His Name is Earl...

That's right! His name is Earl Creps and his wife's name is Janet. They are starting a church in California through Chi Alpha Ministries by the campus of the University of California-Berkley. There is approximately 32,000 students in this area and almost all of them have no church background. In fact, this area is known as a trend setting area for the rest of the United States. It isn't uncommon to find people with multiple doctorates. Education is the "in" thing there. It is very "worldly" in its culture and to say you are a Christian lumps you in with the super conservative republican's who support Bush. It is going to be a GREAT challenge to reach this area for Jesus and it's right here in the US.

It scared me as he spoke of going there to start a church. Why? Because we have the ability to start a church and get a few from the mothering church, a few disgruntled people from the church down the street, and maybe some friends and family. He will start with nothing. And what is even scarier, he will start with nothing with men and women who have no Biblical knowledge or interest. (The thoughts of the culture there bring them to think that they have passed Christianity by.) That is very scary to think about but also awesome because this is where man has to step aside and really have faith in Christ.

You might say you have faith but do something daring like that so that I can see your faith. I'm challenged to do something daring. I think of Brian and Angie Bolt who have done something daring in Pittsburgh for Jesus and the results that God is bringing about for His glory. They packed out their Sunday morning service this past Sunday morning with 190 people by having a Steelers Tailgating Party after church. It was a great time of building friendships and sharing the love of Jesus.

We need to do something daring for Jesus like praying for 10 people a month to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. That is what I want to see, which would mean 120 people a year getting saved. Maybe that isn't daring enough. Maybe we need to pray for 50 people a month to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. If God is who He said He is then He will have no problem stepping up to the plate and hitting a home run when it comes to us stepping out in faith and doing something daring. Get uncomfortable! Because I'm ready, and I believe God is also, to BURN the lazy boy/couch that keeps us comfortable.

Lord, I want to be uncomfortable for You so that I might see Your glory at work.

Look out Ford City/Kittanning/Armstrong County for what God is about to do as we look toward 2008.