In the last few hours, I’ve had both kinds of opportunities come through my email. Let’s meet these needs or have our needs met! Email me and I’ll hook you up with ways to contact these people!

BLESS:

• A single mom in our church from South Lakeland is moving and desperately needs moving help on Saturday, June 6 after 1 PM or anytime on Wednesday, June 10. Boxes and luggage needs to be moved downstairs from the 3rd floor.

• Another single mom in our church could use a ride to job interviews in the coming weeks as she gets back on her feet.

GET BLESSED:

• A kind new mom in our church just offered this armoire and changing table to a family in need. It just needs to be taken by Sunday. 

• Another kind family has an upright piano for free to a good home. It has some dings and dents on it, and needs a tune up, but is a good piano!

CELEBRATE & PRAY:

• On Wednesday afternoon, I posted a huge prayer request on Facebook about an amazing new family in our church who had a baby.  The baby was having serious complications with breathing, oxygen, and potential issues related to a lack of oxygen at birth. I asked you to pray, and SO many responded. Since then, a lot of amazing progress has been made. Read Jenny’s post below and LET’S CONTINUE TO PRAY!  

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We’ve added 129 people to our attendance in the last 10 weeks. Strong, consistent growth. It’s fun. We’re seeing people come to Christ every week. We’re hearing stories from people who feel welcomed, loved, and challenged by Access. Our Brandon Campus just moved into a larger venue to accommodate new families. It feels like we’re just scratching the surface.

Amazing things are still in store this Fall. Here are a few things I’m pumped about:

• This Saturday, we’re packaging 15,000 healthy meals for children in our community and for families in South Mexico. Love that our church has given so generously to make it happen. We love Feeding Children Everywhere and can’t wait to partner with them on this big day!
• We’re baptizing at least 9 people on Sunday. I say “at least” because we’re bringing tshirts and shorts and I’m believing that others will get baptized that day too!
• In 29 days, a team of people from our church is heading to Mexico to build a church. Talk about a lasting legacy! We ordered the team special tshirts today (I LOVE THEM!!!). We’ve bought airline tickets, hotel rooms, paid for bibles, a pastor’s salary, and the whole cost to build the church. Again, Access you blow me away with your generosity.
• In October, we’re kicking Growth Track back up again, and it’s completely new and revamped. I LOVE Growth Track because it helps people find unique purpose and then gives them the tools to start living it out!
• In November, we’re throwing a HUGE party called “The Accessys” to honor the incredible people that serve so faithfully. We started the Accessys last year and it was such a fun night of honor. Invitations are going out next week. Can’t wait!

There’s more than this, but this is a start. Our staff is excited. It feels like every day we’re in a group text (which I normally hate!) cheering each other on and celebrating wins. Last night, we celebrated how well our Access Groups semester is already going – and it’s just starting!

The best is yet to come.

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1. When I’m hurting, I need to dive into solitude. It reminds me that I don’t have to carry the burden alone, but that God will carry it for me.

2. I need to rest. Everyone wants to go 120mph all the time, but if you keep that speed up for too long, you will either crash or lose control. The Bible calls a person who won’t work lazy, but a person who won’t rest disobedient.

3. Big dreams take big time. Don’t give up.

4. The more I care about what God thinks about me, the less I worry what others think.

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My poor car!

Thursday morning, I got into a small fender bender on my way to work. I was already having a bad morning and it got a bit worse… $500 deductible worse!

It’s almost comical how God uses seemingly insignificant moments in my life in significant ways.

This morning, I called Geico to make a claim on my accident. The lady who helped me was awesome. In the conversation, I found out that she worked in the Lakeland Geico Office, so I went ahead and invited her to Access for Easter Sunday. Guess what – she said she’s going to check out the website and wants to come.

Jehovah Witness Invitation

While I was on the phone call, two young Jehovah’s Witness men stopped by to invite me to an event they’re hosting. So many Christians are quick to judge or make fun of Jehovah’s Witnesses for their door-to-door method, but get this… THEY’RE ACTUALLY DOING SOMETHING.

I’m not sure why I got in a fender bender. In all of my years of driving, I’ve never had an accident. I’m thankful that the accident led to an opportunity to invite a young lady to church!

On Easter, we celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection – the most important event in the course of human history! The most selfish thing we can do is to keep the good news of Jesus to ourselves.

Let’s celebrate Jesus’ resurrection in a big way! Here’s how you can help!

1. Personally invite and bring friends! – Statistically 8 out of 10 people will say yes to an invitation to Easter!

2. Use Facebook and Twitter – You are connected to people who live in our cities who are looking for a church to attend on Easter! Use this week to talk about our church. On our Facebook page, we’ve even got a couple images you can use on Facebook and Twitter.

I’ve set a goal of seeing 15 people come as a direct result of my personal invitations. So far I’ve gotten 2. I’m coming after those next 13!

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THIS SUNDAY:
Chiapas Mission Offering – If you didn’t know, Access is building a church in South Mexico this fall. The project will cost $18,000 to build and pay a pastor’s salary for a year. Let’s be a blessing with our giving!

Ice Cream Festival – Access will be hosting a fun, free Photo Booth for families and our band will be playing on the main stage at 4:50pm. We’ve got free tickets available at Access on Sunday!

NEXT SUNDAY:
Easter Sunday – It’s the biggest day in all of human history and we’re going to celebrate! Join us for a great day, featuring a Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt for Kids!

AFTER EASTER:
Let’s Talk Parenting – a new series designed to help parents. I’m really excited about this one!

Can’t wait to see you and to celebrate with you!

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Romans 13 says that we are to give honor to whom honor is due. There is no better place to start than with MY PASTOR, Tom Peters.

Pastor Peters faithfully pastored my home church, Trinity Church International for 40 years. For almost 25 years, I’ve watched him lead the church with undeniable integrity and prayer. I’ve never seen a pastor place as much emphasis on prayer as he does.

My Pastor, Tom Peters

There are times when it feels like every week we’re hearing about another “big name” pastor in the news who has fallen from grace because of a moral failure. One of his many legacies is that, by God’s grace, for 40 years he hasn’t had a hint of scandal. Pastor and Mary Ann are my heroes. To do what they’ve done and to love each other the way they do is nothing short of beautiful.

I had the privilege of sitting directly under his leadership for over 10 years before moving away, and still consider him my pastor. In the last few years, he’s taken a new role with me – mentor. I’ve turned to him in good days and in bad. He’s counseled me through difficult decisions and transitions.

I’m thankful for his leadership, the way he has pastored me, and the example he has set for me and countless other pastors around the world. He’s set the bar high. I hope to live a life in a way that several generations of pastors will feel about me the way I feel about my pastor.

Access, whether or not you realize it, Pastor Peters has indirectly impacted your life. Much of what you see in me is a direct reflection of Pastor Peters’ investment in me.

Today, I honor my pastor. I love you Pastor Peters.

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We kicked off a new series in Lakeland called Honor. We’re starting this series in Brandon this Sunday!

Here are a few “tweetables” from the day:

• Honor is to elevate, add value, give worth, and to add weight. Dishonoring is to take lightly.
• You can disagree with someone without dishonoring them.
• Honoring is decided not deserved.
• Jesus was limited by the attitude of the recipients (Mark 6:1-5). Our attitude directly affects what we’re able to receive from God.

I’m super proud of our Brandon Campus. We’re adding new families each week and we had over 25 people complete Growth Track last night! GO BRANDON! – Great job to Pastor Ryan and the team there!

During this series, I’m going to be writing to honor the people who have profoundly impacted my life. You should join me. Let’s decide to be a generation of honor!

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WHY IS HE SMILING?!?

I have a love/hate relationship with Ikea. I love the price and looks of it, but I abhor (is that a strong enough word?!) assembling it.

And then there’s the Ikea cartoon guy. I hate him. He’s always so happy when working on the furniture. I’ve never looked like that.

Cue last night. I spent around 3 hours last night, then another 2 hours this morning, assembling a dresser for my boys new shared room. I drew blood twice. May have said one or two (or 12) inappropriate words. This morning, I finally finished the first of 4 pieces I need to assemble. I was so frustrated with it that the “what” I was doing, assembling the dresser, didn’t seem worth it.

Heart = Melted

Then I walked back into the room that is going to be the nursery for our little girl (did I mention we’re having a girl?) and saw these clothes hanging in the closet. Suddenly it all made sense. Suddenly it was all worth it.

One of the challenges in leading people is constantly explaining the “why” behind the “what.”

WHAT is the thing you’re doing.

WHY is the reason it matters.

As a pastor, I hope every single person who serves at our church understands this: WHAT we’re doing is serving people. WHY we’re doing it is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, together.

May you find perspective in your WHAT today. Remind yourself of WHY it matters.

PS – After 4-5 hours of literal blood, sweat, and expletives, I got it done. Thanks Mike for your help!

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I’m also a HUGE fan of our church, Access. This last week was a great example of why. Check out this recap:

• Last Sunday, around 100 people stayed to clean George Jenkins High School, where our Lakeland campus meets.
• On Friday, we had around 70 men show up to hang out, crush each other in dodgeball, and eat steaks. Huge shout out to Jay Graffam and Ryan Jordan for planning a great event!
• Then on Saturday, 28 people gave their Saturday to paint the house of a family in need. Huge props to Tara Campbell for planning and leading the event!

I’m proud of you, Access. Keep up the great work!

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Today was a great day at Access. Here are a few highlights.

• Today was my first day back in Brandon in several weeks. I was so encouraged by the new faces and energy there.
• Heard today was amazing at Access in Lakeland. Thankful for Pam, Richard, and Stacey sharing their stories today.
• We’re kicking off a Baby Shower next week to bless two incredible ministries called Pack the Pack ‘n Play. Check out: www.access.tv/baby for details.

After services this morning, I was blown away by the way our Lakeland Campus stepped up to show God’s love in practical ways. Around 100 people stayed to clean, pressure wash, pick up trash, wash windows, and more. So proud of the way everyone stepped up!

Small things done with great love can change the world. We made a big difference at George Jenkins High School today.

Then tonight, I was honored to teach Growth Track Class 1 in Brandon. Had 26 adults take their next steps of membership with our church!

Such an amazing day. I love the incredible people who make Access a beautiful church.

And then I came home and I felt Baby Ella kick. Great day.

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