Partnering in the Kingdom Stuff

Recently Amadeo Church has been meeting in the Power Ranch Clubhouse on Monday nights. Pastor Ben has attended Rock Point Church on some Sunday mornings since we don't have a Sunday service yet. They meet in the Higley High School Auditorium. Pastor Ben has formed a friendship with the Pastor of Rock Point, Bill Bush. Amadeo served the community with them at the Feastival where they just loved on the community giving away free food, water, etc. Ben also has been invited to leadership meetings and the rest of Amadeo has also been invited to attend these.

Well this morning something totally amazing happened that I wanted to share with you. Rock Point Church started just like us. A church plant that I believe came out of Cornerstone. But I'm not totally 100% sure about that, just something I overheard in conversation this morning. Rock Point Church is awesome and they have a lot of folks and are doing great as far as their numbers go. They have their stuff together and are obviously growing.

Amadeo Church is kicking off our Sunday morning service this next Sunday Dec 3rd at Power Ranch Elementary School. Pastor Bill Bush from Rock Point knew this and invited Pastor Ben and the leadership of Amadeo to the Sunday morning service this morning so he could bring us up on the stage to pray for us and our church plant. AWESOME! Is this not what it's all about? It's not a competition with other churches or denominations. The bottom line is, churches reaching out to the community and serving them. Pastor Bill called us up and then prayed for us. He then stated to the congregation that some of them may be felt led to go with Amadeo and that we are all partners in sharing Christ with the community. He even offered help in setting up for our first service and asked Ben if there was anything we really needed. Well Ben said we could use a bass player and guess what? A guy jumped right up and said he would play for us on Sunday.

I was touched by all the things that Bill Bush said and offered to us. Even telling his own congregation that some of you may feel led to leave and go with Amadeo. I have seen way too many times when churches or certain denominations compete with each other. Wouldn't it be nice if ALL churches were like this? Think about it.

Amadeo is going to be awesome as I believe Ben and the rest of the leadership have a vision for the far Southeast Valley and it is awesome to know that we have Pastor Bill Bush and Rock Point Church praying for us and with us and having our backs. We are with you Rock Point. You are truly being moved by God's Love!

I also am very thankful to Vineyard Community Church of Gilbert who sent us off and for their continued prayer and support. They are our mother church that we at Amadeo were all a part of and we have many brothers and sisters in Christ there.

Be Moved!

REAL CHRISTIAN OF GENIUS

Much to be thankful for

Today I reflect on what I am thankful for.

I am thankful to the Lord for His grace, mercy and forgiveness.

I am thankful for my beautiful wife of 19 years who is always there for me, in good times and in bad. She is a wonderful wife, mother and she's my best friend.

I am thankful for my dughter Shannon who is growing up into a young lady. I pray the Lord's grace, mercy and protection over her. I pray she will seek the Lord in all she does.

I am thankful for my daughter Jessica. I pray that the Lord will let her forgive me for the past and that one day our relationship will be restored.

I am thankful for my parents who have always been there for me and who prayed for me when I was going through rough times. They raised me well and I would not be who I am today had they not shown me what Godly parents really are.

I am thankful for my brother who gave me wise counsel in tough times. He has a beautiful family and I appreciate him.

I am thankful to Ben for showing me what missional ministry is all about. Not being absorbed in the christian ghetto and getting out into the nitty gritty stuff bringing the Kingdom to the people.

I probably left out a lot but these are what come to my mind off the top of my head at the moment.

I get to go to work on this Thanksgiving day but what the hell, at least I have a job that provides for my family. Some people don't.

May God be with all of you on this day and everyday. Enjoy and love on your families and be thankful for everything you have.

Be Moved by God's Love!

Do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you yourself shall be a miracle. Every day you shall wonder at yourself, at the richness of life which has come to you by the grace of God.
- Phillips Brooks

Wolfmother - Joker & the thief

Wolfmother - Woman

I just bought Wolfmother's CD today. I am really digging them at the present time. This was their first song that made the radio waves. Their current song making the rounds now is Joker and the Thief. Check them out Dec 8th at the Marquee Theater. I so want to go but unfortunately I have to work that evening.

Migraines Suck!

For those that have migraines, I feel for you. Only because I have watched my wife suffer through one of the worst ones she has ever had. It all started Thursday for her and she came to the airport to pick me up anyhow. She took a pill that night, went to bed and then even went to work Friday. We were supposed to go to Mexico to CDE leaving Friday afternoon but we cancelled at the last minute. It's a good thing we did because of what transpired over the weekend. The full blown migraine abated somewhat late Friday into Saturday. We went to bed early Saturday night around 9 o'clock because we were going to attend the Amadeo planning meeting at our new location to practice setting up and tearing down and that was planned for 830 am to 1130 am Sunday.

She woke up Sunday morning with the migraine raging again. I went ahead and went to the Amadeo meeting. The school is nice and the setup we will have is great. It's a lot of work though setting up and tearing down. I got home around noon and Patty was still in bed. I called her sister because she has tickets to the hockey games with us. We had given her our pair for the game Sunday night because we had planned on going to Mexico and wouldn't be able to go. She still had not found someone to use our tickets. So Shannon and I and Patty's sister went to the game. Patty stayed home in bed.

It was an early game with a 5 pm start time so we were home by 8. Patty was in so much pain by the time I got home I had to take her to the Urgent Care clinic. They shot her full of Demerol and she was down for the count and comfortably numb for the rest of the night. She did not go to work today and is going to see our primary care doctor this morning.

Lord, I ask that you heal Patty of these headaches. I feel helpless watching her suffer and I know she is in so much pain. Take this pain away in Jesus name.

Be Moved!

Great Quote from Bono

"The left mocks the right. The right knows it's right. Two ugly traits. How far should we go to try to understand each other's points of view? Maybe the distance grace covered on the cross is a clue."- Bono, lead singer of U2

Back to the warm weather and my wife

I attended a training course in Kansas City the last few days. Flew out Monday and arrived back home last night at around 9:30. Patty picked me up at the airport and had a raging migraine. I felt so sorry for her and she slept the whole way home from the airport and went right to bed when we got home. She took a pill and went to sleep. She actually went to work this morning but still has remnants of the migraine. Pray that it goes away. She has had a hectic last few weeks with flying back to PA for her mom's funeral and all. So we have backed out of the orphanage trip this weekend and will spend some quality family time together. She did purchase Jesus Guerrero, the boy we sponsor, a nice shirt that I will take to Hannah before they leave this evening though and I will write him a short letter. We are going to get together with Hannah and arrange a trip down there on an off weekend with her in the next few weeks.

Patty said the funeral was very nice and she spent some time with her dad and stepmother too. Her dad went to the funeral and that made Patty feel good.

I flew into Kansas City Monday night and my brother picked me up at my hotel that evening. We went down to the City Union Mission, a men's homeless shelter. The youth group at his church was there that night to serve dinner to the homeless men and the youth pastor gave a short sermon. Before that, my brother's band the Hymnots, peformed a brief set. My brother on the sax, an awesome keyboard player and a drummer. All instrumental with impromptu solos too. They were very good and I was impressed. They will cut a CD real soon. I was glad I got to see them. I was also very impressed with this shelter. The men have to be sober when they stay there, and there were about 150 of them. It was awesome watching those youth serve these men dinner. After that I went out to dinner with my brother, his wife, my niece and two nephews. It was great to see them all again and I had a great time. I did not go speak to the youth group though. I was on the other side of town and a friend of mine from North Platte was possibly going to drive up to see me. I had not seen him in 12 years. It turned out he could not make it and I ended up just sitting in the hotel that night doing absolutely nothing. But it was colder than you know what anyhow. And guess what I forgot? Those things called jackets, that we don't wear here in Phoenix. The training center was right behind my hotel probably about 200 yards away. Tuesday morning wasn't too bad. But Wednesday morning it was in the 30's with the wind blowing about 40 mph. That walk to the training center was better than coffee for waking you up man. Thursday morning was in the 20's but no wind and actually felt better than the previous morning.

Anyhow, I'm glad to be back to the warm weather and especially glad to be back home with my wife.

Oh, and a shout out to Obie! Thanks for the ride to the airport Monday. You rawk man!

Be Moved!

Suspects Arrested

Gilbert police arrest 2 in robbery-slaying

Elias C. Arnold
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 17, 2006 12:00 AM

GILBERT - Police announced Thursday the arrest of man and a teenager in connection with a fatal shooting and robbery last week in Gilbert.

Bradley Jerome Hughes, 18, and Arturo Miguel Rodriguez, 17, were arrested Wednesday when police served search warrants at their residences, in Chandler, near Alma School Road and Galveston Street, and Phoenix, respectively, police said.

Sgt. Andrew Duncan, a Gilbert police spokesman, said the two have a "high potential" for violence, though both were arrested with "minimal" force. Both suspects are thought to have ties to local street gangs, though the motive, Duncan said, is thought to be robbery.

"This was a crime spree these two suspects embarked on when they came into Gilbert," Duncan said, adding the department devoted considerable resources to the case because of the risk to the community.

A 15-year-old boy was also robbed moments before police say the suspects went after Scott Michael Kraft of Chandler.

Hughes and Rodriguez each face one count of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of kidnapping.

The 26-year-old victim was walking Nov. 7 near Warner Road and Cancun Drive shortly before 8 p.m. when a vehicle with headlights off approached him. Three people got out of the car, according to Gilbert police.

A shooter fired at Kraft when he turned to run, and the group searched his pockets as he lay on the ground, still alive, police said.

Kraft died at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn.

Duncan said they have not determined whether Hughes or Rodriguez may have been the shooter and added the department thinks a third person may have been involved and is still at large.

The beige 1988 Acura Legend used in the crimes also has not been located, he said.

At a community meeting Monday, Gilbert and Chandler residents sought answers for the motivations in the case, asking police whether the crimes were gang-related, a hate crime, or were connected to other recent shootings.

Duncan said they had no knowledge of either teen having a criminal record.

"They were unknown to us (for) the most part," he said.

Still, police said they think their investigation over the last nine days lead them in the right direction.

"We are confident these are the suspects that have committed these crimes," Duncan said.

Here is an update on that murder that happened right near my house. It is right along my running path and my daughter goes to that Taco Bell all the time. Kind of scary when you think about it. Senseless too.

Gilbert News

Police:
Teens were robbing boy before slaying man

By Jill Redhage, Tribune
November 12, 2006

Three teenagers who shot and killed a Chandler man on Tuesday near Cooper and Warner roads in Gilbert had robbed a boy immediately beforehand, police investigators said Saturday.

Police said two 15-year-old boys had been walking together near Cancun Drive and Warner Road just before 8 p.m., when a car with its headlights off stopped beside them and three older teens emerged. One of the boys was robbed just as 26-year-old Scott Michael Kraft walked through the area on his way to work.

The back seat passenger shot Kraft and then robbed him as he lay wounded in the street, said Gilbert Lt. Joe Ruet on Saturday. Investigators told Ruet the incidents happened almost simultaneously.

The two boys fled to a nearby Taco Bell to report the incident. The crimes occurred in a well-lit area near a Taco Bell, a Circle K and a Starbucks with a patio.

“People are especially concerned about this type of crime because of its random nature,” Ruet said.

Police will be holding a community meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at the Mesquite High School auditorium, 500 S. McQueen Road, to talk to the public about the incident. Ruet said officers will teach residents how to be better aware of their surroundings and remind them they must be the community’s eyes and ears. Police have established a hot line for information regarding the case at (480) 635-7316.

“All we need is one correct phone call,” Ruet said.

Witnesses describe the assailants’ vehicle as a dark-colored 1980s model passenger car similar to an Acura Integra or Honda Accord.

It had damage to the front end, primer or oxidized paint, flip-up headlights and a temporary registration displayed in the upper right corner of the rear window. It was last seen traveling west on Ray Road near Cooper Road.

Composite sketches were generated for two of the three robbers. Police spokesman Andrew Duncan said a likeness of the front-seat passenger could not be assembled.

Contributions in Kraft’s memory can be made at Desert Schools Federal Credit Union to account No. 922615-04.

Assailant 3
The front seat passenger is described as a light-skinned Hispanic or American Indian male, approximately 17 years old, between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall with a thin build, mustache and a thin goatee. The teenager wore a black long-sleeved shirt, baggy black Dickies-style pants and black cotton gloves.

So I just spoke with my brother Carl. He will be picking me up either at the airport on Monday or at the hotel, depending on his schedule. That evening we will be heading down to the City Union Mission in downtown Kansas City to serve a meal to the homeless. There will be a short chapel service and my brothers band, The Hymnots, will play a short set. I am stoked that I get to hear them. It is also awesome that I will get to help them serve the homeless folks.

He also asked if I would give my testimony to the Youth Group at his church Wednesday night. I do not know my schedule as far as my training so if it works out I will be glad to do it.

Patty called me earlier today and said the funeral went well. They were going out to eat with friends and family afterwards.

Be Moved!

This is an article just posted on the ooze today written by Russ Wills. I found it very good and even funny too. He's talking about "crap" without really giving anyone any crap. Very well written in my opinion and true too. Enjoy!

A Parable that is Full of Crap

Dobson can't help a brother out?

Dobson steps down from Haggards counseling team

Less than a mile from my house

Last night I went to a hockey game with a friend of mine. After I got home Shannon said that there were helicopters flying over the house with spotlights. I told her it was probably a police helicopter looking for someone or something. Then I read this in the Tribune. I saw the guys picture on the news this evening and he worked at the Circle K I go to all the time. And Gilbert was just noted for being one of the safest cities of its size. Pray for this guys family.

Gilbert News

Glbert police search for three gunmen
By Jill Redhage, Tribune
November 8, 2006

Gilbert police are looking for three men involved in the shooting death of a Chandler man near Cooper and Warner roads Tuesday night.

Scott Michael Kraft, 26, was shot and killed in a possible robbery attempt at Cancun Drive and Warner Road just before 8 p.m. He had been walking to work at the Circle K store located at the intersection of Cooper and Warner roads.

Witnesses told police that the men darkened their vehicle’s headlights as they approached Kraft, and then climbed out of their vehicle and fired shots. They then fled east on Warner Road.

Kraft was taken to Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn where he was pronounced dead. Witnesses described the vehicle as a dark-colored, four-door passenger car, possibly a 1980s model, with primer or oxidized paint. They said the vehicle has a damaged front end, flip-up headlights and temporary proof of registration in the right rear window. Anyone with more information should contact the Gilbert Police Department tip line at (480) 635-7316.

I'm glad I am an Independent now and not a Republican

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Jim Wallis: Family Values?
What a shame. Don Sherwood, Republican from Pennsylvania, just lost his House seat. Sherwood had an 85% approval rating from James Dobson’s Family Action—only falling short of the 100% rating because he failed to co-sponsor the Marriage Protection amendment, though he supported it.

The scorecard rates members of Congress on how they voted on "Pro-Family Issues". The issues are ones you might guess: abortion, pledge of allegiance, stem cell research, and the federal Marriage Protection Amendment. Depending on how a member of congress voted on 7 pieces of legislation related to these issues, they received anywhere from a 0-100% rating as a pro-family member of congress. According to the introductory letter to the Vote Scorecard, “This scorecard shows how your elected officials voted on some of the critical issues involving the family. It is important to remember, however, that the votes you see here are only a few of the hundreds of votes cast by Members of Congress in 2006. We have singled out for inclusion the most clear-cut, pro-family votes that came before Congress."

Problem is Congressman Sherwood admitted cheating on his wife, and in 2004, his mistress, Cynthia Ore, called 911 accusing the congressman of choking and hitting her. The congressman denies having abused his mistress. He did, however, settle out of court a civil case that Ms. Ore brought against him for an undisclosed amount of money.

Silly me, I thought fidelity and faithfulness in our marriage relationships were also family values. And having your new mistress allege that you beat her up isn’t the best endorsement either. But James Dobson’s Focus on the Family Action isn’t too worried about little things like that; they have political power to hold on to. What was Jesus' biggest problem with religious leaders—hypocrisy was it? I guess he just didn’t understand the necessities of pro-family politics.

So I took Patty and her sister to the airport this morning. They are flying back to PA for their mother's funeral which is on Friday. Continue to pray for them, for safe travel and for the grieving process in the loss of their mother.

Amadeo was great last night. I loved the series that Ben started about families. I also finally found someone to interpret the letter that Jesus Guerrero, the child I sponsor, wrote to me. Then today I went out to the mailbox and there is another one from him. I wrote him one last night and mailed it today. I can't wait to go see him and the other kids at the orphanage.

Going to a hockey game tonight. I'm taking a friend of mine since obviously Patty and Maureen aren't here. Should be a good time. I invited one other friend, but he bailed out at the last minute. Which also concerns me. He is a guy I have been working with about his addiction problems and there are signs that he may be using again. I have noticed the past couple of weeks and his wife also told me of some concerns. I spoke with him today, and he denies using anything. I told him that he could lie to me, but that it will eventually catch up to him if he is and he knows this. So Father God, bless him and comfort him. Put a hedge of protection around him and keep the evil one from his mind.

Tomorrow I go to work and have to drive out to Gila Bend to a weather station we have there and fix a temperature sensor. So I get to be out of the office again, yipee! Then it's 3 straight evening shifts, Sunday off, and then I'm off to Kansas City Monday through Thursday for a short training course. I will also get to hang with my brother and his family Monday evening and also see my brothers band play.

Patty gets back Monday night and then Friday the 17th through Sunday the 19th we are going down to Casa de Elizabeth in Imuris Mexico to the orphanage there and I get to meet Jesus. Looking forward to it.

Be moved!

We are ALL sinners

The Haggard scandal has brought the media out again with the liberals bashing the evangelicals and then the evangelicals bashing the gays. Listen folks, we are ALL sinners saved by God's grace. Jim Wallis who maintains a blog I follow wrote an article about this. Below is an exerpt I especially liked. Here is a link to the entire article should you care to read it.

We are ALL sinners

In one of the most thoughtful comments on Haggard, Rich Cizik, Vice President for Governmental Affairs at the NAE, told the Associated Press: ‘‘There is something good, believe it or not, that could come out of this. My hope and prayer is that this whole tawdry affair will lessen some of the vitriol that has gone on between gay rights activists and evangelicals.’’

The NAE has already appointed an interim President, Leith Anderson, who has the moral authority to take them through this crisis and beyond. While some on the Religious Right are already attacking the NAE and using this scandal for more gay-bashing, it is important that cooler heads and warmer hearts prevail. The NAE should continue on the courageous and biblically-directed path on which they have now embarked—to broaden and deepen the evangelical agenda to include the issues of poverty, the environment, HIV/AIDS, human rights and religious liberty, human trafficking, Darfur, and war and peace.

“A pharisee is hard on others and easy on himself, but a spiritual man is easy on others and hard on himself." --A.W. Tozer

The Emergent 23rd

I found this on the Next-Wave website posted by Addison Road. I thought it was great so here it is.