it’s about time
There was another shooting death in Joliet last week.
Somehow many people have gotten numb to the violence and deaths.
It makes me sad.
It makes me sick.
It makes me want to scream.
One thing that it won’t let me do is be still.
So often, as Christians, we are waiting on the perfect timing of God to come around for something to happen in our lives.
We sit, looking at the clock, wondering when the alarm will sound.
While this may be true at times, I think that many more times we are not waiting on God…
God is waiting on us.
How long will we allow young women to get pregnant by no-existent boyfriends?
How long will we stand by and watch young men kill each other over nothing?
How long will we turn our heads to people living and dying with no hope?
If you are in Joliet, please join us for our next Prayer Initiative, August 13th in Hartman Park from 8-9am.
If you don’t live in the area, please pray for us and drop me a note at Pastor.dturn@gmail.com
funky faith friday
Here are a few things that I am crazy enough to believe God for:
1. Our last Prayer Initiative was awesome. We are looking to do the next one August 13th in the Hartman Park in Joliet. We are believing God for the atmosphere in that area to be changed forever.
2. We are looking to put together a “Fun Fest” in the Parkwood area of Joliet sometime next month. Stay tuned for further details.
3. There have been 3 shootings/murders in Joliet within the last week. We are believing God that we will be able to minister to our city like never before.
my church diversity used to suck (pt. 2)
While Carman was singing there was a great move of worship in the concert area.
Gods presence was so strong that all I could do was raise my hands.
I began to cry out to Him and tears literally were running down my face.
And then it happened.
Out of the corner of my eye I noticed a White guy praising God.
Just like me.
While this may be nothing to some of you, at this time in my life, this had never happened before.
Someone who doesn’t look like me was praising God just like me.
Amazing.
This 1 event showed me how ridiculous it was for me (or anyone else) to be so closed-minded.
All the years of mis-conceptions and dumb thoughts were swept away with the tears of a stranger who happened to be a different color.
Ever since this concert I have learned to love my brothers and sisters, regardless of race.
In fact, I love it that we are not all the same but love the same God.
It is His love that allows us to come together as One.
I will never again allow race to be an issue for myself or anyone else in this world.
God loves us all!
my church diversity used to suck (pt. 1)
I am 45 years old now (thanks) and I have spent almost my entire life in church.
Ever since I was a child, I can remember going to church at least 4-5 days out of the week.
It didn’t help that my mom worked at the church for a number of years 
I attended a normal black, baptist church (whatever that is) and was involved in everything from the choir to teaching Sunday School.
I was one of the few kids who actually liked going to church.
It never occurred to me how different my days were at church compared to the rest of my week.
I had friends who were black, white, latino, and even bi-racial.
I never saw most of these friends on Sundays.
For almost 20 years this is how my life was.
That is, until I decided to go to Great America for their annual Christian Music weekend.
On Saturday there were the Black Gospel artists and on Sunday, the contemporary Christian artists.
Saturday was great with Fred Hammond and some others.
My friend (who just happened to be white) loved it but also wanted to come back the next day.
I agreed.
The next day Carman performed.
I think I was the only black guy there.
It was pretty good until…….
(read the rest of the story tomorrow)
weekend re-cap
We had our 3rd Prayer Initiative this past Saturday and it was awesome!
We met at the Parkwood Park in the Parkwood area of Joliet.
One of the best things about this park is that it is directly across the street from tons of apartments and houses.
We noticed a few people that were out and about, early in the morning
I am grateful for everyone that came out and most of all I am thankful to God for showing out!
Our next step is to find ways to impact this community and show them that God loves them.
Stay tuned….
funky faith friday
Here are a few things that I am CRAZY enough to believe God for:
1. Our next Prayer Initiative will be tomorrow in the Parkwood area of Joliet. This section of our city has been hit recently with a rash of burglaries and other crimes.
2. We are looking for some bold, multi-ethnic partners who are crazy enough to want to make a difference in our city.
3. With Gods vision comes Gods provision. We are expecting doors to be opened!
Dangerous Church
Every once in a while I come across a book that totally rocks my world.
Dangerous Church is one of those books.
This book was written by an awesome pastor, John Bishop, who leads Living Hope Church in Vancouver, Washington.
Pastor John has a great passion for reaching people for God.
His passion has caused him to enhance the overall vision of his church to risk everything for the one.
This book is a great tool that should be a wake-up call for the body of Christ.
For far too long we have retreated to the safety of our programs and our buildings.
I highly recommend this book for every pastor, church leader, and member.
Reading it has caused me to re-think the mission of my future church plant.
No more Status Quo!
I am ready to Risk Everything to Reach Everyone!
move the crowd
The D.J. sets the tone for the nights events.
A good D.J. knows how to tap into what the crowd needs.
The people have come here looking for a good time.
They want to escape the pressure and problems of their daily lives.
They are searching for someone to set the party off right.
A crowd is gathering.
Not just in the typical and traditional venues, but also on-line and in the newest social-networking arenas.
The urban, multi-ethnic, hip-hop influenced segments are being overlooked.
The Gospel needs to penetrate the very core of this culture.
Black, white and brown all get together at a Jay-Z concert.
Young, white girls know all the words to Lil’ Wayne’s latest hit.
Asian guys can tell you who is on the cover of this months Vibe magazine.
The D.J. can bring people into the presence of God.
The D.J. is the non-traditional praise and worship leader.
He has the tools and is gifted to create an atmosphere were God can do major work.
When will the church step up and realize that, we too can move the crowd?
We have the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
We have the power of the Holy Spirit.
We have what it takes to reach ALL people.
jumpstart 7/4
“It was for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1
Oxen never look real excited when they’re in a field pulling a plow.
I’m sure they rather do anything but be outside, under a hot sun, working.
Unfortunately, they don’t have much say in the matter.
When the farmer decides that it is time to work, its time to work.
Thank God that Christ decided to give up His life so we can enjoy ours.
His sacrifice gave us the ability to be with Him in eternity.
It also gave us the right to live here on earth, free from the chains of sin and death.
Once we have accepted this gift, we no longer have to be held back, held down, or reminded of our past.
Our freedom overtakes our past, our present issues and it protects us from future problems.
Whom the Son has set free is free indeed.
Father, thank You for freeing us. This is a deed that only Christ could do. There was no way that we could change the course that we were on. Sin bound us to eternal separation from You. Christ freed us and we are forever grateful. We are also thankful for knowing, if we are born again, we don’t have to be subject to the chains that the enemy uses to keep us from enjoying life here on earth and with You in eternity.
Amen.