Property and name

Hey all,

First, here is a link to the campus ministry in Nebraska that is doing what we are doing and starting a coffee shop. http://www.growmagazine.org/story_NewDestination.html

Second, Tami and I went and looked at a house today. You can see pictures here: www.tourfactory.com/474846 . Also, in the video bar off to the right you can see videos we took. (or go to http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F423D86F83776680) It really would be a great place from our perspective. Very little remodeling would need to be done. Pray with us for God’s best will and for the wisdom to know what to do. I am trying not express my true excitement, but to walk intentionally and expectantly. In other words, we really liked the place, but we don’t want to commit to strongly yet! Some of the things that will hold us back are immediate fund availability, and a conditional use regarding zoning.

Third, did you notice where the property is located? It is on Potter Street. (Tami and I both found that funny and ironic!) Joy suggested waiting until we know about this property before finalizing a name. When I told Dr. Borger (the District Superintendant) about the house and then the location, he chuckled before I even mentioned anything about the name. Tami and I both agree with Joy on waiting to finalize the name until we decide on this property. The Potter House (or Potter’s) would be such a natural fit. If we find a different location, the top name choice right now is Revive! We would appreciate your continued prayers!

Last night, I had a dream. In this dream, Tami and I invited a few people to a Bible Study. When the time came for the Bible study, people started coming and kept coming. We kept adding space, tables, chairs, subdividing, until there were around 450 people. I'm not saying it was prophetic or anything, but something about it encouraged me. And maybe, it will encourage you as well.

Finally, some prayer requests: please continue to pray for the action plan, location, and name. Also, please pray for student leaders. God is so good, and I just can't wait to be surprised by Him again. Thanks!

Additional Pics

Names, Prayer, and a general update

I apologize for taking so long to write again. We are still adjusting to Tami's work schedule, etc.



First an update: I am in the process of creating an action plan that can be given to the district advisory board. This will help us to stay on track and plan as thoroughly as we can. Would you pray for me as I write it? I find it daunting, and it is more comprehensive than many seminary papers!



I have met with the New Hope Church board, the District Missions Council, several students, and with a realtor who is doing some research for us. Every one of these meetings have been a blessing, and I come away with a new sense that God is up to something big. There is that general sense among campus ministry leaders of God preparing the way on the campus of BSU. It's pretty exciting!



Name: This has been so tough! We are trying ot find a name that is catchy, simply, has a spiritual connection, and bridges between coffee shop. It has been taxing, to say the least. The leadership team is narrowing it down (again) to 3 or 4 that we like, and then will survey some sutdents. I would really appreciate your prayers in this area.



Prayer: I have been reading the book Why Pray? It is such a powerful book! I have been challenged more and more not to pray that God blesses our plans for this ministry. Rather, I am praying that we discover and implement God's plans for this ministry! I am attempting to create a monthly prayer calendar that gives specific ways to pray. I am also hoping to send out a weekly or bi-weekly email with updates. If you would like to recieve this email, please let me know. I'm inviting you to pray with me--Prayer-paration is the single greatest thing we can do right now. God wants to shing the spotlight of His love, and our praying will can direct that spotlight! Thanks so much! I'll write more on this later...

Stompin Grounds - Part 2

Most of the people I talk with regarding the name like the name. But there has been one thing that has caused some hesitancy. There is no spiritual connotation. For instance, Potter's House has a reference to Isaiah 64 which says, "You are the Potter and I am the clay." The name isn't overtly Christian, but there is a connection. Why is this important??? We don't want to be considered deceptive, or pulling a bait and switch. We don't want it to be a stumbling block to someone. That is the main reason. It would also be helpful to use the name as a talking point that can lead the discussion (when appropriate) to spiritual matters. I can think of ways to do that with Stompin Grounds. For instance, saying "Your Stompin grounds is where you grew up, and we want you to grow up spiritually." But it does seem like a stretch to me. So what do you think about the issue? It seems to me we have two options: add a tag line, or change the name. There are advantages to both. What insights do you have?

Stompin Grounds

Well the advisory team met for nearly 2 hours last Saturday. We brainstormed a number of ideas for a name of the ministry and came up with "Stompin Grounds." It ties in with several things: BSU Broncos, Grounds=coffee, and is a common phrase for where I'm from, where I grew up, where I hang out. I like the name. What do you think? Do you have any comments or thoughts. Any connotations that we should be aware of, etc? (I've since learned there are five or six stompin(g) grounds coffee shops around the country.)

On a different note, I really sensed a unity and delight in the advisory team. They are great team members with many resources and ideas. They get it. There were four of us present--no, scratch that, there were five of us present because Christ was certainly in our midst. We just have this sense that God is up to something huge!!

I met with a couple of people today. Bill is the campus minister's association president at BSU. Tremendous man with a heart for God. I look forward to working with him. I also met Steve, who has operated a bookstore campus ministry for nearly 20 years. A wealth of information, and very helpful.

And I met with Chris. Chris attends a Nazarene church in Boise, and moved here from the Dakotas last June. He is becoming quite a man of God! But get this...Chris and I met in 2003 at a camp. He actually was one of the guys that picked me up from the airport. I didn't recognize him at first, but he remembered me. (He's gotten more mature!) Just another one of those things that I couldn't dream up if I had tried. Again, just this sense that God knows what he is doing and is coordinating this whole thing more than anything I could do. Wow, what a blessing!

We appreciate your prayers. Again, I WANT to hear from you regarding your thoughts on the name "Stompin Grounds."

Honestly, I feel like Moses more and more. I just feel so unqualified for many of the requirements to do this. But maybe that's the problem--I've tried to do things I'm not real qualified to do. But God is good, and he will show the way.

Here is an update and ways to pray:
1. I meet with the leadership team this weekend. Woud you pray for direction, leadership, and God's presence?
2. Tami found a job and starts tomorrow! It is really an answer to prayer!
3. It's time to pick a name--see the poll on the right to have your input.
4. Please pray for a location, and someone to help us through the process regarding finacial issues, government (city & state issues), and wisdom.

Also, I have made a brochure, bookmark, and commitment card that I hope to post here soon. Keep checking back!