hindsons (Christys parents).  Dr Hindson should be getting released from the Hospital after being there for 90 days. He will have plenty of recovering to do at home so continue to pray.

While we were there we hiked up to the top of the Peaks of Otter. All my kids even J.D who is only 2 made it to the top with no help!!!  My kids are awesome.

I cant wait to see them grow up and do great things for God. I am already proud of them.

Here are a few nuggets from Rick Warren that I found—good stuff to remember…

If you wrestle with a pig you’ll both get dirty.”
“Define yourself or others will.”
“Bless those who curse you.”
“Separate fact from opinion.”
“Hurt people hurt people.”
“Insults are insecurities.“