Man vs. Wild Part 2

OK men, I have added some practical details for you on our website for Jubilee's upcoming Men's Retreat Man vs. Wild. Follow this link. I can't wait!

Giving Report

At our last gift day, we receive a total of $42,359.01 plus another $4,800 in monthly pledges. Over the past three Gift Days (April '07, Sept '07, March '08), we have received a total of $164,809.10. These gifts over and above regular giving have enabled Jubilee to launch the City Location as well the launch of the Wentville Location.

I praise God for the grace He's given us to give toward His mission. Thank you all who took this matter to prayer and were faithful to what He spoke to you.

The Scoop on the Wentzville Launch

March 23, 2008 will be a day to remember for Jubilee Church. It was the day that we launched public meetings in a second location (Wentzville location pictured right). The result was a good one - 109 people attended that launch, which means that Jubilee as a whole was nearly 300 that day! Moreover, in both locations, four people for the first time proclaimed belief in our resurrected Jesus!

As I have reflected on Sunday the past 24 hours, I've come to realize that we are living in the good of Ephesians 1:19-20 that says that the same power that raised Christ from the dead in working in us! This supernatural power of God is with us and is the reason why we were able to launch this second location. And through these two gospel outposts of Jubilee, four people's lives were changed forever - this lifetime and the one that follows.

Do You Have a Story to Tell?

Lately it appears as though God has been healing people more than usual at Jubilee. I'm hearing some pretty cool stories - backs healed, necks healed, skin problems healed. Our little prayer corner is growing larger and larger because God is stirring faith.

Anyway, I would like to know if you have a story to tell of how God healed you or if you know someone who has been healed lately. It's a very Biblical thing to recount what God has done. Check out this Psalm:

Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people! He made a dry path through the Red Sea, and his people went across on foot. Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me. For I cried out to him for help, praising him as I spoke. If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me.

What has God done for you? Please email me your story at bryan@jubileestl.org so that others might be encouraged.

This Is No Tame Pastor

I found an interesting article from a UK newspaper out in the blogsphere that I couldn't resist passing along in light of my message yesterday (click here to download that message). Let me know what you think of the article.

From the Liverpool Daily Post: The Rev Jon Morgan, minister of the United Reform Churches in Cheltenham and former, club level, rugby player, has been left with a broken nose after fighting off two burglars in his own home.

Wearing his dog collar, Mr Morgan had spent the day visiting members of his congregation. He arrived home at 4pm and went to use the bathroom, leaving his front door unlocked. Moments later, he found two tattooed white men in his study. They became violent towards him and struck him several times in the face.

Speaking from his home, the 49-year-old rugby player said he defended himself in a 20-second fight. He said: “When they came out of the study I gave chase. One of them thumped me three times in the face. In defence, I kicked the guy and landed a couple of punches.... The whole incident must have lasted around 20 seconds. I was left with a broken nose and bruising. But worse has happened on the rugby field.”

Man vs. Wild

There is something in men that wants to stand in the face of challenge and survive. To tame what is wild. To subdue his world. I believe this is a God-given desire and something that men should learn to cultivate. Of course, like everything else in life, it's a desire that has been distorted by sin. So this desire can lead to domination and abuse (i.e. most violent crime is committed by men). That's why man needs to be redeemed! But nevertheless, this masculine side of man in our culture needs to be rediscovered. My hope for the men of Jubilee is that as they walk with Jesus, they would understand what it means to be a true man.

In the months and years to come, we'll speak on this topic on Sundays. But we also want to do other events that will promote Biblical masculinity and a sense of togetherness.

Which brings me to this announcement for men: April 25th and April 26th the men of Jubilee (and any other man who wants to join us) will be gathering for a Men's Retreat of sorts called "Man vs. Wild". The purpose will be to reunite with our masculine side and build team and togetherness amongst the men. We will be camping out on Dwight Rigel's property 80 miles east of of St. Louis near Mt. Vernon, IL. The weekend will be built around outdoor team competition (everyone's included), food, laughter and learning to have each other's back. If you are man, you quite frankly DO NOT want to miss this event. More details are coming soon, but for now just block the date.

Help the Crane's

Euan and Sarah Crane, along with their four children, will be arriving this week. For those who have not met Euan and his family, Euan will be participating in the NF/Jubilee Church Planting Internship program for the next year or so. They will be stationed out in Wentzville. To get here, they have had to sell everything so they are in need of a few things. If you have anything they could have borrow or purchase for cheap, they would appreciate it very much.

If you have any of these items below, please contact Rick Hein at rick@jubileestl.org

Crib & mattress
Toddler bed & mattress
Twin bed & mattress
Bed for us & mattress (Kingsize/Queensize????)
Bedding (sheets etc..)
Mirror
Plates, bowls, mugs
Coffee maker
Glasses
Clothes hangers
Kitchen knives & basic utensils
Desk & chair
DVD player
Kettle
Toaster
Clothes airer
Iron
Ironing board
(may need to get washing machine, dishwasher, tumble
dryer, fridge/freezer
if not included in sale)
Vacuum cleaner