It seems that being comfortable is not a priority on God’s list of character qualities. What happens to the follower of Christ when he/she is comfortable?

Apathy. Lack of faith. Less urgency in prayer. Little concern for the lost.

It is my belief that God intentionally uses trials to keep us trusting in Him, running hard after Him, desperate for Him.

Without our world being shaken at times, we would simply relax and enjoy the pleasure that prosperity brings. Though we should never ask God for pain and suffering, it is going to happen and we best know how to respond when it does.

Thank God for your difficulties today, though it seems like a costly offering. It just may be His gift to you.

As I write (and as you read), our first MCM Ministry School class is in Thailand preaching the Gospel. There’s nothing more exciting than seeing young people (and old!) giving their lives for the cause of Christ. That’s why I love the MCM Ministry School. I’ve had the privilege of leading worship  once a week throughout this entire first year and the passion of the students is inspiring.

The MCM Ministry School is designed to provide a prospective student not only with classroom training but with real life experiences in ministry.  Every day we involve students in our PRAYER SCHOOL.  Once a week, we engage in PRACTICAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH in connection with one of eight churches that have been planted in Pittsburgh.  Once a year, the students participate in an INTERNATIONAL TRIP to work in partnership with Mission SOS in a Signs and Wonders Festival among UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUPS.

The passion of the MCM Ministry School is to raise up faith-filled adventurers who are committed to living out the supernatural lifestyle of the book of Acts.  The practical experiences come in the context of a growing church that is actively planting churches and sending teams to reach unreached people groups.

All the details can be found on the NEW MCM Ministry School Website.  We are hosting an OPEN CLASS DAY on May 8th from 9am to noon for anyone who is interested.

You should check this out!

I recently had my debut album reviewed by a big Christian music website. The risk with having your CD reviewed by pros is that they don’t care whether they’re positive or not. They tell you like it is. All in all, a quick but positive review.

For the closing session of our missions trip, I closed with this simple teaching on living a ‘nowhere’ lifestyle – developing a life pattern that reaches out to people. Remember these three F’s:

1. Fix Your Priorities – choose to prioritize outreach as a ‘main responsibility’ in your life
2. Find Joy in Christ – without an ongoing joy in Christ, evangelism will burn out. You must have something to give.
3. Fill Time With People – become a person who engages with people often. Evangelism works best out of relationship.

I’m so proud of the group of young adults that gave their time, passion, and sleep to this week!