The Podium Hog

by Micah Ray

We've all seen it happen. We've probably been guilty of it ourselves at times. After all, it can get tiring standing behind that podium, trying to say something that's going to get somebody's attention, trying to remember all the things you studied so diligently -- at the last minute the night before. (Ouch! That hits a little too close to home!)

You hold tightly to each side of the podium, but that looks and feels too stiff. So you prop up one elbow on the side of the podium while you try to look more casual. Then before you know it, you have draped yourself over the podium, resting there while you pour out your wisdom on the rapt students in your class.

Don't be a "Podium Hog"!

(I came into the office one day to find that James left a rough sketch of the idea of what a "Podium Hog" might look like. I loved it so much that I drew this version to use in our workshops!)

James and I include a section in one of our workshops on basic "Do's and Don'ts" of public speaking. And being a Podium Hog is one of them. In fact, we recommend that you try to get away from a podium to really connect with your learners. That way, you can't be accused of being a Podium Hog!

Try it next time you're teaching. Get rid of the podium and open up the communication between you and your learners. Don't just talk to them -- start communicating!

Another Successful Workshop

Last night, we finished the second offering of our Teaching Workshop at our church. We had 6 people go through it this time and each one seemed to learn a lot.

Here were some of the comments after the class:

Thanks for the encouragement and the time taken out of your schedules to encourage me and push me in the right direction.

This class helped me in the call to be a teacher ... really reassured me.

It helped me to take serious the Scripture so that I can pass it on effectively.

Each of our teachers-in-training gave their 5-minute lesson last night -- our practical way to have them put in practice the things they had learned in the previous three weeks. Everyone did great. Most everyone was nervous (except me and James!), but they did well.

James and I were just talking about it today over lunch. It is such a rewarding feeling to see people learn and to be willing to take a big step toward service for God. For some, it was a small step in a direction they know they need to go. For others, it was a giant leap into a brand new area of service that may still scare them a bit. James and I are just happy to be a part of what God is doing in their lives. And we look forward to many more opportunities to experience the same kind of thing in churches all across the world.

by Micah Ray

News From CCC

By Micah Ray

Over the past month, we have begun the hard work of getting the word out about Center Cross Creative. That means designing and printing an information packet, mailing those to local churches, networking with pastors and ministry directors, networking with a Lifeway representative... You get the picture. We've been busy.

And while we haven't sold a ton of books or facilitated any workshops yet for churches (other than our own), we know it's coming. James and I both get the sense that if we just keep persevering and talking to everyone we know, good things will happen. And it won't be because of us but because of the One we serve.

Here are a few of the highlights of what is in development:

• We have met with several pastors to discuss our ideas about teacher training workshops. Every one of them have been receptive -- and several have even been excited! So far, we've gotten at least 2 commitments to have us facilitate our workshop in the spring of 2007.
• Early in November, we met with Phil Stone, the director of Sunday School and church administration for NC. He was very supportive of what we're doing and is looking for ways to use us to supplement his ministry efforts.
• A dear friend of ours at Life Community Church has really gone to bat for us. Donna is on the board of the NC SB convention and she knows a TON of pastors. She's making personal recommendations for us to several of them during a conference next week. Thanks, Donna!
• Our pastor agreed to write a letter of recommendation for our ministry to our local association. As a result, they have agreed to let us be the guest speakers at the end of this month for the pastors' meeting. Thanks, Pastor Jake!
• James is furiously working on a new Bible study series to be published by CCC in the Spring. (We don't have a title for it yet, but it will be a study of the life of Ezra.)
• I've been busy with designing our marketing materials, web site design and editing James' numerous writing projects.

At times, it seems like we're doing a lot of stuff with little to show for it. But then again, we have just enough things to come our way to encourage us to keep on doing what we're doing. We take comfort in the fact that we are "certain that God, who began the good work within [us], will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Phil. 1:6)

Thanks for your prayers. Keep praying!

Never Give Up!

By James Gunter

James 5:16 – Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (NKJV)


If you are a believer, you understand that God the Father has such a tremendous love for people that He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. I just wonder how many earthly fathers have some wonderful attributes and we miss out on them because we don't take the time to get to know them. To know and understand God better, we have to spend time with Him. It is the same for our earthly relationships. Why don't we take the time to get to know our earthly fathers? Could it be that we take them for granted?

I can't spend time with my father because he died when I was only five years old. The only two memories I have of him are when I was about five years old. I'll never forget either of these memories. Every time I see a stick of Juicy Fruit gum, I am reminded of the first moment etched into my memory. I was playing in the living room that was just off our foyer when I heard my dad come in the front door. As he walked by the room, I heard him ask, “Son, would you care for a stick of gum?”

In my mind, I can still see the scene just as vividly as the day it occurred. My father’s right hand was extended from the sleeve of his dark jacket, holding a bright yellow wrapper between his forefinger and his thumb. Reaching up from my half-kneeling position, I took the gum and thanked him. What a sweet memory that is.

Unfortunately, the next memory I can picture of my dad is when I saw his casket in the corner of that very same room in 1958 when he passed away. It wasn't uncommon for the viewing of the deceased to be in the person's home during that era. I remember the flowers (as a matter of fact, I can almost smell their pleasant aroma as I write this article) displayed all around, and I remember feeling a sense of emptiness.

Later in life, my mom would share things about my dad that I never knew. She would share how he cursed her for her faith in God throughout their marriage, how he refused to acknowledge there was a God, and his eventual surrender to the Lord due to her perseverance in praying for him. She shared with me that he eventually came to her and asked that she baptize him in the bathtub. In the end, he realized that he needed this same Jesus that he had cursed for so long and that he didn't want to go to hell. This would turn out to be his last night on earth.

What an incredible Father we serve! He understood the heartache my mom would endure if my dad had died without Christ in his life, and God honored her prayers.

Don’t ever give up praying for your loved ones. Just keep praying.

Prepare Your Heart
by James Gunter

For several weeks now, I have been studying the book of Ezra. He is a wonderful example of someone who was wholly committed to Bible study. Not only did he teach, but he also studied and applied to his own life the very same principles he taught others. This not only made him an incredible teacher, but a credible teacher as well. He led by example. The key verse in the book of Ezra is a challenge to all who are called to teach God's Word.

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel. - Ezra 7:10 (NKJV)

Do you notice any key qualities for any teacher? First, a teacher must prepare his/her heart just as Ezra did. And we have a directive as we prepare our hearts: we are to seek the Law of the Lord. But, it doesn't stop there. Secondly, a teacher is to “do it” – to do what God’s Word says to do. Doing it is real and personal. Lastly, a teacher is to teach these same truths to others. Israel was Ezra's audience, and he invested himself in teaching them wholeheartedly. Who is your audience? Is it family? Friends? Acquaintances? Neighbors? Co-workers?

A wonderful example of Ezra’s character is found in chapter 9. Even though we don’t see any indications that Ezra was guilty, notice his reaction upon hearing that the Israelites had intermarried with pagans (a practice that was prohibited according to Deuteronomy 7:1-5 and Exodus 34:11-16.)

So when I heard this thing, I tore my garment and my robe, and plucked out some of the hair of my head and beard, and sat down astonished. - Ezra 9:3 (NKJV)

Ezra is grieved that his students have turned their backs on God’s instructions. He realizes that their sin displeases a holy God, and he is distressed by it. Later that evening, we see an amazing action on Ezra’s part.

I arose from my fasting; and having torn my garment and my robe, I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God. And I said; “O my God, I am too ashamed and humiliated to lift up my face to You, my God; for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has grown up to the heavens......” - Ezra 9:5-6 (NKJV)

Ezra included himself in this prayer of confession. He says “our iniquities.” Would we be so humble as to include ourselves in a prayer of confession regarding our Sunday School class or our church? Remember, all who are believers make up the Body of Christ. Are you part of the body?

Seek And You Will Find, Part 2

What Do You See?

Proverbs 16:26 - “The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.”

You simply have to be here to really understand the peace and tranquility that our office location provides. From the very first day, it has been here.

But it is not scheduled to always be this way. The owner’s current plan is to have it demolished simply for the land value. As I thought about the potentially limited lifespan of this building with its unique, modern architecture, I was reminded of how the world looks upon those who on the outside appear to be worn and frazzled from life. We may refer to people as homeless, down on their luck or social outcasts. But God -- our loving and holy God – sees us for who we really are. He loves each one of us and desires the very best for us. He knows who we really are on the inside because He knew us even before we were a thought in our parents' minds.

Micah and I recently discussed what the architect on this landmark building would think if he/she could see it today. When you are standing on the property, it is as if you have gone back in time to the mid-1950's. I often try to imagine some late 50's cars sitting in the parking lot. I think I see one now. Sleek black tailfins, chrome glistening in the sun -- huge, white sidewall tires. Absolutely beautiful… something special...just like the building...and just like God sees every one of us.

Today, as you drive in, you can hear the crunch of acorns and a few leaves under your tires. Early in the morning, a rooster crows in the background (reminds me of the Scripture where Peter denied Jesus three times). Throughout the day, squirrels and chipmunks run across the deck just outside our office. We work in a place that was designed to allow nature to spill over to the inside. It is as if you are almost actually outside. Interior walls with wall length windows connect you with the outdoors as if the interior and exterior are one.

We enjoy this view today, but it wasn’t always this way. When we first looked at the building, we stood in the parking lot trying to catch a glimpse of what was behind these windows -- all covered with mini-blinds and draperies. Then, when we received not only the key, and the freedom to take as long as we desired to check out the interior, we were overwhelmed.

When we stepped through the door for the very first time, it was obvious that we were in a building that had been empty for quite a while. A musty odor greeted us as we entered the front room. Our eyes widened with excitement as we saw how spacious the rooms really were. The building had far more room than we had hoped for -- and for half the price of any other space we had visited over the past two weeks. Incredible!

It was obvious that it would take many hours to make the building presentable, but we were willing to give it everything we had. We found ourselves looking past the surface to imagine what could be. We made the commitment to roll up our sleeves and do some hard work to give this old place a new life.

Sounds like Someone else I know. Sounds just like what God did for me when He gave His only Son for me, when He reached out to me to draw me to Himself, to cleanse me of my filthiness and to give me new life. Has He done that for you?

James Gunter

Seek And You Will Find, Part 1


Have you ever stumbled onto something that was there all along? I mean, really there all along -- and you didn't even know it? That is how God's truth is. As we read the Bible, we find something new and exciting. At times, it simply takes our breath away, and at other times, it leaves us stunned in silence. We often ask, “How did I ever miss that?”

That has become a common response when we tell people where our new offices are located. We know of people who have driven past this location for over 50 years who never noticed that the building even existed. You really have to see it to believe it.

But, let's just think for a moment. How many people come to know Christ in their golden years? Many. Some have passed by church after church for over 50 years without ever knowing the opportunity that awaited them beyond the front door. Satan does an excellent job of keeping people away from churches. He causes confusion by pointing out that there are so many, and telling people the lie that they can always pick one “another day.” Unfortunately, every day, people who never experienced “another day” are placed into a grave.

It may seem strange to you that I am using these analogies for an article about our office location, but I want to show you some parallels that I feel the Holy Spirit has revealed to me as we have been refurbishing our office building.

Almost a full year after Micah and I sat down to discuss our Internet venture, we found ourselves developing a ministry with a main focus on training lay leaders in the local church by providing relative, modern-day Bible study materials. Just recently, we felt that it was time to move it from the spare rooms in our homes and into an actual business environment in order for people to see that it was real. We set out to find a building with some unique character, but after looking at approximately 25-30 office spaces, we were at a loss. Our choices were to buy a shell of a building and have it “up-fitted” for our particular purpose, or we would simply have to settle for a “plain vanilla box.”

We didn't know it at the time, but God was about to enable Micah, his dad and me to literally live out one of my favorite verses of Scripture:

Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourselves in the ways of the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

The solution God would provide for us would surpass all our expectations and would provide things we hadn’t even dreamed we would be able to have. His plan was to provide more than just an office for Center Cross Creative.

Stay tuned for the rest of the story...

Just Thinking

Isaiah 55:8 - “My thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways.”

These words ring more true to me now than ever before, simply because of a recent storm that occurred in my life. I'm not talking about an emotional storm, but a real, physical storm. You know, rain from the heavens.......and I mean a lot of rain!

Before I can make my point about what I learned about storms, I have to share a little bit about what led up to the storm. I had owned a small delivery business with a partner since 2002, and upon sensing God calling me into a field of ministry in the early summer of 2005, I attempted to surrender my half of the business to my partner. Due to the volatile nature of the delivery business, he declined the offer and we decided to sell the truck and close the business. Sounds simple enough. Right?

“My thoughts are not your thoughts....”

Now, back to my storm. In the few weeks that we had been in our office, we had seen little rain activity. Perhaps a sprinkle here and there, but nothing like this day! The trees were swaying back and forth as if they were trying to get my attention – perhaps a cry for help! I watched in amazement as the lower portion of our property took on the appearance of a small lake. And then it hit me! All of the water was coming from the direction of my truck. All I could think about was the truck getting stuck or sliding off the small bank that I had parked it on. I had no choice but to check on it, so I began frantically looking for an umbrella. Nothing! Then, my eye spotted a large Rubbermaid lid for one of our trashcans. I laugh as I re-think how silly I must have looked as I headed towards the truck. I remember being keenly aware of my surroundings as I approached the truck, and being concerned about causing an accident by what people may see, I quickly threw the lid aside under some nearby trees and darted for the truck.


Just as I thought! There really was a river of water running right underneath my truck! I had to rescue it before it was too late! As I hopped into the truck and tried to move it, I suddenly realized what the term “too late” really means.

“.....and my ways are not your ways.”

I'm not sure what sank first.....or quicker – my heart or my truck. I honestly think my heart won that competition. It was obvious that I had waited too late by the sound of the engine, the transmission indicator being in the “D” position, and the lack of movement ..... except for “down.”

The squishing of mud and the rushing of cool water over the tops of my feet were quick reminders of just how bad my situation had become as I exited the cab of the truck for my return to the office. I retrieved my Rubbermaid lid and headed back to the office, wondering just how long and how bad my truck would be stuck.


James

Our First Training Event

James and I had talked about it for months, saying that when we were able to do our first training event, it would be a breakthrough moment for us. Well, it was.

At our church, Life Community Church, we offered a four-week series of classes called "Intro to Teaching a Bible Lesson." It was intended for new or prospective teachers, but we had several experienced teachers in the workshop as well.

During the last session of the series, we asked each student to present a 5-minute lesson (for which we had assigned them Scripture 2 weeks in advance.) Most were nervous, but they showed a lot of courage and stepped up to the challenge. We were blessed by the lessons they taught and they were blessed by how much they learned. If nothing else, our teachers were motivated to spend more time and to invest more creativity in the way they present the truth of God's Word.

When the last night was over, we offered some of our books and some other study resources for sale to the workshop attendees. We were able to sell several copies of our own books, and we were able to share a little more with folks what our vision is for our ministry.

Another piece of the puzzle has been put in place.

Another Major Milestone

Finally!

We've just finished our first complete book and put it on the web for the public. It is titled The First Steps of a Disciple. (You can see it and purchase it on our web site by clicking here.)

Over a year ago, we began writing topical lesson supplements. From there, we turned them into full lesson plans, complete with ideas for opening activities and closing notes. This collection of 13 lessons cover many basic topics of the Christian life, starting with Salvation. Each lesson plan has lots of Scripture references and a student handout so that they can follow along with the teacher's presentation.

It was a lot more work than we anticipated, but we're glad it's done. We definitely learned many things from this process, and we pray that we become better writers and publishers so that God can use our ministry to help many people.

One down, who knows how many more to go...

The New Home of Center Cross Creative

This month we took a big leap of faith and rented a building in High Point that will be our offices. It features a neat modern architecture from the 50's and is set back off the road in a wooded area. Perfect!

As an added benefit, the building is large enough and laid out such that we will be able to share it with Micah's dad and his ministry, Serving God's Servants. God is so good!

We've been using our spare time to begin doing some remodeling -- fresh paint, new floor coverings, minor repairs and new furniture. It's a lot of work, but we're excited about having a unique space -- something worthy of the "creative" nature of our work.

The office that looks out onto the front deck will be shared by the both of us. It has an awesome view.

More pictures later on when we finish.

We're Getting Closer

By James Gunter

Well, here is it the first of April, 2006 and we are putting the finishing......no, I'm serious.....we are putting the finishing touches on our very first Sunday School quarterly. On Monday the 27th of March, we added some “personal” examples to Victory, Provision, Fruits of the Spirit and Living Abundantly. We want the lessons to be real, and we want to reveal that the people writing this lesson material are real as well.

We finalized our “look” for our business cards just before the trip to Nicaragua, but upon picking them up last Wednesday (3/28/06), we noticed that the printer had overlooked a step before the final printing was done, so we now find ourselves waiting for corrected cards. They have a great look, and we can't wait to get them. Hopefully, they will be ready by mid-April.

In addition to adding some personal touches to the lesson plans, we also created handouts for each lesson. This will provide the teacher with some additional interaction with the students. Micah created a really neat “Reconciliation Treaty” for the lesson on reconciliation. Just the layout really makes you think before signing it, so we know this one will be fun. The handout for the “Fruits of the Spirit” is very colorful and should get some attention.

We are working on some ideas for the “headings” on our lesson material – one with a “secret agent” or “undercover” theme to it. We feel this will help to bring the lessons to life as we do various skits and develop the “look” for CCC when it comes to seminars and workshops. We want the whole experience with CCC to be a unique one that people won't forget. The Bible is full of mystery, drama and action, so we feel this is a pretty natural fit for our lesson plans and seminar presentations.

Micah is taking a little break with the wife this week, so we aren't able to get together for very much writing; however, I will continue by researching Scripture and other background that can be used for a future book we are working on based on the lives of a couple who gets very little mention in the Bible, but made a major impact on Paul's ministry and life. Watch for our future book on this amazing couple.

Part 3 -- A Little Town Called Esteli
By James Gunter

God led me to share with that group that day that Jesus set the best example for any of us to follow in regards to family and community. Pulling from the information Micah and I had written, I explained that as leaders, we are to care about family, community, brothers and sister in Christ, our pastors and our leaders. We must pray for them continuously.

As leaders, I told them, we are required to “know” the truth, continue with the desire to “learn” more about the truth, how we are to “prepare” for the lesson, and the effectiveness in “delivering” the message accurately.

There are some key issues in regards to leading others. We are to lead others “to Christ”, lead others to “follow” Christ, lead them to “grow” in Christ, lead them to “discover the call” on their lives, lead them to “make a difference”, and to lead others to be leaders.

I closed by holding up my English translation of the Experiencing God workbook, as I explained that I had made a commitment at my own church. I explained that I was presently in the 45^th week of continually leading this 12 week course. I also explained that I was leading a Mind of Christ study at my home each Tuesday and my normal senior adult Sunday School class every Sunday. That is my own personal commitment.

I then explained, if they knew the one and only Jesus and had accepted Him into their hearts, that their name was written in the “Lamb's Book of Life”. I explained that this particular book has tremendous value in God's sight. I then explained that I had nothing but my composition book with my notes in it. I asked if they were willing to make the commitment to be learners and better leaders, I would challenge them all to sign my book. When I was finished, the pastor got the book and made sure that everyone in the church signed it.

Thirteen names representing six different churches in Nicaragua. We quickly snapped some pictures of one another -- maybe something we said hit home with the people at the church. I know it was a blessing for me – and one I will never forget.

I am looking forward to seeing where God will take us next. It could just be your own church!

Part 2 -- A Little Town Called Esteli
By James Gunter

The main emphasis of the seminar was on the fact that we are “disqualified” to teach in man's sight, but that Jesus' blood “qualifies” us.......if we are truly called. I warned against the dangers of simply deciding one was going to teach without being called by God first. I am an example of someone who desired to teach for seven years simply because I thought it would be fun and exciting. God broke my heart by making me wait seven years before He gave me a class. He knew my heart and he realized that I wasn't reading the lesson in Sunday school, or even paying attention. This disqualified me as a teacher in God's sight.

I shared about how God protected Moses by allowing him to be spared even though He wasn't going to use him for another 80 years or so. God will protect His servants – both present and future! If He protects you, this is often a confirmation of His call on your life.

I weaved the salvation, grace, love of God and reconciliation messages in as I spoke about my own qualification process. I explained how I had to be reconciled to God in order to receive salvation. His amazing grace made my salvation possible and His tremendous love for me is what enabled Him to surrender His one and only Son for me. It was simply amazing as the theme just flowed!

There was the apostle Paul and how he encountered Aquila and Priscilla (a married couple in the church), who took him in and worked under his leadership before being left in Ephesus to start a new church. I also talked about how Paul took young Timothy and Titus under his wing so to speak and mentored them. That is the same thing Micah did for me, and this is the same thing I found myself promising to my interpreter as he asked me to continue working with him in order to help him learn more about God.

Even if I had the desire to teach, I explained to the group, that “ability” was also necessary. Only God can give one the ability to teach. In addition to having the desire and the ability, one has to make a commitment. Christ made a commitment to us by dying on the cross for our sins. He calls us to make a strong commitment as learners and leaders as well. He wants our study time to be serious and worshipful so we can enjoy the fullness of what His Word has to offer.

I encouraged the leaders within the church to learn how to recognize when the teens have problems in their lives and for them to be sure to be open enough to talk with the youth about it so it can be settled with the Lord in the proper manner.

The conclusion was a challenge to them to use some principles Micah and I are writing our present book. This book lays out the framework for effective ministry.

A guy from our home church who had spent his youth and several of his adult years in drugs and alcohol was with me that day. He explained the effects of these things and encouraged the students to stay away from drugs, alcohol and premarital sex. One of the young girls even came forward at the end of the session to ask us to pray for her because she had given her purity away to a young boy. Cindy and I took time to pray with her, and I had my interpreter to tell her she was beautiful and if she had the one true Jesus living in her heart, she was forgiven. I explained that she would be very fortunate to have a Godly man as a husband one day if she would begin today by honoring God with this decision she had made. I encouraged her to tell the other youth within her community and the church to refrain from sexual activity because of the heartbreak she had endured. I can still feel her thick, black curly hair against the skin of my arm as I hugged her and prayed with her. I felt as if I were holding my own daughter at the time.

Part 1 -- A Little Town Called Esteli
By James Gunter

Just like a child coming forth after nine months in the womb, Center Cross Creative was “born” as a source for motivating and encouraging a group of youth leaders and their students recently during a mission trip to Esteli, Nicaragua. The reason I am using this analogy is because Micah and I sat down on July 1, 2005 to discuss the potential for Center Cross Creative, and unexpectedly, here in its' eighth month of existence, I had a chance to lead a seminar for a small group of leaders and students from six different churches in the vicinity of Esteli, Nicaragua.

Our home church, Life Community Church of Hunter Hills which is located in Jamestown, NC decided in 2005 to “adopt” the city of Esteli as a location where we would continue to send mission teams annually. We just made our 2^nd trip to this city, and my wife (Cindy) and I were part of the team of 30 that went.

We didn't really have any specific agenda before leaving. We had been told by the missionary who was making all of the arrangements that we would be doing some door-to-door evangelism, some fiestas and some crusades. We weren't sure what else we would be allowed to do, but our pastor encouraged all of us to simply be “flexible” in order that we could meet the needs of the people.

In an effort to be as prepared as possible, Micah and I worked on formatting some of our lessons from our Christian Life Series, and I also took along my Experiencing God workbook from my present session. I wasn't sure what I would be doing, but I figured if I had a chance to do some Bible studies, our Christian Life Series would be perfect, and if I could do a mini-version of Experiencing God, this would be great too! God had a much larger surprise in store for me than I ever expected though.

Upon arriving on Saturday 3/11/06, we learned that there were two seminars scheduled. One was going to be for the women in the various churches, and it was scheduled for Tuesday 3/14/06. There was one for the pastors and leaders in the church which our pastor led. It was scheduled for Wednesday 3/15/06, and of course, the one I led was for the youth and the youth leaders within a group of churches, and it was held on Thursday 3/16/06.

I was honored when Pastor Jesse asked me to lead the seminar for the youth and youth leaders. I have never taught youth before (besides my own two children), so this was another challenge for me (since I teach a senior adult class). A good teacher is always willing to step out of their comfort zone.

The week was so full of activity, there was barely any time for preparing, but I continued to pray and ask God what the message should be about. He revealed on Wednesday that it was to be about commitment. He revealed to me how Moses tried to turn down His call on his life, insisting that he couldn't speak very well, so God sent Aaron with him. God continued to give me examples of others throughout Bible history who tried to get out of following God's instructions.

This is where it gets fun at. On Wednesday evening, as I prepared some notes for the seminar, God enabled me to “weave” our first four lessons from our Christian Life Series and the Experiencing God workbook together in an effort to encourage and challenge the teens and their leaders.

I realized as I stood and talked through my interpreter, Bosco, that I was actually using the very principles Micah and I had been discussing for almost a year. It was amazing how well everything I talked with them about simply flowed together as if it were planned (and believe me, it really wasn't). God truly gave me the desires of my heart, just as He promises in Psalm 37:4 - “Delight yourself in the ways of the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

So much to say and so little time to record it all...

One day, we're going to get it all written down -- maybe we'll publish that. You know, our story of how God brought us along this journey of writing, publishing, teaching and inspiring others to do the same.

I'm prompted to record some of the most recent happenings because we can officially say now that Center Cross Creative has gone global. James took some of our materials to Nicaragua the week of March 12 and taught our first seminar in a little town called Esteli. More to follow...

As we continue to record the details of our journey, we'll publish them here. To God be the glory!

The Center Cross Creative Logo

It took us a while, but we've finally created a logo that we think captures what we're about and what we want to be known for. It also has a color scheme that we think is practical and meaningful.

Take a look at it. You'll be seeing more of it in the coming weeks...

It's Official!

We received our papers back from the state of North Carolina. As of February 6, 2006, we are now incorporated as Center Cross Creative, Inc.