The Miami Pursuit

Tampa Trip

Blogger: Matt

This weekend the staff of The Pursuit Christian Church travels to the west coast (of Florida). Danny Schaffner, Lead Pastor of Common Ground Christian Church and friend of mine for the last decade, has invited us to lead their worship services on Sunday and they are giving us a financial gift to help launch The Pursuit. Did I mention this church is only a couple months old and they are already looking to help start new churches? How generous and bold is that? If you know Danny it is really not a surprise.

I am also thrilled because this is the first time Alex and I will get the chance to work together leading a church service. He will be leading the worship with a band from Common Ground but Eric Hafner (a member and singer/artist at The Pursuit) is going to be in Tampa visiting his grandparents and has agreed to help Alex lead. It has been a long time since I preached. It occurred to me I haven't preached since my last Sunday in Indiana which was the beginning of July at Centerville Christian Church! I am stoked to get this opportunity.

Pray for us this weekend as we travel and for God to use us to encourage and challenge this new church in Tampa.

1/2 of the Diaz are Here!

Blogger: Matt

Briefly saw Erin today as she and her mom pulled in to Diaz's casa. She was super excited to walk into the first house her and Alex have ever owned. I am very proud of them.

Talked to Alex on the phone around 4:00 p.m. and he was just entering into Tennessee. Sadly, he's still there. His car broke down in Cleveland, TN (the headquarters of The Church of God). Alex found a hotel to stay in for the night and hopefully things will look better tomorrow.

If you have a moment, please pray for Alex and his friend who is with him (I apologize I can't remember his name right now). Hopefully, they'll get back on the road tomorrow.

Off to Orlando

Blogger: Matt

On Thursday, Janie and I are going to be in Orlando for Florida Church Planters annual Advisory Team Meeting. I am giving a 15 minute presentation on what God is beginning to do through The Miami Pursuit and what the vision is for the future.

I am obviously a big fan of the work Florida Church Planters is doing. They are trying to unite all the scattered Christian Churches in Florida to focus their combined efforts in planting well-resoursed new churches. I am proud to be associated with them.

My friend, Danny Schaffner, will also be there presenting about Common Ground Christian Church (a replant or rebirth of a church in Tampa). It's funny how Danny and I can't seem to get away from each other. We were both Student Ministers at neighboring churches near Indianapolis (he at Connection Pointe and me at Traders Point) and collaborated on many camps and events. I love Danny and pray for God's new calling on his life.

I was worried I would miss the opening kickoff of my Colts if we drove back after the meeting so we are going to stay the night in Orlando and catch the game at the ESPN Club at the Disney Boardwalk.

It just so happens on Friday, David Crowder and Chris Tomlin are headlining The Night of Joy at The Magic Kingdom so we might even stick around for that. We'll play it by ear.